Later we make the short drive to Sumburgh Head, where the waters of the North Sea meet the waves of the Atlantic Ocean. The Ski Solutions team are all skiing experts, and their wealth of knowledge and passion for the mountains will ensure you experience a truly memorable ski holiday. A superb coastal trailalongthe spectacular sea cliffs from Yesnaby to the impressive ancient settlement of Skara Brae a remarkable feat of ancient engineering predates the pyramids of Egypt and even Stonehenge. Today visitors can see eight dwellings, each connected by a series of low passageways. Discover their all-balcony cabins, huge choice of included speciality restaurants and bars, and an outdoor lido with a full wraparound deck. Search. Shetland & Orkney Multi-Centre Walking Holiday | 2023 & 2024 Orkney boasts inspirational landscapes where verdant fields stretch down to pristine beaches and dramatic seas crash against towering cliffs. Many coaches are equipped with WiFi too. Shetland Isles wildlife holiday. It's a favourite with twitchers, who flock here to enjoy sensational seabird colonies and rare species. Available Until September 2023. The thousands of prehistoric Neolithic sites which have survived to tell their tale at the Heart of Neolithic Orkney UNESCO world heritage site are both spectacular and mysterious. To help you have an enjoyable holiday in Shetland, Orkney and the Outer Hebrides, take a look at these useful tips and advice provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO): Health and Travel InsuranceBritish Citizens are advised by some of our tour operators to have travel insurance before going on a tour or holiday, even if it happens to be in your country of residence. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take an alternative route, or vary the running order for weather and/or operational reasons. Over 4,000 years old, discoveries here include everything from Stone Age settlements and Bronze Age dwellings to Norse longhouses and medieval farms. ORKNEY AND SHETLAND HISTORICAL - JSTOR Home This means one or two nights at sea followed by sailing in Shetland and Orkney. For group bookings of 10+ people click here. Some of them are: Skara BraeThought to be one of Orkney's most visited tourist spots, Skara Brae is an ancient site which is older than Stonehenge. Be inspired by local artisans from jewellery-making to storytelling, the creative spirit on these islands has thrived for thousands of years. Availability is individually checked for a hand-picked selection of smaller hotels, guest houses and other independent businesses, so please bear with us and we will respond in 1-2 working days. And as more than fifth of our guests cruise solo, youll always be in good company. Dinner will be served on board and we will arrive in Kirkwall around 23:00 hrs. Find out everything you need to know about planning a trip to Scotland's incredible Northern Isles. Individually, the sites are masterpieces of Neolithic design and construction, and collectively they represent one of the richest surviving Neolithic landscapes in Western Europe, giving us an incredible insight into the society, skills and spiritual beliefs of the people who constructed them. Tour Returns: TBA hrs. If you would like to spend an extra night or two on either Orkney or Shetland, wed be delighted to assist. The landscape is wild and remote and, outside of the . The far-flung Orkney and Shetland Isles offer the active traveller an invigorating and rewarding holiday experience, with jaw-dropping natural scenery and wildlife spectacles. This was once the Shetland capital and is the site of Scalloway Castle which was built for the notorious Earl Patrick Stewart in the early 17th Century. You will also find no end of delicious local produce to tempt you and a busy programme of annual festivals. Orkney and Shetland Tour | Brightwater Holidays Tastefully decorated rooms provide a comfortable place to sleep and on a clear night you can gaze up at the starry skies and search for the swirling ribbons of neon green, pink, and purple known as the northern lights. Fair Isle is the southernmost Shetland island and lies 24 miles from the Shetland Mainland and 27 miles from North Ronaldsay, the most northerly island in Orkney. This will ensure that we can improve the experience for all our future guests. Wildlife watching here is superb. Let Scapa Travel use their extensive local knowledge to create a memorable holiday, tailored specifically for you. Todays walk takes us to the famous sea stack known as the Old Man of Hoy and will have bird watchers twitching with excitement at the prospect of spotting arctic and great skuas. The largest town, Lerwick, is closer to Norway than to Edinburgh, and culturally and geographically they feel more Norse than Scottish. Norse settlers named it Fridarey - 'the island of peace' - but this stepping stone in the sea was also vital in times of strife, when the Earls of Orkney, and . Orkney and Shetland Holidays | Wilderness Scotland Please ensure you tick the reCAPTCHA checkbox to show you're not a spam bot! Look out for the gargoyles which a former owner rescued from the Houses of Parliament in London. Enchanting Orkney is a smorgasbord of must-see sites and cultural attractions scattered across70 islands. Specialists in offering a range of adventure holidays, tours and incredible wilderness experiences. Contact usEmail: info@scapatravel.co.ukTelephone: 01856 889040, Our opening hours are:Monday to Friday 10am to 4pmSaturday 11am to 3pm. Days 5-8 Orkney. Currently on offer are holidays to Iceland in winter and summer, plus fantastic trips to The Shetland Isles, Southern Ireland, Hidden France and Romandy Switzerland and the Dordogne. Does equity release affect inheritance tax. Shetland - South Mainland. Day 5. Our Premium category includes a unique collection of luxurious and stylish boutique Guest Houses and small 4* Hotels. If you go above this allowance you may have to pay tax or duty. Everything's taken care of on a Saga escorted tour, so you can see and do more. It's a short drive to our hotel for the next three nights. Overnight Orkney, Take the opportunity to visit one of Orkneys smaller isles. Call for options 01904 521 936. This is a customizable tour and can be tailor-made to your preference. In a land thats been largely tamed, they remain rare unspoiled outposts of rugged coastline and remote beauty. We would also suggest checking your home policy or credit card contract as many suppliers include travel insurance as part of their offering. Popular attractions Orkney Wireless Museum and St. Magnus Cathedral are located . Orkneyinga Saga: The History of the Earls of Orkney - Goodreads Our full season of 2023 cruises and early 2024 cruises are on sale now. If a service charge has already been added, no further tip is required. The drive north covers wonderful coastal scenery and normally takes around 3-4 hours including photo stops and a brief visit to the historic town of Dornoch. Discover squawking seabird colonies, staggering scenery, and some of the best-preserved Neolithic ruins in Europe as you island hop between Mainland . Beautiful beaches, stunning cliffs, ancient settlements and wonderful wildlife-spotting opportunities - Shetland has a lot to offer. Make the most of your time on the islands on this carefully-curated itinerary accessible by flight from central Scotland. Uncover Orkneys Ancient Secrets - Shearings Tours of Shetland and Orkney Islands - Scotland Tours Go Scotland Tours is offering a private guided tour combining the Western Isles of Skye, Harris and Lewis with Orkney. In nearby Scalloway an excellent museum tells the story of the top-secret WWII Shetland Bus operation. With a maximum of 15 passengers per group, you can be sure of . Tastefully decorated and furnished, these properties are generally owned and operated by locals who have a genuine passion for their region which they are keen to share with you. I have never been that far north before. Its a great way to make new friends! I flew from Glasgow to Kirkwall, the main town, instead of tak Reg No: 250017 | VAT No: 817 0144 57 | Copyright McKinlay Kidd Ltd 2023. Uncover Orkney's Ancient Secrets. All we ask is that you write to us within 7 days of your return and explain your reason for claiming the refund. During the course of the day youll normally be travelling for no more than 2 hours at a time before making a stop to enjoy a visit to an attraction or for a comfort break/meal stop. The holiday described is based on taking your own car, but ask us if you would like a fly-drive proposal, flying to and between the islands andhiring a car on each island. Situated just off the north-eastern tip of Scotland on the near-edge of Europe, Shetland, Orkney and the Hebrides are a wilderness in which to shake off the cobwebs. Orkney.com | This is Orkney It makes everything so easy, especially when youre chauffeur driven from your own front door. Non-member fee: 30 per person. Prices are based on two people sharing a room for this six night holiday and includes breakfast in both hotels, ferry crossings from Caithness to Orkney, from Orkney to Shetland and from Lerwick to Aberdeen. Wildflowers bloom throughout the summer, covering the green cliffs with colour and the exquisite . Callanish Standing StonesLocated in the Outer Hebrides on the west coast of Lewis, the Callanish Standing Stones are a must-see attraction for all visitors to the Western Isles. Trade Login Contact 08444 937 531 Destinations UK & Channel Islands. Call and speak to one of our travel experts who have experienced Shetland & Orkney Islands personally. Wed also suggest a day of further island hopping by ferry, perhaps across to nearby Shapinsay for a good stretch of the legs or a visit to more mountainous Hoy for an alternative perspective on the Old Man sea stack. The restaurant prides itself on local produce, prepared to make the most of the fresh flavours. Among the settlements on Mainland, the largest island, is Scalloway, a fishing port. We are obliged to maintain a high standard of service to you by ABTA's Code of Conduct. Island hop the wild Scottish Northern Isles on this week's holiday to Orkney and Shetland From 895 to 1015 7 days ex flights. The Vikings left their mark, such as the beautifully proportioned round church at Orphir as well as their grafitti which we now admire as works of art! These range from traditional luxury to contemporary Hotels. All itineraries and room types are presented subject to availability at specific hotels. Overnight Shetland. All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. Saga Cruises; Disney Cruises; Cruise Ships. P&O Scottish Ferries - Wikipedia On arrival at Gills Bay, we join the famous North Coast 500 route as we make the coastal drive southwards across the Dornoch and Cromarty Firths towards Inverness. All sorts of nature abound here, from seals and otters to ponies and hundreds of birds, making it a wildlife lover's paradise. To make it easier, heres a list of items you should consider packing. Join us on a magnificent expedition cruise to the Orkney, Shetland and Faroe Islands on board Le Boreal. Day 9. This holiday can be arranged from March to October. Orkney Islands, group of more than 70 islands and isletsonly about 20 of which are inhabitedin Scotland, lying about 20 miles (32 km) north of the Scottish mainland, across the strait known as the Pentland Firth. These departure dates can be booked with flights or as land only holiday options. Between the rugged cliffs at Yesnaby in the west and the sandy beaches of Deerness in the east, lie rolling green hills and wild heather moors. Registered office: Gilbridge House, Keel Square, Sunderland SR1 3HA. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Your hotel is an historic building, complete with nooks and crannies, winding corridors, steep steps, creaky floorboards and supposedly a resident ghost. If you are happy with the details you have provided above then click Submit Form to send us your enquiry. If you fancy sampling the local water of life, why not take a tour at the Highland Park Distillery the most northerly whisky distillery in the entire world. Enjoy a relaxing break over the May Day Bank Holiday; Join ORCA on deck of Bolette to spot whales ; From getting to know you by name to remembering your favourite drink at the bar, youll always receive personal, attentive service. Look out for the lighthouse, opened in 1929 its powerful light can be seen from 46 km away. Relaxing hotel-based holidays in the sun, with a Saga host on hand. Arrive into Lerwick, Shetland early this morning. Our last visit of the day is to Skara Brae. The Orkney Islands constitute a council area and belong to the historic county of Orkney. ARE YOU A SOLO TRAVELLER WILLING TO SHARE? 10 Day Shetland and Orkney Tour (self drive) On many tours youll have the chance to personalise your touring experience by participating in some carefully planned optional excursions. Our self-drive touring holiday of Orkney & Shetland gives you the opportunity to experience the landscapes, wildlife and archaeological heritage of these magical, and very different, parts of the UK. Travel back in time to the Stone Age and discover an ancient civilisation at The Heart of Neolithic Orkney a UNESCO World Heritage Site which includes the four awe-inspiring sites of the Ring of Brodgar, the Stones of Stenness, the Maeshowe tomb and Skara Brae. For all their differences, these islands share a similar feel: weather-beaten archipelagos with more in common with the Faroes than mainland Scotland. A BSpoke Tour is all about being as restful or as adventurous as you desire. Our journey continues through the fertile farmland of Angus to reach the granite city of Aberdeen by late afternoon. Both have featured recently on the BBC, yet in very contrasting ways: Orkney is hailed for its rich folklore, prehistoric sitesand abundance of wildlife, while Shetland owes its ever increasing popularity to thehit TV series Shetland based on Ann Cleeves gritty and fictional crime stories. Orkney and Shetland Islands holidays set out for two of the most northerly outposts in Britain. Another day you might head for South Ronaldsay now connected by the famous Churchill Barriers to the Mainland. We love the opportunity to use our first-hand knowledge and experience to design and deliver the perfect, bespoke holiday experience for you. Please note: All fields marked * are required, Please select a date or 1-2 months if flexible. To help us reduce spam, please tick the reCAPTCHA field. Tour Details. A stunning island destination closer to home, the Shetland Isles are one of Scotland's most popular and it is not hard to see why. Registered Office: Enbrook Park, Folkestone, Kent, CT20 3SE. Its just six miles from Skara Brae and has an award-winning restaurant overlooking the loch, serving outstanding Scottish seafood and Aberdeen Angus beef. In 1919 the German Navy scuttled itself as a grand act of defiance and, in 1939, HMS Royal Oak was sunk here by a U-boat. This holiday is based on ferry crossings, starting from the north coast of Scotland near Thurso and returning to Aberdeen. On Mainland the capital, Lerwick, has a good range of shops, restaurants and pubs as well as the outstanding Shetland Museum and Archives and a thriving music scene. Shetland travel guide - Responsible Travel Recently hailed as one of Lonely Planets Best in Europe for 2019, the ruggedly handsome Shetland Islands comprise around 100 different islands with just 15 inhabited. They left carvings behind which are considered to be some of the finest examples of runic inscriptions in the World. Simply pop your details in the box below for the latest news, travel advice, destination inspiration, and special offers delivered straight to your inbox. Borealis. We use your data to prepare holiday proposals and to make bookings for you if you choose to go ahead. FAQsPlease see the FAQ section for more information on this tour. The UKs bestselling monthly subscription magazine. Where Scotland meets Scandinavia, this wild and remote corner of northern Britain is truly remarkable. They constitute the Shetland Islands council area and the historic county of Shetland. Meet Shetland ponies in their natural habitat. Norway To Orkney Sailing In The Wake Of The Vikings - SchoonerSail A holiday to the islands of Orkney and Shetland has it all. Sail away to lands steeped in history, wildlife and stunning scenery, far from the jostling crowds, to the haunting beauty of the Orkney and Shetland Isles. These treasures are of such importance that UNESCO has designated them a World Heritage site. Absolute Escapes has an excellent relationship with a number of car hire operators and we are able to offer quality vehicles and great value for money. Discover our last-minute, luxury, all-inclusive, and many other incredible cruise deals. You will start your journey in the cosmopolitan city of Aberdeen where you will board the well-equipped Northlink Ferry and sail overnight in your modern and comfortable twin-berth cabin. Book your tailor-made holiday to Offers with Premier Holidays. Average salary for Saga Group Mi Analyst in Seaham, England: [salary]. We'll make a visit to view the remarkable paintings that can be found inside the simple corrugated metal exterior. Designed with our guests in mind, our modern sister ships offer small-ship luxury with a private balcony for every guest. All Rights Reserved. AccommodationThe price of this tour includes hotel accommodation/ferry cabin with en-suite bathroom. Wherever you cruise on Spirit of Adventure and Spirit of Discovery, youll always step aboard here in the UK. It is a wild and dramatic place. These tours are inclusive of superior tourist class accommodation, transportation, selected admission fees and many meals. If you're looking to visit the islands north of Scotland, Orkney and Shetland are connected to the mainland and each other by NorthLink Ferries. Jersey; Guernsey; Herm, Sark & Alderney; Isles of Scilly; Isle of Wight ; Isle of Man ; Shetland & Orkney Islands ; North America. Fiercely independent and sprinkled with Scandinavian tradition, this pair of wild windswept archipelagos offer an island-hopping holiday that ticks-off squawking seabird . Comprehensive travel insurance is advised for all other nationals planning on visiting Scotland.If you need to contact the emergency services whilst in Scotland simply dial 999 or 112 to ask for an ambulance. Click the heart icon on the search or holiday pages to pin a holiday. King Charles coronation holiday rejected by Shetland councillors Shetland and the Tall Ships. It's a convenient crossing point for otters too, who, in these islands, are sea-dwelling. As a British citizen you will be entitled to free emergency health care on the NHS.If you are visiting Scotland from outside the United Kingdom and fall ill or are involved in an accident and are from any member of the European Economic Area or Switzerland, you can obtain free or reduced cost treatment with The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). The best time to visit is during what Shetlanders call the . Welcome to life in the easy lane. Known as the Churchill Barriers, we will use these causeways to reach the little island of Lamb Holm. Arrive on Orkney and settle in to the Merkister Hotel. A quick introduction. From jagged cliffs to unspoilt beaches and stone . Find out more in our Shetland travel guide. Small group travel: 2023: 15 Apr, 13 May. A wonderful car tour of the stunning Shetland and Orkney Isles off the far north coast of Scotland, plus some of Scotland's finest castles and gardens on the way. Here we will have some free time to explore this charming town with its stone-paved alleys, granite houses and independent shops. This morning you will enjoy a real treat a wildlife boat trip. Our first walk on Orkney follows a clifftop coastal path from Marwick Bay to the Brough of Birsay, overlooking RSPB Marwick Head reserve. Visit the Bishops and Earls Palaces where you can learn of a time when Orkney was part of the Norse-held kingdom of Nordreyjar. Experience the unique islands of Shetland and Orkney, with mysterious prehistoric sites, natural wonders and breathtaking scenery waiting around every corner. Usually the tour will depart the hotel between 08:00 hrs and 08:30 hrs in the morning. At this fascinating site, we will discover the remains of oval houses from the Bronze Age, an Iron Age broch and Viking longhouses. Shetland and Orkney Islands Tour from Inverness - The Hebridean Explorer Carefully selected en-suite accommodation for 8 nights including traditional Scottish breakfast, Comprehensive information pack and local visitor guidebooks, Personalised itinerary with our recommendations for the best places to eat and drink and sightseeing suggestions, Map of Scotland with our recommended driving route, 9 days rental of an Economy car (other vehicle categories available) including comprehensive insurance, All ferry crossings (as per your itinerary), Transport: Rental car included (optional). We then rejoin our transport for the scenic transfer to Busta House. Overlooking Skaill Bay, we'll discover a settlement of Stone Age houses complete with chairs, beds and dressers all made from stone. The South Mainland awaits today home to some of Shetlands most jaw-drapping scenery and best archeological sites, including the Isle of Mousa where you will encounter the best preserved Broch anywhere in the world. Outstanding scenery, exceptional wildlife, ancient history, traditional crafts and world-class diving. Rooms are simple but homely and all come with TV and tea and coffee making facilities. 2,268. Take the opportunity to visit one of Orkneys smaller isles. How do I get there? Wilderness Ireland take their clients to the most remote and beautiful regions of Ireland, all while staying at the most welcoming accommodations and delivering outstanding customer service. Let Scapa Travel use their extensive local knowledge to create a memorable holiday, tailored specifically for you. The unspoilt landscape of Shetland has a rugged beauty shaped by the sea at the end of the last Ice Age. We will hold your data securely within our organisation, McKinlay Kidd Limited. Travel to the wild and glorious peninsula of Northmavine. Next, sail southwards to reach the Orkney Islands, where we'll discover the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, a UNESCO World Heritage site that includes Skara Brae, Maeshowe and the Ring of Brodgar Stone Circle. Walking is a wonderful way to discover the Orkney Islands. We then have two full days to tour Shetland. Shetland Islands | History, Climate, Population, & Facts In 1850 a fierce storm hit the Orkney Isles and the site of Skara Brae was uncovered; previously it was hidden beneath a grass mound. Orkney Islands | History, Geography, & Facts | Britannica Its difficult not to be inspired by sweeping panoramic views as you stroll along deserted white sandy beaches or gaze up at dramatic sea cliffs created by fierce volcanic eruptions and the ravages of the North Sea. Our smaller ships are the perfect choice if youre cruising solo. These are wonderfully charming and intimate and run with great flair by their owners. Shetland: an epic landscape with a Viking soul | Scotland holidays We depart Aberdeen at 19:00 hrs, and a short time later, dinner will be served in the ship's restaurant. Written in the early 13 th century when Shetland and Orkney were Norse possessions it really centers on Orkney which was undoubtedly the richer and more important of the two island groups. Meanwhile, the rich ancient history and numerous archaeological sites offer a fascinating glimpse into the past, with many details of life preserved. If you fancy sampling the local water of life, why not take a tour at the. Experience the unique islands of Shetland and Orkney, with mysterious prehistoric sites, natural wonders and breathtaking scenery waiting around every corner. Come explor. From wildlife and wool tours to walking holidays and fire festival fun, each celebrate a different aspect of Shetland, so you can choose a trip . Now it forms part of the World Heritage Site in the centre of the Orkney Mainland, along with the tomb of Maes Howe, the Ring of Brodgar and the mighty Standing Stones of Stenness. Orkney & Shetland Guided Island Hopping Holiday - HF Holidays Meanwhile seals laze on rocks beneath the cliffs or nose around the boat. Shetland Islands Map - Scotland, United Kingdom - Mapcarta The breadth of history to be discovered here is without parallel in Scotland and is sure to amaze you. If so, please follow the booking process for a twin room and we will do our best to find you another group member of the same gender to share with. Enjoy a complimentary chauffeur service, wines, premium spirits, speciality dining, gratuities, Wi-Fi and travel insurance. Enjoy a fascinating talk from historian Nick Card on the Orkney Islands' Neolithic past. From Glasgow and Edinburgh, we travel northwards through the Kingdom of Fife to reach Dundee, which sits overlooking the River Tay. In Shetland, inter-island ferry travel is operated by the council , while Orkney Ferries connect the archipelago's 13 island destinations. Getting Here | Orkney.com Discover more at the visitor centre which provides touch-screen presentations and a wide range of artefacts that have excavated from the site. Built in 1600, this castle was once the home of the Earl of Orkney. It was raided by Norsemen in the 12th Century. Citylink buses run to Aberdeen, Gills Bay and Scrabster so you can catch your ferry to the islands. In the afternoon well visit Maes Howe, one of the most treasured Neolithic sites in Europe. Last month I was in Orkney for the first time. Our sociable ships have been designed with more than 100 single balcony cabins, the widest selection on the ocean wave. Earl Sigurd takes control. Please contact us for information on child prices. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and breakfast. Book a package holiday. Also includes hotels in Alderney, Sark and Herm, plus the Isle of Wight, Isles of Scilly, Isle of Man and Shetland & Orkney Islands. Youll find our Escorted Tours to be memorable - for all the right reasons!