Day 1

Travel by train to Edinburgh. From London King's Cross, follow the East Coast Main Line along the North Sea coast to Scotland's capital. Overnight stay in Edinburgh.

Day 2 (Monday to Saturday, not Sunday)

A long but beautiful travel day. First travel through the Highlands from Edinburgh to Inverness. From there, the Far North Line winds along the North Sea and through the Highlands to Thurso, in the far north of mainland Scotland. Continue by taxi to Scrabster (approx. 5 km), then take the ferry to Stromness on Orkney and the bus to Kirkwall, the capital of the Orkney Islands. Stay for two nights, for example at the Kirkwall Hotel by the harbour.

Day 3

Opportunities for day trips on Orkney. In June, July and August, an open-top double-decker bus runs daily past the main sights on the island. Visit Skara Brae, the Standing Stones of Stenness and the Ring of Brodgar. Highland Park whisky distillery is the northernmost in Great Britain. Alternatively, take the ferry to one of the other islands, such as Hoy, for a scenic walk. In Kirkwall itself, St Magnus Cathedral is well worth a visit.

Day 4 (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday only)

You still have time to explore Orkney today. In the evening, take the shuttle bus to the ferry terminal and board the overnight crossing to Shetland. The NorthLink ferry departs at 23:45; overnight stay in a private cabin on board.

Day 5

Arrive in Lerwick on Shetland at 07:30. From the ferry deck, you have a beautiful view of Lerwick and the island of Bressay. Explore the picturesque capital or take the ferry to Bressay for a walk. Overnight stay, for example at Kveldsro House Hotel, close to the centre and harbour.

Day 6

You still have the whole day to explore Shetland. Take the bus to Scalloway, the old capital on the west side of Mainland, join a wildlife tour from Lerwick Harbour to look for whales, seals and seabirds, or enjoy one of the beautiful coastal walks.
In the evening, depart by ferry to Aberdeen.

Day 7 (Monday to Saturday, not Sunday)

Arrive in Aberdeen at 07:00. The ferry terminal is close to the city centre and station. Continue by direct train to London King's Cross.