Topped by a prehistoric chambered burial cairn, the summit offers a breathtaking panorama across this ice-carved landscape. 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. Day 1 - Departing Inverness with a morning drive to the far North of Scotland and the ferry port of Scrabster, near Thurso. We use cookies to provide you with the best online experience. This mysterious place of long days and colourful night skies is home to a wealth of sea life and sea birds, not . Thoroughly recommend this as an enjoyable way to experience Shetland and Orkney. Before your departure, you will receive personalised holiday information including full directions, recommended routes, and suggestions on places to visit depending on your interests and our local knowledge to help you get the most from your holiday. Arrive into Lerwick, Shetland early this morning. Nearby sits the Bishop's Palace and Earl's Palace, which was reputedly built using forced labour. With 70 magical islands its difficult to know where to begin. 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. Exciting destinations. Departing by Coach. . We will never share your data with third parties for marketing purposes. Enjoy a complimentary chauffeur service, wines, premium spirits, speciality dining, gratuities, Wi-Fi and travel insurance. Sail away to lands steeped in history, wildlife and stunning scenery, far from the jostling crowds, to the haunting beauty of the Orkney and Shetland Isles. 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. Please contact us for information on child prices. A holiday to the islands of Orkney and Shetland has it all. Spirit of Discovery departing Tilbury. The unspoilt landscape of Shetland has a rugged beauty shaped by the sea at the end of the last Ice Age. The Italian Prisoners constructed a chapel out of a pair of Nissen Huts. 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. Tallest Sea Cliffs in Britain. 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. Travel to Orkney by ferry from Caithness, on the north coast of Scotland, with the crossing taking just under an hour. We are obliged to maintain a high standard of service to you by ABTA's Code of Conduct. All we ask is that you write to us within 7 days of your return and explain your reason for claiming the refund. Then trace . 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. 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. Make sure you visit Jarlshof, another incredible prehistoric site exposed in violent storms in the last couple of centuries. Spot dolphins and porpoises in the coastal waters, or breeding seabirds such as puffins and guillemots at Hermaness Nature Reserve. Day 9. The holiday described is based on taking your own car, but ask us if you would like a fly-drive proposal, flying to and between the islands andhiring a car on each island. This elevated viewpoint affords extensive views over Shetland and of Fair Isle to the south. enquiries@absoluteescapes.com. Weve had a long love affair with Orkneys family-run Merkister Hotel, not least for its enviable setting on the shores of Harray Loch. Your leader will be in reception at 18:30 to give you a quick introduction to the holiday before dinner. While most tour operators use hotels around the capital, Lerwick, we choose to stay somewhere you can really appreciate Shetlands remote beauty. With a strong norse influence, these island groups provide a surprisingly contrasting cultural experience when compared to the Hebrides. Contact us via email: Arrive on Orkney and settle in to the Merkister Hotel. Our Premium category includes a unique collection of luxurious and stylish boutique Guest Houses and small 4* Hotels. Read more, Need something more tailored? You could visit the mighty Cathedral of St Mangus, which was begun in 1137. On Mainland . Your hotel is an historic building, complete with nooks and crannies, winding corridors, steep steps, creaky floorboards and supposedly a resident ghost. It is a wonderful way to get a real feel for both the culture and the wildlife of these islands, with knowledgeable guides on hand to inform. These unassuming islands have a truly magical quality, and civilisation has thrived here for millennia. Call for options 01904 521 936. The expedition starts in Oban and we sail, via the scenic and bird-rich island of Handa, to the enchanting Orkney Islands. A short drive to the western side of the Shetland mainland brings us to the old fishing port of Scalloway, which sits overlooking a sheltered bay. Written around AD 1200 by an unnamed Icelandic author, the Orkneyinga Saga is an intriguing fusion of myth, legend and history. To prevent further attacks, a series of four barriers were constructed using Italian prisoners of war. The islands are also blessed with an extraordinary natural beauty. Here you can see evidence of many different eras dating as far back as Neolithic times. Trade Login Contact 08444 937 531 Destinations UK & Channel Islands. A wonderful car tour of the stunning Shetland and Orkney Isles off the far north coast of Scotland, plus some of Scotland's finest castles and gardens on the way. Single cabins now available on 2023 winter cruises, Interest rates and costs of equity release. 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. Tourist officesFor further information about the Scottish Isles you can visit their official tourist board websites at: The Shetland Isles: shetland.orgThe Orkney Isles:visitorkney.comThe Outer Hebrides:visithebrides.com. 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. and a self-drive holiday of Shetland and Orkney guarantees memories to last a . Calls cost 7p per minute plus your phone companys access charge. These tours are immensely popular so expect to be travelling in the company of like-minded travellers from around the world. 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 . 2,599. This trip is operated by our England team. This picturesque spring Orkney & Shetland Mini Cruise combines coastal scenery with fascinating history. 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. Toggle navigation. Uncover hidden gems and holiday inspiration from our team of travel specialists. From jagged cliffs to unspoilt beaches and stone . At this fascinating site, we will discover the remains of oval houses from the Bronze Age, an Iron Age broch and Viking longhouses. At the ancient settlement of Jarlshof you can explore 4,000 years of human history. 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. 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. Scotland's Northern Isles by Motorhome. NB these cruise details have been updated - Please see the new trip page - Orkney, Shetland, Faroe Islands and St Kilda cruise.. 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. (Do find time to pop in for a tour of the traditional whisky making process.) 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. Our local guide will help you to discover ancient civilisations, archaeological delights and bountiful wildlife from our base in the island capital of Kirkwall. Shetland & Orkney Island Holidays . 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. Excellent array of hotels and self-catering options across Jersey and Guernsey. View our Full Privacy Notice, Read independent reviews from ourcustomers. Overnight Orkney. Clicking on the link below will redirect you to the Wilderness England website. 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. Topped by a prehistoric chambered burial cairn, the summit offers a breathtaking panorama across this ice-carved landscape. Orkney played a vital role during both World Wars, and this afternoon we will travel to see Scapa Flow which provided a sheltered anchorage for the British naval fleet. Includes 9 nights accommodation (2 of which will be on the ferry to and from Shetland) and ferry costs. Rooms are simple but homely and all come with TV and tea and coffee making facilities. 2023 HF Holidays Limited. How does the Care Funding Advice Service work? In the afternoon well visit Maes Howe, one of the most treasured Neolithic sites in Europe. At 1,475 feet (450m) this is Shetlands highest peak. This is a customizable tour and can be tailor-made to your preference. 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. Meanwhile, the rich ancient history and numerous archaeological sites offer a fascinating glimpse into the past, with many details of life preserved. Please click below to find the trip notes for your departure date. Family room - this is a room for three people sleeping in one large bed (2 people) and one single bed (1 person). 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. These unique islands are home to some of the most breathtaking coastal scenery to be found anywhere in Britain. Book a package holiday. Fair Isle is the southernmost Shetland island and lies 24 miles from the Shetland Mainland and 27 miles from North Ronaldsay, the most northerly island in Orkney. Indulge in a delicious fish and chip lunch overlooking the sea in Brae. All rights reserved. At Aberdeen Harbour, we join the Northlink ferry for the overnight crossing to Shetland. 9 miles (14km) with 1,060 feet (320m) of ascent. Regional departures and/or connections to London, if available, can be requested. Supplements may apply. Warner Bros. 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. Although a remote wilderness, there is a lot to do in Shetland, Orkney and the Hebrides. Later return to Kirkwall where dinner is served in our hotel. Discover our last-minute, luxury, all-inclusive, and many other incredible cruise deals. Photo: Lis Burke, CC BY-SA 2.0. 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. Scattered off the northeast coast of Scotland, Orkney and the Shetland Islands are staggeringly beautiful. Lake District, Yorkshire & Hadrians Wall, Classic Yorkshire: Whitby, York & The Dales, East of England: Cambridge, Norfolk & Suffolk. Find out everything you need to know about planning a trip to Scotland's incredible Northern Isles. Citylink buses run to Aberdeen, Gills Bay and Scrabster so you can catch your ferry to the islands. Among the settlements on Mainland, the largest island, is Scalloway, a fishing port. Sign up today and start discovering. On Mainland, is the capital Kirkwall whose sights include St Magnus Cathedral, the Bishops and Earls palaces and the Orkney Museum. It is worth checking the HM Revenues and Customs website before you travel. Highlights of Orkney and Shetland6 day/5 night. You are able to walk in and out and around them, just imagining how people used to survive here. Tour Details. Thousands of seabirds including gannets, guillemots and kittiwakes nest and feed in the Noss Nature Reserve. Later, in medieval times, farmsteads were also built here. Day 5. Discover their all-balcony cabins, huge choice of included speciality restaurants and bars, and an outdoor lido with a full wraparound deck. In each case, it is not necessarily added to the bill. If a service charge has already been added, no further tip is required. 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. 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. You will also find no end of delicious local produce to tempt you and a busy programme of annual festivals. Dinner will be served on board and we will arrive in Kirkwall around 23:00 hrs. Many people have landed there before you . Dine on fresh seafood in cosmopolitan Kirkwall and Lerwick, and enjoy an extensive local craft culture. 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. Based on 1 salaries posted anonymously by Saga Group Mi Analyst employees in Seaham, England. Our last visit of the day is to Skara Brae. This holiday can be arranged from March to October. 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. Some cruises also incorporate the Faroe Isles. Uncover Orkney's Ancient Secrets. Popular attractions Orkney Wireless Museum and St. Magnus Cathedral are located . From here you can gaze out to the Muckle Flugga lighthouse. If you fancy sampling the local water of life, why not take a tour at 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. The Ring of Brodgar in the Heart of Neolithic Orkney. We suggest an early start today - there's a lot to fit in! During the hour-long sailing look out for porpoises, dolphins and minke whales that can often be seen. The Vikings left their mark, such as the beautifully proportioned round church at Orphir as well as their grafitti which we now admire as works of art! Highlights of Orkney & Shetland. Iona AbbeyOne of Scotland's most sacred and historic sites, the Abbey was founded in 563AD and it still retains its spiritual atmosphere today. 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 ultimate collection of European cycling holidays. 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. Visit the Bishops and Earls Palaces where you can learn of a time when Orkney was part of the Norse-held kingdom of Nordreyjar. Your accommodation is great for the little personal touches. Each one is all inclusive, and youll have your own private balcony to enjoy every destination in style. 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. 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. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and breakfast. Discover more at the visitor centre which provides touch-screen presentations and a wide range of artefacts that have excavated from the site. Our destination is Lerwick, the island's attractive capital. High levels of cover from an award winning provider, 3-year fixed price with no tie-ins - T&Cs apply. Scalloway CastleWhen visiting the Shetland Isles, why not visit Scalloway Castle? Walking is a wonderful way to discover the Orkney Islands. Orkney and Shetland Isles Holidays. 2 miles (3km) with 200 feet (60m) of ascent. We love the opportunity to use our first-hand knowledge and experience to design and deliver the perfect, bespoke holiday experience for you. However the earldom began, by the time of Earl Sigurd we are heading into more reliable territory - although still laced with myth and folklore. Enchanting Orkney is a smorgasbord of must-see sites and cultural attractions scattered across70 islands. Watch for dolphins which sometimes play in the bow waves. Accept. Let Scapa Travel use their extensive local knowledge to create a memorable holiday, tailored specifically for you. Stretching off Scotlands north coast are Shetland and Orkney, two very special archipelagos where Scotland meets Scandinavia. [1] We then rejoin our transport for the scenic transfer to Busta House. 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. 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 . We depart Aberdeen at 19:00 hrs, and a short time later, dinner will be served in the ship's restaurant. It was raided by Norsemen in the 12th Century. It also comprises larger 4* Hotels selected for their high standard of accommodation, exceptional service, and great location. Earl Sigurd takes control. These departure dates can be booked with flights or as land only holiday options. Meet Shetland ponies in their natural habitat. 01273 823 700 . All our holiday prices include a service charge of 9 per person per night towards the costs we incur in researching, planning and designing your holiday. For group bookings of 10+ people click here. Here we will have some free time to explore this charming town with its stone-paved alleys, granite houses and independent shops. Jna Sparey has been organising and conducting tours to Iceland - her Mother's homeland - and to many other places around the world since 1985. 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. But the surrounding dwellings and outbuildings date from thousands of years earlier. Shetland Isles wildlife holiday. Our home for tonight is in the delightful village of Bray which overlooks Busta Voe. All room types, other than twin rooms, are subject to availability. Shetland and the Tall Ships. Historic and Cultural Tours. Later we travel to the dramatic sea cliffs at Eshaness which have been created by the constant pounding of the Atlantic waves. AccommodationThe price of this tour includes hotel accommodation/ferry cabin with en-suite bathroom. Are you sure you would like to continue with this room size? Do take a walk in the gardens which stretch down to the water. Wilderness England creates incredible journeys to the wild and magical outdoor spaces across Yorkshire, the Lake District, Northumberland, the Cotswolds and the Peak District. The islands are a birdwatchers' paradise and one of the major seabird breeding and feeding areas in the North Atlantic. We arrive in Lerwick around 07:30 hrs. All itineraries and room types are presented subject to availability at specific hotels. It makes everything so easy, especially when youre chauffeur driven from your own front door. Guide Lorraine gives an insight into this ancient archipelago. The card payment providers above are used for taking your payments by operators featured on our site. 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. 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. Explore the islands' Norse heritage on a coach holiday, where the sound of fiddles can still be heard drifting through the fresh air.
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