Day 2: Faraid Head or Ben Hope
The chance to take an idyllic coastal walk along the deserted white sandy beaches and impressive cliffs of Faraid Head and to see rare wildlife (31/2-4 hours, 4 miles) or to climb Scotland's most northerly Munro, Ben Hope, 927 meters. (steep ascents and descents 5-6 hours, 6 miles).

Day 3: Orkney and Yesnaby
Ferry to the Orkneys, and an impressive walk along Yesnaby's rocky coast, a magnet for a variety of seabirds, dolphins and whales. ( 2-3 hours, 21/2-3 miles).

Day 4: Walking the island of Hoy
A short ferry trip to the Orkney island of Hoy, a walker's paradise. The day's walking is richly rewarding through enchanted glens to the Old Man of Hoy and along 300m cliffs. (5-6 hours, 10 miles, total ascent 400-450 meters).

Day 5: Sightseeing in Orkney and Ferry to Shetland
Orkney highlights: sightseeing trip to Skara Brae, the Ring of Brodgar, Churchill Barriers, Scapa Flow, Italian Chapel, St Magnus Cathedral, and, on request, the Highland Park distillery. There are also delightful short walks and some free time in the island's capital, Kirkwall. Night ferry in the evening to Shetland.

Day 6: Exploring the Shetlands
Along the narrow roads of the North and West Mainland you'll encounter Shetland ponies and flocks of sheep. You roam the breathtaking sandstone cliffs of the Eshaness Peninsula with their caves, unique stone arches and towering rock stacks. (3-4 hours, 4 miles).

Day 7: South Mainland, St Ninian's Isle, and Ferry to Aberdeen
The South Mainland is a paradise for natural history photographers. Experience an unforgettable walk over the most beautiful sand-tombolo in Great Britain to St Ninian's Isle where we will see a variety of seabirds, including puffins, and may also see seals. (3-4 hours, 41/2-5 miles) Enjoy free time in the pleasant 'capital', Lerwick, and in the evening the overnight ferry to Aberdeen.

Day 8: Tour of Aberdeen and Departure
A short tour of the Granite City of Aberdeen with the world's only granite cathedral, St Machar's. Airport transfer and departure or follow-on holiday program.

Departures: (always Friday to Friday).
"Spring walks" May 9-16; June 13-20
"Summer walks" July 4-11; Aug 1-8

Tour includes:
All sightseeing, guiding, entry fees, ferries (two night ferries), rail journeys and transfers as detailed in the program. Experienced walking and tour guide. 5 nights in highly commended small hotels with en-suite rooms and full breakfast, 2 nights aboard ship in twin cabins with shower/WC, breakfast not included (single berth cabins share facilities), 4 full evening meals, airport and luggage transfers, maps, welcome drink.