In Shetland, inter-island ferry travel is operated by the council , while Orkney Ferries connect the archipelago's 13 island destinations. If you are happy with the details you have provided above then click Submit Form to send us your enquiry. Your hotel is a short drive away from the ferry port, in the islands capital, Kirkwall. If, like us, you cant get enough of the archeological discoveries, head over to Rousay with its Midhowe Broch and Cairn. Archaeological Treasures of Orkney and Shetland, Location:Northlink Ferry (1); Busta, Shetland Islands (1) and Kirkwall, Orkney islands (3), Admission to Scalloway Castle, Jarlshof, Ring of Brodgar, Stenness Standing Stones, Maeshowe, Skara Brae and Italian Chapel, Touring by luxury air-conditioned coach with reclining seats, All baggage handling and hotel tips are included, Services throughout the tour of a professional Tour Director. Search. 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. Overnight Shetland. It makes everything so easy, especially when youre chauffeur driven from your own front door. Its just six miles from Skara Brae and has an award-winning restaurant overlooking the loch, serving outstanding Scottish seafood and Aberdeen Angus beef. Youll find our Escorted Tours to be memorable - for all the right reasons! Embark on an all-inclusive cruise to Scotland in 2023 to visit Invergordon, gateway to the Highlands, Urquhart Castle and Loch Ness, and the fishing town of Scrabster, set close to the famous village of John O'Groats. Call and speak to one of our travel experts who have experienced Shetland & Orkney Islands personally. Shes the beautiful sister to Spirit of Discovery, but has a whole host of surprises of her own, including exciting new restaurants. Depart Lerwick at the end of the afternoon for the overnight journey on the cruise class Northlink Ferries service to Aberdeen. Here we will have some free time to explore this charming town with its stone-paved alleys, granite houses and independent shops. Their warm hospitality is sure to be a highlight of your Scottish experience. Accommodation on board in a double/twin en-suite outer cabin is included in the price. , Duration: 9 Days / 8 Nights. At 1,475 feet (450m) this is Shetlands highest peak. The best time to visit is during what Shetlanders call the . Today is your final day in Shetland, but as the ferry does not leave until late afternoon you could take the opportunity to explore Shetlands ancient capital Scalloway. On Mainland . Supplements may apply. Sign up for our newsletter and be the first to hear about trip news, blogs and offers. All included in the price. From jagged cliffs to unspoilt beaches and stone . Read 20 . If you wish to combine these categories or perhaps upgrade for a special occasion let us know in your enquiry. If you would like to spend an extra night or two on either Orkney or Shetland, wed be delighted to assist. Please note that a family room is normally a standard double or twin room with either a sofa bed or a rollaway bed. Uncover hidden gems and holiday inspiration from our team of travel specialists. Tour Returns: TBA hrs. Discover some of the most important Neolithic sites in Europe and uncover the mysteries of a 5,000 year old civilisation at a UNESCO world heritage site. This island adventure starts with a tour to Aberdeen to catch the overnight ferry service bound for Lerwick in the Shetlands, Britain's most northerly island archipelago. On arrival, we visit Sumburgh Head RSPB reserve. Think of this itinerary as a starting point which can be tailored into something completely unique to you by our award-winning specialists. A short drive to the western side of the Shetland mainland brings us to the old fishing port of Scalloway, which sits overlooking a sheltered bay. Once your unforgettable excursion comes to an end, make your way to your next base. Available May 2023. Group transfer to Sumburgh airport for your return flight. At 1,475 feet (450m) this is Shetlands highest peak. The Italian Prisoners constructed a chapel out of a pair of Nissen Huts. Travel to the spectacular Eshaness Cliffs or hike up to the top of Ronas Hill, Shetlands highest peak, to experience breathtaking views of this dramatic scenery. Later return to Kirkwall where dinner is served in our hotel. To purchase a policy speak to your insurance broker or undertake a search on-line. See the landscapes of Shetland and Orkney; Visit Trshavn, with its Viking heritage; Itinerary From. This week-long fully-escorted Orkney & Shetland tour is a new addition to the McKinlay Kidd programme, building on our extensive knowledge of the destinations. Overnight Orkney. Please note the narcotic plant Khat/Qat is legal in the UK, but is not in a majority of other countries so never try to export this when leaving the UK.If you are visiting from outside of the United Kingdom, it is wise to check customs requirements before you travel. 3.91. The Shetlands were pawned for a further 8,000 florins. A genuine feel pervades this small family owned hotel, located on the edge of Kirkwall. We suggest an early start today - there's a lot to fit in! Advertised flight prices are based on UK flights departing from London. Photo: Lis Burke, CC BY-SA 2.0. If a service charge has already been added, no further tip is required. Built in 1600, this castle was once the home of the Earl of Orkney. Our last visit of the day is to Skara Brae. Book your tailor-made holiday to Offers with Premier Holidays. View our Full Privacy Notice, Read independent reviews from ourcustomers. In certain locations youll may be joined by a local guide who will provide local insight and show you the highlights. Please click here to see full flight schedules to Shetland & Orkney Island. UNESCO World Heritage Site. Contact usEmail: info@scapatravel.co.ukTelephone: 01856 889040, Our opening hours are:Monday to Friday 10am to 4pmSaturday 11am to 3pm. Double room - this is a room for two people sharing one large bed. Where Scotland meets Scandinavia, this wild and remote corner of northern Britain is truly remarkable. Shetland Isles wildlife holiday. Overnight Ferry. These cliffs are bursting with an extraordinary range of wildlife, such as seals, puffins, gannets and whales. Photo: juvlai, CC BY-SA 2.0. Stretching off Scotlands north coast are Shetland and Orkney, two very special archipelagos where Scotland meets Scandinavia. From jagged cliffs to unspoilt beaches and stone circles left by settlers some 4,000 years ago, the region is steeped in age-old history. While these are some of the most impressive ancient sites in Europe, youll find other beguiling places of interest scattered across the whole island chain. To make it easier, heres a list of items you should consider packing. Continue to the rugged Shetland archipelago to visit Lerwick as it hosts the annual Tall Ships Races. Many coaches are equipped with WiFi too. Go Scotland Tours is offering a private guided tour combining the Western Isles of Skye, Harris and Lewis with Orkney. How do I get there? 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. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and breakfast. Day 9. Outstanding scenery, exceptional wildlife, ancient history, traditional crafts and world-class diving. Later we make the short drive to Sumburgh Head, where the waters of the North Sea meet the waves of the Atlantic Ocean. . 8 nights from. The breadth of history to be discovered here is without parallel in Scotland and is sure to amaze you. Please see Terms and Conditions for further details. All sorts of nature abound here, from seals and otters to ponies and hundreds of birds, making it a wildlife lover's paradise. Find out more in our Shetland travel guide. Your leader will be in reception at 18:30 to give you a quick introduction to the holiday before dinner. Modern Slavery & Human Trafficking Statement. Discover more at the visitor centre which provides touch-screen presentations and a wide range of artefacts that have excavated from the site. This morning you will enjoy a real treat a wildlife boat trip. Meanwhile, the rich ancient history and numerous archaeological sites offer a fascinating glimpse into the past, with many details of life preserved. Orphir has a Viking museum, the Orkneyinga Saga Centre, and the remains of Scotland's only . Only a short distance away is Sumburgh Head Nature Reserve with its famous lighthouse overlooking the cliffs. It was raided by Norsemen in the 12th Century. Rated 4.88 out of 5 based on 5,609 reviews. Exciting destinations. 01273 823 700 . 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. At the ancient settlement of Jarlshof you can explore 4,000 years of human history. Wild Atlantic Way Discover Cork & Kerry, North Highlands & Orkney Guided Rail Tour, Loch Ness, The Jacobite & Skye Guided Rail Tour, Don't just take our word for it, read independent reviews, Exploring ancient civilisations in Orkney, The Best of Scotlands Highlands & Islands. Written around AD 1200 by an unnamed Icelandic author, the Orkneyinga Saga is an intriguing fusion of myth, legend and history. Excellent array of hotels and self-catering options across Jersey and Guernsey. Easy to download as a PDF, our trip notes provide detailed information for every holiday. Stop at Weisdale to see artists at work at Shetland Jewellery, before arriving at Northmavine where you could travel to the spectacular Eshaness Cliffs with their imposing lighthouse, or hike up to the top of Ronas Hill. Here you can see evidence of many different eras dating as far back as Neolithic times. Just a short flight from mainland UK and accessible from a wide range of regional airports. 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. Dine on fresh seafood in cosmopolitan Kirkwall and Lerwick, and enjoy an extensive local craft culture. We also include a Boat trip around Noss during your time on Shetland (please note this only runs between May and mid-September). Walking is a wonderful way to discover the Orkney Islands. (Do find time to pop in for a tour of the traditional whisky making process.) Dinner will be served on board and we will arrive in Kirkwall around 23:00 hrs. The ultimate collection of European cycling holidays. Visitors can climb up the tower of the Castle and visit the Scalloway Museum which is located next door. Days 5-8 Orkney. 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. Accept. Shetland: The northernmost part of the UK, Shetland is wild, rugged and beautiful. Lake District, Yorkshire & Hadrians Wall, Classic Yorkshire: Whitby, York & The Dales, East of England: Cambridge, Norfolk & Suffolk. At Aberdeen Harbour, we join the Northlink ferry for the overnight crossing to Shetland. Discover what makes the perfect boutique cruise experience, every time. Orkney and Shetland, being the nearest western land to Norway, would be first visited. Overlooking Skaill Bay, we'll discover a settlement of Stone Age houses complete with chairs, beds and dressers all made from stone. Tour Details. (Read 1 review) Late availability on these dates: 15 Apr, 13 May. This holiday is based on ferry crossings, starting from the north coast of Scotland near Thurso and returning to Aberdeen. Prepare for cool windy weather so that you can take time to enjoy the amazing archeology you visit. Florida; Las Vegas & The West . Only a 20 minute drive from Lerwick, you can discover the ruins of Scalloway Castle, visit Scalloway Museum, or enjoy a stroll through the picturesque harbour. Enjoy a complimentary chauffeur service, wines, premium spirits, speciality dining, gratuities, Wi-Fi and travel insurance. All holidays are subject to availability. All itineraries and room types are presented subject to availability at specific hotels. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Sailing Type - Mostly Coastal Day Sailing but the passage to Fair Isle is an open-water sea passage and there is a chance of an overnight passage on this voyage where you would be part of the watch system. 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. The islands are also blessed with an extraordinary natural beauty. And as more than fifth of our guests cruise solo, youll always be in good company. Jarlshof - explore this historic site, where people lived for more than 4,000 years, to see outstanding examples of Bronze Age and Viking houses, Scalloway - tour through this attractive fishing port that was once the island capital to visit the imposing ruins of 17th Century Scalloway Castle, Maeshowe - investigate this impressive chambered tomb and see the Viking graffiti left 1,000 years ago, Skara Brae - discover how early man lived at this amazingly well-preserved Stone Age settlement of dwelling houses complete with beds and chairs, Kirkwall - enjoy a three-night stay in this bustling port dominated by 12th Century St Magnus Cathedral, Movie locations Moondogs, The Long Hope and The Spy in Black. Please note: All fields marked * are required, Please select a date or 1-2 months if flexible. Single cabins now available on all January to March 2023 cruises. The restaurant prides itself on local produce, prepared to make the most of the fresh flavours. Join us on a stunning journey to the unforgettable Orkney Islands, a little-visited archipelago of some 70 small islands and skerries due north of the Scottish mainland. The Old Man of Hoy. Arrive on Orkney and settle in to the Merkister Hotel. 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. Borealis. Our first walk on Orkney follows a clifftop coastal path from Marwick Bay to the Brough of Birsay, overlooking RSPB Marwick Head reserve. Stretching off Scotland's north coast are Shetland and Orkney, two very special archipelagos where Scotland meets Scandinavia. It's a similar story by rail, with trains available to both Aberdeen . 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. Sign up today and start discovering. 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. They branded their services "P&O Ferries" from 1975 to 1989 and "P&O Scottish Ferries" thereafter. An experienced tour manager will lead the tour and your coach will be expertly driven by a professional driver. In each case, it is not necessarily added to the bill. Non-member fee: 30 per person. Cycling for Softies is a luxury cycling tour operator providing gourmet cycling adventures in France and Italy. 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. Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Revealed. 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. In nearby Scalloway an excellent museum tells the story of the top-secret WWII Shetland Bus operation. Shetland's council workers will not get the extra bank holiday on the Monday after King Charles's coronation. Orkney To Shetland Via Fair Isle & Shetland To Orkney Via Fair Isle. 8 miles (13.5km) with 850 feet (260m) of ascent. When people think of Scotland's islands, it's usually the Hebrides they have in mind. The only medieval chronicle to have Orkney as the central place of action, it tells of an era when the islands were still part of the Viking world, beginning with their conquest by the . Overnight Shetland. Shetland - South Mainland. This amazingly well-preserved village was built 5,000 years ago. The services were taken over by NorthLink Orkney and Shetland Ferries in 2002. This 16th century lairds manor has bags of historic charm, as well as a roaring fireplace for chilly days, and a well-stocked whisky selection. Another day you might head for South Ronaldsay now connected by the famous Churchill Barriers to the Mainland. Spot dolphins and porpoises in the coastal waters, or breeding seabirds such as puffins and guillemots at Hermaness Nature Reserve. Be inspired by local artisans from jewellery-making to storytelling, the creative spirit on these islands has thrived for thousands of years. Everything's taken care of on a Saga escorted tour, so you can see and do more. Nowhere else in Britain, and hardly anywhere else in Europe, can you get so close, so easily, to so many seabirds. Cabin upgrades may also be available on request. Enchanting Orkney is a smorgasbord of must-see sites and cultural attractions scattered across70 islands. Meet Shetland ponies in their natural habitat. Nearby sits the Bishop's Palace and Earl's Palace, which was reputedly built using forced labour. Overnight Orkney, Take the opportunity to visit one of Orkneys smaller isles. Stop at Weisdale to see artists at work at Shetland Jewellery, before arriving at Northmavine where you could travel to the spectacular Eshaness Cliffs with their imposing lighthouse, or hike up to the top of Ronas Hill. USA. The Orkney Islands were the Orcades of ancient classical literature. During our time here will visit the RSPB reserve which is home to many species of seabirds including puffins, guillemots and razorbills. menu. Registered office 11 Bridge Street, Kirkwall, Orkney, KW151 HR. Finally, a laird's house was constructed on the site in the 1600s. In a land that's been largely tamed, they remain rare unspoiled outposts of rugged coastline and remote beauty. From 565, the time when Orkney and Shetland were Christianised, three generations, or ninety-nine years, would be ample time to account for the Pictish ecclesiastical monuments of which the remains have been found. They left carvings behind which are considered to be some of the finest examples of runic inscriptions in the World. Half way between Orkney and Shetland is Fair Isle, a jewel of an island owned by the National Trust for Scotland and famous for its birds, knitwear and historic shipwrecks. Today we explore the heart of Neolithic Orkney. Several of the prisoners have returned to Orkney over the years to assist with the restoration of the building. ARE YOU A SOLO TRAVELLER WILLING TO SHARE? Welcome to life in the easy lane. Topped by a prehistoric chambered burial cairn, the summit offers a breathtaking panorama across this ice-carved landscape. Read more, Need something more tailored? The largest town, Lerwick, is closer to Norway than to Edinburgh, and culturally and geographically they feel more Norse than Scottish. Spend two days exploring some of the many island treasures, including Scalloway Castle and Jarlshof, an outstanding example of a prehistoric and Norse settlement. It's a favourite with twitchers, who flock here to enjoy sensational seabird colonies and rare species. enquiries@absoluteescapes.com. Savour your chance to try lamb with its distinctive flavour due to the seaweed diet of the sheep, or sample local seafood including mouth-watering prawns and delicious stir-fried squid. All room types, other than twin rooms, are subject to availability. 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.

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