UPDATED TOUR
The highlight of this breath-taking tour is a visit to Orkney, one of Scotland’s most accessible and popular islands. We take a full day guided tour to marvel at the wealth of the Neolithic remains and local culture. We then drive west across the famous North Coast Route, described as Scotland’s Route 66, and spend some time in the pretty town of Strathpeffer.
Unique Orkney & Scotland’s Answer to Route 66 2025
A837 by Loch Assynt on the North Coast 500
Ben Wyvis
Chrchill Barriers
Inverness
Italian Chapel
Kylesku Bridge, North Coast 500
Skara Brae
View from Knock Farril
PACKAGED ITINERARY
Day 1 Arrival
We arrive at our overnight hotel in time for dinner.
Day 2 Inverness
After a hearty Scottish breakfast, we begin our drive through the stunning and scenic Cairngorm National Park, Britain’s largest mountain range, en route to Inverness, where we spend lunchtime at leisure. From here, we make our way to our home for the next couple of nights, on the north coast.
Day 3 Orkney Isles
After an early start we make our way to Scrabster for our morning ferry to Stromness on Orkney. On arrival, we meet our local guide who will be with us throughout our step-on tour of the island. We visit the ancient settlement of Skara Brae, uncovered by a storm in 1850. This ancient settlement is older than Stonehenge and the amazingly preserved rooms provide us with a unique insight into prehistoric human living. From here we head to the mystical Ring of Brodgar to view the standing stones, reminiscent of those at Stonehenge and Avebury, constructed around 2500 - 2000 BC. We continue to Kirkwall to spend some free time for lunch. In the afternoon we visit the Italian Chapel, ‘the miracle of camp 60’, which was built by Italian prisoners during WWII. We then travel past the Churchill Barriers, the construction of which was ordered by Winston Churchill after the tragic torpedoing of the battleship Royal Oak in Scapa Flow during 1939. Finally, we make our way back for our ferry crossing to the mainland.
Day 4 North Coast Route
Today we travel west across the North Coast Route, Scotland’s answer to Route 66. Following the main roads along the northerly coastal edges of Scotland, we marvel at the breath-taking views around every corner, stopping in Durness at lunchtime for a refreshment break. In the afternoon we make our way south via wide single-track roads to our next destination.
Day 5 Strathpeffer Driver’s Day Off
We enjoy a day at leisure in the picturesque, leafy Strathpeffer. Once a renowned Victorian spa town, it has recently restored its Pump Room where visitors would drink the water in search of health treatments and can still do so today, as well as in the small pavilion in the town’s main square. Strathpeffer makes a wonderful base for exploring nearby Ben Wyvis whilst impressive views can be found from the Iron Age hill fort, Knock Farril. If a driver day off is not required, alternatively we can take a cruise on Loch Ness and then visit Inverness.
Day 6 Departure
After breakfast, we head south on the journey home. Please speak to the sales team for overnight options.
Please note, this island tour relies heavily on island ferry services. In the event that a sailing is cancelled or delayed, be aware that itineraries will have to be adapted; sometimes at very short notice.
Day 1 Arrival
We arrive at our overnight hotel in time for dinner.
Day 2 Inverness
After a hearty Scottish breakfast, we begin our drive through the stunning and scenic Cairngorm National Park, Britain’s largest mountain range, en route to Inverness, where we spend lunchtime at leisure. From here, we make our way to our home for the next couple of nights, on the north coast.
Day 3 Orkney Isles
After an early start we make our way to Scrabster for our morning ferry to Stromness on Orkney. On arrival, we meet our local guide who will be with us throughout our step-on tour of the island. We visit the ancient settlement of Skara Brae, uncovered by a storm in 1850. This ancient settlement is older than Stonehenge and the amazingly preserved rooms provide us with a unique insight into prehistoric human living. From here we head to the mystical Ring of Brodgar to view the standing stones, reminiscent of those at Stonehenge and Avebury, constructed around 2500 - 2000 BC. We continue to Kirkwall to spend some free time for lunch. In the afternoon we visit the Italian Chapel, ‘the miracle of camp 60’, which was built by Italian prisoners during WWII. We then travel past the Churchill Barriers, the construction of which was ordered by Winston Churchill after the tragic torpedoing of the battleship Royal Oak in Scapa Flow during 1939. Finally, we make our way back for our ferry crossing to the mainland.
Day 4 North Coast Route
Today we travel west across the North Coast Route, Scotland’s answer to Route 66. Following the main roads along the northerly coastal edges of Scotland, we marvel at the breath-taking views around every corner, stopping in Durness at lunchtime for a refreshment break. In the afternoon we make our way south via wide single-track roads to our next destination.
Day 5 Strathpeffer Driver’s Day Off
We enjoy a day at leisure in the picturesque, leafy Strathpeffer. Once a renowned Victorian spa town, it has recently restored its Pump Room where visitors would drink the water in search of health treatments and can still do so today, as well as in the small pavilion in the town’s main square. Strathpeffer makes a wonderful base for exploring nearby Ben Wyvis whilst impressive views can be found from the Iron Age hill fort, Knock Farril. If a driver day off is not required, alternatively we can take a cruise on Loch Ness and then visit Inverness.
Day 6 Departure
After breakfast, we head south on the journey home. Please speak to the sales team for overnight options.
Please note, this island tour relies heavily on island ferry services. In the event that a sailing is cancelled or delayed, be aware that itineraries will have to be adapted; sometimes at very short notice.
Ben Wyvis Hotel
Strathpeffer, Ross & Cromarty
Set in extensive manicured gardens and woodland grounds, this traditional Victorian manor house is replete with character and old-world charm. The bedrooms are furnished in rich, warm colours in a contemporary style and include a TV, hairdryer and tea/coffee making facilities. The restaurant is located in a stately, elegant room boasting chandeliers and a large open Victorian fireplace; all complimented by a menu of traditional Scottish fare. There is also a bar and comfortable lounge where you can enjoy the impressive views over to Ben Wyvis. There is a lift but there are some period features that might make access difficult for people with limited mobility.
Castletown Hotel
Castletown, Caithness
Located in the heart of the picturesque fishing village of Castletown, around 5 miles from Thurso, the family-run Castletown Hotel offers 28 comfortable bedrooms, which are traditionally furnished and equipped with a TV, hairdryer and tea/coffee making facilities. There is no lift but there are ground floor rooms. Specialising in traditional Scottish and British cuisine, the restaurant makes use of local produce to ensure quality and freshness, and guests can enjoy a drink from the bar.
• Ground floor rooms • Bar • Restaurant • Tea/coffee in room • Coach parking is on-site & free of charge
Salutation Hotel
Perth
Built in 1699, the Salutation Hotel in Perth is the oldest hotel in Scotland! Its city centre location is perfect for accessing the shops, cafés and the river, which are all just outside the hotel. The 84 bedrooms are traditional in style with good quality furnishings, and all include TV, hairdryer and tea/coffee making facilities. The well decorated, cosy but spacious pub style bar is traditional in style whilst the restaurant is light and airy with high ceilings, chandeliers and a view onto the main street.
Salutation Hotel (or similar)
Perth
Night 1Castletown Hotel
Nr Thurso, Caithness
Nights 2 & 3Ben Wyvis Hotel
Strathpeffer, Ross & Cromarty
Nights 4 & 55 Nights Half Board
Twin from £659pp
Single Supplement from £104
Selected Dates Only
Inclusions
1 Night Half Board at Salutation Hotel
2 Nights Half Board at Castletown Hotel
• Return ferry crossing Scrabster - Stromness
• Full step-on guided day tour of Orkney
• Entrance to Skara Brae
• Entrance to the Italian Chapel
2 Nights Half Board at Ben Wyvis Hotel
Please note, some departures will use an alternative, similar hotel on Nights 2 & 3. Please contact us for information.
Please refer to your quote for hotel inclusions.
Call to tailor this tour 01732 879191
Click to get a quote
Request a call back
