Black Tomato - A Scotland Odyssey

Day 1 - Saturday 29^th June - Welcome to the Shetland Islands

Transit through Inverness airport to board your flight to the Shetland islands, where you will be met by your experienced local guide who will take you to your boutique accommodation to check in and freshen up.  If there is time you may decide to head out to start exploring or simply relax after your long journey.

Overnight: Shetland | Brae Hotel
Room Type: Superior Double
Meals Included: None

Day 2 - Sunday 30^th June - Neolithic sites of the Shetland islands

Jarlshof, the jewel in Shetland’s crown with its Norse and prehistoric sites.  Spend the morning exploring this incredible site, going into and out of the different buildings as the guide tells you about each one.  Discovering the myths and legends that are associated with this place.

Later on, you can take a tour of the island, from the jagged coastline to the furry little shetland ponies – stopping off

Overnight: Shetland | Brae Hotel
Room Type: Superior Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 3 - Monday 1^st July - Wildlife trip exploring Noss & Bressay

Head out on the open seas today as you take a boat trip to see some of the fantastic wildlife that Shetland is home to.  Hear the calls of the sea birds echoing across the water as you head to the cliffs of Noss and Bressay – one of the worlds prime locations for bird watching.  This national nature reserve is home to over 20,000 gannets, 25,000 guillemots and thousands of other species who will be diving into the waters and glide in the air above your head – a truly unique experience to see these wonderful birds in action.

Back on dry land and if time allows, you can spend a while wandering around Lerwick where you can visit some of the various museums or enjoy some retail therapy to buy some iconic shetland knitwear before boarding the afternoon ferry with your guide to your next destination.

Overnight: Orkney | The Storehouse Restaurant & Rooms, Kirkwall
Room Type: Deluxe Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - Tuesday 2^nd July - The heart of Neolithic Orkney

You can have a relaxed start today after your late arrival yesterday and when you are ready, you can set off to explore the heart of Neolithic Orkney.  From the Standing Stones of Stenness and the ring of Brodgar to Maeshowe, spend the day stepping back in time to visit a bygone era and hearing tales of the myths and legends that are woven into the very fabric of life in these islands.

Overnight: Orkney | The Storehouse Restaurant & Rooms, Kirkwall
Room Type: Deluxe Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Wednesday 3^rd July - St Magnus Cathedral and Skara Brae

Spend the morning exploring Kirkwall, with its plethora of boutique shops and winding streets as well as the famous St Magus Cathedral that stands proud in the centre.  Entering the cool, calm interior hear the tales of this wonderful cathedral which was founded as a final resting place for the relics of St Magus.

This afternoon another wonder of this neolithic landscape awaits as you visit Skara Brae and hear how this incredible insight into Neolithic life was discovered after a bad storm.

Overnight: Orkney | The Storehouse Restaurant & Rooms, Kirkwall
Room Type: Deluxe Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Thursday 4^th July - Transfer to the mainland

It is time to leave the Northern Islands and head south towards the islands of the west.  Before departing you will stop off to explore the Italian Chapel, two nissan huts that were converted into a chapel by Italian prisoners of war during World War II.  A beautiful part of history that has created strong ties between the Orcadians and the town of Moena in Italy where the artist who painted the Madonna and Child was from.

You’ll board the late morning ferry and travel south towards your unique hotel where you can rest your head after a long travel day.

Overnight: Near Inverness | Kingcraig Castle Hotel, Invergordon
Room Type: Classic Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 - Friday 5^th July - Isle of Skye

The fabled Isle of Skye, full of mystery, legends and the odd fairy.  Head west this morning as you set out to explore the largest of the Inner Hebrides for the next couple of days.  Before crossing the arc of the Skye Bridge, you will stop off to visit the most photographed castle in the whole of the UK before heading to the pretty town of Portree and your accommodation fo the next two nights

Overnight: Isle of Skye | Marmalade Hotel, Portree
Room Type: Superior Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 8 - Saturday 6^th July - Exploring the Isle of Skye

From the ancient clan seat of Dunvegan Castle to the picturesque harbour of Portree, there are so many places to visit today as you explore this stunning island.  Perhaps you might like to visit a local weaver who creates beautiful garments using only pedal power!  Or you might like to spend some time with a local crofter who will tell you their story of how they live and work the land like their ancestors before them.  Whatever you decide, your guide will make sure you make the most out of your time here before you head to your final island tomorrow.

Overnight: Isle of Skye | Marmalade Hotel, Portree
Room Type: Superior Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 9 - Sunday 7^th July - To Mull

It is time to transfer to your next island, waving goodbye to the Misty Isle as you board the ferry and the jutting mountains of the Black Cuillins fade into the distance.  Back on the mainland, you’ll weave your way through some of the most remote and stunning scenery in Scotland – stopping off as you please to drink in the vistas or scour the skies for wildlife.  A short ferry crossing takes you to the Isle of Mull before arriving at your welcoming accommodation for the evening.

Overnight: Isle of Mull | Pennygate Lodge, Craignure
Room Type: Twin Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 10 - Monday 8^th July - Day trip to Iona

The highlight of your trip is within grasp today as you venture to the sacred island of Iona, with it’s Abbey, the Nunnery and St Oran’s Chapel which is believed to be the resting place of 48 kings of Scotland.  Take time to just be in the moment as you explore the cool aisles of the abbey and feel the sea breeze invigorate you as you gaze back across to the largest of Scotland’s small isles.  A truly lovely day

Overnight: Isle of Mull | Pennygate Lodge, Craignure
Room Type: Twin Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 11 - Tuesday 9^th July - Fingals Cave

For your final day on the islands, you’ll take a boat trip to see the wonder that is Fingal’s Cave, with it’s basalt columns and echoing acoustics, that reflects the voice of the seas waves as they come crashing in against the rocks.  On the way, you will visit the Treshnish isles and have a chance to watch out for Whales, Dolphins and Basking Sharks as you glide along.  You will also land at Lunga, which is a habitat to many sea birds as well as the curious seal colony who may pop their heads up to say hello as you come into land.

A fantastic way to spend the last day on these incredible islands.

Note: boat trip duration 6 hours.

Overnight: Isle of Mull | Pennygate Lodge, Craignure
Room Type: Twin Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 12 - Wednesday 10^th July - To Edinburgh & Rosslyn Chapel

You will head to your final destination today before your flight home tomorrow.  But before you arrive in the capital city, you will spend some time in the tranquil surroundings of Rosslyn Chapel.  This incredible building with its fascinating architecture has been featured in many books and films, most notably The Da Vinci Code and the secrets of the crypt have been the subject of many theories over the years.  Sit quietly in the nave as the sun dapples through the stained glass windows and reflect on your amazing adventure through Scotland before heading to your final accommodation for the night.

Overnight: Edinburgh | Bruntsfield Hotel
Room Type: Executive Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 13 - Thursday 11^th July - Depart

A private transfer will collect you from your hotel this morning and take you to the airport in time for flight home, taking with you a small part of Scotland in your heart and a longing to return.

Meals Included: Breakfast