Our local guide will help you to discover ancient civilisations, archaeological delights and bountiful wildlife from our base in the island capital of Kirkwall. Youre also sure to come across plenty of roaming Shetland ponies on your travels. We'll always treat your personal details with the utmost care. Stretching off Scotland's north coast are Shetland and Orkney, two very special archipelagos where Scotland meets Scandinavia. 10 Day Shetland & Orkney Car Tour. This morning you will enjoy a real treat a wildlife boat trip. Make the most of your time on the islands on this carefully-curated itinerary accessible by flight from central Scotland. The islands are a birdwatchers' paradise and one of the major seabird breeding and feeding areas in the North Atlantic. Explore Shetland & Orkney by Motorhome Discover the Castle of Mey and its magnificent gardens. Orkney & Shetland Start your journey by travelling from Orkney from Scrabster near Thurso, where you will find your hotel which is . Pop into the Shetland Crofthouse Museum in Dunrossness, a restored 19th century Shetland croft which was inhabited until the 1960s. Orkney To Shetland Via Fair Isle & Shetland To Orkney Via Fair Isle. 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. Rated 4.88 out of 5 based on 5,609 reviews. On many tours youll have the chance to personalise your touring experience by participating in some carefully planned optional excursions. 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 islands geographic location makes it a crossroad for wildlife. Their warm hospitality is sure to be a highlight of your Scottish experience. During the summer it is still light when you arrive. 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. Buses and trains to Orkney. Another day you might head for South Ronaldsay now connected by the famous Churchill Barriers to the Mainland. Wildlife watching here is superb. Then trace . Book your tailor-made holiday to Offers with Premier Holidays. These tours are immensely popular so expect to be travelling in the company of like-minded travellers from around the world. Beautiful beaches, stunning cliffs, ancient settlements and wonderful wildlife-spotting opportunities - Shetland has a lot to offer. Shetland & Orkney Island - Premier Holidays It's a favourite with twitchers, who flock here to enjoy sensational seabird colonies and rare species. The Orkney Islands constitute a council area and belong to the historic county of Orkney. Your hotel is a short drive away from the ferry port, in the islands capital, Kirkwall. Judi Florence Self Guided - The West Highland Way Reviewed on 08/10/2018. Experience the unique islands of Shetland and Orkney, with mysterious prehistoric sites, natural wonders and breathtaking scenery waiting around every corner. Single cabins now available on all January to March 2023 cruises. We will make it easy for you to opt-out of receiving communications, to check what data we hold on you or to request us to delete your data altogether. Available May 2023. Based on 1 salaries posted anonymously by Saga Group Mi Analyst employees in Seaham, England. Standing guard to warn the passing ships is the Sumburgh Lighthouse, designed by the grandfather of the famous author Robert Louis Stevenson. Day 9. Orkney and Shetland, off the north coast of Scotland. Youll board your ferry to Orkney in the afternoon and arrive in Kirkwall, the historic capital of Orkney, later this evening. But the surrounding dwellings and outbuildings date from thousands of years earlier. BSpoke's cycling experts can tailor-make your perfect cycling holiday where you can travel at your own pace or in a group of like-minded individuals. Tour Departs: TBA hrs Shetland and Orkney Islands Tour from Inverness - The Hebridean Explorer 8 miles (13.5km) with 850 feet (260m) of ascent. The nature reserve is the perfect place to spot seabirds such as puffins, guillemots and kittiwakes. We only share data with business partners where it is necessary to fulfil our service. Enjoy 3 days (3 nights) in Orkney. EU nationals need to have either a valid passport or identity card.Visas for the UK are not required by those travelling from Australia, Canada, USA or EU for stays of up to six months.Any other nationality looking to visit the UK must contact the local embassy to check visa requirements. British Isles Cruises 2023 | Cruising Holidays 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. 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. To purchase a policy speak to your insurance broker or undertake a search on-line. Shetland: an epic landscape with a Viking soul | Scotland holidays Overnight Shetland. Fiercely independent and sprinkled with Scandinavian tradition, this pair of wild windswept archipelagos offer an island-hopping holiday that ticks-off squawking seabird . Stretching off Scotlands north coast are Shetland and Orkney, two very special archipelagos where Scotland meets Scandinavia. I have never been that far north before. During the hour-long sailing look out for porpoises, dolphins and minke whales that can often be seen. Tour Returns: TBA hrs, Outside Reception at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Edinburgh111 Glasgow Road Edinburgh EH12 8NF, Check-in: TBA hrs 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 Archaeology Tours | Andante Travels Language: EnglishCurrency: Pound SterlingTime Zone: GMTTipping: 10 to 12% is usual for hotels with 10 to 15% being usual for restaurants. Our home for tonight is in the delightful village of Bray which overlooks Busta Voe. Orkney and Shetland Islands holidays set out for two of the most northerly outposts in Britain. There are so many reasons why Saga stands out from other cruise lines. If, like us, you cant get enough of the archeological discoveries, head over to Rousay with its Midhowe Broch and Cairn. Fair Isle | Shetland.org 7 miles (12km) with 1,360 feet (420m) of ascent. . The island's attractions include . Find out everything you need to know about planning a trip to Scotland's incredible Northern Isles. We will hold your data securely within our organisation, McKinlay Kidd Limited. Later we make the short drive to Sumburgh Head, where the waters of the North Sea meet the waves of the Atlantic Ocean. Balmoral Cruise Deals - Planet Cruise Well also visit the Ring of Brodgar and the Standing Stones of Stenness, which together with Skara Brae and Maes How, form the Heart of Neolithic Orkney UNESCO World Heritage Site. Shetland travel guide - Responsible Travel Built in 1600, this castle was once the home of the Earl of Orkney. It is a wild and dramatic place. We love the opportunity to use our first-hand knowledge and experience to design and deliver the perfect, bespoke holiday experience for you. Finally, a laird's house was constructed on the site in the 1600s. Citylink buses run to Aberdeen, Gills Bay and Scrabster so you can catch your ferry to the islands. Our Premium category includes a unique collection of luxurious and stylish boutique Guest Houses and small 4* Hotels. This mysterious place of long days and colourful night skies is home to a wealth of sea life and sea birds, not . The Orkney Mainland is just Getting to Orkney can be easier and quicker than you may think. Uncover hidden gems and holiday inspiration from our team of travel specialists. We will discover more about this rather unpleasant character and his tyrannical ways during our visit. These unique islands are home to some of the most breathtaking coastal scenery to be found anywhere in Britain. During the Neolithic and Early Bronze Age, the people of Orkney and Shetland were among the first in Britain to begin building Megalithic chamber tombs and later henge monuments. Scapa Travel sells travel services on behalf of Hays Travel Limited and benefits from Hays Travel's membership of ABTA with membership number P8418. Tours of Shetland and Orkney Islands - Scotland Tours 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. Think of this itinerary as a starting point which can be tailored into something completely unique to you by our award-winning specialists. To help us reduce spam, please tick the reCAPTCHA field. The UK has a famously unpredictable climate so it's best to be prepared for weather thats sunny one minute and raining the next. Although a remote wilderness, there is a lot to do in Shetland, Orkney and the Hebrides. USA. Spend two days exploring some of the many island treasures, including Scalloway Castle and Jarlshof, an outstanding example of . Tour Returns: TBA hrs. 9 miles (14km) with 1,060 feet (320m) of ascent. Please click below to find the trip notes for your departure date. Guided wildlife tour of Shetland Isles. Trade Login Contact 08444 937 531 Destinations UK & Channel Islands. 9 miles (14km) with 760 feet (230m) of ascent. Only a short distance away is Sumburgh Head Nature Reserve with its famous lighthouse overlooking the cliffs. Spirit of Discovery departing Tilbury. HF Holidays LimitedUnit 1, First FloorImperial PlaceMaxwell RoadBorehamwoodHertfordshire WD6 1JNUnited Kingdom, Monday to Friday: 9.00am - 5.30pmSaturday: 9.00am - 1.00pmSunday: ClosedBank Holidays: 9.00am - 1.00pm. 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. This holiday is based on ferry crossings, starting from the north coast of Scotland near Thurso and returning to Aberdeen. Group transfer to Sumburgh airport for your return flight. Are you sure you would like to continue with this room size? Scottish Islands & Island Hopping | VisitScotland The Shetland Islands are the UNBELIEVABLE Hidden Treasure of Scotland, the northernmost point of the United Kingdom and formerly part of Norway. 638 ratings70 reviews. Norway To Orkney Sailing In The Wake Of The Vikings - SchoonerSail Join us on a magnificent expedition cruise to the Orkney, Shetland and Faroe Islands on board Le Boreal. Discover our last-minute, luxury, all-inclusive, and many other incredible cruise deals. Take in the breathtaking Old Man of Hoy a 450 foot sea stack and perhaps Orkneys most famous landmark. Duration 6 Days. All room types, other than twin rooms, are subject to availability. The islands are also blessed with an extraordinary natural beauty. An interesting tour, with lots of great historical commentary and beautiful landscapes. More details & Book Bank Holiday Escape to Scenic Scotland . Departing by Coach. Enjoy 4 days (3 nights) in Shetland. Rooms are simple but homely and all come with TV and tea and coffee making facilities. Our first walk on Orkney follows a clifftop coastal path from Marwick Bay to the Brough of Birsay, overlooking RSPB Marwick Head reserve. 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. 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. 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. All packages that include flights are ATOL protected. The sea route from the coast of Norway due west to the remotest parts of the British Isles is a classic offshore voyage of around 200 miles. Small group travel: 2023: 15 Apr, 13 May. Be inspired by local artisans from jewellery-making to storytelling, the creative spirit on these islands has thrived for thousands of years. Click the heart icon on the search or holiday pages to pin a holiday. 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. Includes 9 nights accommodation (2 of which will be on the ferry to and from Shetland) and ferry costs. 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. Discover their all-balcony cabins, huge choice of included speciality restaurants and bars, and an outdoor lido with a full wraparound deck. Dinner will be served on board and we will arrive in Kirkwall around 23:00 hrs. Later this afternoon we travel to the port to join the ferry bound for the Orkney Islands. Contact usEmail: info@scapatravel.co.ukTelephone: 01856 889040, Our opening hours are:Monday to Friday 10am to 4pmSaturday 11am to 3pm. 895 per person for March, 945 per person for April & October, 985 per person for May & September and 1015 per person for June to August. Rated 4.88 out of 5 based on 5,609 reviews. Many people have landed there before you . All Rights Reserved. Once we make landfall expect day sailing among the islands and skerries. In a land that's been largely tamed, they remain rare unspoiled outposts of rugged coastline and remote beauty. It was raided by Norsemen in the 12th Century. Our last visit of the day is to Skara Brae. Scattered off the northeast coast of Scotland, Orkney and the Shetland Islands are staggeringly beautiful. Overlooking Skaill Bay, we'll discover a settlement of Stone Age houses complete with chairs, beds and dressers all made from stone. Spot dolphins and porpoises in the coastal waters, or breeding seabirds such as puffins and guillemots at Hermaness Nature Reserve. A chat with your warm and friendly hosts and fellow guests over breakfast will arm you with local knowledge and tips for the day ahead. Saga Cruises; Disney Cruises; Cruise Ships. Welcome to life in the easy lane. 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. The innovative Shetland Museum and Archives tells the fascinating story of these islands and is well worth visiting. Simply pop your details in the box below for the latest news, travel advice, destination inspiration, and special offers delivered straight to your inbox. ABTA and ABTA Members help holidaymakers to get the most from their travel and assist them when things do not go according to plan. More likely we will be sailing for part of a night or a very early/late start and a long day. Enjoy free time in Kirkwall this morning. 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. Later you could take a 10 minute ferry journey to the Isle of Bressay to explore the rich natural heritage and incredible wildlife. How does the Care Funding Advice Service work? Your Holiday in Shetland and Orkney | NorthLink Ferries These tours are carefully researched and combine quality hotels, luxury travel, informative visits and leisure time. Copyright 2016 - 2023 Scapa Travel. We then have two full days to tour Shetland. In the afternoon well visit Maes Howe, one of the most treasured Neolithic sites in Europe. Providing inspiring active experiences, immerse yourself in the unique landscapes, history, culture and wildlife on a Wilderness England adventure. 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. 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. Please note: All fields marked * are required, Please select a date or 1-2 months if flexible. We would also suggest checking your home policy or credit card contract as many suppliers include travel insurance as part of their offering. But there are two other, very distinctive, island groups off Scotland's north coast that are well worth the effort of reaching: Orkney and Shetland. 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. Outer two berth cabins included on the Orkney to Shetland and Shetland to Aberdeen crossings. Scotland's Northern Isles by Motorhome. Exciting destinations. Usually the coach will arrive at the overnight stop between 16:30 and 17:00 hrs each day. If you are happy with the details you have provided above then click Submit Form to send us your enquiry. Check-in: TBA hrs The Old Man of Hoy. Orkney, an ancient cluster of 70 islands brimming with history and dramatic coastlines, lie off the north west coast of Scotland. UNESCO World Heritage Site. 2,268. enquiries@absoluteescapes.com. A fitting finale to the holiday, this walk along the magnificent granite coastline around Muckle Roe offers a chance to admire the windswept isolation and remote beauty of Shetland. Do take a walk in the gardens which stretch down to the water. Visit Orkney & Shetland | Orkney & Shetland Holidays - McKinlay Kidd 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. [1] Registered office 11 Bridge Street, Kirkwall, Orkney, KW151 HR. Already a firm favourite since her launch in 2019, step aboard Spirit of Discovery and discover the ships selection of grand public rooms, restaurants, balcony cabins and outside spaces. Scattered off Scotland's northeast coast, this wild windswept archipelago offers a far-from-it-all feel just a skip away from the mainland. The UKs bestselling monthly subscription magazine. Any additional charge for the single supplement will be confirmed at the point of final payment and bookings are accepted on this understanding. Calls cost 7p per minute plus your phone companys access charge. 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. 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 . Today visitors can see eight dwellings, each connected by a series of low passageways. 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. In West Mainland, dont miss the hauntingly beautiful Heart of Neolithic Orkney UNESCO World Heritage Site. Be the first to hear about all things HF Holidays. Scattered off the northeast coast of Scotland, Orkney and the Shetland Islands are staggeringly beautiful. Shetland & Orkney Holiday - Hart Holidays Scottish Holiday Specialist VAT Number 125 4899 87. Later return to Kirkwall where dinner is served in our hotel. Orkney and Shetland Tour | Brightwater Holidays Read 20 . At the Isle of Hoy you can visit Scapa Flow Visitor Centre and learn the fascinating story of this naval anchorage in the two world wars. Enjoy a relaxing break over the May Day Bank Holiday; Join ORCA on deck of Bolette to spot whales ; Sign up for latest offers and top sellers. Popular attractions Orkney Wireless Museum and St. Magnus Cathedral are located . Let us know if we can tailor-make it for you to link with a self-drive tour of the Scottish Highlands. This is a far cry in both style and location from a chain hotel and all rooms are individually decorated. Enjoy a fascinating talk from historian Nick Card on the Orkney Islands' Neolithic past. 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. All itineraries and room types are presented subject to availability at specific hotels. Where Scotland meets Scandinavia, this wild and remote corner of northern Britain is truly remarkable. The capital, Lerwick, is home to Shetlands main museum and local art centre by the harbour, as well as various locations used in the filming of the Shetland TV series. Depart Lerwick at the end of the afternoon for the overnight journey on the cruise class Northlink Ferries service to Aberdeen. Britain's original ski travel agency and tailor-made ski tour operator, Ski Solutions has been arranging ski holidays for over 30 years across Europe and North America. As you sail below, the screeching is deafening, and youll feel very outnumbered, a stranger invading their territory. 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. Overnight Ferry. Just a short flight from mainland UK and accessible from a wide range of regional airports. 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. 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. But forget the . All included in the price. Please note that a family room is normally a standard double or twin room with either a sofa bed or a rollaway bed. 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. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. This self drive holiday to Orkney and Shetland gives you the opportunity to experience the wonderful landscapes, fascinating wildlife and archaeological heritage of these magical, and very different parts of the UK. This holiday can be arranged from March to October. Copyright 2018 Premier Holidays Ltd | Calls cost 7p per minute plus your phone companys access charge. Designed with our guests in mind, our modern sister ships offer small-ship luxury with a private balcony for every guest. Highlights of Orkney & Shetland. 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. However, some airlines will insist you show a passport so check before you travel.If you are travelling to Scotland from Australia, Canada or the USA, you must have a valid passport for at least three months beyond the length of your stay. You will travel aboard a state of the art motorcoach with air-conditioning, reclining seats, oversized windows and emergency washroom. 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. If you enjoy the art of first-class travel whilst enjoying amazing value then an Escorted Tour is just for you. These departure dates can be booked with flights or as land only holiday options. 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. Consequently, bedrooms and bathrooms come in varying shapes and sizes. Orkney & Shetland Guided Small Group Tour - McKinlay Kidd 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. Outstanding scenery, exceptional wildlife, ancient history, traditional crafts and world-class diving. Both Shetland and Orkney offer a good chance of spotting the Northern Lights, particularly in autumn and winter. 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.