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. 9 miles (14km) with 1,060 feet (320m) of ascent. These tours are immensely popular so expect to be travelling in the company of like-minded travellers from around the world. The island's attractions include . These range from traditional luxury to contemporary Hotels. Travel to Orkney by ferry from Caithness, on the north coast of Scotland, with the crossing taking just under an hour. Orkney and the Shetland Isles | Great Rail Journeys 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. Registered office 11 Bridge Street, Kirkwall, Orkney, KW151 HR. You are able to walk in and out and around them, just imagining how people used to survive here. 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. It took 300 years to complete and is one of the finest examples of Norman architecture in Europe. 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. 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. Fred Olsen. 8.4/5 (52 reviews) Great place! Sailing Type - Mostly Coastal Day Sailing but the passage to Fair Isle is an open-water sea passage and there is a chance of an overnight passage on this voyage where you would be part of the watch system. Citylink buses run to Aberdeen, Gills Bay and Scrabster so you can catch your ferry to the islands. 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. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Discover squawking seabird colonies, staggering scenery, and some of the best-preserved Neolithic ruins in Europe as you island hop between Mainland . Usually the coach will arrive at the overnight stop between 16:30 and 17:00 hrs each day. These tours are carefully researched and combine quality hotels, luxury travel, informative visits and leisure time. Although a remote wilderness, there is a lot to do in Shetland, Orkney and the Hebrides. Contact us via email: The holiday described is based on taking your own car, but ask us if you would like a fly-drive proposal, flying to and between the islands andhiring a car on each island. At 1,475 feet (450m) this is Shetlands highest peak. The Abbey was restored at the start of the 20thcentury and the Abbey now welcomes visitors from around the world who flock to enjoy its peaceful atmosphere. Meanwhile, the rich ancient history and numerous archaeological sites offer a fascinating glimpse into the past, with many details of life preserved. CrimeMost destinations are generally trouble-free, however as with all places that you are not familiar with, keep an eye on your belongings and if necessary lock them away somewhere safe back at your hotel if possible. 10 Favourite Books about Shetland - Shetland Wool Adventures Click the heart icon on the search or holiday pages to pin a holiday. Spot dolphins and porpoises in the coastal waters, or breeding seabirds such as puffins and guillemots at Hermaness Nature Reserve. Orkney Islands | History, Geography, & Facts | Britannica Overnight Orkney. The islands are also blessed with an extraordinary natural beauty. 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. Read 20 . The ultimate collection of European cycling holidays. USA. Orkney & Shetland Mini Cruise - DC Thomson Travel 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. A genuine feel pervades this small family owned hotel, located on the edge of Kirkwall. The unspoilt landscape of Shetland has a rugged beauty shaped by the sea at the end of the last Ice Age. Faroe Island cruise | The Small Cruise Ship Collection Specialists in offering a range of adventure holidays, tours and incredible wilderness experiences. Your hotel is a short drive away from the ferry port, in the islands capital, Kirkwall. P&O took over the routes from the long-established North of Scotland, Orkney & Shetland Steam Navigation Company in 1971. 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. Pop into the Shetland Crofthouse Museum in Dunrossness, a restored 19th century Shetland croft which was inhabited until the 1960s. Please click below to find the trip notes for your departure date. Wherever you cruise on Spirit of Adventure and Spirit of Discovery, youll always step aboard here in the UK. 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. King Charles coronation holiday rejected by Shetland councillors Shetland and Orkney Islands Tour from Inverness - The Hebridean Explorer During the hour-long sailing look out for porpoises, dolphins and minke whales that can often be seen. Fair Isle | Shetland.org 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. You do not have any pinned holidays. 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. 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. We arrive in Lerwick around 07:30 hrs. Depart Lerwick at the end of the afternoon for the overnight journey on the cruise class Northlink Ferries service to Aberdeen. With their northerly location, the best time to visit is between March and November, with the long days of summer a particularly appealing time. And as more than fifth of our guests cruise solo, youll always be in good company. 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. Scattered off the northeast coast of Scotland, Orkney and the Shetland Islands are staggeringly beautiful. 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. Other Shetland highlights include Unst, boasting a plethora of fabulous walks and golden beaches; Foula, designated as a Special Protection Area for birds; Fetlar, known as the Garden of Shetland while beguiling Whalsay inspired some of Hugh McDiarmids poetry. Thousands of seabirds including gannets, guillemots and kittiwakes nest and feed in the Noss Nature Reserve. Selecting the right sleeping arrangements can be a little bit confusing, so here is a description of what you can expect from the hotel accommodation offered as part of your tour: Single room - this is a room for one person sleeping in a single bed. 10 Day Shetland & Orkney Car Tour. Age-wise its really difficult for us to give an accurate figure for any given tour departure, but experience has taught us to expect the median age to be between 45 and 50. Shetland & Orkney Holiday 2023 & 2024 | Self-Drive Road Trip Small group travel: 2023: 15 Apr, 13 May. We love the opportunity to use our first-hand knowledge and experience to design and deliver the perfect, bespoke holiday experience for you. Once we make landfall expect day sailing among the islands and skerries. Search. Its name, meaning Earls House, was bestowed by Sir Walter Scott when he used the ruins of the sixteenth century lairds house as a fictional setting. 8 nights from. This holiday is based on ferry crossings, starting from the north coast of Scotland near Thurso and returning to Aberdeen. Relaxing hotel-based holidays in the sun, with a Saga host on hand. If you're looking to visit the islands north of Scotland, Orkney and Shetland are connected to the mainland and each other by NorthLink Ferries. From Glasgow and Edinburgh, we travel northwards through the Kingdom of Fife to reach Dundee, which sits overlooking the River Tay. Connections are available from other airports in the UK, Europ Book with Scapa Travel to get your 50% discount on eligible Scottish routes.The discount applies to residents of Orkney, Shetland, Caithness, NorthWest Sutherland, the Western Isles,Colonsay, Islay and Jura, with a valid Air Discount Scheme card and PIN number. This picturesque spring Orkney & Shetland Mini Cruise combines coastal scenery with fascinating history. Nowhere in Shetland is more than 3 miles from the sea and along the 1,697 miles of coastline you will find some of Britains highest cliffs, s Sumburgh airport, 25 miles south of Lerwick, is open 7 days a week, and direct flights operate from Aberdeen (1hr), Inverness (1hr), Edinburgh and Glasgow(both 1hr 30 mins) with Loganair. There will be a stop where can enjoy time off the coach and buy refreshments. and a self-drive holiday of Shetland and Orkney guarantees memories to last a . Day 9. As you sail below, the screeching is deafening, and youll feel very outnumbered, a stranger invading their territory. Earl Sigurd takes control. For further information about ABTA, the Code of Conduct and the arbitration scheme available to you if you have a complaint, contact ABTA, 30 Park Street, London, SE1 9EQ, Tel: 020 3117 0599 or www.abta.com, Hays Travel Limited are registered in England and Wales with company number 1990682 and VAT number 193167195. Experience a unique blend of Scandinavian and Scottish culture, as the Norse history and heritage still shapes these islands today. Discover the Castle of Mey and its magnificent gardens. Arrive on Orkney and settle in to the Merkister Hotel. One of the most beautiful and rugged of the Orkney Islands, Hoy is much more akin to the Scottish Highlands than the rolling countryside and crofts found across the archipelago. Our latest all-balcony boutique ship launched in the summer of 2021. 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. Orkney Holidays 2023 - Expedia Written around AD 1200 by an unnamed Icelandic author, the Orkneyinga Saga is an intriguing fusion of myth, legend and history. There are so many reasons why Saga stands out from other cruise lines. This mysterious place of long days and colourful night skies is home to a wealth of sea life and sea birds, not . Thoroughly recommend this as an enjoyable way to experience Shetland and Orkney. 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. Shetland Islands Map - Scotland, United Kingdom - Mapcarta 10 Day Shetland and Orkney Tour (self drive) Youll board your ferry to Orkney in the afternoon and arrive in Kirkwall, the historic capital of Orkney, later this evening. It's a convenient crossing point for otters too, who, in these islands, are sea-dwelling. Explore archaeological wonders such as Skara Brae, Jarlshof, the Ring of Brodgar, and the Standing Stones of Stenness. Visit the Bishops and Earls Palaces where you can learn of a time when Orkney was part of the Norse-held kingdom of Nordreyjar. Here you can see evidence of many different eras dating as far back as Neolithic times. UK: +44 (0)1479 420 020 US: 1-866-740-3890 [emailprotected], Wilderness Scotland Dalfaber Drive Aviemore Highland Scotland PH22 1ST, 2022 Wilderness Group Ltd | Registered in Scotland SC211011, Cookies & Privacy | Terms & Conditions | Sitemap | Site Credits. The UK has a famously unpredictable climate so it's best to be prepared for weather thats sunny one minute and raining the next. Visitors can climb up the tower of the Castle and visit the Scalloway Museum which is located next door. If you are happy with the details you have provided above then click Submit Form to send us your enquiry. Consequently, bedrooms and bathrooms come in varying shapes and sizes. These are wonderfully charming and intimate and run with great flair by their owners. A key event in the global calendar, the annual Up Helly Aa Winter Fire . 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. Package holidays to Shetland | Shetland.org Spend two days exploring some of the many island treasures, including Scalloway Castle and Jarlshof, an outstanding example of . Sign up for latest offers and top sellers. 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. Shetland & Orkney Multi-Centre Walking Holiday | 2023 & 2024 We then rejoin our transport for the scenic transfer to Busta House. Stretching off Scotland's north coast are Shetland and Orkney, two very special archipelagos where Scotland meets Scandinavia. Call and speak to one of our travel experts who have experienced Shetland & Orkney Islands personally. Youll find comfortable public areas with free Wi-Fi, as well as a cosy bar, and handy drying facilities, too. Easy to download as a PDF, our trip notes provide detailed information for every holiday. 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 . Orkney is a land of opportunity forged by 5,000 years of unique history. Available Until September 2023. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and breakfast. Ayre Road, Kirkwall, Scotland, KW15 1QX. Discover more at the visitor centre which provides touch-screen presentations and a wide range of artefacts that have excavated from the site. 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. Nowhere else in Britain, and hardly anywhere else in Europe, can you get so close, so easily, to so many seabirds. 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. Nearby sits the Bishop's Palace and Earl's Palace, which was reputedly built using forced labour. Tour Returns: TBA hrs, Outside Reception at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Edinburgh111 Glasgow Road Edinburgh EH12 8NF, Check-in: TBA hrs In Shetland, inter-island ferry travel is operated by the council , while Orkney Ferries connect the archipelago's 13 island destinations. Orkneyjar - Viking Orkney - The Beginning of the Earldom 2 miles (3km) with 200 feet (60m) of ascent. Sign up for latest offers and top sellers. Designed with our guests in mind, our modern sister ships offer small-ship luxury with a private balcony for every guest. Just a short flight from mainland UK and accessible from a wide range of regional airports. Later this afternoon we travel to the port to join the ferry bound for the Orkney Islands. Does equity release affect inheritance tax. Tour Departs: TBA hrs Accept. 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. The card payment providers above are used for taking your payments by operators featured on our site. Seabirds flock to this rocky outcrop in their thousands during breeding season and colonies of common and grey seal spend autumn in the waters of the bay. See the landscapes of Shetland and Orkney; Visit Trshavn, with its Viking heritage; Itinerary From. The best time to visit is during what Shetlanders call the . Discover what makes the perfect boutique cruise experience, every time. Regional departures and/or connections to London, if available, can be requested. This means one or two nights at sea followed by sailing in Shetland and 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. 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. In a land that's been largely tamed, they remain rare unspoiled outposts of rugged coastline and remote beauty. Our smaller ships are the perfect choice if youre cruising solo. Also includes hotels in Alderney, Sark and Herm, plus the Isle of Wight, Isles of Scilly, Isle of Man and Shetland & Orkney Islands. 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. These are at additional expense and, if available, details will be provided with your tour documentation. Scalloway CastleWhen visiting the Shetland Isles, why not visit Scalloway Castle? Scottish Islands & Island Hopping | VisitScotland 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. However the earldom began, by the time of Earl Sigurd we are heading into more reliable territory - although still laced with myth and folklore. Average salary for Saga Group Mi Analyst in Seaham, England: [salary]. These mysterious stone circles are amongst the most significant in Europe and are some 5,000 years old. 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. 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. Enjoy a fascinating talk from historian Nick Card on the Orkney Islands' Neolithic past. Tallest Sea Cliffs in Britain. All included in the price. Spend some time exploring this fascinating seaport where you could visit Shetland Museum to gain an invaluable introduction to the islands history, or explore Fort Charlotte originally built in 1665 to protect Shetland from Dutch warships. Come explor. The breadth of history to be discovered here is without parallel in Scotland and is sure to amaze you. Stay at this 3-star hotel in Kirkwall. Its a great way to make new friends! Modern Slavery & Human Trafficking Statement. 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. On Mainland . Excellent, informative, enjoyable tour. Overlooking Skaill Bay, we'll discover a settlement of Stone Age houses complete with chairs, beds and dressers all made from stone. You will also find no end of delicious local produce to tempt you and a busy programme of annual festivals. Orphir has a Viking museum, the Orkneyinga Saga Centre, and the remains of Scotland's only . 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. This holiday can be arranged from March to October. Next, we make for Maeshowe, a magnificent chambered tomb that dates from around 2,500 BC. The beautiful Cairngorms National Park will bring us to the Pass of Drumocher and Highland Perthshire beyond. A BSpoke Tour is all about being as restful or as adventurous as you desire. 999 pp. The History of the Orkney and Shetland Isles For anyone easily seduced by big skies, sea views, and wide-open spaces, Orkney is always a good idea. Our discerning team has a wealth of experience, and we extensively research and regularly review all of the accommodation we select for our clients. Then trace . Think of this itinerary as a starting point which can be tailored into something completely unique to you by our award-winning specialists. The islanders themselves feel a strong local identity and you can be guaranteed a warm island welcome and some fantastic local fresh food. 8 nights from. With a strong norse influence, these island groups provide a surprisingly contrasting cultural experience when compared to the Hebrides. 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. In 1919 the German Navy scuttled itself as a grand act of defiance and, in 1939, HMS Royal Oak was sunk here by a U-boat. The Orkney Islands constitute a council area and belong to the historic county of Orkney. 7 miles (12km) with 1,360 feet (420m) of ascent. Orkney and Shetland are a haven for wildlife. 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. The Shetlands were pawned for a further 8,000 florins. We only share data with business partners where it is necessary to fulfil our service. 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. , Duration: 9 Days / 8 Nights. Non-member fee: 30 per person. 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. Shetland Islands holidays in 2023 & 2024 | Responsible Travel All we ask is that you write to us within 7 days of your return and explain your reason for claiming the refund. 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. Faroe Islands Cruise Tour: Shetland & Orkney Islands | National This morning you will enjoy a real treat a wildlife boat trip. Outer two berth cabins included on the Orkney to Shetland and Shetland to Aberdeen crossings. The islands geographic location makes it a crossroad for wildlife. Be aware of your surroundings and don't venture off on your own. Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Revealed. Availability is individually checked for a hand-picked selection of smaller hotels, guest houses and other independent businesses, so please bear with us and we will respond in 1-2 working days. Today we leave Orkney and head north to Shetland. It lay covered for centuries, if not millennia, before a sandstorm in the 1920s revealed the amazing ruins. Spirit of Discovery departing Tilbury. 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. This amazingly well-preserved village was built 5,000 years ago. Highlights of Orkney & Shetland - DC Thomson Travel Overnight Orkney. Our first walk on Orkney follows a clifftop coastal path from Marwick Bay to the Brough of Birsay, overlooking RSPB Marwick Head reserve. (Read 1 review) Late availability on these dates: 15 Apr, 13 May. Visit Orkney & Shetland | Orkney & Shetland Holidays - McKinlay Kidd
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