These tours are inclusive of superior tourist class accommodation, transportation, selected admission fees and many meals. Overnight Orkney, Take the opportunity to visit one of Orkneys smaller isles. Here you can see evidence of many different eras dating as far back as Neolithic times. Clicking on the link below will redirect you to the Wilderness England website. Orkney Holidays 2023 - Expedia 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. A holiday to the islands of Orkney and Shetland has it all. 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. It's a favourite with twitchers, who flock here to enjoy sensational seabird colonies and rare species. The Orkneyinga saga (Old Norse: [orknyje s]; also called the History of the Earls of Orkney and Jarls' Saga) is a narrative of the history of the Orkney and Shetland islands and their relationship with other local polities, particularly Norway and Scotland.The saga has "no parallel in the social and literary record of Scotland" and is "the only medieval chronicle to have . Several of the prisoners have returned to Orkney over the years to assist with the restoration of the building. It was raided by Norsemen in the 12th Century. View our Full Privacy Notice, Read independent reviews from ourcustomers. Twin room - this is a room for two people sleeping in two separate beds. The Shetland Islands are the UNBELIEVABLE Hidden Treasure of Scotland, the northernmost point of the United Kingdom and formerly part of Norway. If you fancy some retail therapy, Kirkwall has a wealth of independent shops and craftworkers studios to be explored. We strongly recommend that you have travel insurance in place for your trip to Scotland, especially if you are visiting from overseas. Tour Departs: TBA hrs This mysterious place of long days and colourful night skies is home to a wealth of sea life and sea birds, not . Lake District, Yorkshire & Hadrians Wall, Classic Yorkshire: Whitby, York & The Dales, East of England: Cambridge, Norfolk & Suffolk. The Ring of Brodgar in the Heart of Neolithic Orkney. Discover the Castle of Mey and its magnificent gardens. Recently hailed as one of Lonely Planets Best in Europe for 2019, the ruggedly handsome Shetland Islands comprise around 100 different islands with just 15 inhabited. From jagged cliffs to unspoilt beaches and stone . Orphir has a Viking museum, the Orkneyinga Saga Centre, and the remains of Scotland's only . At Aberdeen Harbour, we join the Northlink ferry for the overnight crossing to Shetland. 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. At the ancient settlement of Jarlshof you can explore 4,000 years of human history. The Shetland Islands are the most northerly part of the United Kingdom, a group of islands 100 miles / 160 km north of mainland Scotland. In Shetland, inter-island ferry travel is operated by the council , while Orkney Ferries connect the archipelago's 13 island destinations. A BSpoke Tour is all about being as restful or as adventurous as you desire. Please note that a family room is normally a standard double or twin room with either a sofa bed or a rollaway bed. The islands geographic location makes it a crossroad for wildlife. 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. Go Scotland Tours is offering a private guided tour combining the Western Isles of Skye, Harris and Lewis with Orkney. Faroe Island cruise | The Small Cruise Ship Collection A genuine feel pervades this small family owned hotel, located on the edge of Kirkwall. 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). Registered in England, number 5713R. This was once the Shetland capital and is the site of Scalloway Castle which was built for the notorious Earl Patrick Stewart in the early 17th Century. Overnight Orkney. 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. 18 Hours of Midsummer Sun. With a maximum of 15 passengers per group, you can be sure of . The coach will continue on to Glasgow, for passengers wishing to end their tour there. 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. 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 beautiful Cairngorms National Park will bring us to the Pass of Drumocher and Highland Perthshire beyond. The Ayre Hotel. Theres an opportunity to learn about Shetlands heritage at the Tangwick Haa museum today as we circumnavigate the beautiful Eshaness peninsula. . All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. 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. See the Tall Ships in Lerwick. They branded their services "P&O Ferries" from 1975 to 1989 and "P&O Scottish Ferries" thereafter. The card payment providers above are used for taking your payments by operators featured on our site. Arrive in Aberdeen at 0700 and enjoy breakfast on board before disembarking and continuing your onward journey. Faroe Islands Cruise Tour: Shetland & Orkney Islands | National (Read 1 review) Late availability on these dates: 15 Apr, 13 May. When people think of Scotland's islands, it's usually the Hebrides they have in mind. Sailing Fair Isle | Orkney to Shetland | Shetland To Orkney Take the ferry from Stromness to Scrabster on the Scottish mainland, where your self-drive tour of Orkney and Shetland will come to an end. We guarantee to refund this service charge if you believe that arranging your holiday through McKinlay Kidd has not met your expectations for value. Popular attractions Orkney Wireless Museum and St. Magnus Cathedral are located . 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. 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. Its just six miles from Skara Brae and has an award-winning restaurant overlooking the loch, serving outstanding Scottish seafood and Aberdeen Angus beef. 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. 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. Standing guard to warn the passing ships is the Sumburgh Lighthouse, designed by the grandfather of the famous author Robert Louis Stevenson. 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. All itineraries and room types are presented subject to availability at specific hotels. Honest and easy 2 minute travel guide including what makes Shetland Islands so special as well as map and highlights. Make the most of your time on the islands on this carefully-curated itinerary accessible by flight from central Scotland. 2 miles (3km) with 200 feet (60m) of ascent. It took 300 years to complete and is one of the finest examples of Norman architecture in Europe. A key event in the global calendar, the annual Up Helly Aa Winter Fire . This holiday is based on ferry crossings, starting from the north coast of Scotland near Thurso and returning to Aberdeen. Shetland: an epic landscape with a Viking soul | Scotland holidays 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. Orkney & Shetland Guided Small Group Tour - McKinlay Kidd Fiercely independent and sprinkled with Scandinavian tradition, this pair of wild windswept archipelagos offer an island-hopping holiday that ticks-off squawking seabird . If you enjoy the art of first-class travel whilst enjoying amazing value then an Escorted Tour is just for you. Tour Details. Earl Sigurd takes control. The largest town, Lerwick, is closer to Norway than to Edinburgh, and culturally and geographically they feel more Norse than Scottish. There are so many reasons why Saga stands out from other cruise lines. Starts from: Edinburgh. 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. In Kirkwall you will find a bustling and friendly town with a great selection of restaurants, pubs, and local art shops, as well as the most northerly cathedral in Britain dating back to the 12th century. We also offer a fly-drive holiday as an alternative way to visit Orkney & Shetland. This elevated viewpoint affords extensive views over Shetland and of Fair Isle to the south. 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.