As you sail below, the screeching is deafening, and youll feel very outnumbered, a stranger invading their territory. Keep an eye on everyone in your party and do not go off with people you do not know. At this fascinating site, we will discover the remains of oval houses from the Bronze Age, an Iron Age broch and Viking longhouses. With Orkney in his hands, Sigurd had the means to expand his territory and, according to the saga, soon took Caithness, Sutherland and sections of Argyll on the Scottish . The last part of the journey takes us through the Kingdom of Fife and across the Forth Estuary into Edinburgh. Our local guide will help you to discover ancient civilisations, archaeological delights and bountiful wildlife from our base in the island capital of Kirkwall. Among the settlements on Mainland, the largest island, is Scalloway, a fishing port. 8 nights from. All room types, other than twin rooms, are subject to availability. Simply pop your details in the box below for the latest news, travel advice, destination inspiration, and special offers delivered straight to your inbox. Overnight Shetland. 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. Our first walk on Orkney follows a clifftop coastal path from Marwick Bay to the Brough of Birsay, overlooking RSPB Marwick Head reserve. Covid-19 Travel Requirements Covid-19 Travel Updates and FAQs Cruise Deals; Cruise Lines; . Day 5. Please click here to see full flight schedules to Shetland & Orkney Island. Pop into the Shetland Crofthouse Museum in Dunrossness, a restored 19th century Shetland croft which was inhabited until the 1960s. 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. Here you can see evidence of many different eras dating as far back as Neolithic times. Scotland's Northern Isles by Motorhome. The Ring of Brodgar in the Heart of Neolithic Orkney. 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. Think of this itinerary as a starting point which can be tailored into something completely unique to you by our award-winning specialists. On many tours youll have the chance to personalise your touring experience by participating in some carefully planned optional excursions. 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 is a land of opportunity forged by 5,000 years of unique history. If you are keen to take more ferry trips, then island hop through Yell to Unst in the far north. 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. Youll find comfortable public areas with free Wi-Fi, as well as a cosy bar, and handy drying facilities, too. We then rejoin our transport for the scenic transfer to Busta House. At 1,475 feet (450m) this is Shetlands highest peak. Stretching off Scotlands north coast are Shetland and Orkney, two very special archipelagos where Scotland meets Scandinavia. Please see Terms and Conditions for further details. Stretching off Scotland's north coast are Shetland and Orkney, two very special archipelagos where Scotland meets Scandinavia. 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. 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. 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. Registered office 11 Bridge Street, Kirkwall, Orkney, KW151 HR. 638 ratings70 reviews. Registered office: Gilbridge House, Keel Square, Sunderland SR1 3HA. The restaurant prides itself on local produce, prepared to make the most of the fresh flavours. With a strong norse influence, these island groups provide a surprisingly contrasting cultural experience when compared to the Hebrides. In West Mainland, dont miss the hauntingly beautiful Heart of Neolithic Orkney UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wilderness England creates incredible journeys to the wild and magical outdoor spaces across Yorkshire, the Lake District, Northumberland, the Cotswolds and the Peak District. add an extra night or two on each island group to explore in depth? 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. There are so many reasons why Saga stands out from other cruise lines. 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. 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. 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. Our Premium category includes a unique collection of luxurious and stylish boutique Guest Houses and small 4* Hotels. The beautiful Cairngorms National Park will bring us to the Pass of Drumocher and Highland Perthshire beyond. Our ships are smaller, but wonderfully spacious. Visit the Orkneyinga Viking history interpretation centre to learn more. Our smaller ships are the perfect choice if youre cruising solo. Arrive in Aberdeen at 0700 and enjoy breakfast on board before disembarking and continuing your onward journey. Overnight: Busta House Hotel/Brae Hotel, Shetland (or similar). 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. 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). 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. The Tower has been restored over the past century, however not all of the original structure still remains. They constitute the Shetland Islands council area and the historic county of Shetland. UNESCO World Heritage Site. 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. How do I get there? Finally, a laird's house was constructed on the site in the 1600s. Iona AbbeyOne of Scotland's most sacred and historic sites, the Abbey was founded in 563AD and it still retains its spiritual atmosphere today. Day 1 - Departing Inverness with a morning drive to the far North of Scotland and the ferry port of Scrabster, near Thurso. The Orkney Islands were the Orcades of ancient classical literature. Honest and easy 2 minute travel guide including what makes Shetland Islands so special as well as map and highlights. Book a package holiday. Scalloway CastleWhen visiting the Shetland Isles, why not visit Scalloway Castle? Island hop the wild Scottish Northern Isles on this week's holiday to Orkney and Shetland From 895 to 1015 7 days ex flights. 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. We will communicate with you from time to time about our products and services, similar to those currently featured on our website. For group bookings of 10+ people click here. These stones have continued to mystify and amaze visitors with questions such as 'who built them?' ARE YOU A SOLO TRAVELLER WILLING TO SHARE? This amazingly well-preserved village was built 5,000 years ago. Photo: juvlai, CC BY-SA 2.0. the west of Scotland and Ireland in 795. Discover your ideal travel experience. We sail with Serco Northlink Ferries and their modern, purpose-built vessels, the Hrossey and the Hjaltland, from Aberdeen overnight to Lerwick. Spirit of Discovery departing Dover. The islands are also blessed with an extraordinary natural beauty. 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. Make sure you visit Jarlshof, another incredible prehistoric site exposed in violent storms in the last couple of centuries. Youll be in good company if you choose to take dinner at your hotel, a popular destination for locals as well as visitors. 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. In nearby Scalloway an excellent museum tells the story of the top-secret WWII Shetland Bus operation. We depart Aberdeen at 19:00 hrs, and a short time later, dinner will be served in the ship's restaurant. You are able to walk in and out and around them, just imagining how people used to survive here. Our journey south takes us through Mavis Grind, an isthmus so narrow it is said to be possible to throw a stone from the North Sea to the Atlantic Ocean. From 799pp. Any additional charge for the single supplement will be confirmed at the point of final payment and bookings are accepted on this understanding. Both Shetland and Orkney offer a good chance of spotting the Northern Lights, particularly in autumn and winter. Toggle navigation. Contact usEmail: info@scapatravel.co.ukTelephone: 01856 889040, Our opening hours are:Monday to Friday 10am to 4pmSaturday 11am to 3pm. Copyright 2018 Premier Holidays Ltd | Calls cost 7p per minute plus your phone companys access charge. 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. Does equity release affect inheritance tax. Highlights of Orkney and Shetland6 day/5 night. Later return to Kirkwall where dinner is served in our hotel. A collection of 3* B&Bs and Guest Houses offering comfortable accommodation close to local attractions. It is a wonderful way to get a real feel for both the culture and the wildlife of these islands, with knowledgeable guides on hand to inform. Explore the islands' Norse heritage on a coach holiday, where the sound of fiddles can still be heard drifting through the fresh air. 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. You could visit the mighty Cathedral of St Mangus, which was begun in 1137. Usually the tour will depart the hotel between 08:00 hrs and 08:30 hrs in the morning. Today we explore the heart of Neolithic Orkney. [1] It lay covered for centuries, if not millennia, before a sandstorm in the 1920s revealed the amazing ruins. Uncover hidden gems and holiday inspiration from our team of travel specialists. Photo: Lis Burke, CC BY-SA 2.0. The natural beauty of Orkneys landscape boasts a rich variety of scenery. Standing guard to warn the passing ships is the Sumburgh Lighthouse, designed by the grandfather of the famous author Robert Louis Stevenson. Youll find our Escorted Tours to be memorable - for all the right reasons! 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. As well as having full board accommodation in your choice of cabin, the services of a professional crew and on-board entertainment are also included. A holiday to the islands of Orkney and Shetland has it all. The breadth of history to be discovered here is without parallel in Scotland and is sure to amaze you. Also includes hotels in Alderney, Sark and Herm, plus the Isle of Wight, Isles of Scilly, Isle of Man and Shetland & Orkney Islands. 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. 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. If you plan to bring your own vehicle, we are also able to offer this itinerary without a rental car. 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. Our last visit of the day is to Skara Brae. VAT Number 125 4899 87. Weve had a long love affair with Orkneys family-run Merkister Hotel, not least for its enviable setting on the shores of Harray Loch. Accept. Available May 2023. Be aware of your surroundings and don't venture off on your own. Shetland Isles wildlife holiday. At 1,475 feet (450m) this is Shetlands highest peak. Spot dolphins and porpoises in the coastal waters, or breeding seabirds such as puffins and guillemots at Hermaness Nature Reserve. 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. Free time will let you explore Kirkwall and St Magnus Cathedral before setting sail for the mainland. These unique islands are home to some of the most breathtaking coastal scenery to be found anywhere in Britain. For all their differences, these islands share a similar feel: weather-beaten archipelagos with more in common with the Faroes than mainland Scotland. The islands geographic location makes it a crossroad for wildlife. 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. We guarantee to refund this service charge if you believe that arranging your holiday through McKinlay Kidd has not met your expectations for value. This picturesque spring Orkney & Shetland Mini Cruise combines coastal scenery with fascinating history. Florida; Las Vegas & The West . Citylink buses run to Aberdeen, Gills Bay and Scrabster so you can catch your ferry to the islands. Sign up for latest offers and top sellers. The islanders themselves feel a strong local identity and you can be guaranteed a warm island welcome and some fantastic local fresh food. Our sociable ships have been designed with more than 100 single balcony cabins, the widest selection on the ocean wave. 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. In the afternoon well visit Maes Howe, one of the most treasured Neolithic sites in Europe. Regional departures and/or connections to London, if available, can be requested. A BSpoke Tour is all about being as restful or as adventurous as you desire. 8 nights from. 9 miles (14km) with 1,060 feet (320m) of ascent. 01273 823 700 . Tour Details. In each case, it is not necessarily added to the bill. Excellent array of hotels and self-catering options across Jersey and Guernsey. Discover our last-minute, luxury, all-inclusive, and many other incredible cruise deals. The expedition starts in Oban and we sail, via the scenic and bird-rich island of Handa, to the enchanting Orkney Islands. Some cruises also incorporate the Faroe Isles. It's a favourite with twitchers, who flock here to enjoy sensational seabird colonies and rare species. Available Until September 2023. Available from April to October. During our time here will visit the RSPB reserve which is home to many species of seabirds including puffins, guillemots and razorbills. An experienced tour manager will lead the tour and your coach will be expertly driven by a professional driver. 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. Shetland & Orkney Island Holidays . All sorts of nature abound here, from seals and otters to ponies and hundreds of birds, making it a wildlife lover's paradise. 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. All holidays are subject to availability. Outer two berth cabins included on the Orkney to Shetland and Shetland to Aberdeen crossings. P&O Iona; Anthem of the Seas; Regal Princess; MSC Virtuosa; Queen Mary 2 . Inspiring options. We'll always treat your personal details with the utmost care. If you're flying here, public bus services connect with all the main airports in Scotland too. 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. 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. This mysterious place of long days and colourful night skies is home to a wealth of sea life and sea birds, not . Orkney To Shetland Via Fair Isle & Shetland To Orkney Via Fair Isle. . Relaxing hotel-based holidays in the sun, with a Saga host on hand. If you are planning to bring alcohol, tobacco or souvenirs into the country, you need to be familiar with the UK's custom laws. 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. 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. These tours are carefully researched and combine quality hotels, luxury travel, informative visits and leisure time. Non-member fee: 30 per person. 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. 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. The Shetland Islands are the most northerly part of the United Kingdom, a group of islands 100 miles / 160 km north of mainland Scotland. Highlights of Orkney and Shetland6 day/5 night. If you enjoy the art of first-class travel whilst enjoying amazing value then an Escorted Tour is just for you. Shetland - South Mainland. Written around AD 1200 by an unnamed Icelandic author, the Orkneyinga Saga is an intriguing fusion of myth, legend and history. The Orkney Islands constitute a council area and belong to the historic county of Orkney. We arrive in Lerwick around 07:30 hrs. Meanwhile, the rich ancient history and numerous archaeological sites offer a fascinating glimpse into the past, with many details of life preserved. Once your unforgettable excursion comes to an end, make your way to your next base. 5 Nights No Fly Cruise from 799pp Liverpool, Cruising past Duart Castle, Cruising Sound of Mull, Cruising Loch Hourn, Cruising by The Small Isles, Portree, Isle of Skye, Kirkwall, Orkney Islands, Cruising by Dutchman's Cap (Bac Mr), Cruising Fingal's Cave, Cruise by Iona, Liverpool. Spend two days exploring some of the many island treasures, including Scalloway Castle and Jarlshof, an outstanding example of a prehistoric and Norse settlement. Orkney and Shetland are a haven for wildlife. Later this afternoon we travel to the port to join the ferry bound for the Orkney Islands. Scapa Travel is a trading name of Scapa Travel Limited who are registered in Scotland with company number SC438791, and VAT number 115719224. The best time to visit is during what Shetlanders call the . 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. 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. Take in the breathtaking Old Man of Hoy a 450 foot sea stack and perhaps Orkneys most famous landmark. Over 4,000 years old, discoveries here include everything from Stone Age settlements and Bronze Age dwellings to Norse longhouses and medieval farms. It's a short drive to our hotel for the next three nights. 2 miles (3km) with 200 feet (60m) of ascent. Enjoy free time in Kirkwall this morning. 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 . Discover what makes the perfect boutique cruise experience, every time. Departing by Coach. We would also suggest checking your home policy or credit card contract as many suppliers include travel insurance as part of their offering. Your hotel is an historic building, complete with nooks and crannies, winding corridors, steep steps, creaky floorboards and supposedly a resident ghost.
