Day 9. The natural beauty of Orkneys landscape boasts a rich variety of scenery. Sign up for our newsletter and unlock exclusive tips and inspiration from our team of travel specialists. Watch for dolphins which sometimes play in the bow waves. ARE YOU A SOLO TRAVELLER WILLING TO SHARE? In the Shetlands, its all about Busta House. The UKs bestselling monthly subscription magazine. Check-in: TBA hrs Modern Slavery & Human Trafficking Statement. AccommodationThe price of this tour includes hotel accommodation/ferry cabin with en-suite bathroom. Youll board your ferry to Orkney in the afternoon and arrive in Kirkwall, the historic capital of Orkney, later this evening. Walking is a wonderful way to discover the Orkney Islands. Highlights of Orkney and Shetland6 day/5 night. With over 100 islands contributing to over 1,500 miles of coastline, there is something to discover around every corner, from the entrancing blend of Scottish and Scandinavian culture to the dramatic . 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. At Aberdeen Harbour, we join the Northlink ferry for the overnight crossing to Shetland. In Shetland, inter-island ferry travel is operated by the council , while Orkney Ferries connect the archipelago's 13 island destinations. We can book package holidays including flights from the UK, hotel . How do I get there? Built in 1600, this castle was once the home of the Earl of Orkney. 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. You do not have any pinned holidays. Enjoy 3 days (3 nights) in Orkney. These cliffs are bursting with an extraordinary range of wildlife, such as seals, puffins, gannets and whales. Well also visit the impressive archaeological site of Jarlshof. Come explor. If a service charge has already been added, no further tip is required. The beautiful Cairngorms National Park will bring us to the Pass of Drumocher and Highland Perthshire beyond. This amazingly well-preserved village was built 5,000 years ago. Overlooking Skaill Bay, we'll discover a settlement of Stone Age houses complete with chairs, beds and dressers all made from stone. A BSpoke Tour is all about being as restful or as adventurous as you desire. Wildlife watching here is superb. Please contact us for information on child prices. If you fancy some retail therapy, Kirkwall has a wealth of independent shops and craftworkers studios to be explored. On many tours youll have the chance to personalise your touring experience by participating in some carefully planned optional excursions. Meanwhile seals laze on rocks beneath the cliffs or nose around the boat. Take the strain off holiday planning with a bespoke package holiday or group trip to Shetland. The unspoilt landscape of Shetland has a rugged beauty shaped by the sea at the end of the last Ice Age. We'll make a visit to view the remarkable paintings that can be found inside the simple corrugated metal exterior. Free time will let you explore Kirkwall and St Magnus Cathedral before setting sail for the mainland. Overnight Orkney. In nearby Scalloway an excellent museum tells the story of the top-secret WWII Shetland Bus operation. Getting to Orkney via public transport is simple. Arrive on Orkney and settle in to the Merkister Hotel. Citylink buses run to Aberdeen, Gills Bay and Scrabster so you can catch your ferry to the islands. Tallest Sea Cliffs in Britain. Scattered off the northeast coast of Scotland, Orkney and the Shetland Islands are staggeringly beautiful. Our Premium category includes a unique collection of luxurious and stylish boutique Guest Houses and small 4* Hotels. Spirit of Discovery departing Dover. 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. We use cookies to provide you with the best online experience. All itineraries and room types are presented subject to availability at specific hotels. Youll find comfortable public areas with free Wi-Fi, as well as a cosy bar, and handy drying facilities, too. Take the opportunity to visit one of Orkneys smaller isles. Sign up for latest offers and top sellers. 8 nights from. For all their differences, these islands share a similar feel: weather-beaten archipelagos with more in common with the Faroes than mainland Scotland. This mysterious tomb was built from huge sandstone blocks over 5,000 years ago and aligns perfectly with the winter solstice testament to an advanced knowledge of astronomy by its architects. Known as the Churchill Barriers, we will use these causeways to reach the little island of Lamb Holm. Everything's taken care of on a Saga escorted tour, so you can see and do more. 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 . Discover your ideal travel experience. Outstanding scenery, exceptional wildlife, ancient history, traditional crafts and world-class diving. Booking holidays since 1939, ATOL Protected. But the surrounding dwellings and outbuildings date from thousands of years earlier. 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. It's a favourite with twitchers, who flock here to enjoy sensational seabird colonies and rare species. Tour Departs: TBA hrs Copyright 2018 Premier Holidays Ltd | Calls cost 7p per minute plus your phone companys access charge. Historic and Cultural Tours. Our local guide will help you to discover ancient civilisations, archaeological delights and bountiful wildlife from our base in the island capital of Kirkwall. We will never share your data with third parties for marketing purposes. Prepare for cool windy weather so that you can take time to enjoy the amazing archeology you visit. 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. From area guides to interesting articles and event guides, NorthLink Ferries have everything you'll need to enjoy a fantastic holiday in the unique and memorable Orkney and Shetland islands. They are home to a vast array of seabirds and unusual Scottish fauna, such as the rare Scottish Primrose, which means that the natural environment plays a starring role in any trip to these islands. Ferry: Sail from Shetland to Orkney on the evening sailing on a Monday, Wednesday & Friday, depart Lerwick at 1730 and arrive in Kirkwall at 2300. This mysterious place of long days and colourful night skies is home to a wealth of sea life and sea birds, not . USA. Scattered off Scotland's northeast coast, this wild windswept archipelago offers a far-from-it-all feel just a skip away from the mainland. Enjoy a fascinating talk from historian Nick Card on the Orkney Islands' Neolithic past. Local Laws and CustomsQueuing is a British Institution - jump a queue at your own risk!Drug offences will carry penalties in the UK, so avoid getting involved with anything whilst in Scotland. Photo: juvlai, CC BY-SA 2.0. 9 miles (15.5 km) with 1,280 feet (380m) of ascent. Tour departure and return times will be advised in your tour documentation. From 799pp. 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. We love the opportunity to use our first-hand knowledge and experience to design and deliver the perfect, bespoke holiday experience for you. 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. The Tower has been restored over the past century, however not all of the original structure still remains. Cruising is another great way of accessing this remote Scottish wilderness, allowing you to explore in comfort. We are obliged to maintain a high standard of service to you by ABTA's Code of Conduct. Although parts date back to the 1500s, most of the building was completed in the eighteenth century by a wealthy landowning family as their own home. 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. 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. A selection of cruises incorporating the islands are available, with ports of call including Stornoway (Isle of Lewis) and Kirkwall (Isle of Orkney), as well as Edinburgh. 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. Departing by Coach. Almost but not quite a separate island, Northmavine is joined to the rest of the Shetland Mainland at Mavis Grind where the relentless Atlantic Ocean has nearly cut through to the North Sea. Although a remote wilderness, there is a lot to do in Shetland, Orkney and the Hebrides. The Ring of Brodgar in the Heart of Neolithic Orkney. Further south on Mainland is Sumburgh Head, an ideal spot for twitchers with unobstructed views of the seabird colonies; Old Scatness, a recently excavated Iron Age village; and the Jarlshof Prehistoric and Norse settlements, with archaeological treasures from over 4,000 years. Many people have landed there before you . Enchanting Orkney is a smorgasbord of must-see sites and cultural attractions scattered across70 islands. 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. Your hotel is a short drive away from the ferry port, in the islands capital, Kirkwall. Group transfer to Sumburgh airport for your return flight. Days 5-8 Orkney. The island's attractions include . Jersey; Guernsey; Herm, Sark & Alderney; Isles of Scilly; Isle of Wight ; Isle of Man ; Shetland & Orkney Islands ; North America. All included in the price. 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. Florida; Las Vegas & The West . Think of this itinerary as a starting point which can be tailored into something completely unique to you by our award-winning specialists. 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. Today you'll be heading south to experience remarkable heritage sites. If you go above this allowance you may have to pay tax or duty. Aberdeen and Caithness, the Scottish Mainland are where the ferries sail from are also covered, and you'll find business listings also to help you plan . Meanwhile, the rich ancient history and numerous archaeological sites offer a fascinating glimpse into the past, with many details of life preserved. It's a short drive to our hotel for the next three nights. Once your unforgettable excursion comes to an end, make your way to your next base. This expanse of water has played witness to some monumental events. 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. Shetland: The northernmost part of the UK, Shetland is wild, rugged and beautiful. Are you sure you would like to continue with this room size? Spend some time exploring this fascinating seaport where you could visit. 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. Overnight Ferry. . We use your data to prepare holiday proposals and to make bookings for you if you choose to go ahead. Only a short distance away is Sumburgh Head Nature Reserve with its famous lighthouse overlooking the cliffs. P&O Iona; Anthem of the Seas; Regal Princess; MSC Virtuosa; Queen Mary 2 . The islanders themselves feel a strong local identity and you can be guaranteed a warm island welcome and some fantastic local fresh food. Non-member fee: 30 per person. Shes the beautiful sister to Spirit of Discovery, but has a whole host of surprises of her own, including exciting new restaurants. Accept. Later we make the short drive to Sumburgh Head, where the waters of the North Sea meet the waves of the Atlantic Ocean. Registered office: Gilbridge House, Keel Square, Sunderland SR1 3HA. Shetland's other great Viking site is over on the northern island of Unst, reached by a succession of roll-on, roll-off car ferries from Mainland, the largest island in the group. 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. Experience the unique islands of Shetland and Orkney, with mysterious prehistoric sites, natural wonders and breathtaking scenery waiting around every corner. Wilderness Walking The Knoydart Peninsula, Wilderness Walking England Coast to Coast, Wilderness Walking Arran: Scotland in Miniature, Wilderness Walking Northumberland and TheLakeDistrict, Wilderness Walking Outer Hebrides: Uists, Barra & Mingulay, Wilderness Walking High Points of the OuterHebrides, Wilderness Walking Glencoe and the Highlands, Wilderness Walking High Points of the Lake District, Wilderness Walking The Coast of Cornwall, Wilderness Walking Outer Hebrides and Skye, Wilderness Walking Cairngorms National Park & Royal Deeside, Wilderness Walking Autumn in Perthshire, Road Cycling TheNorthCoast500: Highlights, Wildlife Adventures Autumn Wildlife Islay, Wildlife Adventures The Scottish Highlands, Wildlife Adventures Mull, Staffa & Iona, Wildlife Adventures A Rewilding Journey in the Cairngorms, Photography Skye and the West Highlands, Sailing and Walking Knoydart, Skye and TheSmallIsles, Self Catering Family Adventure Outer Hebrides, The Great Family Adventure Treasure Highlands, Self Guided + Cycling Skye and the Inner Hebrides, Self Guided+ Cycling The Outer Hebrides, Self Drive Collection Highland Perthshire, Self Drive Collection Ben Nevis & The West, Self Drive Winter Highland Explorations, Self-Drive Winter Highland CosyCairngorms, Low Carbon Adventure Scottish Highlands, Road Cycling TheNorthCoast500: Classic, Guided In The Footsteps of RabbieBurns, Guided Scottish Highlands Multi-Activity Adventure, On an Orkney holiday you will experience the. These departure dates can be booked with flights or as land only holiday options. 3.91. This iconic sea stack is only a few hundred years old. Average salary for Saga Group Mi Analyst in Seaham, England: [salary]. The holiday ideas on our website are just examples of the amazing trips we offer. The coach will continue on to Glasgow, for passengers wishing to end their tour there. Arrive into Lerwick, Shetland early this morning. Call and speak to one of our travel experts who have experienced Shetland & Orkney Islands personally. If you enjoy the art of first-class travel whilst enjoying amazing value then an Escorted Tour is just for you. If you would like to spend an extra night or two on either Orkney or Shetland, wed be delighted to assist. We would also suggest checking your home policy or credit card contract as many suppliers include travel insurance as part of their offering. After rejoining the ship for an evening sailing to Kirkwall, we have a further two full days touring Orkney, before our short crossing back to the mainland. Judi Florence Self Guided - The West Highland Way Reviewed on 08/10/2018. Enjoy 4 days (3 nights) in Shetland. 2,268. Theres an opportunity to learn about Shetlands heritage at the Tangwick Haa museum today as we circumnavigate the beautiful Eshaness peninsula. Spend two days exploring some of the many island treasures, including Scalloway Castle and Jarlshof, an outstanding example of a prehistoric and Norse settlement. The Norsmen left their mark on the islands and some of the Norse legends and customs are still kept alive during festivals . (Read 1 review) Late availability on these dates: 15 Apr, 13 May. All sorts of nature abound here, from seals and otters to ponies and hundreds of birds, making it a wildlife lover's paradise. A key event in the global calendar, the annual Up Helly Aa Winter Fire . Twin room - this is a room for two people sleeping in two separate beds. 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). Wildflowers bloom throughout the summer, covering the green cliffs with colour and the exquisite . These tours are inclusive of superior tourist class accommodation, transportation, selected admission fees and many meals. Accommodation on board in a double/twin en-suite outer cabin is included in the price. Enjoy a relaxing break over the May Day Bank Holiday; Join ORCA on deck of Bolette to spot whales ; Continue to the rugged Shetland archipelago to visit Lerwick as it hosts the annual Tall Ships Races. The Italian Prisoners constructed a chapel out of a pair of Nissen Huts. More likely we will be sailing for part of a night or a very early/late start and a long day. A collection of quality 4* Guest Houses and 3* Hotels often located in beautiful locations which provide an excellent standard of accommodation. Spot dolphins and porpoises in the coastal waters, or breeding seabirds such as puffins and guillemots at Hermaness Nature Reserve. Beautiful beaches, stunning cliffs, ancient settlements and wonderful wildlife-spotting opportunities - Shetland has a lot to offer. Includes 9 nights accommodation (2 of which will be on the ferry to and from Shetland) and ferry costs. 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. All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. We depart Aberdeen at 19:00 hrs, and a short time later, dinner will be served in the ship's restaurant. Pop into the Shetland Crofthouse Museum in Dunrossness, a restored 19th century Shetland croft which was inhabited until the 1960s. 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. We suggest an early start today - there's a lot to fit in! 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. In some cases, due to ferry or other travel connections, the tour may depart earlier or arrive later your tour director will advise you if this will be happening on your tour. Rated 4.88 out of 5 based on 5,609 reviews. It's a convenient crossing point for otters too, who, in these islands, are sea-dwelling. Iona AbbeyOne of Scotland's most sacred and historic sites, the Abbey was founded in 563AD and it still retains its spiritual atmosphere today. On Mainland, is the capital Kirkwall whose sights include St Magnus Cathedral, the Bishops and Earls palaces and the Orkney Museum. 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. Single cabins now available on 2023 winter cruises, Interest rates and costs of equity release. 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. Specialists in offering a range of adventure holidays, tours and incredible wilderness experiences. Today visitors can see eight dwellings, each connected by a series of low passageways. It was raided by Norsemen in the 12th Century. Sign up for our newsletter and be the first to hear about trip news, blogs and offers. Nowhere in Shetland is more than 3 miles from the sea and along the 1,697 miles of coastline you will find some of Britains highest cliffs, s Sumburgh airport, 25 miles south of Lerwick, is open 7 days a week, and direct flights operate from Aberdeen (1hr), Inverness (1hr), Edinburgh and Glasgow(both 1hr 30 mins) with Loganair. This means one or two nights at sea followed by sailing in Shetland and Orkney. Then trace . Once checked-in onboard head to your comfortable twin-berth cabin with en-suite bathroom or enjoy time exploring the ship's many facilities. Day 1 - Departing Inverness with a morning drive to the far North of Scotland and the ferry port of Scrabster, near Thurso. 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. A holiday to the islands of Orkney and Shetland has it all. At 1,475 feet (450m) this is Shetlands highest peak. Family room - this is a room for three people sleeping in one large bed (2 people) and one single bed (1 person). Outside these hours you can email one of our team atreservations@hfholidays.co.uk, or make a booking online. Join us on a magnificent expedition cruise to the Orkney, Shetland and Faroe Islands on board Le Boreal. From jagged cliffs to unspoilt beaches and stone . Borealis. Orkney is a land of opportunity forged by 5,000 years of unique history. From Glasgow and Edinburgh, we travel northwards through the Kingdom of Fife to reach Dundee, which sits overlooking the River Tay. During the hour-long sailing look out for porpoises, dolphins and minke whales that can often be seen. This area of great archaeological significance includes Skara Brae, Europes best-preserved Stone Age village; the Ring of Brodgar; the Stones of Stenness and the Maeshowe chambered tomb. 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. Contact us via email: Language: EnglishCurrency: Pound SterlingTime Zone: GMTTipping: 10 to 12% is usual for hotels with 10 to 15% being usual for restaurants. From here you can gaze out to the Muckle Flugga lighthouse. We guarantee to refund this service charge if you believe that arranging your holiday through McKinlay Kidd has not met your expectations for value. 8.4/5 (52 reviews) Great place! Sign up today and start discovering. Inspiring options. Explore prehistoric sites and experience a very different way of life. The card payment providers above are used for taking your payments by operators featured on our site. Before your departure, you will receive personalised holiday information including full directions, recommended routes, and suggestions on places to visit depending on your interests and our local knowledge to help you get the most from your holiday. Scotland's Northern Isles by Motorhome. Please note that a family room is normally a standard double or twin room with either a sofa bed or a rollaway bed. Shetland's council workers will not get the extra bank holiday on the Monday after King Charles's coronation. Spirit of Discovery departing Tilbury. Their warm hospitality is sure to be a highlight of your Scottish experience. 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. Shetland and the Tall Ships. Please see Terms and Conditions for further details. The wild landscapes featureintricate coastlines marked by towering cliffs, deep caves and giant rock stacks which make for an inspiring backdrop for various activities such as walking and sea kayaking. Later you could take a 10 minute ferry journey to the Isle of Bressay to explore the rich natural heritage and incredible wildlife. This afternoon we tour through the island, and as we make our journey hopefully, we will see some native Shetland ponies grazing in their fields. 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. The diversity of these islands is astounding, a distinctive mixture of Scandinavian history scattered across a rugged Scottish landscape, and a self-drive holiday of Shetland and Orkney guarantees memories to last a lifetime. 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. The Orkneyinga saga (Old Norse: [orknyje s]; also called the History of the Earls of Orkney and Jarls' Saga) is a narrative of the history of the Orkney and Shetland islands and their relationship with other local polities, particularly Norway and Scotland.The saga has "no parallel in the social and literary record of Scotland" and is "the only medieval chronicle to have . The services were taken over by NorthLink Orkney and Shetland Ferries in 2002. Take the ferry from Stromness to Scrabster on the Scottish mainland, where your self-drive tour of Orkney and Shetland will come to an end. On Mainland . 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. Orkney, an ancient cluster of 70 islands brimming with history and dramatic coastlines, lie off the north west coast of Scotland.
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