Think of this itinerary as a starting point which can be tailored into something completely unique to you by our award-winning specialists. This picturesque spring Orkney & Shetland Mini Cruise combines coastal scenery with fascinating history. Please choose from one of our accommodation categories below. Call for options 01904 521 936. 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. These are leisurely cycling tours winding through vineyards and staying in high end accommodation where the emphasis is as much on the food and wine as the cycling. 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. 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 . 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. 2023 HF Holidays Limited. Book a package holiday. I flew from Glasgow to Kirkwall, the main town, instead of tak Reg No: 250017 | VAT No: 817 0144 57 | Copyright McKinlay Kidd Ltd 2023. We will never share your data with third parties for marketing purposes. From 799pp. The largest town, Lerwick, is closer to Norway than to Edinburgh, and culturally and geographically they feel more Norse than Scottish. 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 . Usually the tour will depart the hotel between 08:00 hrs and 08:30 hrs in the morning. Orkney and Shetland are a haven for wildlife. Popular attractions Orkney Wireless Museum and St. Magnus Cathedral are located . 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. For those people coming to the UK from the EU, you are allowed to bring an unlimited amount of most goods for your own use without paying tax or duty.However, if you are travelling to the UK from outside of the EU, you are given an allowance of how much alcohol, tobacco, perfume, souvenirs and other goods. The expedition starts in Oban and we sail, via the scenic and bird-rich island of Handa, to the enchanting Orkney Islands. Fiercely independent and sprinkled with Scandinavian tradition, this pair of wild windswept archipelagos offer an island-hopping holiday that ticks-off squawking seabird . Discover your ideal travel experience. If you would like to spend an extra night or two on either Orkney or Shetland, wed be delighted to assist. The Shetlands were pawned for a further 8,000 florins. 3.91. Our full season of 2023 cruises and early 2024 cruises are on sale now. The innovative Shetland Museum and Archives tells the fascinating story of these islands and is well worth visiting. 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 . Overlooking Skaill Bay, we'll discover a settlement of Stone Age houses complete with chairs, beds and dressers all made from stone. Scattered off the northeast coast of Scotland, Orkney and the Shetland Islands are staggeringly beautiful. Outer two berth cabins included on the Orkney to Shetland and Shetland to Aberdeen crossings. A fitting finale to the holiday, this walk along the magnificent granite coastline around Muckle Roe offers a chance to admire the windswept isolation and remote beauty of Shetland. 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. The landscape is wild and remote and, outside of the . This is a customizable tour and can be tailor-made to your preference. Our first walk on Orkney follows a clifftop coastal path from Marwick Bay to the Brough of Birsay, overlooking RSPB Marwick Head reserve. Its just six miles from Skara Brae and has an award-winning restaurant overlooking the loch, serving outstanding Scottish seafood and Aberdeen Angus beef. Youll find our Escorted Tours to be memorable - for all the right reasons! Overnight: Kirkwall Hotel/Lynnfield Hotel, Kirkwall (or similar) (3 nights). These unique islands are home to some of the most breathtaking coastal scenery to be found anywhere in Britain. Overnight Orkney. Watch for dolphins which sometimes play in the bow waves. How does the Care Funding Advice Service work? 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. Today visitors can see eight dwellings, each connected by a series of low passageways. From 2,345 7 days ex flights. This iconic sea stack is only a few hundred years old. 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. Average salary for Saga Group Mi Analyst in Seaham, England: [salary]. Look out for the lighthouse, opened in 1929 its powerful light can be seen from 46 km away. The UK has a famously unpredictable climate so it's best to be prepared for weather thats sunny one minute and raining the next. Group transfer to Sumburgh airport for your return flight. 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. Discover more at the visitor centre which provides touch-screen presentations and a wide range of artefacts that have excavated from the site. All sorts of nature abound here, from seals and otters to ponies and hundreds of birds, making it a wildlife lover's paradise. 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. 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. With their northerly location, the best time to visit is between March and November, with the long days of summer a particularly appealing time. Take in the breathtaking Old Man of Hoy a 450 foot sea stack and perhaps Orkneys most famous landmark. Overnight Orkney. Shetland is home to a world-class diversity of wildlife, from puffins and seals to purpoises and even whales. Scapa Travel sells travel services on behalf of Hays Travel Limited and benefits from Hays Travel's membership of ABTA with membership number P8418. 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. Wilderness England creates incredible journeys to the wild and magical outdoor spaces across Yorkshire, the Lake District, Northumberland, the Cotswolds and the Peak District. Here you can see evidence of many different eras dating as far back as Neolithic times. Book your tailor-made holiday to Offers with Premier Holidays. Uncover Orkney's Ancient Secrets. 895 per person for March, 945 per person for April & October, 985 per person for May & September and 1015 per person for June to August. Later return to Kirkwall where dinner is served in our hotel. To purchase a policy speak to your insurance broker or undertake a search on-line. Sign up today and start discovering. In no time youll be sailing away to one unforgettable destination after another. 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. Among the settlements on Mainland, the largest island, is Scalloway, a fishing port. The Ski Solutions team are all skiing experts, and their wealth of knowledge and passion for the mountains will ensure you experience a truly memorable ski holiday. 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. If you are planning to bring alcohol, tobacco or souvenirs into the country, you need to be familiar with the UK's custom laws. Today we explore the heart of Neolithic Orkney. 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 . Once we make landfall expect day sailing among the islands and skerries. In certain locations youll may be joined by a local guide who will provide local insight and show you the highlights. Our smaller ships are the perfect choice if youre cruising solo. 8 nights from. Welcome to the incredible archipelago of Orkney! An experienced tour manager will lead the tour and your coach will be expertly driven by a professional driver. Your leader will be in reception at 18:30 to give you a quick introduction to the holiday before dinner. Orkney is a land of opportunity forged by 5,000 years of unique history. Fred Olsen. It's a favourite with twitchers, who flock here to enjoy sensational seabird colonies and rare species. 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. Stay at this 3-star hotel in Kirkwall. 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. Please contact us for more details. Wildlife watching here is superb. These unassuming islands have a truly magical quality, and civilisation has thrived here for millennia. Thats why all of the accommodation we select is hand-picked using our first-hand knowledge of the best places to stay. 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. Relaxing hotel-based holidays in the sun, with a Saga host on hand. At the ancient settlement of Jarlshof you can explore 4,000 years of human history. These departure dates can be booked with flights or as land only holiday options. I have never been that far north before. For group bookings of 10+ people click here. Usually the coach will arrive at the overnight stop between 16:30 and 17:00 hrs each day. Discover our last-minute, luxury, all-inclusive, and many other incredible cruise deals. 18 Hours of Midsummer Sun. Youre also sure to come across plenty of roaming Shetland ponies on your travels. In 1468, the impoverished Christian I, King of Denmark, Norway and Sweden, pawned the Orkney Isles to James III of Scotland in lieu of a royal dowry for 50,000 florins. Day 5. We will make it easy for you to opt-out of receiving communications, to check what data we hold on you or to request us to delete your data altogether. Arrive on Orkney and settle in to the Merkister Hotel. Several of the prisoners have returned to Orkney over the years to assist with the restoration of the building. P&O Iona; Anthem of the Seas; Regal Princess; MSC Virtuosa; Queen Mary 2 . Tour departure and return times will be advised in your tour documentation. The services were taken over by NorthLink Orkney and Shetland Ferries in 2002. You could visit the mighty Cathedral of St Mangus, which was begun in 1137. 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. 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. Topped by a prehistoric chambered burial cairn, the summit offers a breathtaking panorama across this ice-carved landscape. It lay covered for centuries, if not millennia, before a sandstorm in the 1920s revealed the amazing ruins. 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. 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. A quick introduction. Take the opportunity to visit one of Orkneys smaller isles. A stunning island destination closer to home, the Shetland Isles are one of Scotland's most popular and it is not hard to see why. Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Revealed. As you sail below, the screeching is deafening, and youll feel very outnumbered, a stranger invading their territory. Rooms are simple but homely and all come with TV and tea and coffee making facilities. Please click below to find the trip notes for your departure date. Meanwhile, the rich ancient history and numerous archaeological sites offer a fascinating glimpse into the past, with many details of life preserved. Trade Login Contact 08444 937 531 Destinations UK & Channel Islands. UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will not be able to use this site without JavaScript. Where Scotland meets Scandinavia, this wild and remote corner of northern Britain is truly remarkable. Departing by Coach. VAT Number 125 4899 87. All packages that include flights are ATOL protected. This will ensure that we can improve the experience for all our future guests. Excellent and Friendly Staff!! . If you're flying here, public bus services connect with all the main airports in Scotland too. USA. These stones have continued to mystify and amaze visitors with questions such as 'who built them?' Our journey continues through the fertile farmland of Angus to reach the granite city of Aberdeen by late afternoon. The Stones were erected around 3000BC and it is thought that they were some kind of astronomical calendar associated with the moon. Just a short flight from mainland UK and accessible from a wide range of regional airports. Tour Details. 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. Make sure you visit Jarlshof, another incredible prehistoric site exposed in violent storms in the last couple of centuries. 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. We depart Aberdeen at 19:00 hrs, and a short time later, dinner will be served in the ship's restaurant. Everything's taken care of on a Saga escorted tour, so you can see and do more. This expanse of water has played witness to some monumental events. To help us reduce spam, please tick the reCAPTCHA field. Although a remote wilderness, there is a lot to do in Shetland, Orkney and the Hebrides. Sign up for latest offers and top sellers. They branded their services "P&O Ferries" from 1975 to 1989 and "P&O Scottish Ferries" thereafter. Regional departures and/or connections to London, if available, can be requested. Known as the Churchill Barriers, we will use these causeways to reach the little island of Lamb Holm. Finally, a laird's house was constructed on the site in the 1600s. All room types, other than twin rooms, are subject to availability. If you fancy some retail therapy, Kirkwall has a wealth of independent shops and craftworkers studios to be explored. Our local guide will help you to discover ancient civilisations, archaeological delights and bountiful wildlife from our base in the island capital of Kirkwall. Please note: All fields marked * are required, Please select a date or 1-2 months if flexible. Call and speak to one of our travel experts who have experienced Shetland & Orkney Islands personally. They left carvings behind which are considered to be some of the finest examples of runic inscriptions in the World. Overnight Shetland. 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. 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. 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. In the Shetlands, its all about Busta House. For all their differences, these islands share a similar feel: weather-beaten archipelagos with more in common with the Faroes than mainland Scotland. How do I get there? Contact usEmail: info@scapatravel.co.ukTelephone: 01856 889040, Our opening hours are:Monday to Friday 10am to 4pmSaturday 11am to 3pm. If, like us, you cant get enough of the archeological discoveries, head over to Rousay with its Midhowe Broch and Cairn. From getting to know you by name to remembering your favourite drink at the bar, youll always receive personal, attentive service. Supplements may apply. When's the best time to visit? A genuine feel pervades this small family owned hotel, located on the edge of Kirkwall. Sign up for latest offers and top sellers. With a maximum of 15 passengers per group, you can be sure of . Language: EnglishCurrency: Pound SterlingTime Zone: GMTTipping: 10 to 12% is usual for hotels with 10 to 15% being usual for restaurants. When people think of Scotland's islands, it's usually the Hebrides they have in mind. During the hour-long sailing look out for porpoises, dolphins and minke whales that can often be seen. Youll be in good company if you choose to take dinner at your hotel, a popular destination for locals as well as visitors. Registered Office: Enbrook Park, Folkestone, Kent, CT20 3SE. Buy your own drinks and keep sight of them at all times. Enjoy free time in Kirkwall this morning. The nature reserve is the perfect place to spot seabirds such as puffins, guillemots and kittiwakes. 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. 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. 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. 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. Covid-19 Travel Requirements Covid-19 Travel Updates and FAQs Cruise Deals; Cruise Lines; . Photo: Lis Burke, CC BY-SA 2.0. Your hotel is a short drive away from the ferry port, in the islands capital, Kirkwall. Do take a walk in the gardens which stretch down to the water. 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 & Shetland Start your journey by travelling from Orkney from Scrabster near Thurso, where you will find your hotel which is . Go Scotland Tours is offering a private guided tour combining the Western Isles of Skye, Harris and Lewis with Orkney. A stunning six day private tour from Inverness through the Highlands to the Northern Isles of Orkney and Shetland. Scalloway CastleWhen visiting the Shetland Isles, why not visit Scalloway Castle? Visitors can climb up the tower of the Castle and visit the Scalloway Museum which is located next door. Discover their all-balcony cabins, huge choice of included speciality restaurants and bars, and an outdoor lido with a full wraparound deck. The holiday ideas on our website are just examples of the amazing trips we offer. This mysterious tomb was built from huge sandstone blocks over 5,000 years ago and aligns perfectly with the winter solstice testament to an advanced knowledge of astronomy by its architects. Look out for the gargoyles which a former owner rescued from the Houses of Parliament in London. The breadth of history to be discovered here is without parallel in Scotland and is sure to amaze you. We love the opportunity to use our first-hand knowledge and experience to design and deliver the perfect, bespoke holiday experience for you. A BSpoke Tour is all about being as restful or as adventurous as you desire. Stop off to admire the ornate Italian Chapel, crafted from scraps by prisoners of war, and look out for the many wrecked ships poking their remains out of the water around Scapa Flow. Small group travel: 2023: 15 Apr, 13 May. 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. Does equity release affect inheritance tax. 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. The drive north covers wonderful coastal scenery and normally takes around 3-4 hours including photo stops and a brief visit to the historic town of Dornoch. 8 nights from. High levels of cover from an award winning provider, 3-year fixed price with no tie-ins - T&Cs apply. 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. Explore the islands' Norse heritage on a coach holiday, where the sound of fiddles can still be heard drifting through the fresh air. 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. The Orkney Islands were the Orcades of ancient classical literature. There are so many reasons why Saga stands out from other cruise lines. Orkney and Shetland, off the north coast of Scotland. Day 9. Orkney and Shetland Islands holidays set out for two of the most northerly outposts in Britain. Highlights of Orkney and Shetland6 day/5 night. Later we travel to the dramatic sea cliffs at Eshaness which have been created by the constant pounding of the Atlantic waves. Free time will let you explore Kirkwall and St Magnus Cathedral before setting sail for the mainland. Read more, Need something more tailored? At this fascinating site, we will discover the remains of oval houses from the Bronze Age, an Iron Age broch and Viking longhouses. We suggest an early start today - there's a lot to fit in! Saga Cruises; Disney Cruises; Cruise Ships. The island's attractions include . It's a convenient crossing point for otters too, who, in these islands, are sea-dwelling. In each case, it is not necessarily added to the bill. The Tower has been restored over the past century, however not all of the original structure still remains. Last month I was in Orkney for the first time. 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. 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. We also include a Boat trip around Noss during your time on Shetland (please note this only runs between May and mid-September). The islands geographic location makes it a crossroad for wildlife. A holiday to the islands of Orkney and Shetland has it all. 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 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. The natural beauty of Orkneys landscape boasts a rich variety of scenery. Beautiful beaches, stunning cliffs, ancient settlements and wonderful wildlife-spotting opportunities - Shetland has a lot to offer. 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.