ORKNEY — THE PEARLS OF SCOTLAND

The main mode of transport on this trip is by train, providing fast, direct travel between destinations without the delays of road traffic and delivering you straight into city centres. Trains are comfortable and equipped with toilets, though they can sometimes be crowded.
Please note that you will need to carry your own luggage on and off trains, and up and down stairs at stations and hotels. Ensure your luggage complies with the weight and size limits outlined in the 'Packing' section of the Essential Trip Information.
Summer temperatures in many regions we visit can exceed 40°C, so it’s important to protect yourself from the sun and stay well hydrated. July, August, and early September are peak season along the southern Italian coast, which may affect local infrastructure due to higher visitor numbers.
Hotel accommodations in Europe may differ from American or Australian standards, often featuring two single beds pushed together instead of a double, and shared bathrooms rather than en-suite facilities.If you have extra time, consider extending your trip to explore more of Italy. You could travel further south to the heel of Italy on our ‘Rome to Southern Italy’ trip (trip code ZMSSC) or continue on to Sicily with our ‘Rome to Sicily’ trip (trip code ZMSFC).

Visa information is provided by Sherpa, a trusted third-party. The “Add connection” feature only shows transit visa requirements and does not cover full entry visas. U.S. citizens traveling to Italy for stays under 90 days typically do not need a tourist visa. Additional service fees may apply if you choose to purchase a visa through Sherpa. Always check official sources before traveling.

Guesthouse (4 nights)
Occasional Alternative Accommodation
The accommodation listed in the day-to-day itinerary serves as a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may be necessary if our usual accommodation is unavailable. In such cases, a similar standard of lodging will be provided.
Twin Share Basis
Accommodation on this trip is based on twin or multi-share rooms. Solo travelers are paired with another traveler of the same gender, according to passport information. Please note that some facilities may be shared rather than en-suite, and in rare cases, you may share a room with travelers from different Intrepid trips.
Check-In Time
Hotels will generally prepare rooms for our arrival, even if we arrive before standard check-in times. However, this isn’t always guaranteed. If a room isn’t ready, luggage can be stored while you begin exploring your new destination.
Pre/Post Trip Accommodation
If you’ve booked pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (where available), you may need to change rooms from your main trip accommodation for these extra nights.
Facilities
Accommodation may not always include private en-suite bathrooms or air conditioning. European hotels generally do not provide kettles or refrigerators.

Please note: flight arrangements

We can assist with booking flights from any airport in the United States that is convenient for you. Occasionally, alternative routing or airlines may need to be arranged due to availability, but we will always ensure your flights align with your tour dates and provide the same level of comfort and reliability. Our goal is to make your journey to Italy smooth, stress-free, and perfectly timed with your tour.