Later you could take a 10 minute ferry journey to the Isle of Bressay to explore the rich natural heritage and incredible wildlife. Our sociable ships have been designed with more than 100 single balcony cabins, the widest selection on the ocean wave. Stretching off Scotlands north coast are Shetland and Orkney, two very special archipelagos where Scotland meets Scandinavia. With a strong norse influence, these island groups provide a surprisingly contrasting cultural experience when compared to the Hebrides. Shetland: The northernmost part of the UK, Shetland is wild, rugged and beautiful. 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. Although parts date back to the 1500s, most of the building was completed in the eighteenth century by a wealthy landowning family as their own home. See the Tall Ships in Lerwick. 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. Orkney To Shetland Via Fair Isle & Shetland To Orkney Via Fair Isle. 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. Citylink buses run to Aberdeen, Gills Bay and Scrabster so you can catch your ferry to the islands. Youll be in good company if you choose to take dinner at your hotel, a popular destination for locals as well as visitors. Their warm hospitality is sure to be a highlight of your Scottish experience. View our Full Privacy Notice, Read independent reviews from ourcustomers. Iona AbbeyOne of Scotland's most sacred and historic sites, the Abbey was founded in 563AD and it still retains its spiritual atmosphere today. Overlooking Skaill Bay, we'll discover a settlement of Stone Age houses complete with chairs, beds and dressers all made from stone. 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. 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. The islands are also blessed with an extraordinary natural beauty. Shetland - South Mainland. The strong historical and cultural influence of Norway upon these islands is clear in their timber-framed and brightly coloured architecture. 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. Although a remote wilderness, there is a lot to do in Shetland, Orkney and the Hebrides. Tour Details. The card payment providers above are used for taking your payments by operators featured on our site. When people think of Scotland's islands, it's usually the Hebrides they have in mind. and a self-drive holiday of Shetland and Orkney guarantees memories to last a . Florida; Las Vegas & The West . Among the settlements on Mainland, the largest island, is Scalloway, a fishing port. Visit Orkney & Shetland | Orkney & Shetland Holidays - McKinlay Kidd The unspoilt landscape of Shetland has a rugged beauty shaped by the sea at the end of the last Ice Age. It is worth checking the HM Revenues and Customs website before you travel. 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. Exciting destinations. Available from April to October. Absolute Escapes has an excellent relationship with a number of car hire operators and we are able to offer quality vehicles and great value for money. Rated 4.88 out of 5 based on 5,609 reviews. Scottish Islands & Island Hopping | VisitScotland Do take a walk in the gardens which stretch down to the water. 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. Thoroughly recommend this as an enjoyable way to experience Shetland and Orkney. These mysterious stone circles are amongst the most significant in Europe and are some 5,000 years old. Island hop the wild Scottish Northern Isles on this week's holiday to Orkney and Shetland From 895 to 1015 7 days ex flights. Photo: juvlai, CC BY-SA 2.0. Our first walk on Orkney follows a clifftop coastal path from Marwick Bay to the Brough of Birsay, overlooking RSPB Marwick Head reserve. 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. You could visit the mighty Cathedral of St Mangus, which was begun in 1137. Our packages include car rental and comprehensive insurance for the duration of your holiday. You will also find no end of delicious local produce to tempt you and a busy programme of annual festivals. During our time here will visit the RSPB reserve which is home to many species of seabirds including puffins, guillemots and razorbills. 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. The services were taken over by NorthLink Orkney and Shetland Ferries in 2002. Rooms are simple but homely and all come with TV and tea and coffee making facilities. However, some airlines will insist you show a passport so check before you travel.If you are travelling to Scotland from Australia, Canada or the USA, you must have a valid passport for at least three months beyond the length of your stay. 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. Saga Group Mi Analyst Salaries in Seaham, England | Glassdoor Shetland Islands | History, Climate, Population, & Facts Arrive into Lerwick, Shetland early this morning. Arrive into Lerwick, Shetland early this morning. All we ask is that you write to us within 7 days of your return and explain your reason for claiming the refund. Visit the Bishops and Earls Palaces where you can learn of a time when Orkney was part of the Norse-held kingdom of Nordreyjar. Our Premium category includes a unique collection of luxurious and stylish boutique Guest Houses and small 4* Hotels. 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. On Mainland, is the capital Kirkwall whose sights include St Magnus Cathedral, the Bishops and Earls palaces and the Orkney Museum. If you fancy sampling the local water of life, why not take a tour at the. How does the Care Funding Advice Service work? Single cabins now available on all January to March 2023 cruises. A stunning six day private tour from Inverness through the Highlands to the Northern Isles of Orkney and Shetland. It's a short drive to our hotel for the next three nights. This week-long fully-escorted Orkney & Shetland tour is a new addition to the McKinlay Kidd programme, building on our extensive knowledge of the destinations. Family room - this is a room for three people sleeping in one large bed (2 people) and one single bed (1 person). Overnight Shetland. The Ayre Hotel. We would also suggest checking your home policy or credit card contract as many suppliers include travel insurance as part of their offering. As a British citizen you will be entitled to free emergency health care on the NHS.If you are visiting Scotland from outside the United Kingdom and fall ill or are involved in an accident and are from any member of the European Economic Area or Switzerland, you can obtain free or reduced cost treatment with The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). If you're flying here, public bus services connect with all the main airports in Scotland too. Shetland Islands holidays in 2023 & 2024 | Responsible Travel Explore prehistoric sites and experience a very different way of life. More details & Book Bank Holiday Escape to Scenic Scotland . Built in 1600, this castle was once the home of the Earl of Orkney. Depart Lerwick at the end of the afternoon for the overnight journey on the cruise class Northlink Ferries service to Aberdeen. Overnight Orkney. Let Scapa Travel use their extensive local knowledge to create a memorable holiday, tailored specifically for you. Arrive in Aberdeen at 0700 and enjoy breakfast on board before disembarking and continuing your onward journey. Orkney & Shetland Guided Small Group Tour - McKinlay Kidd For anyone easily seduced by big skies, sea views, and wide-open spaces, Orkney is always a good idea. 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. Supplements may apply. Days 5-8 Orkney. 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. Welcome to life in the easy lane. Spirit of Adventure departing Dover. To help you have an enjoyable holiday in Shetland, Orkney and the Outer Hebrides, take a look at these useful tips and advice provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO): Health and Travel InsuranceBritish Citizens are advised by some of our tour operators to have travel insurance before going on a tour or holiday, even if it happens to be in your country of residence. Britain's original ski travel agency and tailor-made ski tour operator, Ski Solutions has been arranging ski holidays for over 30 years across Europe and North America. All holidays are subject to availability. Visit the Orkneyinga Viking history interpretation centre to learn more. Wildlife watching here is superb. 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. Non-member fee: 30 per person. 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 have the application forms in our office at 11 Bridge Street.For more information see www.airdiscountscheme.com, Sign-up to our mailing list for Exclusive Offers. , Duration: 9 Days / 8 Nights. Our first visits are to the Ring of Brodgar and the Standing Stones of Stenness. Getting Here | Orkney.com In the Shetlands, its all about Busta House. Walking is a wonderful way to discover the Orkney Islands. Wildflowers bloom throughout the summer, covering the green cliffs with colour and the exquisite . If you fancy some retail therapy, Kirkwall has a wealth of independent shops and craftworkers studios to be explored. If you enjoy the art of first-class travel whilst enjoying amazing value then an Escorted Tour is just for you. Our newsletter features exciting new itineraries, blog posts from the team, and fabulous competitions. King Charles coronation holiday rejected by Shetland councillors British Isles Cruises 2023 | Cruising Holidays It makes everything so easy, especially when youre chauffeur driven from your own front door. Be the first to hear about all things HF Holidays. 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. Come explor. Just a short flight from mainland UK and accessible from a wide range of regional airports. Highlights of Orkney & Shetland - DC Thomson Travel 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. Travel by overnight ferry to Lerwick, the capital of Shetland, arriving at 0730 and enjoy a leisurely breakfast on board before disembarking. These are wonderfully charming and intimate and run with great flair by their owners. 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. 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. Our last visit of the day is to Skara Brae. Excellent array of hotels and self-catering options across Jersey and Guernsey. Day 1 - Departing Inverness with a morning drive to the far North of Scotland and the ferry port of Scrabster, near Thurso. Accept. This picturesque spring Orkney & Shetland Mini Cruise combines coastal scenery with fascinating history. Today you'll be heading south to experience remarkable heritage sites. 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. 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. It was raided by Norsemen in the 12th Century. Double room - this is a room for two people sharing one large bed. At Aberdeen Harbour, we join the Northlink ferry for the overnight crossing to Shetland. 8 miles (13.5km) with 850 feet (260m) of ascent. Shetland: an epic landscape with a Viking soul | Scotland holidays This mysterious place of long days and colourful night skies is home to a wealth of sea life and sea birds, not . The last part of the journey takes us through the Kingdom of Fife and across the Forth Estuary into Edinburgh. 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. Lake District, Yorkshire & Hadrians Wall, Classic Yorkshire: Whitby, York & The Dales, East of England: Cambridge, Norfolk & Suffolk. 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. P&O Scottish Ferries - Wikipedia Earl Sigurd takes control. 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. 2023 HF Holidays Limited. Please see Terms and Conditions for further details. Please choose from one of our accommodation categories below. These stones have continued to mystify and amaze visitors with questions such as 'who built them?' 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. Overnight Orkney. Sign up for latest offers and top sellers. Usually the coach will arrive at the overnight stop between 16:30 and 17:00 hrs each day. Dine on fresh seafood in cosmopolitan Kirkwall and Lerwick, and enjoy an extensive local craft culture. We will hold your data securely within our organisation, McKinlay Kidd Limited. Covid-19 Travel Requirements Covid-19 Travel Updates and FAQs Cruise Deals; Cruise Lines; . Please click here to see full flight schedules to Shetland & Orkney Island. All sorts of nature abound here, from seals and otters to ponies and hundreds of birds, making it a wildlife lover's paradise. Uncover Orkneys Ancient Secrets - Shearings In nearby Scalloway an excellent museum tells the story of the top-secret WWII Shetland Bus operation. These treasures are of such importance that UNESCO has designated them a World Heritage site. We only share data with business partners where it is necessary to fulfil our service. [1] The History of the Orkney and Shetland Isles enquiries@absoluteescapes.com. Scattered off the northeast coast of Scotland, Orkney and the Shetland Islands are staggeringly beautiful. 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. Arrive on Orkney and settle in to the Merkister Hotel. ARE YOU A SOLO TRAVELLER WILLING TO SHARE? Our local guide will help you to discover ancient civilisations, archaeological delights and bountiful wildlife from our base in the island capital of Kirkwall. Many coaches are equipped with WiFi too. Duration 6 Days. Our ships are smaller, but wonderfully spacious. Experience the unique islands of Shetland and Orkney, with mysterious prehistoric sites, natural wonders and breathtaking scenery waiting around every corner. Local Laws and CustomsQueuing is a British Institution - jump a queue at your own risk!Drug offences will carry penalties in the UK, so avoid getting involved with anything whilst in Scotland. 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. 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. 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. Our discerning team has a wealth of experience, and we extensively research and regularly review all of the accommodation we select for our clients. From 799pp. In certain locations youll may be joined by a local guide who will provide local insight and show you the highlights. Book your tailor-made holiday to Offers with Premier Holidays. Please click below to find the trip notes for your departure date. If a service charge has already been added, no further tip is required. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spirit of Discovery departing Dover. These range from traditional luxury to contemporary Hotels. We will never share your data with third parties for marketing purposes. The islands geographic location makes it a crossroad for wildlife. The island's attractions include . Package holidays to Shetland | Shetland.org Sailing Fair Isle | Orkney to Shetland | Shetland To Orkney More than a million birds breed in very large colonies. Where Scotland meets Scandinavia, this wild and remote corner of northern Britain is truly remarkable. The Ring of Brodgar in the Heart of Neolithic Orkney. Fred Olsen. There are so many reasons why Saga stands out from other cruise lines. Booking holidays since 1939, ATOL Protected. All sorts of nature abound here, from seals and otters to ponies and hundreds of birds, making it a wildlife lover's paradise. Go Scotland Tours is offering a private guided tour combining the Western Isles of Skye, Harris and Lewis with Orkney. Orkney & Shetland Islands - Responsible Travel The nature reserve is the perfect place to spot seabirds such as puffins, guillemots and kittiwakes. Orkney and Shetland, being the nearest western land to Norway, would be first visited. You do not have any pinned holidays. Tour Returns: TBA hrs, Outside Reception at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Edinburgh111 Glasgow Road Edinburgh EH12 8NF, Check-in: TBA hrs
This means one or two nights at sea followed by sailing in Shetland and Orkney. We'll make a visit to view the remarkable paintings that can be found inside the simple corrugated metal exterior. Highlights of Orkney and Shetland - 6 day tour - Scottish Tours All rights reserved. This 16th century lairds manor has bags of historic charm, as well as a roaring fireplace for chilly days, and a well-stocked whisky selection. 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. During the hour-long sailing look out for porpoises, dolphins and minke whales that can often be seen. Please note: All fields marked * are required, Please select a date or 1-2 months if flexible. If you are keen to take more ferry trips, then island hop through Yell to Unst in the far north. The Shetland Islands are the UNBELIEVABLE Hidden Treasure of Scotland, the northernmost point of the United Kingdom and formerly part of Norway. We depart Aberdeen at 19:00 hrs, and a short time later, dinner will be served in the ship's restaurant. Orkney and Shetland Islands holidays set out for two of the most northerly outposts in Britain. 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. Overnight Shetland. These tours are inclusive of superior tourist class accommodation, transportation, selected admission fees and many meals. The restaurant prides itself on local produce, prepared to make the most of the fresh flavours. Let us know if we can tailor-make it for you to link with a self-drive tour of the Scottish Highlands. Discover our last-minute, luxury, all-inclusive, and many other incredible cruise deals. Orkney & Shetland Guided Island Hopping Holiday - HF Holidays 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. 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. Shetland & Orkney Island - Premier Holidays Wherever you cruise on Spirit of Adventure and Spirit of Discovery, youll always step aboard here in the UK. We will communicate with you from time to time about our products and services, similar to those currently featured on our website. The UKs bestselling monthly subscription magazine. Shetland & Orkney Holiday 2023 & 2024 | Self-Drive Road Trip 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. Orkney and Shetland, off the north coast of Scotland. USA. Excellent, informative, enjoyable tour. Simply pop your details in the box below for the latest news, travel advice, destination inspiration, and special offers delivered straight to your inbox. Our home for tonight is in the delightful village of Bray which overlooks Busta Voe. Single cabins now available on 2023 winter cruises, Interest rates and costs of equity release. This amazingly well-preserved village was built 5,000 years ago. If you plan to bring your own vehicle, we are also able to offer this itinerary without a rental car. We use your data to prepare holiday proposals and to make bookings for you if you choose to go ahead. the west of Scotland and Ireland in 795. 999 pp. These departure dates can be booked with flights or as land only holiday options. Youll find pre-history at almost every turn across the Orkney islands: from neolithic chambered cairns, stone circles and standing stones through to the fascinating Stone Age village at Skara Brae. Overnight Ferry. 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. Once your unforgettable excursion comes to an end, make your way to your next base. Specialists in offering a range of adventure holidays, tours and incredible wilderness experiences. Enjoy free time in Kirkwall this morning. The Tower has been restored over the past century, however not all of the original structure still remains. Advertised flight prices are based on UK flights departing from London. 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. The Old Man of Hoy. 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. In a land that's been largely tamed, they remain rare unspoiled outposts of rugged coastline and remote beauty. British Isles Cruises 2023 & 2024 | Fred. Olsen Cruises Nowhere else in Britain, and hardly anywhere else in Europe, can you get so close, so easily, to so many seabirds. Any additional charge for the single supplement will be confirmed at the point of final payment and bookings are accepted on this understanding. 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. FAQsPlease see the FAQ section for more information on this tour. 18 Hours of Midsummer Sun. These unique islands are home to some of the most breathtaking coastal scenery to be found anywhere in Britain. Orkney and Shetland are a haven for wildlife. Its the most southerly point of mainland Shetland and where thousands of species of seabird come ashore to nest on the cliffs. Average salary for Saga Group Mi Analyst in Seaham, England: [salary]. We guarantee to refund this service charge if you believe that arranging your holiday through McKinlay Kidd has not met your expectations for value. 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.