Travel to the mystical, unspoilt isles of Orkney and Skye for a wonderful adventure in Scotland’s wild north

Your holiday begins in Glasgow, where you arrive independently to the hotel, meeting the Tour Manager and rest of the group.

After checking in, you have time at leisure to get a taste of Glasgow's distinctive charm. Straddling the River Clyde, Glasgow is Scotland's largest city with a backdrop of elegant Victorian architecture, a lively arts landscape and an ever-evolving food scene. You might choose to explore the stunning Glasgow Cathedral, discover the incredible collection at the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum or stroll through the peaceful Glasgow Green.

This evening, we enjoy our first dinner of the holiday at the hotel, a chance to relax and look forward to the trip ahead.

After breakfast this morning, we journey by rail to Brora via Inverness. Travelling north, picturesque lochs, rolling hills and glimpses of historic castles unfold outside our windows.

After Inverness, we continue through the stunning Highlands alongside majestic mountains until we approach Brora, where coastal scenery takes over with breathtaking views of rugged cliffs and sandy beaches.

Leaving the train in the picturesque fishing village on the eastern stretch of coastline, we head to our hotel where we spend the next two nights. This evening, we enjoy dinner at the hotel.

Up bright and early, today we experience the isles of Orkney on a full-day island tour. Our coach takes us to Scrabster where we continue by ferry to Orkney. Our tour starts in Stromness, where we're joined by a local guide who accompanies us throughout the day, bringing the island's stories to life. From here, we head to the impressive Churchill Barriers, a series of World War Two-era causeways that now serve as vital links between island communities.

Next, we discover three key monumental sites referred to as the 'Heart of Neolithic Orkney,' including Skara Brae, the Stones of Stenness and the Ring of Brodgar. These fascinating landmarks give a remarkable picture of life 5,000 years ago. After stepping back in time and learning about the people who once lived here, we stop in Kirkwall, the capital of Orkney, where we see the magnificent St Magnus Cathedral and explore the charming streets lined with local shops and cafés.

After our full day of exploration, we return to Brora by ferry and coach, where we enjoy dinner this evening on a later arrival back at our hotel.

Please note: the order for today's activities may change depending on the weather.

A visit to Dunrobin Castle and gardens awaits this morning after breakfast. On the east coast overlooking the Moray Firth, this historic home of the Earls and Dukes of Sutherland is the most northerly of Scotland's great houses with an astonishing 189 rooms. Towering above the coast and gardens, the castle resembles a French chateâu with its whimsical conical spires. Explore the castle, formal gardens and the Victorian museum at your own pace.

Inverness is our next stop where you have time at leisure over lunch. Known as the 'Capital of the Highlands', the city sits on the banks of the River Ness, with Inverness Castle overlooking its lively streets. We then join the wonderful Kyle line, travelling among mountains, forests and lochs to the village of Plockton, where we spend our next three nights.

Often referred to as the 'jewel of the Highlands', Plockton sits on a sheltered bay with stunning views overlooking Loch Carron. We check into our hotel here in time for dinner this evening.

This morning after breakfast, our coach takes us to the mystical Isle of Skye. Our first stop is in Broadford, a charming village nestled between the Cuillin Hills and the sea. With time to explore at leisure, guests can enjoy a gentle walk along the bay, where views stretch across to the Applecross Peninsula on the mainland. Broadford also has a few small galleries and craft shops showcasing local artistry, perfect for a quiet browse before our next stop.

We then continue to Sconser where we catch the ferry over to Raasay. It's on this small island that we enjoy a tour and whisky tasting at the Raasay Distillery. We learn how this modern distillery is rooted in the island community and is helping to keep alive the tradition of Hebridean single malt whiskies.

There's time afterwards to soak up the incredible views across to Skye and the Cuillin Hills, before returning to Sconser by ferry and enjoying dinner at a local restaurant this evening.

Today we're bound for one of the greatest Hebridean castles, Dunvegan. Standing out against a dramatic backdrop of forest, sky and sea, this striking castle features different architectural styles, from 1200 to the 1850s. The castle was restored in the Victorian era with distinctive pepper pots and defensive battlements along its roof line.

After exploring the castle and gardens, we continue our journey to Portree, the charming capital of the Isle of Skye. Nestled around a sheltered bay and framed by rolling hills, Portree is known for its picturesque harbour lined with pastel-coloured houses and bobbing fishing boats. Here you'll have time to wander the town's quaint streets, browse local shops or take a short walk up to Scorrybreac viewpoint, offering panoramic views over the bay and surrounding hills.

After some time to look around, we enjoy a scenic drive along the coast back to Plockton, passing the Old Man of Storr and Kilt Rock. Back at our hotel, we enjoy dinner this evening.

After breakfast, we start our return journey to Glasgow this morning, travelling to Fort William by coach. We then join the wonderful West Highland Line, one of the most beautiful rail journeys in the UK, travelling south to Glasgow.

Our journey carries us through the rugged mountains, passing by Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, before the scenery transitions to urban landscapes as we approach Glasgow with glimpses of the city's iconic landmarks.

Once we arrive, we return to our central four-star hotel in Glasgow in the afternoon. With time before dinner, you can explore some more of the city and enjoy your final evening in Scotland.

Beginning in Glasgow, our week spanned from the stunning Highlands and coastal Brora to the historic Orkneys, Dunrobin Castle, the enchanting Isle of Skye and picturesque Plockton, before concluding with a scenic journey back to Glasgow.

Your holiday comes to an end after breakfast this morning. After saying goodbye, you may choose to spend more time exploring independently before heading home.

Our Classic range is what we're known for. Enjoy curated moments with plenty of inclusions. Centrally located hotels, premium travel options and engaging group tours with a seasoned expert are included. You'll be in groups with an average of 20-25 travellers and a maximum of 30*. *Scandinavian and Worldwide tours are on average 30-35 and a maximum of 40.

If your tour is marked as Small Group, enjoy a more immersive holiday experience, exploring with a like-minded group of just 22 travellers on average.

The Kyle Line takes us on one of the most scenic rail journeys in the British Isles, travelling between Inverness and Kyle of Lochalsh.

On leaving Inverness, the line hugs the shores of the Beauly Firth before heading north to Dingwall. From here, the line immediately turns inland and climbs over the Highlands. As a result of a dispute with the landowners of the time, the builders of the railway were forced to make a sharp detour around Strathpeffer. After a steep climb to Black Rock the line descends through beautiful wooded hillsides until it reaches Garve on the shore of Loch Garve. On a still clear day this loch perfectly mirrors the surrounding hills and trees. From Garve station the line climbs up to the broad straths leading to the West Coast before climbing to the summit of the line at Luib.

The line then descends to the magnificent scenery of Loch Carron, where it twists and turns in and out of the loch side inlets. Plockton station and village, with yachts anchored in the shelter of its beautiful bay, is the next passing point, and was the location for the BBC Television series 'Hamish Macbeth'.

The final section of the journey is perhaps the most dramatic (and the most expensive), as it was carved through the solid rock that leads to Kyle Pier. Kyle of Lochalsh ("strait of the foaming lake") sits at the entrance to Loch Alsh, opposite Kyleakin on the Isle of Skye. The two villages were formerly connected by a ferry service, but this was replaced by the Skye Bridge in 1995.

Read about the experiences of a member of the Great Rail Journeys Marketing team during his journey on the Kyle Line

Also known as 'the Iron Road to the Isles', a journey on the West Highland Line is an epic rail adventure that takes passengers through some of the world's most beautiful and dramatic landscapes. In fact the line has twice been voted the world's best rail journey by readers of Wanderlust magazine.

Running from Glasgow's Queen Street station, the train runs through the city's outskirts and on to Helensburgh. From here the train begins its ascent into the famous Highlands.

Soon the train skirts the beautiful Loch Long, followed by the immense Loch Lomond, as it makes its way up the ever-increasing gradients. The journey continues alongside the Loch - Britain's largest body of inland water - whilst winding through pretty wooden slopes.

Continuing northward through charming isolated villages, the train then climbs more than 500 feet (150 m) in just five miles, before arriving at the tiny hamlet Crianlarich. Here the West Highland Line splits into two branches. One continues to Fort William and Mallaig, the other heads west to Oban.

The prestigious 4-Star Voco Grand Central is right next to Glasgow Central station. Housed within a remarkable and historic building, the hotel has hosted many distinguished guests throughout the years, ranging from influential politicians like Winston Churchill to iconic Hollywood stars such as Frank Sinatra.

The interior has timeless grandeur, with high ceilings, exquisite chandeliers and rich wood panelling. The hotel's bar, the Champagne Lounge, was recognised as the Best Hotel Bar in Glasgow at the esteemed 2019 Best Bar None awards. Guests can indulge in a delightful afternoon tea experience here, or sip on expertly crafted cocktails while people-watching over the train station concourse.

Thoughtfully designed guest rooms offer a comfortable retreat equipped with free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, complimentary toiletries, tea and coffee making facilities and hairdryer.

This 3-Star hotel is set in Plockton, close to the village and port and is perfectly situated for our Highlands excursions. The characterful hotel is highly rated for its location, its breakfasts and its friendly, personal service. The Haven offers a continental or buffet breakfast.

Ensuite guest rooms are modern and comfortable, featuring free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, tea-making facilities and complimentary toiletries.

The Royal Marine Brora is a historic 4-Star hotel situated in Brora, a small village in the Scottish Highlands. It offers stunning views of the coastline and easy access to the beach.

The hotel's restaurant is known for its fine dining experience, offering a menu that emphasises local and seasonal ingredients. There is a cosy lounge, a bar, and outdoor spaces where guests can relax and enjoy the views.

Comfortable and well-appointed guest rooms blend modern amenities with classic decor and are equipped with free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, tea & coffee-making facilities, complimentary toiletries and hairdryer.

We can book UK rail tickets from your local station to and from the starting/finishing destination of your tour, such as York, London, Edinburgh, and Harrogate. Please call one of our Tour Advisors to discuss your requirements.