Orkney, Shetland and The Caledonian Sleeper

We meet at London Euston to board the Caledonian Sleeper Train for our overnight journey to Scotland. An experience which harks back to a bygone era of rail travel, we're treated to a magical journey, travelling through undulating countryside while enjoying the relaxed comfort of our bunk cabins.

After breakfast on board, we disembark in Aberdeen for a walking tour of the harbour, home to a charming selection of historic fishermen's cottages and the genteel district of Old Aberdeen. Here we'll see the 15th-century St Machar's Cathedral and the historic stone mansions that line leafy lanes. Afterwards, we board a ferry for an overnight crossing to Shetland - Britain's northernmost outpost. Closer to Bergen, Norway, than Edinburgh, the landscapes here have a unique Norse influence.

• Breakfast, Dinner

We arrive into Lerwick, the capital of the Shetlands Isles, where we meet our guide for the day. Our first visit is to Scalloway, the ancient capital of the Shetlands. Here, we discover the brooding ruins of Scalloway Castle, which date back to 1599. Next, we head to the coast for a unique encounter with Shetland's world-famous ponies, learning about their history and enjoying a meet and greet against a spectacular coastal backdrop. We continue by coach to the picturesque village of Brae for a fish and chip lunch at an award-winning local restaurant. Afterwards, we travel north, taking in incredible views of the volcanic Cliffs of Eshaness.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We explore the pre-historic Norse settlement of Jarlshof today, seeing some of Europe's oldest signs of life, which date from around 2500 BC, before continuing to Sumburgh Head, a protected nature reserve notable for its steep cliffs, lighthouse and seabird population. It's possible to spot puffins, guillemots and even razorbills here. Next, we admire the dramatic landscapes surrounding the villages of Gulberwick and Cunningsburgh ahead of returning to Lerwick, where there's free time ahead of our ferry journey to the remote Orkney Islands.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Our day begins with a special talk from Nick Card, an expert on the Neolithic history of the Orkney Isles. Afterwards, we set out on a tour through the heart of Neolithic Orkney, visiting four different monuments; the Standing Stones of Stenness, the Ring of Brodgar, the chambered tomb of Maeshowe and Skara Brae - also known as the 'Scottish Pompeii'. Our final stop is the highly ornate Italian Chapel on Lamb Holm. After a day of exploration, we take the overnight ferry and travel back to mainland Scotland.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Arriving in Scrabster early this morning, we transfer to Dunrobin Castle, a fairytale stately home reminiscent of a French château with its white stone exterior, striking turrets and grounds inspired by the gardens of Versailles. There's free time to explore before we continue to Dornoch, a former royal burgh occupying a tranquil position on the coast. Here, you could visit the impressive cathedral, founded in 1224, or take a stroll along the golden sandy beach. Later, we transfer to Edinburgh via Inverness, where we board the Caledonian Sleeper Train to London Euston.

• Breakfast

Disembarking in London after our overnight journey, our holiday draws to a close and you're free to make your way home.

• Breakfast