Start Your Story in Scotland

Where history meets breathtaking beauty, and every visit feels like an escape.

Inspiration for your trip

Step into a land steeped in history and legend, explore our dramatic landscapes and uncover our ancient Celtic roots. Vast lochs, glens and Munros - easily accessible from our vibrant cities and towns - make Scotland the perfect place to lose yourself.

Plan an epic trip to Scotland

Did we catch your eye during the 2026 World Cup? Or did you hear our lively Tartan Army first? Come and experience that warm welcome for yourself with an unforgettable holiday packed with beautiful landscapes, unmissable events and of course, our friendly Scots.

Highland games in Scotland

From the tug o' war to the caber toss, Scotland's Highland games are not to be missed.

The Northern Lights in Scotland

Nature's most dramatic winter light display. Discover more about this otherworldly natural phenomenon.

12 Must-visit historic towns in Scotland

Get ready to take a journey through some of the finest historic towns in Scotland.

Scottish whisky

Whisky is Scotland's best known export and has been proudly produced throughout the country for hundreds of years.

The Commonwealth Games are here

Experience 11 days of world-class action from 23 July to 2 August, as 3,000 athletes compete across 10 sports in Scotland's biggest city. Catch up on the latest in Glasgow right now.

Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games on now

Discover unique experiences in Scotland

Discover hidden gems, plan your perfect trip, or find exactly what you need—from scenic hikes and cosy cottages to events and cultural experiences.

Discover Scotland's vibrant events and festivals

Scottish music festivals

See your favourite artists at this year's lineup of Scottish music festivals.

Edinburgh Festivals

Discover Edinburgh's summer festivals, including the world-famous Edinburgh International Festival and Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Events and festivals in Scotland

There's something happening in Scotland right now that the whole family will love.

Summertime in Scotland

Embrace long summer days in Scotland with plenty of experiences to enjoy from gentle coastal walks by the sea to festivals filled with local tunes, incredible art and hilarious comedy.

Summer holidays & breaks in Scotland

Find ideas and inspiration, from family days out to top camping spots, walks and outdoor activities.

Scotland's islands

Find out about the hundreds of islands in Scotland including Arran, Lewis, Skye, Outer Hebrides and Shetland. Plan the perfect island getaway today.

The best tours of Scotland - luxury & scenic tours

Tour Scotland at your own pace with these fantastic ideas.

Your Scottish adventure starts here

Use our interactive map to explore wild landscapes, vibrant cities, rich culture, and hidden historic gems to craft your personal Scottish experience.

Map of Scotland

Scotland as seen on TV!

From Tara Lipinski and Johnny Weir's luxury Scotland itinerary to local suggestions on the highlights of Glasgow and Dumfries & Galloway, check out this top advice on trips across Scotland.

Tara & Johnny's luxury Scotland itinerary

Have you been inspired by Tara & Johnny's Scotland itinerary as seen on NBC's Extra Mile Club? Read on and plan your own Scottish adventure.

Channel 4's Where to next? Scotland itinerary

Follow in the footsteps of comedians Fatiha El-Ghorri and John Tothill on their unforgettable journey through Scotland.

Scotland trip itineraries

Plan your days in Scotland with the help of our suggested itineraries.

Your pictures of Scotland

Share your images by tagging @VisitScotland 

JavaScript needs to be enabled to see social media images for this place. You can turn this on in your browser settings.

Join our Newsletter Clan

Get Scotland inspiration direct to your inbox. Don't miss the inside track from our Scotland experts on exciting trip ideas, unique attractions and hidden gems loved by locals.

© The Hebridean Explorer

Sailing into Shetland

7 Day Orkney, Shetland and Highlands Private Tour

A stunning seven day private tour from Inverness through the Highlands to the Northern Isles of Orkney and Shetland.

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📖 Find out more about how to combine an Orkney and Shetland private tour: https://www.thehebrideanexplorer.com/insights/combining-orkney-and-shetland.html before scrolling down to view our tour itinerary.


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Day 1: Inverness to Orkney — Morning drive north past Dornoch to Scrabster, followed by a ferry crossing past the Old Man of Hoy to Stromness. Explore the 5,000-year-old village of Skara Brae before continuing to Kirkwall. Overnight: Kirkwall (Orkney)


Day 2: Heart of Neolithic Orkney & Churchill Barriers — Visit Maeshowe chambered tomb, the Standing Stones of Stenness, the Ring of Brodgar, and the 2,000-year-old Broch of Gurness. Finish the afternoon at the Italian Chapel and Churchill Barriers. Overnight: Kirkwall (Orkney)


Day 3: Kirkwall, West Mainland or Hoy & Overnight Ferry to Shetland — Explore Kirkwall (St Magnus Cathedral, Earl's Palace, Orkney Museum) and the coast at Birsay and Yesnaby — or opt for a whisky distillery tour or day trip to Hoy. After dinner in Kirkwall, take the overnight ferry (11.45pm) to Lerwick. Overnight: En-suite cabin on Northlink Ferry


Day 4: Shetland (South Mainland & Lerwick) — Arrive in Lerwick at 7.30am and head south to Sumburgh Head seabird colony, the ancient settlement at Jarlshof, and the sand tombolo at St Ninian's Isle, before returning to Lerwick. Overnight: Lerwick (Shetland)


Day 5: Shetland (Isle of Unst) — Journey to Scotland’s northernmost inhabited island via short island ferries across Yell. Explore Unst, including Muness Castle, Haroldswick, Burra Firth, and Saxa Vord, before returning to Lerwick. Overnight: Lerwick (Shetland)


Day 6: Shetland (North Mainland) & Overnight Ferry to Aberdeen — Marvel at the dramatic sea cliffs at Eshaness, drive past Scalloway and Burra, and explore the Shetland Museum and Lerwick town before taking the evening ferry sailing south to Aberdeen. Overnight: En-suite cabin on Northlink Ferry


Day 7: Aberdeen to Inverness — Arrive in Aberdeen at 7.00am and travel west to explore the 700-year-old ruins of Elgin Cathedral. Complete the tour returning to Inverness via the 4,000-year-old Clava Cairns and a guided walk at Culloden Battlefield.


Price on Request


Departure days

  • Monday
  • Tuesday
  • Wednesday
  • Thursday
  • Friday
  • Saturday
  • Sunday

April — September

Contact details

The Hebridean Explorer

Inverness
Inverness-shire
Scotland
IV1 1HG

Tour information

Starting

  • Inverness

Length

7 Days

Transport

  • Driver guide

Type

  • Bespoke
  • Private

Languages

  • English

Themes

  • Ancestry
  • Archaeology
  • Castles
  • History
  • Island Hopping
  • Landscapes
  • Wildlife

Tour Stops

The Hebridean Explorer

Tour company information

The Hebridean Explorer

John Alasdair Macdonald, PhD (The Hebridean Explorer) is a Scottish Highlands historian and a private tour guide with over eighteen years experience specialising in multi-day guided tours for small groups (up to 3) from Inverness to the Isle of Skye, Outer Hebrides, Orkney, Shetland and throughout the Scottish Highlands.

Opening times

March to October, Monday to Sunday 9am to 5pm

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Visit4 Day Orkney and Highlands Private Tour
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The content of many of our web listings is provided by third party operators and not VisitScotland. VisitScotland accepts no responsibility for (1) any error or misrepresentation contained in third party listings, and (2) the contents of any external links within web listings ((1) and (2) together hereinafter referred to as the "Content"). VisitScotland excludes all liability for loss or damage caused by any reliance placed on the Content. The Content is provided for your information only and is not endorsed by VisitScotland.

Start Your Story in Scotland

Where history meets breathtaking beauty, and every visit feels like an escape.

Inspiration for your trip

Step into a land steeped in history and legend, explore our dramatic landscapes and uncover our ancient Celtic roots. Vast lochs, glens and Munros - easily accessible from our vibrant cities and towns - make Scotland the perfect place to lose yourself.

Plan an epic trip to Scotland

Did we catch your eye during the 2026 World Cup? Or did you hear our lively Tartan Army first? Come and experience that warm welcome for yourself with an unforgettable holiday packed with beautiful landscapes, unmissable events and of course, our friendly Scots.

Highland games in Scotland

From the tug o' war to the caber toss, Scotland's Highland games are not to be missed.

The Northern Lights in Scotland

Nature's most dramatic winter light display. Discover more about this otherworldly natural phenomenon.

12 Must-visit historic towns in Scotland

Get ready to take a journey through some of the finest historic towns in Scotland.

Scottish whisky

Whisky is Scotland's best known export and has been proudly produced throughout the country for hundreds of years.

The Commonwealth Games are here

Experience 11 days of world-class action from 23 July to 2 August, as 3,000 athletes compete across 10 sports in Scotland's biggest city. Catch up on the latest in Glasgow right now.

Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games on now

Discover unique experiences in Scotland

Discover hidden gems, plan your perfect trip, or find exactly what you need—from scenic hikes and cosy cottages to events and cultural experiences.

Discover Scotland's vibrant events and festivals

Scottish music festivals

See your favourite artists at this year's lineup of Scottish music festivals.

Edinburgh Festivals

Discover Edinburgh's summer festivals, including the world-famous Edinburgh International Festival and Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Events and festivals in Scotland

There's something happening in Scotland right now that the whole family will love.

Summertime in Scotland

Embrace long summer days in Scotland with plenty of experiences to enjoy from gentle coastal walks by the sea to festivals filled with local tunes, incredible art and hilarious comedy.

Summer holidays & breaks in Scotland

Find ideas and inspiration, from family days out to top camping spots, walks and outdoor activities.

Scotland's islands

Find out about the hundreds of islands in Scotland including Arran, Lewis, Skye, Outer Hebrides and Shetland. Plan the perfect island getaway today.

The best tours of Scotland - luxury & scenic tours

Tour Scotland at your own pace with these fantastic ideas.

Your Scottish adventure starts here

Use our interactive map to explore wild landscapes, vibrant cities, rich culture, and hidden historic gems to craft your personal Scottish experience.

Map of Scotland

Scotland as seen on TV!

From Tara Lipinski and Johnny Weir's luxury Scotland itinerary to local suggestions on the highlights of Glasgow and Dumfries & Galloway, check out this top advice on trips across Scotland.

Tara & Johnny's luxury Scotland itinerary

Have you been inspired by Tara & Johnny's Scotland itinerary as seen on NBC's Extra Mile Club? Read on and plan your own Scottish adventure.

Channel 4's Where to next? Scotland itinerary

Follow in the footsteps of comedians Fatiha El-Ghorri and John Tothill on their unforgettable journey through Scotland.

Scotland trip itineraries

Plan your days in Scotland with the help of our suggested itineraries.

Your pictures of Scotland

Share your images by tagging @VisitScotland 

JavaScript needs to be enabled to see social media images for this place. You can turn this on in your browser settings.

Join our Newsletter Clan

Get Scotland inspiration direct to your inbox. Don't miss the inside track from our Scotland experts on exciting trip ideas, unique attractions and hidden gems loved by locals.