Experience Scotland's exquisitely remote locations on a journey filled with dramatic coastal scenery, Neolithic standing-stone monuments, echoes of Viking settlers … and elegant malt whiskies. We steep in a heady mix of prehistoric sites and rich Viking influence on the Orkney Islands, whose inhabitants identify with their Scandinavian heritage as much as their Scottish citizenship. It's a fascinating cultural blend.
We hike right into the standing stone circle at the Ring of Brodgar, a ceremonial circle older than Egypt's pyramids, and discover Neolithic Skara Brae, an astonishingly intact ancient settlement. In Scotland's far north, we'll be off the tourist trail, on moorland and coastal hikes across rugged landscapes dotted with fishing villages. We visit a 16th-century castle, view intricately carved Pictish stones, and learn about the infamous Clearances that led many Highlanders to emigrate to the U.S. and Canada. We bring you into the musical culture as well, with pub nights where local musicians play tunes that are a haunting blend of Celtic and Scandinavian styles.
We'll hike along some of Britain's most spectacular sea cliffs, visit an inventive chapel built during WWII by Italian POWs, and you can even try your hand at falconry. Our explorations include two iconic UNESCO sites: the Ring of Brodgar, a ceremonial circle where we walk among standing stones erected before the Egyptian pyramids, and the ancient village of Skara Brae, an active archaeologic site that gives us an extraordinary window into Neolithic life. Head out to a pub for live music and an evening with the locals.
This traditional country house offers ten unique rooms and suites with antique furnishings, heated bathroom floors, and fine views of Kirkwall and the bay beyond. Relax by the peat fire in the comfortable lounge, and enjoy a dram of malt whisky—over 360 varieties are on offer. Highland Park distillery, founded in 1798 and the most northerly distillery in Britain, is just around the corner.
Our morning hike brings us to the famous Old Man of Hoy seastacks and we walk above Rackwick Bay's blushing pink-and-cream beach. In the afternoon we'll meet a traditional Orkadian boat builder to learn about the magnificent Viking longships and hear tales of the area's Viking heritage.
After a ferry ride to the mainland we'll enjoy hikes through breathtaking scenery, from rolling fields and heathered moorlands to pine forests and dramatic gorges. Coastal views give us an excellent opportunity to watch for sea birds, seals, and dolphins. We'll stop in to visit Glenmorangie Distillery—where we learn about whisky creation at a special tutored tasting of several single-malt expressions—and the Emigrants Statue, which commemorates the people who were removed from their homes during the Highland Clearances in the 18th and 19th centuries. Relax at a fairytale-style castle with a remarkable Victorian-era museum.
Nestled on a hillside amid barley fields by the ruins of a castle sits the 17th century Glenmorangie House, with classically appointed rooms, modern conveniences, and views out to the walled gardens and the surrounding grounds. Guests enjoy genuine Scottish hospitality and award-winning cuisine served in a convivial dining room; of course, the selection of legendary single malt Glenmorangie whiskies is superb.
Our hike brings us to a magnificent 8th-century Pictish monument that is one of Scotland's most important artistic treasures, and opens the door to understanding the mysterious people who lived here during the late Iron Age and early medieval period. A village visit immerses us in a lively arts scene and traditional architecture. We'll even share some time with a real-life earl whose family members have been at the epicenter of Highland and Scottish politics and adventure for hundreds of years.
A delightful Georgian-style retreat built in the 1820s as a hunting lodge, the lovingly restored Coul House sits on the edge of the Highland wilderness. Most of its comfortable rooms offer mountain views over the Strathconon Valley, 20 miles north of Inverness. Surrounding Coul House are eight acres of woodland and expansive gardens—perfect for afternoon tea on the lawn, exploring a whimsical "fairy trail," or a game of nine-hole pitch and putt.