City To The Sea From Edinburgh To Orkney

Arrive in Edinburgh and check into The Dunstane Houses for two nights. Choose to dine in the wonderful restaurant or venture into the city for an evening stroll, and enjoy the numerous bars and dining experiences on offer in Scotland’s capital.

Walk into the centre for a day of sightseeing. Perhaps visit the Royal Botanic Garden. Blooming beautifully for 350 years, the gardens are home to a world-leading conservation, education and science centre. Stroll through the gardens and reach the viewpoint offering panoramic scenes of Edinburgh’s skyline. In the afternoon, explore the city on an enlivening walking tour visiting the old town and learn about the city’s rich history. Return in the evening to enjoy The Dunstane Houses Whisky Tasting experience.

Today travel to Orkney and on arrival, collect up your hire car and take a short drive to The Kirkwall Hotel for an overnight stay. Set on a medieval coastline, stroll around the charming town and perhaps visit St Magnus Cathedral and the Bishop’s and Earl’s Palaces before stopping for a spot of lunch. Prepare for your ferry journey to Cantick Head Lighthouse in the morning.

This morning, take the ferry and drive to Cantick Head Lighthouse. Settle into your remote retreat on the tiny island of South Walls, Hoy. You’ll be staying in a quaint cottage, fit with a toasty fireplace for curling up and reading a book with the faint sound of the waves crashing on the shore. Perhaps venture to your private beach for a trip out on the water via kayak. Look out for the colony of seals that rest on the island and glide peacefully across the blue water before heading back to rest beneath a starry sky.

Today visit one of the UK's tallest sea stacks. The Old Man of Hoy emerges from the watery depths surrounded by cliffs and plunging hills. Hike to view the spectacle and encounter the island's rich birdlife. For the more daring adventurer, there is an opportunity to climb the sea stack. In the afternoon, perhaps visit Scapa Flow, an old Viking harbour rich with sea life, now frequently visited by divers around the world. In the evening why not visit The Foveran restaurant, a delicious dining experience with stunning views of Scapa Flow.

Today perhaps hire a bike and explore the surrounding hills. The Hill of White Harmars wildlife reserve is a fantastic spot awash with wildflowers and ideal for birdwatching. Later, return the hire car and travel back to the Scottish mainland.