Highlights of the Shetland & Orkney Islands

Spend the morning wandering the cobbled streets of Edinburgh's Old Town. Led by a local guide, you'll walk the Royal Mile, visit Edinburgh Castle and explore the artisan markets of Grassmarket. In the afternoon, take your time meandering through the alleys and pathways of this historic city at your own pace.

Collect your rental car from downtown and drive to Aberdeen to board an overnight ferry to the Shetland Islands.

On arrival in Lerwick, you'll make your way to your hotel. During the drive, notice the stark difference in the landscape to the mainland and keep your eyes peeled for hills dotted with Shetland ponies and sheep.

Today, drive to the wild northwest coast of the islands to visit a working croft — a small family-run farm — where you will receive a warm welcome from the crofter and their trusty clan of sheepdogs. Spend a few hours learning about a Shetland crofter's way of life, journeying off-road to remote spots of land that have been worked by the same family for hundreds of years. Later on, visit another crofter and their herd of Shetland sheep, discovering more about the importance of wool in Shetland culture, and learn how to process and dye some wool of your own.

Journey to the main town of the islands, Lerwick, for a private tour with a native Shetlander. Travel on foot and by car, covering highlights of the town and the surrounding area before returning to Lerwick for an exciting boat trip with an expert skipper. Venture into Noss Nature Reserve where towering cliffs are completely covered with thousands of seabirds and experience them taking flight as they follow you across the waves.

Depart Shetland and make your way to the ancient and mythical lands of the Orkney Islands. Board a ferry to Kirkwall where you will then make your way to your hotel.

Spend the day exploring the Neolithic highlights of Orkney by car. Visit Maeshowe Cairn, The Ring of Brodgar, and The Standing Stones of Stenness for a glimpse into life on these islands thousands of years ago. Finish with a private tour of the prehistoric village of Skara Brae with the laird of the estate, followed by a wee dram in the laird's drawing room.

Travel to the east of the island to Mull Head Nature Reserve and meet a local wildlife enthusiast who will take you on a guided walk through the rugged landscape. Along the way, spot soaring seabirds, beautiful wildflowers, and impressive sea caves. Finish the day at your hotel's extensive whisky bar in front of the roaring fire, dram in hand.

Take a trip to Stromness — the second-largest town on mainland Orkney. Meet a local Orcadian guide who will take you on a guided walk through the pretty cobbled streets. Learn more about the history of The Hudson's Bay Company in Orkney, the emerging art scene at The Pier Arts Centre, and enjoy a private tour of the quaint and characterful Stromness Museum. End with a lunch stop and a chance to sample a scoop of Orcadian ice cream!

Start your journey home by taking a ferry from Stromness to the mainland. From here, drive to the airport and drop off your rental car in time for your flight.