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Orkney Island Explorer

Sat 12 - Fri 18 Sep 2026 A Holiday to Orkney with Johnsons Coaches

Saturday 12th – Friday 18th September 2026

Spectacularly located off the northern tip of Scotland, Orkney is a unique destination with a distinctive culture of Norse rule and a landscape sculptured by the sea. Focusing on the island’s fascinating war and maritime history from the scuttling of the German Fleet in Scapa Flow to the sinking of the Royal Oak our expert local guides take us to familiar and unfamiliar sites giving you a feel of what life was like for the personnel who guarded Orkney’s shores and the civilians who lived here during the World Wars protecting the British Grand and Home Fleets based at Scapa Flow.

YOUR HOLIDAY INCLUDES

Door to Door Service *Our own courier service
Club Class Extra Legroom Coach
6 nights half board
Return Ferries to/from Orkney
Entrance to Blair Castle
Guide for two days touring on Orkney
Admission to Italian Chapel
Included donation visit to St Magnus Cathedral
Admission to Skara Brae Prehistoric Village & Skaill House
Admission to Ness Battery

Not included: All lunches.

Saturday

We drive north through the Scottish Borders to our 2-night stay at the Fishers Hotel in Pitlochry.

Sunday

Today we visit Blair Castle, one of Scotland's most historic castles, home to the Dukes of Atholl.

Monday

Departing after breakfast we drive north to Scotland's far north, boarding the afternoon Northlink Ferries sailing from Scrabster to Stromness, with dinner on board. From here we drive to the Kirkwall Hotel for our 3-night stay.

Tuesday

This morning we meet our local guide for a tour which includes the following highlights: The Italian Chapel, the remaining Churchill Barriers, Royal Oak Memorial Garden and Magnus Cathedral. Free time for lunch before continuing to the Standing Stones of Stenness and the Ring of Brodgar.

Wednesday

Our Orkney Island guided tour today continues with visits to Skara Brae via Scapa Flow - View the Royal Oak Buoy, hear the stories of the loss of HMS Vanguard in 1917 and the scuttling of 74 WW 1 German warships in 1919 when Scapa Flow was RN Headquarters. We continue to Skara Brae & Skaill House before visiting Stromness. Time to visit Ness Battery (10-15-minute walk if required), before returning late afternoon to our hotel.
(Please note that there are many other notable sites associated with WWI & II to be found in and around Orkney however many of these are in remote locations or maybe on isolated islands that are inaccessible by coach. Visiting some of these will involve a good deal of walking and hence may not be possible - Your guide will endeavour to assist with any requests, but none can be guaranteed. Warm & Waterproof clothing and stout footwear is recommended for these excursions).

Thursday

This morning we catch morning Pentland Ferries sailing to the mainland and continue south to our final nights stay at the 4-star Kingsmills Hotel, Inverness

Friday

Departing after breakfast we journey homeward, arriving back during the evening

YOUR HOTELS

1^st & 2^nd Night Fishers Hotel, Pitlochry - 4-Star Standard

3^rd, 4^th & 5^th Nights Kirkwall Hotel, Kirkwall, Orkney – 3 –Star Standard

6^th Night Kingsmills Hotel, Inverness-- 4-Star Standard

Facility Symbols (All Hotels) En Suite Bedrooms * TV * Hospitality Tray

All hotels are varied in style and standards. Travellers should consider the fact that they will often be in beautiful, yet isolated locations where hotel availability is extremely limited. All have restaurant, bar & lounge. All have a lift to all floors.

Mobility Grade 3: This is a touring holiday and although most of the sightseeing is from the comfort of our coach, there are ferries to board and three different hotels, along with steps and stairs to negotiate. Please note that due to the nature of this holiday, customers with mobility difficulties may be limited in their enjoyment.

Supplements:

Single Room: £408

Holiday Insurance: £46

All prices are per person & are for the entire tour.

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