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Vacations By Rail · Escorted tour

Orkney & The Shetland Islands

Scottish island-hopping by rail and ferry from Edinburgh through Orkney and Shetland

Illustration of Orkney & The Shetland Islands

Vacations By Rail operates this 8-day escorted tour through Scotland's Northern Isles, departing from Edinburgh and ending in Inverness. The journey combines rail travel on Scotrail trains with ferry crossings and coach excursions to explore Orkney and Shetland. Day 2 takes you by train over the Forth Bridge to Aberdeen, then by overnight ferry to Lerwick, where you spend two nights in Brae before visiting Shetland's wildlife sanctuaries, ancient settlements, and coastal landscapes. Days 5 and 6 focus on Orkney's Neolithic monuments, including Skara Brae, the Ring of Brodgar, and the Standing Stones of Stenness, with a talk from archaeologist Professor Nick Card. You return via ferry and train through the Scottish Highlands to Inverness. A professional Tour Manager accompanies the group throughout, and all accommodation, meals (breakfast and dinner daily plus one lunch), and guided tours are included. This tour suits history lovers interested in prehistoric sites, photographers drawn to island scenery and wildlife, and travellers who prefer the comfort and convenience of an escorted group itinerary.

What to know before you look closer

  • The tour includes 2 nights in ferry cabins (on Northlink Ferries) as part of the accommodation; these are compact and shared-amenity spaces, not hotel rooms.
  • Flights and airport transfers are not included in the from-price; rail travel is included but you arrange your own arrival in Edinburgh.
  • Day 3 includes a walking tour of Lerwick; Days 4 and 5 involve coach-based excursions with some walking at each stop.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Edinburgh

    Arrival in Edinburgh

    Arrive at the hotel in Edinburgh and meet the Tour Manager, with time at leisure to explore the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle and the Old and New Towns.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Ferry

    Discovering the hidden gems of the Granite City

    Train to Aberdeen over the Forth Bridge, a guided coach tour of Footdee, Old Aberdeen and the city center, then an overnight ferry crossing to Lerwick with dinner onboard.

  3. Day 3overnight: Brae

    Exploring the charming Shetland Islands

    Disembark in Lerwick, visit Scalloway and meet Shetland ponies, lunch in Scalloway, a walking tour of Lerwick, then travel to the hotel in Brae.

  4. Day 4overnight: Brae

    The wildlife of the Shetlands

    Coach trip to Eshaness via Ronas Voe, a visit to the Hillswick Wildlife Sanctuary, a Shetland pony croft, and Lunna, the wartime headquarters of the Shetland Bus.

  5. Day 5overnight: Kirkwall

    Incredible views and Norse history in the Shetlands

    Visit St. Ninian's Isle and Jarlshof, then Sumburgh Head nature reserve, before an evening ferry sailing to Orkney and a late check-in at the hotel in Kirkwall.

  6. Day 6overnight: Ferry

    Uncovering Orkney's ancient sights

    A talk from archaeologist Professor Nick Card, a visit to the Italian Chapel, an optional tour of St. Magnus Cathedral, then the Heart of Neolithic Orkney: Skara Brae, the Ring of Brodgar and the Standing Stones of Stenness, before an overnight ferry to Scrabster.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Inverness

    Royal Castle of Mey and John O'Groats

    Transfer to the Castle and Gardens of Mey, a photo stop at John O'Groats, then a scenic train journey through the Scottish Highlands to Inverness.

  8. Day 8rail

    Traveling home

    A train journey through the Cairngorms back to Edinburgh, where the tour comes to an end.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Train journey over the Forth Bridge to Aberdeen, then an overnight ferry to Lerwick with dinner onboard.
  • Day 3Meet Shetland ponies at Scalloway and take a walking tour of Lerwick's harbor town.
  • Day 5Visit the archaeological sites of St. Ninian's Isle, Jarlshof, and Sumburgh Head nature reserve, then ferry to Orkney for late check-in in Kirkwall.
  • Day 6Archaeologist Professor Nick Card gives a talk, then visit Skara Brae, Ring of Brodgar, and Standing Stones of Stenness, ancient Neolithic monuments; evening ferry to Scrabster.
  • Day 7Tour the royal Castle and Gardens of Mey, photo stop at John O'Groats, then scenic train through the Scottish Highlands to Inverness.

Included

  • Expertise of a Tour Manager from start to finish
  • 5 nights' 4-Star hotel accommodation
  • 2 nights in a cabin on Northlink Ferries
  • Standard Class rail travel
  • All rail, ferry and coach travel throughout your tour
  • Breakfast and dinner each day, 1 lunch
  • All guided tours and excursions

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance
  • Flights and Airport transfers not included

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. Scotrail Standard Class train travel throughout the tour is included, including segments to Aberdeen, through the Scottish Highlands, and back to Edinburgh.
Is this an escorted or independent tour?
It is fully escorted. A professional Tour Manager leads the group from start to finish, and all guided tours and coach excursions are included.
What is included in the price?
The from-price of USD 3,999 includes 5 nights' 4-star hotel accommodation, 2 nights in ferry cabins, Standard Class rail travel, all rail, ferry, and coach transport, breakfast and dinner each day plus one lunch, and all guided tours and excursions. Flights, airport transfers, travel insurance, and the optional St. Magnus Cathedral tour are not included.
Where do I stay?
Hotels are the Radisson Blu in Edinburgh (1 night), Brae Hotel in Brae (2 nights), Ayre Hotel in Kirkwall (1 night), and Best Western Palace Hotel & Spa in Inverness (1 night). Two nights are spent in cabins aboard Northlink Ferries.
When does the tour depart?
The evidence pack does not list specific departure dates. Contact Vacations By Rail to confirm availability and scheduling.
How much walking is involved?
The tour has a Mobility Rating 2, which includes walking tours in Lerwick, visits to archaeological sites like Jarlshof and Skara Brae, and moderate activity at coach-based excursion stops.

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