A quick introduction. Jersey; Guernsey; Herm, Sark & Alderney; Isles of Scilly; Isle of Wight ; Isle of Man ; Shetland & Orkney Islands ; North America. Providing inspiring active experiences, immerse yourself in the unique landscapes, history, culture and wildlife on a Wilderness England adventure. Stretching off Scotland's north coast are Shetland and Orkney, two very special archipelagos where Scotland meets Scandinavia. Exciting destinations. A selection of cruises incorporating the islands are available, with ports of call including Stornoway (Isle of Lewis) and Kirkwall (Isle of Orkney), as well as Edinburgh. Each one is all inclusive, and youll have your own private balcony to enjoy every destination in style. Our full season of 2023 cruises and early 2024 cruises are on sale now. Please choose from one of our accommodation categories below. Free time will let you explore Kirkwall and St Magnus Cathedral before setting sail for the mainland. 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. Outstanding scenery, exceptional wildlife, ancient history, traditional crafts and world-class diving. Guide Lorraine gives an insight into this ancient archipelago. High levels of cover from an award winning provider, 3-year fixed price with no tie-ins - T&Cs apply. 9 miles (14km) with 760 feet (230m) of ascent. In nearby Scalloway an excellent museum tells the story of the top-secret WWII Shetland Bus operation. Today you'll be heading south to experience remarkable heritage sites. Stay at this 3-star hotel in Kirkwall. Think of this itinerary as a starting point which can be tailored into something completely unique to you by our award-winning specialists. These are at additional expense and, if available, details will be provided with your tour documentation. The breadth of history to be discovered here is without parallel in Scotland and is sure to amaze you. 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. Day 1 - Departing Inverness with a morning drive to the far North of Scotland and the ferry port of Scrabster, near Thurso. 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. Indulge in a delicious fish and chip lunch overlooking the sea in Brae. Soak up the history and imagine life in eras gone by! If, like us, you cant get enough of the archeological discoveries, head over to Rousay with its Midhowe Broch and Cairn. Buy your own drinks and keep sight of them at all times. In the afternoon well visit Maes Howe, one of the most treasured Neolithic sites in Europe. A stunning six day private tour from Inverness through the Highlands to the Northern Isles of Orkney and Shetland. The islands are also blessed with an extraordinary natural beauty. Keep an eye on everyone in your party and do not go off with people you do not know. Wherever you cruise on Spirit of Adventure and Spirit of Discovery, youll always step aboard here in the UK. Spirit of Discovery departing Dover. 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. Further south on Mainland is Sumburgh Head, an ideal spot for twitchers with unobstructed views of the seabird colonies; Old Scatness, a recently excavated Iron Age village; and the Jarlshof Prehistoric and Norse settlements, with archaeological treasures from over 4,000 years. We know that after a busy day of sightseeing an exceptional place to stay makes all the difference. Overnight: Busta House Hotel/Brae Hotel, Shetland (or similar). We suggest an early start today - there's a lot to fit in! It was raided by Norsemen in the 12th Century. 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 . Day 5. Call for options 01904 521 936. 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. 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. 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. 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. Your hotel is an historic building, complete with nooks and crannies, winding corridors, steep steps, creaky floorboards and supposedly a resident ghost. 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. There are so many reasons why Saga stands out from other cruise lines. They constitute the Shetland Islands council area and the historic county of Shetland. Youll board your ferry to Orkney in the afternoon and arrive in Kirkwall, the historic capital of Orkney, later this evening. Built in 1600, this castle was once the home of the Earl of Orkney. If you plan to bring your own vehicle, we are also able to offer this itinerary without a rental car. Accommodation on board in a double/twin en-suite outer cabin is included in the price. 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 . 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. Popular attractions Orkney Wireless Museum and St. Magnus Cathedral are located . 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. Discover your ideal travel experience. To prevent further attacks, a series of four barriers were constructed using Italian prisoners of war. and 'why?'. These tours are immensely popular so expect to be travelling in the company of like-minded travellers from around the world. Fiercely independent and sprinkled with Scandinavian tradition, this pair of wild windswept archipelagos offer an island-hopping holiday that ticks-off squawking seabird colonies, staggering scenery, and some of the best-preserved Neolithic ruins in Europe. 2,268. The UKs bestselling monthly subscription magazine. 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. Visit the Bishops and Earls Palaces where you can learn of a time when Orkney was part of the Norse-held kingdom of Nordreyjar. 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. 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. 638 ratings70 reviews. 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. Later, in medieval times, farmsteads were also built here. Your hotel is a short drive away from the ferry port, in the islands capital, Kirkwall. Join us on a stunning journey to the unforgettable Orkney Islands, a little-visited archipelago of some 70 small islands and skerries due north of the Scottish mainland. 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. 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. Historic and Cultural Tours. 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. 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 island's attractions include . Orphir has a Viking museum, the Orkneyinga Saga Centre, and the remains of Scotland's only . 3.91. 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 . Visitors can climb up the tower of the Castle and visit the Scalloway Museum which is located next door. Orkney and Shetland, off the north coast of Scotland. Available from April to October. 999 pp. We will never share your data with third parties for marketing purposes. Spend two days exploring some of the many island treasures, including Scalloway Castle and Jarlshof, an outstanding example of . Outer two berth cabins included on the Orkney to Shetland and Shetland to Aberdeen crossings. Copyright 2016 - 2023 Scapa Travel. With their northerly location, the best time to visit is between March and November, with the long days of summer a particularly appealing time. Youll find our Escorted Tours to be memorable - for all the right reasons! How does the Care Funding Advice Service work? This will ensure that we can improve the experience for all our future guests. See the Tall Ships in Lerwick. Spirit of Adventure departing Dover. Rooms are simple but homely and all come with TV and tea and coffee making facilities. Available Until September 2023. Spend some time exploring this fascinating seaport where you could visit. Enjoy a fascinating talk from historian Nick Card on the Orkney Islands' Neolithic past. 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. Twin room - this is a room for two people sleeping in two separate beds. 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. From 799pp. We only share data with business partners where it is necessary to fulfil our service. Ayre Road, Kirkwall, Scotland, KW15 1QX. In no time youll be sailing away to one unforgettable destination after another. If you are keen to take more ferry trips, then island hop through Yell to Unst in the far north. Saga Cruises; Disney Cruises; Cruise Ships. ABTA and ABTA Members help holidaymakers to get the most from their travel and assist them when things do not go according to plan. "The staff was xtrenely king and helpful! After breakfast, we travel to the very south of the mainland to visit Jarlshof, where waves of settlers lived for more than 4,000 years. Youre also sure to come across plenty of roaming Shetland ponies on your travels. 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. On Mainland . From jagged cliffs to unspoilt beaches and stone circles left by settlers some 4,000 years ago, the region is steeped in age-old history. Departing by Coach. Please note: All fields marked * are required, Please select a date or 1-2 months if flexible. Uncover hidden gems and holiday inspiration from our team of travel specialists. A collection of 3* B&Bs and Guest Houses offering comfortable accommodation close to local attractions. 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. Make the most of your time on the islands on this carefully-curated itinerary accessible by flight from central Scotland. Our home for tonight is in the delightful village of Bray which overlooks Busta Voe. Enjoy 4 days (3 nights) in Shetland. Duration 6 Days. During our time here will visit the RSPB reserve which is home to many species of seabirds including puffins, guillemots and razorbills. In some cases, due to ferry or other travel connections, the tour may depart earlier or arrive later your tour director will advise you if this will be happening on your tour. 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. 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. 2 miles (3km) with 200 feet (60m) of ascent. This morning you will enjoy a real treat a wildlife boat trip. Thats why all of the accommodation we select is hand-picked using our first-hand knowledge of the best places to stay. In a land thats been largely tamed, they remain rare unspoiled outposts of rugged coastline and remote beauty. Please click below to find the trip notes for your departure date. 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. A key event in the global calendar, the annual Up Helly Aa Winter Fire . Scattered off the northeast coast of Scotland, Orkney and the Shetland Islands are staggeringly beautiful. P&O Iona; Anthem of the Seas; Regal Princess; MSC Virtuosa; Queen Mary 2 . Book your tailor-made holiday to Offers with Premier Holidays. 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. It lay covered for centuries, if not millennia, before a sandstorm in the 1920s revealed the amazing ruins. 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. They branded their services "P&O Ferries" from 1975 to 1989 and "P&O Scottish Ferries" thereafter. P&O took over the routes from the long-established North of Scotland, Orkney & Shetland Steam Navigation Company in 1971. 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. Explore the islands' Norse heritage on a coach holiday, where the sound of fiddles can still be heard drifting through the fresh air. Situated just off the north-eastern tip of Scotland on the near-edge of Europe, Shetland, Orkney and the Hebrides are a wilderness in which to shake off the cobwebs. 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. All sorts of nature abound here, from seals and otters to ponies and hundreds of birds, making it a wildlife lover's paradise. View our privacy policy. Outside these hours you can email one of our team [email protected], or make a booking online. The holiday ideas on our website are just examples of the amazing trips we offer. Available May 2023. If you only require a specific response to this enquiry and have no interest in receiving occasional information, news or offers from McKinlay Kidd in future, please email unsubscribe at mckinlaykidd dot com. Wilderness England creates incredible journeys to the wild and magical outdoor spaces across Yorkshire, the Lake District, Northumberland, the Cotswolds and the Peak District. 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. Please see Terms and Conditions for further details. 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. How do I get there? Topped by a prehistoric chambered burial cairn, the summit offers a breathtaking panorama across this ice-carved landscape. If a service charge has already been added, no further tip is required. Last month I was in Orkney for the first time. These cliffs are bursting with an extraordinary range of wildlife, such as seals, puffins, gannets and whales. The Old Man of Hoy. Weve had a long love affair with Orkneys family-run Merkister Hotel, not least for its enviable setting on the shores of Harray Loch. Next, we make for Maeshowe, a magnificent chambered tomb that dates from around 2,500 BC. The card payment providers above are used for taking your payments by operators featured on our site. Sign up today and start discovering. Our local guide will help you to discover ancient civilisations, archaeological delights and bountiful wildlife from our base in the island capital of Kirkwall. These tours are carefully researched and combine quality hotels, luxury travel, informative visits and leisure time. Overlooking Skaill Bay, we'll discover a settlement of Stone Age houses complete with chairs, beds and dressers all made from stone. This holiday can be arranged from March to October. 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. Arrive into Lerwick, Shetland early this morning. 18 Hours of Midsummer Sun. Later you could take a 10 minute ferry journey to the Isle of Bressay to explore the rich natural heritage and incredible wildlife. Spend two days exploring some of the many island treasures, including Scalloway Castle and Jarlshof, an outstanding example of a prehistoric and Norse settlement. The Ayre Hotel. On arrival, we visit Sumburgh Head RSPB reserve. In each case, it is not necessarily added to the bill. Our last visit of the day is to Skara Brae. We sail with Serco Northlink Ferries and their modern, purpose-built vessels, the Hrossey and the Hjaltland, from Aberdeen overnight to Lerwick. Arrive into Lerwick, Shetland early this morning. 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. Contact us via email: With 70 magical islands its difficult to know where to begin. Among the settlements on Mainland, the largest island, is Scalloway, a fishing port. 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. Its just six miles from Skara Brae and has an award-winning restaurant overlooking the loch, serving outstanding Scottish seafood and Aberdeen Angus beef. 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. Known as the Churchill Barriers, we will use these causeways to reach the little island of Lamb Holm. 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. 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. Cycling for Softies is a luxury cycling tour operator providing gourmet cycling adventures in France and Italy. 5 Nights No Fly Cruise from 799pp Liverpool, Cruising past Duart Castle, Cruising Sound of Mull, Cruising Loch Hourn, Cruising by The Small Isles, Portree, Isle of Skye, Kirkwall, Orkney Islands, Cruising by Dutchman's Cap (Bac Mr), Cruising Fingal's Cave, Cruise by Iona, Liverpool. Orkney and Shetland Isles Holidays. The Ring of Brodgar in the Heart of Neolithic Orkney. But the surrounding dwellings and outbuildings date from thousands of years earlier. Scattered off the northeast coast of Scotland, Orkney and the Shetland Islands are staggeringly beautiful. Clicking on the link below will redirect you to the Wilderness England website. 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. If you go above this allowance you may have to pay tax or duty. Excellent, informative, enjoyable tour. All packages that include flights are ATOL protected. Judi Florence Self Guided - The West Highland Way Reviewed on 08/10/2018. Highlights of Orkney & Shetland. This mysterious place of long days and colourful night skies is home to a wealth of sea life and sea birds, not . Today we explore the heart of Neolithic Orkney. Our destination is Lerwick, the island's attractive capital. If you are planning to bring alcohol, tobacco or souvenirs into the country, you need to be familiar with the UK's custom laws. Time to return home. 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 . 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. The innovative Shetland Museum and Archives tells the fascinating story of these islands and is well worth visiting. Meanwhile seals laze on rocks beneath the cliffs or nose around the boat. During the summer it is still light when you arrive. 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. Experience the unique islands of Shetland and Orkney, with mysterious prehistoric sites, natural wonders and breathtaking scenery waiting around every corner. Once we make landfall expect day sailing among the islands and skerries. It took 300 years to complete and is one of the finest examples of Norman architecture in Europe. Another day you might head for South Ronaldsay now connected by the famous Churchill Barriers to the Mainland. We also offer a fly-drive holiday as an alternative way to visit Orkney & Shetland. Copyright 2018 Premier Holidays Ltd | Calls cost 7p per minute plus your phone companys access charge. Call and speak to one of our travel experts who have experienced Shetland & Orkney Islands personally. On many tours youll have the chance to personalise your touring experience by participating in some carefully planned optional excursions. Once checked-in onboard head to your comfortable twin-berth cabin with en-suite bathroom or enjoy time exploring the ship's many facilities. Many coaches are equipped with WiFi too. Scapa Travel is a trading name of Scapa Travel Limited who are registered in Scotland with company number SC438791, and VAT number 115719224. Island hop the wild Scottish Northern Isles on this week's holiday to Orkney and Shetland From 895 to 1015 7 days ex flights. All holidays are subject to availability. On Mainland, is the capital Kirkwall whose sights include St Magnus Cathedral, the Bishops and Earls palaces and the Orkney Museum. Arrive on Orkney and settle in to the Merkister Hotel. These unique islands are home to some of the most breathtaking coastal scenery to be found anywhere in Britain. Explore archaeological wonders such as Skara Brae, Jarlshof, the Ring of Brodgar, and the Standing Stones of Stenness. Meanwhile, the rich ancient history and numerous archaeological sites offer a fascinating glimpse into the past, with many details of life preserved. 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). Later we travel to the dramatic sea cliffs at Eshaness which have been created by the constant pounding of the Atlantic waves. The coach will continue on to Glasgow, for passengers wishing to end their tour there. 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. Small group travel: 2023: 15 Apr, 13 May. Youll be in good company if you choose to take dinner at your hotel, a popular destination for locals as well as visitors. Take in the breathtaking Old Man of Hoy a 450 foot sea stack and perhaps Orkneys most famous landmark. The unspoilt landscape of Shetland has a rugged beauty shaped by the sea at the end of the last Ice Age. (Do find time to pop in for a tour of the traditional whisky making process.) Thoroughly recommend this as an enjoyable way to experience Shetland and Orkney. To purchase a policy speak to your insurance broker or undertake a search on-line.