Orkney & Caithness

ORKNEY

A full day excursion to the Orkney Islands; whose shores are shrouded in culture and legend. We visit the Italian Chapel which was built by Italian WWII prisoners and is beautifully painted by hand. Travel along the main island through wonderful scenery to the Neolithic village of Skara Brae; 5000 years old and still standing to this day. Explore the village here before we travel back to the mystical Ring of Brodgar - one of the many standing stone circles dotted throughout Caithness. Some time in Kirkwall before returning to the mainland on the afternoon ferry. The Orkney’s have many hidden treasures, most of which still remain a mystery to this day. (excursions may not necessarily be in this order)

SMOO CAVE & NORTH COAST 500

This morning we set out on our journey along part of the amazing North Coast 500 route passing some of the most beautiful and remote Scottish beaches and sea lochs. We travel around Loch Eriboll before arriving in Durness where you can have time to explore the white sandy beach of Sango Bay, and for the more adventurous, a short stroll down the walkway takes you to the mouth of Smoo Cave, an amazing spectacle to behold. 

JOHN O'GROATS & CAITHNESS TOUR

Firstly, enjoy some time this morning of rest in Thurso before we set out on our journey along part of the beautiful NC500 route. We travel along the North Coast 500 by the white sandy bay at Castletown, with a stop off at Mary Ann’s Cottage where you can explore this wonderful croft now a museum and find out about life in the area in the 1800’s. Then we take a trip to John O'Groats where there are plenty of shops and places to eat and of course get your picture taken at the famous signpost! And a tour of Caithness continues this afternoon as you pass by Nybster Broch and Keiss Castle to the town of Wick. This ancient Norse settlement dates back hundreds of years and you have time to explore at leisure before we return to Thurso in time for our evening meal in the hotel.

 All ferry crossings to Orkney are weather/operational dependant.

A 3-minute walk from Thurso train station and the River Thurso, this straightforward hotel is a 4-minute walk from the town centre and a 9-minute walk from Thurso Bay.

Simple rooms offer free WiFi, flat-screen TVs, and tea and coffeemaking equipment. All have en suite bathrooms, while some add sitting areas and desks. Functional 1- and 2-bedroom apartments add microwaves and washer/dryers.

Full Scottish breakfast and parking are free. There's a casual restaurant and bar. 

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