Island hop the wild Scottish Northern Isles on this week's holiday to Orkney and Shetland From 895 to 1015 7 days ex flights. Holidays In The UK For Over 50s - 2022/23 l Saga Travel Enjoy a fascinating talk from historian Nick Card on the Orkney Islands' Neolithic past. If a service charge has already been added, no further tip is required. Excellent and Friendly Staff!! 8.4/5 (52 reviews) Great place! 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. Studio Tour London - Harry Potter, Peaky Blinders Filming Location Tours 2023. Florida; Las Vegas & The West . 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. Day 9. A BSpoke Tour is all about being as restful or as adventurous as you desire. It lay covered for centuries, if not millennia, before a sandstorm in the 1920s revealed the amazing ruins. If you fancy some retail therapy, Kirkwall has a wealth of independent shops and craftworkers studios to be explored. Visit Orkney & Shetland | Orkney & Shetland Holidays - McKinlay Kidd Sailing Fair Isle | Orkney to Shetland | Shetland To Orkney Covid-19 Travel Requirements Covid-19 Travel Updates and FAQs Cruise Deals; Cruise Lines; . We also analyse data in order to develop and improve our products and our service in the future. Scottish Islands & Island Hopping | VisitScotland Over 4,000 years old, discoveries here include everything from Stone Age settlements and Bronze Age dwellings to Norse longhouses and medieval farms. Shetland & Orkney Holiday 2023 & 2024 | Self-Drive Road Trip Are you sure you would like to continue with this room size? Sign up for latest offers and top sellers. Shetland: an epic landscape with a Viking soul | Scotland holidays Fred Olsen. Breakfast is served onboard from 07:15 hrs after which we board the coach and disembark to begin our island tour. See the landscapes of Shetland and Orkney; Visit Trshavn, with its Viking heritage; Itinerary From. But forget the . 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 . Both Shetland and Orkney offer a good chance of spotting the Northern Lights, particularly in autumn and winter. Let us know if we can tailor-make it for you to link with a self-drive tour of the Scottish Highlands. Highlights of Orkney & Shetland - DC Thomson Travel 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. 10 Favourite Books about Shetland - Shetland Wool Adventures Its the most southerly point of mainland Shetland and where thousands of species of seabird come ashore to nest on the cliffs. Travel to the spectacular Eshaness Cliffs or hike up to the top of Ronas Hill, Shetlands highest peak, to experience breathtaking views of this dramatic scenery. The Ring of Brodgar in the Heart of Neolithic Orkney. Outstanding scenery, exceptional wildlife, ancient history, traditional crafts and world-class diving. All holidays are subject to availability. Next, we make for Maeshowe, a magnificent chambered tomb that dates from around 2,500 BC. Providing inspiring active experiences, immerse yourself in the unique landscapes, history, culture and wildlife on a Wilderness England adventure. Honest and easy 2 minute travel guide including what makes Shetland Islands so special as well as map and highlights. 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. 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. Fair Isle | Shetland.org In West Mainland, dont miss the hauntingly beautiful Heart of Neolithic Orkney UNESCO World Heritage Site. 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. Jersey; Guernsey; Herm, Sark & Alderney; Isles of Scilly; Isle of Wight ; Isle of Man ; Shetland & Orkney Islands ; North America. We guarantee to refund this service charge if you believe that arranging your holiday through McKinlay Kidd has not met your expectations for value. Non-member fee: 30 per person. Once we make landfall expect day sailing among the islands and skerries. We are obliged to maintain a high standard of service to you by ABTA's Code of Conduct. Overnight: Kirkwall Hotel/Lynnfield Hotel, Kirkwall (or similar) (3 nights). Travel to the wild and glorious peninsula of Northmavine. Orkney & Shetland Islands - About Argyll Walking Holidays Orkneyinga saga - Wikipedia Wilderness Ireland take their clients to the most remote and beautiful regions of Ireland, all while staying at the most welcoming accommodations and delivering outstanding customer service. Weve had a long love affair with Orkneys family-run Merkister Hotel, not least for its enviable setting on the shores of Harray Loch. Rated 4.88 out of 5 based on 5,609 reviews. And as more than fifth of our guests cruise solo, youll always be in good company. Trade Login Contact 08444 937 531 Destinations UK & Channel Islands. Based on 1 salaries posted anonymously by Saga Group Mi Analyst employees in Seaham, England. Family room - this is a room for three people sleeping in one large bed (2 people) and one single bed (1 person). Scotland's Northern Isles by Motorhome. Booking holidays since 1939, ATOL Protected. Find out everything you need to know about planning a trip to Scotland's incredible Northern Isles. If you are happy with the details you have provided above then click Submit Form to send us your enquiry. Iona AbbeyOne of Scotland's most sacred and historic sites, the Abbey was founded in 563AD and it still retains its spiritual atmosphere today. At Aberdeen Harbour, we join the Northlink ferry for the overnight crossing to Shetland. Consequently, bedrooms and bathrooms come in varying shapes and sizes. Discover your ideal travel experience. At the ancient settlement of Jarlshof you can explore 4,000 years of human history. Overnight Orkney. 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. We strongly recommend that you have travel insurance in place for your trip to Scotland, especially if you are visiting from overseas. Norway To Orkney Sailing In The Wake Of The Vikings - SchoonerSail Ayre Road, Kirkwall, Scotland, KW15 1QX. 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. Sign up for our newsletter and unlock exclusive tips and inspiration from our team of travel specialists. All itineraries and room types are presented subject to availability at specific hotels. Shetland Islands Map - Scotland, United Kingdom - Mapcarta Thoroughly recommend this as an enjoyable way to experience Shetland and Orkney. All included in the price. Later, in medieval times, farmsteads were also built here. Our last visit of the day is to Skara Brae. The last part of the journey takes us through the Kingdom of Fife and across the Forth Estuary into Edinburgh. Faroe Islands Cruise Tour: Shetland & Orkney Islands | National Orkney & Shetland Islands - Responsible Travel Orkney and the Shetland Isles | Great Rail Journeys Where Scotland meets Scandinavia, this wild and remote corner of northern Britain is truly remarkable. Shetland & Orkney Island Holidays . , Duration: 9 Days / 8 Nights. Continue to the rugged Shetland archipelago to visit Lerwick as it hosts the annual Tall Ships Races. Discover our last-minute, luxury, all-inclusive, and many other incredible cruise deals. Lake District, Yorkshire & Hadrians Wall, Classic Yorkshire: Whitby, York & The Dales, East of England: Cambridge, Norfolk & Suffolk. Their warm hospitality is sure to be a highlight of your Scottish experience. Click the heart icon on the search or holiday pages to pin a holiday. These mysterious stone circles are amongst the most significant in Europe and are some 5,000 years old. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take an alternative route, or vary the running order for weather and/or operational reasons. and 'why?'. It took 300 years to complete and is one of the finest examples of Norman architecture in Europe. Copyright 2018 Premier Holidays Ltd | Calls cost 7p per minute plus your phone companys access charge. These unique islands are home to some of the most breathtaking coastal scenery to be found anywhere in Britain. Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Revealed. Book a package holiday. Currently on offer are holidays to Iceland in winter and summer, plus fantastic trips to The Shetland Isles, Southern Ireland, Hidden France and Romandy Switzerland and the Dordogne. Orkney is a land of opportunity forged by 5,000 years of unique history. It is a wild and dramatic place. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. 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 . Shetland Islands | History, Climate, Population, & Facts 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. Our discerning team has a wealth of experience, and we extensively research and regularly review all of the accommodation we select for our clients. The UK has a famously unpredictable climate so it's best to be prepared for weather thats sunny one minute and raining the next. Language: EnglishCurrency: Pound SterlingTime Zone: GMTTipping: 10 to 12% is usual for hotels with 10 to 15% being usual for restaurants. 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. 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. This picturesque spring Orkney & Shetland Mini Cruise combines coastal scenery with fascinating history. It's a favourite with twitchers, who flock here to enjoy sensational seabird colonies and rare species. 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. Registered Office: Enbrook Park, Folkestone, Kent, CT20 3SE. Orkney To Shetland Via Fair Isle & Shetland To Orkney Via Fair Isle. The landscape is wild and remote and, outside of the . 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. Sign up today and start discovering. Among the settlements on Mainland, the largest island, is Scalloway, a fishing port. menu. 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. British Isles Cruises 2023 | Cruising Holidays Inspiring options. Thousands of seabirds including gannets, guillemots and kittiwakes nest and feed in the Noss Nature Reserve. The rest of this evening is free to relax and, perhaps, enjoy a wee night-cap in the bar or get some fresh sea air before retiring for the night. We suggest an early start today - there's a lot to fit in! Only a short distance away is Sumburgh Head Nature Reserve with its famous lighthouse overlooking the cliffs. Getting Here | Orkney.com Faroe Island cruise | The Small Cruise Ship Collection A holiday to the islands of Orkney and Shetland has it all. ABTA and ABTA Members help holidaymakers to get the most from their travel and assist them when things do not go according to plan. 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. Our full season of 2023 cruises and early 2024 cruises are on sale now. 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. 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. Later we travel to the dramatic sea cliffs at Eshaness which have been created by the constant pounding of the Atlantic waves. NB these cruise details have been updated - Please see the new trip page - Orkney, Shetland, Faroe Islands and St Kilda cruise.. Day 1 - Departing Inverness with a morning drive to the far North of Scotland and the ferry port of Scrabster, near Thurso. Once your unforgettable excursion comes to an end, make your way to your next base. 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. The Old Man of Hoy. Wilderness England creates incredible journeys to the wild and magical outdoor spaces across Yorkshire, the Lake District, Northumberland, the Cotswolds and the Peak District. 2,268. For anyone easily seduced by big skies, sea views, and wide-open spaces, Orkney is always a good idea. VAT Number 125 4899 87. P&O took over the routes from the long-established North of Scotland, Orkney & Shetland Steam Navigation Company in 1971. 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. Built in 1600, this castle was once the home of the Earl of Orkney. Average salary for Saga Group Mi Analyst in Seaham, England: [salary]. Theres an opportunity to learn about Shetlands heritage at the Tangwick Haa museum today as we circumnavigate the beautiful Eshaness peninsula. Duration 6 Days. Tour departure and return times will be advised in your tour documentation. 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. Here you can see evidence of many different eras dating as far back as Neolithic times. Although a remote wilderness, there is a lot to do in Shetland, Orkney and the Hebrides. 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. Later return to Kirkwall where dinner is served in our hotel. 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. Twin room - this is a room for two people sleeping in two separate beds. Supplements may apply. Calls cost 7p per minute plus your phone companys access charge. The Orkney Mainland is just Getting to Orkney can be easier and quicker than you may think. 8 nights from. Uncover Orkney's Ancient Secrets. Regional departures and/or connections to London, if available, can be requested. Overnight Shetland. Many coaches are equipped with WiFi too. 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. All we ask is that you write to us within 7 days of your return and explain your reason for claiming the refund. The Ayre Hotel. UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you are keen to take more ferry trips, then island hop through Yell to Unst in the far north. Shetland & Orkney Multi-Centre Walking Holiday | 2023 & 2024 Contact usEmail: info@scapatravel.co.ukTelephone: 01856 889040, Our opening hours are:Monday to Friday 10am to 4pmSaturday 11am to 3pm. 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. We depart Aberdeen at 19:00 hrs, and a short time later, dinner will be served in the ship's restaurant. Our Premium category includes a unique collection of luxurious and stylish boutique Guest Houses and small 4* Hotels. Enjoy free time in Kirkwall this morning. 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. Overnight Orkney. While most tour operators use hotels around the capital, Lerwick, we choose to stay somewhere you can really appreciate Shetlands remote beauty. The far-flung Orkney and Shetland Isles offer the active traveller an invigorating and rewarding holiday experience, with jaw-dropping natural scenery and wildlife spectacles. Spend two days exploring some of the many island treasures, including Scalloway Castle and Jarlshof, an outstanding example of a prehistoric and Norse settlement. 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 . These departure dates can be booked with flights or as land only holiday options. We sail with Serco Northlink Ferries and their modern, purpose-built vessels, the Hrossey and the Hjaltland, from Aberdeen overnight to Lerwick. It makes everything so easy, especially when youre chauffeur driven from your own front door. Take in the breathtaking Old Man of Hoy a 450 foot sea stack and perhaps Orkneys most famous landmark. Wildflowers bloom throughout the summer, covering the green cliffs with colour and the exquisite . For some magnificent coastal drama of a different kind, take a trip to Eshaness and watch the waves crashing around the sea stacks and pounding the cliffs. Travel to Orkney by ferry from Caithness, on the north coast of Scotland, with the crossing taking just under an hour. The best time to visit is during what Shetlanders call the . These tours are immensely popular so expect to be travelling in the company of like-minded travellers from around the world. 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 complimentary chauffeur service, wines, premium spirits, speciality dining, gratuities, Wi-Fi and travel insurance. Rated 4.88 out of 5 based on 5,609 reviews. 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. Thats why all of the accommodation we select is hand-picked using our first-hand knowledge of the best places to stay. Look out for the gargoyles which a former owner rescued from the Houses of Parliament in London. 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. Spend some time exploring this fascinating seaport where you could visit. Its a great way to make new friends! If you would like to spend an extra night or two on either Orkney or Shetland, wed be delighted to assist. From Glasgow and Edinburgh, we travel northwards through the Kingdom of Fife to reach Dundee, which sits overlooking the River Tay. Guide Lorraine gives an insight into this ancient archipelago. Scattered off the northeast coast of Scotland, Orkney and the Shetland Islands are staggeringly beautiful. Many people have landed there before you . In a land that's been largely tamed, they remain rare unspoiled outposts of rugged coastline and remote beauty. Welcome to life in the easy lane. 7 miles (12km) with 1,360 feet (420m) of ascent. A collection of quality 4* Guest Houses and 3* Hotels often located in beautiful locations which provide an excellent standard of accommodation. For all their differences, these islands share a similar feel: weather-beaten archipelagos with more in common with the Faroes than mainland Scotland. Be inspired by local artisans from jewellery-making to storytelling, the creative spirit on these islands has thrived for thousands of years. 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. Explore archaeological wonders such as Skara Brae, Jarlshof, the Ring of Brodgar, and the Standing Stones of Stenness. Shetland - South Mainland. The islands are also blessed with an extraordinary natural beauty. Tour Returns: TBA hrs, Outside Reception at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Edinburgh111 Glasgow Road Edinburgh EH12 8NF, Check-in: TBA hrs Its just six miles from Skara Brae and has an award-winning restaurant overlooking the loch, serving outstanding Scottish seafood and Aberdeen Angus beef. Meanwhile, the rich ancient history and numerous archaeological sites offer a fascinating glimpse into the past, with many details of life preserved. We then have two full days to tour Shetland. Photo: Lis Burke, CC BY-SA 2.0. Orkney, an ancient cluster of 70 islands brimming with history and dramatic coastlines, lie off the north west coast of Scotland. The Shetland Islands are the UNBELIEVABLE Hidden Treasure of Scotland, the northernmost point of the United Kingdom and formerly part of Norway. Cabin upgrades may also be available on request. Come explor. Please contact us for information on child prices. Tours of Shetland and Orkney Islands - Scotland Tours The strong historical and cultural influence of Norway upon these islands is clear in their timber-framed and brightly coloured architecture.