Take the strain off holiday planning with a bespoke package holiday or group trip to Shetland. Last month I was in Orkney for the first time. Designed with our guests in mind, our modern sister ships offer small-ship luxury with a private balcony for every guest. If you would like to spend an extra night or two on either Orkney or Shetland, wed be delighted to assist. 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. Enjoy free time in Kirkwall this morning. Orkney boasts inspirational landscapes where verdant fields stretch down to pristine beaches and dramatic seas crash against towering cliffs. 2,599. It took 300 years to complete and is one of the finest examples of Norman architecture in Europe. The last part of the journey takes us through the Kingdom of Fife and across the Forth Estuary into Edinburgh. We suggest an early start today - there's a lot to fit in! The Ring of Brodgar in the Heart of Neolithic Orkney. Welcome to life in the easy lane. Cycling for Softies is a luxury cycling tour operator providing gourmet cycling adventures in France and Italy. Lake District, Yorkshire & Hadrians Wall, Classic Yorkshire: Whitby, York & The Dales, East of England: Cambridge, Norfolk & Suffolk. A holiday to the islands of Orkney and Shetland has it all. The islanders themselves feel a strong local identity and you can be guaranteed a warm island welcome and some fantastic local fresh food. In a land thats been largely tamed, they remain rare unspoiled outposts of rugged coastline and remote beauty. Dine on fresh seafood in cosmopolitan Kirkwall and Lerwick, and enjoy an extensive local craft culture. All room types, other than twin rooms, are subject to availability. Recently hailed as one of Lonely Planet's Best in Europe for 2019, the ruggedly handsome Shetland Islands comprise around 100 different islands with just 15 inhabited. Fred Olsen. P&O took over the routes from the long-established North of Scotland, Orkney & Shetland Steam Navigation Company in 1971. The innovative Shetland Museum and Archives tells the fascinating story of these islands and is well worth visiting. Dinner will be served on board and we will arrive in Kirkwall around 23:00 hrs. Arrive on Orkney and settle in to the Merkister Hotel. Shetland - South Mainland. Judi Florence Self Guided - The West Highland Way Reviewed on 08/10/2018. Double room - this is a room for two people sharing one large bed. However the earldom began, by the time of Earl Sigurd we are heading into more reliable territory - although still laced with myth and folklore. If, like us, you cant get enough of the archeological discoveries, head over to Rousay with its Midhowe Broch and Cairn. Its the most southerly point of mainland Shetland and where thousands of species of seabird come ashore to nest on the cliffs. A collection of 3* B&Bs and Guest Houses offering comfortable accommodation close to local attractions. Entry RequirementsWhen travelling between the UK, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man in most cases an official form of identification such as a Driver's License will be ok. It was raided by Norsemen in the 12th Century. Enjoy 3 days (3 nights) in Orkney. The holiday ideas on our website are just examples of the amazing trips we offer. A key event in the global calendar, the annual Up Helly Aa Winter Fire . All we ask is that you write to us within 7 days of your return and explain your reason for claiming the refund. All our holiday prices include a service charge of 9 per person per night towards the costs we incur in researching, planning and designing your holiday. 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. Topped by a prehistoric chambered burial cairn, the summit offers a breathtaking panorama across this ice-carved landscape. Outstanding scenery, exceptional wildlife, ancient history, traditional crafts and world-class diving. Tour Departs: TBA hrs Citylink buses run to Aberdeen, Gills Bay and Scrabster so you can catch your ferry to the islands. 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. 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. Tallest Sea Cliffs in Britain. 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. The island's attractions include . We also offer a fly-drive holiday as an alternative way to visit Orkney & Shetland. Today we bid farewell to island life and make the journey to St Margaret's Hope where the fast Pentland Ferries catamaran waits to transport us across the Pentland Firth. All Rights Reserved. Several of the prisoners have returned to Orkney over the years to assist with the restoration of the building. 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. Small group travel: 2023: 15 Apr, 13 May. Thoroughly recommend this as an enjoyable way to experience Shetland and Orkney. 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. If you are keen to take more ferry trips, then island hop through Yell to Unst in the far north. In certain locations youll may be joined by a local guide who will provide local insight and show you the highlights. Arrive in Aberdeen at 0700 and enjoy breakfast on board before disembarking and continuing your onward journey. Be inspired by local artisans from jewellery-making to storytelling, the creative spirit on these islands has thrived for thousands of years. 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 contact us for more details. We use cookies to provide you with the best online experience. You could visit the mighty Cathedral of St Mangus, which was begun in 1137. 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. Single cabins now available on 2023 winter cruises, Interest rates and costs of equity release. While most tour operators use hotels around the capital, Lerwick, we choose to stay somewhere you can really appreciate Shetlands remote beauty. The Vikings left their mark, such as the beautifully proportioned round church at Orphir as well as their grafitti which we now admire as works of art! Orkney played a vital role during both World Wars, and this afternoon we will travel to see Scapa Flow which provided a sheltered anchorage for the British naval fleet. Today we explore the heart of Neolithic Orkney. Weather permitting, enjoy a welcome drink on the small terrace, which overlooks the distinctive pagoda-roof of the neighbours: the Highland Park distillery. The landscape is wild and remote and, outside of the . 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. 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 . Meanwhile, the rich ancient history and numerous archaeological sites offer a fascinating glimpse into the past, with many details of life preserved. Shetland is home to a world-class diversity of wildlife, from puffins and seals to purpoises and even whales. We would also suggest checking your home policy or credit card contract as many suppliers include travel insurance as part of their offering. Shetland & Orkney Island Holidays . Orkney & Shetland Guided Island Hopping Holiday, Hebridean Hopscotch Guided Island Hopping Holiday, Lewis & Harris Guided Island Hopping Holiday, Experience wild and windswept natural landscapes, Spot wildlife on these relatively untouched islands, Comfortable en-suite rooms in our partner accommodation(s), Cooked or continental breakfast every morning, Full-board or half-board (please refer to trip notes), Three-course evening meals, plus tea & coffee, Guided walks with an experienced HF Holidays Leader, All transport to and from walks where necessary, Suitable footwear such as waterproof walking boots that provide ankle support and good grip, Waterproof and windproof jacket, preferably insulated, Comfortable clothing (jeans & waterproof capes are not suitable), Several base layers (long-sleeve or short-sleeve), Cushioned walking socks to avoid blisters, First aid kit, including plasters and insect repellent, Rubbish bag (remember to always leave no trace). 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. On Mainland . 7 miles (12km) with 1,360 feet (420m) of ascent. Shetland Islands, also called Zetland or Shetland, group of about 100 islands, fewer than 20 of them inhabited, in Scotland, 130 miles (210 km) north of the Scottish mainland, at the northern extremity of the United Kingdom. Our full season of 2023 cruises and early 2024 cruises are on sale now. We will hold your data securely within our organisation, McKinlay Kidd Limited. The UK has a famously unpredictable climate so it's best to be prepared for weather thats sunny one minute and raining the next. Copyright 2016 - 2023 Scapa Travel. All included in the price. Popular attractions Orkney Wireless Museum and St. Magnus Cathedral are located . Our first walk on Orkney follows a clifftop coastal path from Marwick Bay to the Brough of Birsay, overlooking RSPB Marwick Head reserve. (Do find time to pop in for a tour of the traditional whisky making process.) 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. We are obliged to maintain a high standard of service to you by ABTA's Code of Conduct. More likely we will be sailing for part of a night or a very early/late start and a long day. Explore the islands' Norse heritage on a coach holiday, where the sound of fiddles can still be heard drifting through the fresh air. The card payment providers above are used for taking your payments by operators featured on our site. [1] The restaurant prides itself on local produce, prepared to make the most of the fresh flavours. Tour Returns: TBA hrs, Outside Reception at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Edinburgh111 Glasgow Road Edinburgh EH12 8NF, Check-in: TBA hrs Our first visits are to the Ring of Brodgar and the Standing Stones of Stenness. Step back into the Stone Age in the Orkney and Shetland Islands, and come face-to-face with the legacy of the Vikings amid the turf-roofed cottages and ancient sites of the Faroes. 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. Shetland's council workers will not get the extra bank holiday on the Monday after King Charles's coronation. For all their differences, these islands share a similar feel: weather-beaten archipelagos with more in common with the Faroes than mainland Scotland. Meet Shetland ponies in their natural habitat. These unassuming islands have a truly magical quality, and civilisation has thrived here for millennia. Saga Cruises; Disney Cruises; Cruise Ships. Also includes hotels in Alderney, Sark and Herm, plus the Isle of Wight, Isles of Scilly, Isle of Man and Shetland & Orkney Islands. Registered office: Gilbridge House, Keel Square, Sunderland SR1 3HA. Spirit of Discovery departing Tilbury. Trade Login Contact 08444 937 531 Destinations UK & Channel Islands. Experience the unique islands of Shetland and Orkney, with mysterious prehistoric sites, natural wonders and breathtaking scenery waiting around every corner. With a maximum of 15 passengers per group, you can be sure of . Check-in: TBA hrs More details & Book Bank Holiday Escape to Scenic Scotland . Experience the unique islands of Shetland and Orkney, with mysterious prehistoric sites, natural wonders and breathtaking scenery waiting around every corner. Many coaches are equipped with WiFi too. Breakfast is served onboard from 07:15 hrs after which we board the coach and disembark to begin our island tour. 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 . On Mainland, is the capital Kirkwall whose sights include St Magnus Cathedral, the Bishops and Earls palaces and the Orkney Museum. 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. Ayre Road, Kirkwall, Scotland, KW15 1QX. 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. From 799pp. 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. Make the most of your time on the islands on this carefully-curated itinerary accessible by flight from central Scotland. It is worth checking the HM Revenues and Customs website before you travel. Any additional charge for the single supplement will be confirmed at the point of final payment and bookings are accepted on this understanding. Here you can see evidence of many different eras dating as far back as Neolithic times. 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. The thousands of prehistoric Neolithic sites which have survived to tell their tale at the Heart of Neolithic Orkney UNESCO world heritage site are both spectacular and mysterious. At Aberdeen Harbour, we join the Northlink ferry for the overnight crossing to Shetland. The breadth of history to be discovered here is without parallel in Scotland and is sure to amaze you. Both Shetland and Orkney offer a good chance of spotting the Northern Lights, particularly in autumn and winter. Orkney To Shetland Via Fair Isle & Shetland To Orkney Via Fair Isle. In a land that's been largely tamed, they remain rare unspoiled outposts of rugged coastline and remote beauty. enquiries@absoluteescapes.com. Today we leave Orkney and head north to Shetland. Wildflowers bloom throughout the summer, covering the green cliffs with colour and the exquisite . Overnight: Busta House Hotel/Brae Hotel, Shetland (or similar). However it has an account of Mousa Broch being used as part of an elopement (the same episode is mentioned in Egil's Saga too) and is an excellent place to . We will communicate with you from time to time about our products and services, similar to those currently featured on our website. Our newsletter features exciting new itineraries, blog posts from the team, and fabulous competitions. 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 . All rights reserved. Nearby sits the Bishop's Palace and Earl's Palace, which was reputedly built using forced labour. We use your data to prepare holiday proposals and to make bookings for you if you choose to go ahead. They branded their services "P&O Ferries" from 1975 to 1989 and "P&O Scottish Ferries" thereafter. Earl Sigurd takes control. Tour Returns: TBA hrs. Book your tailor-made holiday to Offers with Premier Holidays. Standing guard to warn the passing ships is the Sumburgh Lighthouse, designed by the grandfather of the famous author Robert Louis Stevenson. On arrival at Gills Bay, we join the famous North Coast 500 route as we make the coastal drive southwards across the Dornoch and Cromarty Firths towards Inverness. This morning you will enjoy a real treat a wildlife boat trip. Scattered off Scotland's northeast coast, this wild windswept archipelago offers a far-from-it-all feel just a skip away from the mainland. Shes the beautiful sister to Spirit of Discovery, but has a whole host of surprises of her own, including exciting new restaurants. 2,268. Other notable islands include Hoy for the dramatic Old Man of Hoy sea stack and Scapa Flow Visitor Centre and Museum; the Brough of Birsay with its Norse ruins; Rousay for over 100 archaeological sites; and North Ronaldsay which has a unique heritage and history. Both have featured recently on the BBC, yet in very contrasting ways: Orkney is hailed for its rich folklore, prehistoric sites and abundance of wildlife, while Shetland owes its ever increasing . The Stones were erected around 3000BC and it is thought that they were some kind of astronomical calendar associated with the moon. The nearby seaport of Stromness is famed for the Pier Arts Centre which showcases the work of artists and sculptors from Orkney and beyond. Orkney, an ancient cluster of 70 islands brimming with history and dramatic coastlines, lie off the north west coast of Scotland. A stunning six day private tour from Inverness through the Highlands to the Northern Isles of Orkney and Shetland. Enjoy a fascinating talk from historian Nick Card on the Orkney Islands' Neolithic past. Nowhere else in Britain, and hardly anywhere else in Europe, can you get so close, so easily, to so many seabirds. 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. Registered office 11 Bridge Street, Kirkwall, Orkney, KW151 HR. 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. The unspoilt landscape of Shetland has a rugged beauty shaped by the sea at the end of the last Ice Age. Later you could take a 10 minute ferry journey to the Isle of Bressay to explore the rich natural heritage and incredible wildlife. Supplements may apply. This amazingly well-preserved village was built 5,000 years ago. All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. 18 Hours of Midsummer Sun. 2 miles (3km) with 200 feet (60m) of ascent. Travel to Orkney by ferry from Caithness, on the north coast of Scotland, with the crossing taking just under an hour. Overnight Orkney. Please choose from one of our accommodation categories below. Sign up for latest offers and top sellers. The Norsmen left their mark on the islands and some of the Norse legends and customs are still kept alive during festivals . Please note that if at ten weeks prior to the start of your holiday a sharing partner is unavailable, a single room will be allocated with a resulting single supplement charge outlined above. This picturesque spring Orkney & Shetland Mini Cruise combines coastal scenery with fascinating history. Photo: juvlai, CC BY-SA 2.0. Orkney and Shetland, off the north coast of Scotland. The islands geographic location makes it a crossroad for wildlife. This holiday can be arranged from March to October. Are you sure you would like to continue with this room size?
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