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Private Tour to Orkney and the Highlands

Private Tour

  • Private Tour to Orkney and the Highlands
  • Private Tour to Orkney and the Highlands
  • Private Tour to Orkney and the Highlands
  • Private Tour to Orkney and the Highlands
  • Private Tour to Orkney and the Highlands

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  • Tour ID:
    1488
  • Tour theme:
    Historic and Cultural Tours,
  • Duration:
    5 Days / 4 Nights
  • Starts from:
    Edinburgh, Glasgow
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Private Tour

  • Private Tour to Orkney and the Highlands
  • Private Tour to Orkney and the Highlands
  • Private Tour to Orkney and the Highlands
  • Private Tour to Orkney and the Highlands
  • Private Tour to Orkney and the Highlands

Tour Description

Enjoy a tailor-made private tour to the fascinating islands of Orkney. It is a rare opportunity to visit the rich prehistoric sights of the UNESCO Heart of Neolithic Orkney (Skara Brae, Maes Howe, Stones of Stenness, and more). With a chance to stay in the Highland Castle Hotel in Dornoch. We will also explore the highlands and visit such landscape beauties as Glencoe and Ranoch Moor. This tour can be customized to your request, below is a suggested 5 day Orkney tour...

Day 1  Not long after leaving the city limits of Edinburgh we stop for views of the Forth Rail Bridge which is considered an industrial wonder of the world. Soon we will be driving into the highlands and the mountainous Cairngorm National Park. We will stop for a scenic view at Ruthven Barracks. Originally a medieval castle and home to the Wolf of Badenock, in the 18th century it became an army barracks during the Jacobite Uprising.

After lunch we make our way further into the Highlands and visit Culloden Battlefield. This was the scene of the last pitch battle in Britain. On a short guided walking tour you will hear the gripping story of Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Jacobites who faced the Red Coat Government soldiers in 1746.

Tonight we stay overnight at the Dornoch Castle Hotel. Originally dating back to the 13th century, home to Earl of Seaforth in 18th century, became a 19th century town jail, then turned into a hotel in 1947, modernized in 2000.

Day 2 In the morning we head north to John O'Groats, often referred to as Lands End. Here was have sometime to admire views of Orkney and the Pentland Firth before catching the ferry. If we are lucky we may sport some sealife; dolphins, whales, seals and more.

On arrival to St Margaret's Hope we take a drive across the Churchill Barriers. Large blocks of concrete strategically placed on the straits between the islands during WW2 to block entry of U-Boats. We will then stop and visit the Italian Chapel. An amazing chapel built by Italian POWs in 1940s with instructions from the brilliant artist Domenico Chiocchetti.

For the next 2 days we will be staying overnight in Kirkwall, the Capital of Orkney.

Day 3  Today we will be go back in time to 3000-5000 years ago and explore the prehistoric wonders of Orkney. We begin with a guided tour inside Maes Howe Burial Chamber. Then visit the stone circles at Stenness and Brogdar. After we go to Skara Brae to visit it's prehistoric village which is older than the pyramids. They are the oldest most complete houses found in Northern Europe. You will also have the opportunity to visit Skaill House, the first manor house on Orkney.

In the afternoon we go to Stromness which played a big part in the Hudson Bay company. Take a walk through the streets of this unique 200 year old sailor's town.

After we then go to Scapa Flow which during World War 1 and 2 was the biggest Naval Base in Britain. It has one of the largest protected harbour's in the world. Here we will learn the tragic history of the events that happened, such as the torpedoed HMS Royal Oak, Kitchener and the scuttled German fleet.

To end the day you have the option to visit 1 of 2 of Orkney's Distilleries; Scapa or Highland Park.

Day 4 We will take a walk to see the magnificent St Magnus Cathedral which was original built by Norse Vikings in 1137. Then we cross the road to see the outsides of the medieval Bishop and Earls Palaces. After we then go to the ferry port.

On arrival to the mainland we make our way to the stately home of Dunrobin Castle is home to the Duke of Sutherland with a history of 7 centuries of development. Explore the Victorian Gardens also famous for Falconry. Or instead of the castle we can take a scenic highland tour via Bonar Bridge, the Kyle of Sutherland and the go to the ruins of the ancient Beauly Prior called so by Mary Queen of Scots.

Tonight we stay in Inverness, the Capital of the Highlands.

Day 5  This morning we will do some monster hunting at the famous Loch Ness. Here you have the option to take a boat ride OR visit Urquhart castle on the banks of the loch OR visit the Loch Ness Exhibition to learn the story of Nessie.

We can view the Caledonian Canal at Fort Augustus. Then make our way down the Great Glen to the Commando Memorial. Here we have great views of Ben Nevis, sitting at 4413ft it is the tallest mountain in Britain. Options for lunch in the highland adventure town of Fort William.

Continuing the stunning landscape journey we make are way to Glencoe. It was the scene of a horrible massacre in 1692 between the Macdonalds and Goverment troops of the Campbells. Also very popular place for outdoor activities and filming. It has been featured in such movies as Highlander, Harry Potter and Skyfall James Bond. After we continue through Ranoch Moor and finally reaching our destination at Edinburgh.

Note there is also an option to start or end in Glasgow. Itinerary will be slightly altered. Enquire for details.

Private Tour to Neolithic Wonders of Orkney

Prices & Dates

Our Private Guided Tours benefit from your own Personal Guide.

- What's included depends on your size of your group. For 1 to 7 people the tour will include a driver guide and vehicle. For 8 people or more there will be a coach/minicoach, driver and guidie.

- We cannot guarantee the weather but we can guarantee the scenery.

- Tailord Tours - please enquire.

- Food and entry fees are not included in the Tours but can be added on request for bigger groups.

Prices and dates available upon request...

What's Included

Suggested Itinerary:

Day 1
9am depart Edinburgh
Photo opportunity of the Forth Rail Bridges
Drive to the highlands (comfort break enroute)
12-12.30pm Ruthven Barracks
12.30-1.30pm option for lunch at Duke of Gordon Hotel
2.30-4pm Culloden Battlefield and Clava Cairns
5-6pm arrive to Dornoch

Day 2
9am depart
11am John O'Groats
12pm check in for ferry
1-2pm ferry to St Margaret's Hope
2-2.30pm Italian Chapel and Churchill Barrier
3.30-5pm Stones of Stennes and Ring of Brogdar
5.30pm approx arrive to Kirkwall

Day 3
9.30am depart
10-1pm Skara Brae and Maes Howe
1-2pm options for lunch
2-3pm Stromness
3-4pm Scapa Flow
4-5pm option to visit Scapa Distillery
5.30pm approx arrive to Kirkwall

Day 4
9am St Magnus Cathedral
10am depart Kirkwall
10.30am check in
11.15-12.15pm ferry
12.45-1.45pm option for lunch in Wick
Option A Scenic Highland Drive and Beauly Priory
Option B visit Dunrobin Castle
6pm approx arrive to Inverness

Day 5
9am depart Inverness
10-11am Loch Ness options; Boat ride, Urquhart Castle or Loch Ness Exhibition
11-1pm drive Great Glen, stop options; Fort Augustus and views of Ben Nevis
1-2pm option for lunch in Fort William
2-6pm scenic drive of Glencoe, Ranoch Moor and Glencoe
6-7pm arrive to Edinburgh

NOTE: THERE IS AN OPTION TO START IN GLASGOW. IN THIS CASE THE DAYS 1 AND 5 WOULD BE SWITCHED AND STIRLING REPLACED WITH LOCH LOMOND

ITINERARY IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE DEPENDING ON TIME OF YEAR, WEATHER AND AVAILABILITY.

CONTACT US TO CUSTOMIZE THE ITINERARY.

Departure & Map

Terms and Conditions

NOTICE TO TRAVELLERS
You should be aware that Scotland has particular features which may or may not appeal to you, including weather, food, local customs, etc. There are different living standards and conditions with respect to the provision of utilities, services and accommodation. By buying the particular travel service you have selected, we assume that you have made all reasonable inquiries about the travel service.


TOUR INFORMATION 
The outline of the itinerary must be taken as an indication of what each Group should accomplish and not as a contractual obligation on the part of Go Scotland Tours. Any changes in itinerary may be caused by local political conditions, delays, mechanical breakdown, weather, border restrictions, sickness or other unforeseeable circumstances. No refund will be given for services not fulfilled. It is a fundamental condition of joining the tour described in the itinerary that you accept this flexibility and acknowledge that delays and alterations with resulting consequences, comfort or disappointments are possible.


TOUR INSURANCE PROTECTION 
To protect yourself against cancellation charges, we highly recommend that you purchase Travel & Medical Insurance for your added protection and convenience. We accept no responsibilities for these items.

REFUNDS AND CANCELLATIONS 
Below are the standard terms of cancellations. For regular tours please refer to each tours individual terms when making the booking online. Be-spoke services terms may vary and change.
Be-spoke (Private) 1 Day Services; private services of only 1 day (tours, transfers, etc..) are non-refundable 1 week prior.
Be-spoke (Private) Multi-day Services; A 75% refund (25% of package price or £200 GBP if 10% of the price lower, the deposit is non-refundable) will be made if cancellations are received a minimum of 60 Days prior to the Tour departure. From 59 to 30 Days 50% of the tour cost is non-refundable. From 30 days prior to departure, 100% of the tour cost is non-refundable.

UNUSED SERVICES 
In case of you are canceling any portion of the tour while en route, there are no refunds for pre-booked hotels, sightseeing tours or any other services or costs. Note: No refunds are made for any unused services including accommodations, sightseeing tours, transportation, etc. with or without notice and the above schedule lists cancellation penalties in effect from time of reservation on any tour or extension. Go Scotland Tours is not responsible for cancelations or delays caused by forces of nature or airlines or cruise line.

CHANGES OF BOOKING
Be-spoke services; Changes made 30 or more days prior of tour start date non-refundable fee of £85 GBP will be charged. Changes made within 30 of tour start date non-refundable fee of £115 GBP.
Regular tours; no charge for changes
Note; charges may vary then what is specified above. This will be discussed at time of change.

CHANGE OF ITINERARY 
No changes can be made in the itinerary as set out in the itinerary once travel has commenced unless confirmed by the Tour organizers in accordance with the provisions listed here. 

CHANGE OF HOTELS OR SERVICES 
Go Scotland Tours. reserves the right to substitute hotels listed for others of a similar category. In the event of any program or hotel changes while you are on the tour, you will be immediately informed and booked in another hotel of the same category. Any costs incurred due to changes made by the tour participants or due to additional services requested will be borne by the tour participants. 

RESPONSIBILITY 
Go Scotland Tours., provide means of fully insured and licensed transportation, and act as agents contracting hotels, meals, or other services and receipts issued are subject to all terms and conditions under which such services are offered or provided. The acceptance of all such documents shall be deemed as consent. Further, Go Scotland Tours. shall assume no responsibility in any way for any injury, loss, accident, or delay that may be caused by either reason or default of any company, agent or person engaged in carrying our arrangements for the tour. Further no responsibility can be accepted for any additional expenses incurred by the passengers due to delays, omissions, rerouting, changes in the schedule of the airlines or other events resulting from improper documents carried by the passenger, or by any act of government or any authority, strikes, civil disturbances, political unrest, acts of God and any act or omission or event while the passengers are not aboard their conveyances. The passenger contract in use when issued by the airline/s concerned shall constitute the sole contract between the airline and the purchaser of this tour and/or other passengers. 


ITINERARY, ACCOMMODATIONS AND PRICES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.


 

Operated by: Go Scotland Tours
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