9 Day Grand Northern Explorer Private Tour

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Day 1 — Edinburgh to Inverness

Departing from Edinburgh we travel north towards the village of Dunkeld and the ruins of its historic cathedral followed by visit to the Falls of Bruar. The afternoon takes us into the Cairngorms National Park where we drive up towards Cairngorm Mountain. If the weather is clear we take the funicular railway to near the summit or alternatively, we enjoy a meandering walk at the nearby Loch an Eilein with its island castle ruin. The day ends with a short drive to Inverness where we will overnight for the next two days.

Day 2 — Inverness

Departing from Inverness, we visit the nearby Culloden Battlefield to explore the dramatic history of the Highland clans and the Jacobite uprisings. Next we explore the Bronze Age Clava Cairns, dating back over 4000 years, these standing stones offer a fascinating glimpse into the ancient past of the Highlands. The afternoon takes us east to the majestic ruins of Elgin Cathedral – even in its ruined state, it stands as one of Scotland’s most beautiful and historically significant medieval buildings. Our return to Inverness includes a stop at the Rodney Stone, a carved monument crafted over twelve hundred years ago by the Picts.

Day 3 — Inverness to Orkney

Depart Inverness for a scenic three hour journey through the North Highlands to the ferry port of Scrabster. This coastal drive offers stunning views and a stop in the historic town of Dornoch. We then cross the Pentland Firth (1½ hour ferry sailing) passing the iconic Old Man of Hoy, before arriving in the picturesque port of Stromness. The late-afternoon is dedicated to a tour of Skara Brae, a remarkably preserved 5,000-year-old Neolithic village, before we settle into the historic capital of Kirkwall for our three night stay.

Day 4 — Orkney

Our first full day on Orkney is spent uncovering the mysteries of the Orkney mainland. We explore the Neolithic standing stones of Stenness, the monumental Ring of Brodgar, and the 2,000-year-old Broch of Gurness. The journey includes a visit to the chambered tomb of Maeshowe and the poignant Italian Chapel, built during WWII. We conclude our day in Kirkwall with time to admire the red sandstone majesty of St Magnus Cathedral and the ruins of the Earl’s Palace.

Day 5 — Orkney

Our second full day on Orkney provides the opportunity to venture beyond the main sites. We can focus on the dramatic Atlantic coastline, visiting the towering cliffs of Yesnaby and the tidal island of Birsay, along with free time in Kirkwall – or perhaps enjoy a tasting at the Highland Park or Scapa whisky distilleries. Alternatively, for those interested in Orkney's naval history, we can sail across Scapa Flow to the Isle of Hoy, visiting the acclaimed Scapa Flow Museum along with the secluded, towering cliffs of Rackwick Bay. After an evening meal in Kirkwall we catch the late ferry (11.45pm) from Kirkwall for an overnight sailing to Lerwick in Shetland.

Day 6 — Shetland (South Mainland)

Arriving in Lerwick harbour in the early morning (7.30am), we enjoy breakfast on the ferry before exploring the south mainland of Shetland. Sumburgh Head is our first stop – a haven for seabirds (including puffins from mid-May to July). Next is Jarlshof Prehistoric and Norse settlement which spans over four thousand years. The afternoon takes us on a beautiful coastal drive to the breath-taking St Ninian's Isle where you can hike across the sands to the island before we return north to Lerwick for our two night stay.

Day 7 — Shetland (Isle of Unst)

A day to explore the most northerly inhabited island in Scotland – Unst. Departing from Lerwick we drive north to catch the 20-minute ferry crossing to Yell. After a scenic drive through Yell we take the short 10-minute ferry crossing to Unst. We spend the late morning and early afternoon exploring the island, with visits to Muness Castle, Haroldswick, Burra Firth and Saxa Vord, before our return to Lerwick in the late afternoon.

Day 8 — Shetland (North Mainland)

Departing from Lerwick we head towards the north Shetland mainland. Arriving at Eshaness we savour the dramatic cliffs and sea stacks of Shetland’s stunning coastal landscape. We then enjoy a scenic drive around Scalloway and Burra before returning to Lerwick. The afternoon includes a visit the Shetland Museum and some free time to meander through Lerwick town and harbour. In the late afternoon we board the ferry from Lerwick for an overnight sailing to Aberdeen (departing at either 5.30pm or 7pm depending on travel dates).

Day 9 — Aberdeen to EdinburghArriving into Aberdeen harbour in the early morning (7am) we enjoy a leisurely breakfast on the ferry before heading south to explore the ancient ruins of Dunnottar Castle near Stonehaven. The early afternoon takes us south to the Kingdom of Fife where we explore the historic town of St Andrews before our arrival into Edinburgh in the late afternoon and the end of our Northern Isles adventure!