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. Its difficult not to be inspired by sweeping panoramic views as you stroll along deserted white sandy beaches or gaze up at dramatic sea cliffs created by fierce volcanic eruptions and the ravages of the North Sea. The Shetland Islands are the UNBELIEVABLE Hidden Treasure of Scotland, the northernmost point of the United Kingdom and formerly part of Norway. 638 ratings70 reviews. Shetland & Orkney Island Holidays . 2 miles (3km) with 200 feet (60m) of ascent. Travel back in time to the Stone Age and discover an ancient civilisation at The Heart of Neolithic Orkney a UNESCO World Heritage Site which includes the four awe-inspiring sites of the Ring of Brodgar, the Stones of Stenness, the Maeshowe tomb and Skara Brae. Offers - Premier Holidays Your accommodation is great for the little personal touches. The Tower has been restored over the past century, however not all of the original structure still remains. Jarlshof - explore this historic site, where people lived for more than 4,000 years, to see outstanding examples of Bronze Age and Viking houses, Scalloway - tour through this attractive fishing port that was once the island capital to visit the imposing ruins of 17th Century Scalloway Castle, Maeshowe - investigate this impressive chambered tomb and see the Viking graffiti left 1,000 years ago, Skara Brae - discover how early man lived at this amazingly well-preserved Stone Age settlement of dwelling houses complete with beds and chairs, Kirkwall - enjoy a three-night stay in this bustling port dominated by 12th Century St Magnus Cathedral, Movie locations Moondogs, The Long Hope and The Spy in Black. We also offer a fly-drive holiday as an alternative way to visit Orkney & Shetland. Spirit of Discovery departing Dover. These are at additional expense and, if available, details will be provided with your tour documentation. From wildlife and wool tours to walking holidays and fire festival fun, each celebrate a different aspect of Shetland, so you can choose a 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. Explore archaeological wonders such as Skara Brae, Jarlshof, the Ring of Brodgar, and the Standing Stones of Stenness. Orkney and Shetland Archaeology Tours | Andante Travels 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. 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. The services were taken over by NorthLink Orkney and Shetland Ferries in 2002. The landscape is wild and remote and, outside of the . 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. Search. 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. In West Mainland, dont miss the hauntingly beautiful Heart of Neolithic Orkney UNESCO World Heritage Site. 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. Once checked-in onboard head to your comfortable twin-berth cabin with en-suite bathroom or enjoy time exploring the ship's many facilities. 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. Well also visit the Ring of Brodgar and the Standing Stones of Stenness, which together with Skara Brae and Maes How, form the Heart of Neolithic Orkney UNESCO World Heritage Site. Contact us via email: 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. Later, in medieval times, farmsteads were also built here. Warner Bros. The Orkney Mainland is just Getting to Orkney can be easier and quicker than you may think. Also includes hotels in Alderney, Sark and Herm, plus the Isle of Wight, Isles of Scilly, Isle of Man and Shetland & Orkney Islands. 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. Rated 4.88 out of 5 based on 5,609 reviews. This morning you will enjoy a real treat a wildlife boat trip. 10 Favourite Books about Shetland - Shetland Wool Adventures Are you sure you would like to continue with this room size? Overnight Orkney. Its the most southerly point of mainland Shetland and where thousands of species of seabird come ashore to nest on the cliffs. British Isles Cruises 2023 & 2024 | Fred. Olsen Cruises 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. Booking holidays since 1939, ATOL Protected. 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. With their northerly location, the best time to visit is between March and November, with the long days of summer a particularly appealing time. All rights reserved. Today we leave Orkney and head north to Shetland. Overnight Shetland. We arrive in Lerwick around 07:30 hrs. Arrive into Lerwick, Shetland early this morning. Meet Shetland ponies in their natural habitat. Only a 20 minute drive from Lerwick, you can discover the ruins of Scalloway Castle, visit Scalloway Museum, or enjoy a stroll through the picturesque harbour. Discover some of the most important Neolithic sites in Europe and uncover the mysteries of a 5,000 year old civilisation at a UNESCO world heritage site. Explore the islands' Norse heritage on a coach holiday, where the sound of fiddles can still be heard drifting through the fresh air. [1] Scalloway CastleWhen visiting the Shetland Isles, why not visit Scalloway Castle? 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. With a maximum of 15 passengers per group, you can be sure of . Uncover Orkneys Ancient Secrets - Shearings The best time to visit is during what Shetlanders call the . This trip is operated by our England team. Keep an eye on everyone in your party and do not go off with people you do not know. Where Scotland meets Scandinavia, this wild and remote corner of northern Britain is truly remarkable. Its name, meaning Earls House, was bestowed by Sir Walter Scott when he used the ruins of the sixteenth century lairds house as a fictional setting. FAQsPlease see the FAQ section for more information on this tour. If you fancy some retail therapy, Kirkwall has a wealth of independent shops and craftworkers studios to be explored. All packages that include flights are ATOL protected. Cycling for Softies is a luxury cycling tour operator providing gourmet cycling adventures in France and Italy. Please choose from one of our accommodation categories below. 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. 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. 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. (Do find time to pop in for a tour of the traditional whisky making process.) From 2,345 7 days ex flights. 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. Next, sail southwards to reach the Orkney Islands, where we'll discover the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, a UNESCO World Heritage site that includes Skara Brae, Maeshowe and the Ring of Brodgar Stone Circle. Youll board your ferry to Orkney in the afternoon and arrive in Kirkwall, the historic capital of Orkney, later this evening. It's a short drive to our hotel for the next three nights. The Shetland Islands | The Unbelievable Hidden Treasure of Scotland These are wonderfully charming and intimate and run with great flair by their owners. 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. Our first walk on Orkney follows a clifftop coastal path from Marwick Bay to the Brough of Birsay, overlooking RSPB Marwick Head reserve. They branded their services "P&O Ferries" from 1975 to 1989 and "P&O Scottish Ferries" thereafter. The innovative Shetland Museum and Archives tells the fascinating story of these islands and is well worth visiting. 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. Our last visit of the day is to Skara Brae. 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. Walking is a wonderful way to discover the Orkney Islands. Our smaller ships are the perfect choice if youre cruising solo. Inspiring options. Experience a unique blend of Scandinavian and Scottish culture, as the Norse history and heritage still shapes these islands today. Prepare for cool windy weather so that you can take time to enjoy the amazing archeology you visit. Borealis. We depart Aberdeen at 19:00 hrs, and a short time later, dinner will be served in the ship's restaurant. Orkneyjar - Viking Orkney - The Beginning of the Earldom Includes 9 nights accommodation (2 of which will be on the ferry to and from Shetland) and ferry costs. Days 5-8 Orkney. We can book package holidays including flights from the UK, hotel . 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. Make the most of your time on the islands on this carefully-curated itinerary accessible by flight from central Scotland. But forget the . Uncover hidden gems and holiday inspiration from our team of travel specialists. Discover squawking seabird colonies, staggering scenery, and some of the best-preserved Neolithic ruins in Europe as you island hop between Mainland . P&O took over the routes from the long-established North of Scotland, Orkney & Shetland Steam Navigation Company in 1971. Take in the breathtaking Old Man of Hoy a 450 foot sea stack and perhaps Orkneys most famous landmark. In no time youll be sailing away to one unforgettable destination after another. As you sail below, the screeching is deafening, and youll feel very outnumbered, a stranger invading their territory. Buses and trains to Orkney. The ultimate collection of European cycling holidays. Shetland is home to a world-class diversity of wildlife, from puffins and seals to purpoises and even whales. It was raided by Norsemen in the 12th Century. Embark on an all-inclusive cruise to Scotland in 2023 to visit Invergordon, gateway to the Highlands, Urquhart Castle and Loch Ness, and the fishing town of Scrabster, set close to the famous village of John O'Groats. The Stones were erected around 3000BC and it is thought that they were some kind of astronomical calendar associated with the moon. Jna Sparey has been organising and conducting tours to Iceland - her Mother's homeland - and to many other places around the world since 1985. Overnight Shetland. 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. 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. You could visit the mighty Cathedral of St Mangus, which was begun in 1137. It is a wild and dramatic place. 8 nights from. More likely we will be sailing for part of a night or a very early/late start and a long day. 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. You will also find no end of delicious local produce to tempt you and a busy programme of annual festivals. Travel to the wild and glorious peninsula of Northmavine. Day 5. If you plan to bring your own vehicle, we are also able to offer this itinerary without a rental car. Youll find our Escorted Tours to be memorable - for all the right reasons! Accommodation on board in a double/twin en-suite outer cabin is included in the price. Orkney and Shetland Island Hopping - Best of Scotland While these are some of the most impressive ancient sites in Europe, youll find other beguiling places of interest scattered across the whole island chain. We'll always treat your personal details with the utmost care. Our discerning team has a wealth of experience, and we extensively research and regularly review all of the accommodation we select for our clients. Some cruises also incorporate the Faroe Isles. Fair Isle | Shetland.org 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. 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. Departing by Coach. For anyone easily seduced by big skies, sea views, and wide-open spaces, Orkney is always a good idea. 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. 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. These stones have continued to mystify and amaze visitors with questions such as 'who built them?' The Orkneyinga saga (Old Norse: [orknyje s]; also called the History of the Earls of Orkney and Jarls' Saga) is a narrative of the history of the Orkney and Shetland islands and their relationship with other local polities, particularly Norway and Scotland.The saga has "no parallel in the social and literary record of Scotland" and is "the only medieval chronicle to have . Our local guide will help you to discover ancient civilisations, archaeological delights and bountiful wildlife from our base in the island capital of Kirkwall. Youll find comfortable public areas with free Wi-Fi, as well as a cosy bar, and handy drying facilities, too. 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. 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. Scapa Travel sells travel services on behalf of Hays Travel Limited and benefits from Hays Travel's membership of ABTA with membership number P8418. Availability is individually checked for a hand-picked selection of smaller hotels, guest houses and other independent businesses, so please bear with us and we will respond in 1-2 working days. 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. If you fancy sampling the local water of life, why not take a tour at the Highland Park Distillery the most northerly whisky distillery in the entire world. Dine on fresh seafood in cosmopolitan Kirkwall and Lerwick, and enjoy an extensive local craft culture. Cabin upgrades may also be available on request. Our packages include car rental and comprehensive insurance for the duration of your holiday. Contact usEmail: info@scapatravel.co.ukTelephone: 01856 889040, Our opening hours are:Monday to Friday 10am to 4pmSaturday 11am to 3pm. All we ask is that you write to us within 7 days of your return and explain your reason for claiming the refund. These mysterious stone circles are amongst the most significant in Europe and are some 5,000 years old. 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 journey continues through the fertile farmland of Angus to reach the granite city of Aberdeen by late afternoon. An interesting tour, with lots of great historical commentary and beautiful landscapes. Orkney and Shetland Islands holidays set out for two of the most northerly outposts in Britain. Sign up today and start discovering. Topped by a prehistoric chambered burial cairn, the summit offers a breathtaking panorama across this ice-carved landscape. 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. Their warm hospitality is sure to be a highlight of your Scottish experience. 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. Below is a list of some tour operators that organise regular trips to the islands. 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. The strong historical and cultural influence of Norway upon these islands is clear in their timber-framed and brightly coloured architecture. Modern Slavery & Human Trafficking Statement. Several of the prisoners have returned to Orkney over the years to assist with the restoration of the building. 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. Wildflowers bloom throughout the summer, covering the green cliffs with colour and the exquisite . If a service charge has already been added, no further tip is required. 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. 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. 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. Highlights of Orkney & Shetland - DC Thomson Travel While most tour operators use hotels around the capital, Lerwick, we choose to stay somewhere you can really appreciate Shetlands remote beauty. The thousands of prehistoric Neolithic sites which have survived to tell their tale at the Heart of Neolithic Orkney UNESCO world heritage site are both spectacular and mysterious. Wild Atlantic Way Discover Cork & Kerry, North Highlands & Orkney Guided Rail Tour, Loch Ness, The Jacobite & Skye Guided Rail Tour, Don't just take our word for it, read independent reviews, Exploring ancient civilisations in Orkney, The Best of Scotlands Highlands & Islands. Orkney and Shetland Holidays | Wilderness Scotland Scattered off the northeast coast of Scotland, Orkney and the Shetland Islands are staggeringly beautiful. On Mainland . If you fancy sampling the local water of life, why not take a tour at the. . A stunning six day private tour from Inverness through the Highlands to the Northern Isles of Orkney and Shetland. With a strong norse influence, these island groups provide a surprisingly contrasting cultural experience when compared to the Hebrides. The largest town, Lerwick, is closer to Norway than to Edinburgh, and culturally and geographically they feel more Norse than Scottish. 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. 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 . Orkneyinga Saga: The History of the Earls of Orkney - Goodreads , Duration: 9 Days / 8 Nights. With Orkney in his hands, Sigurd had the means to expand his territory and, according to the saga, soon took Caithness, Sutherland and sections of Argyll on the Scottish . Highlights of Orkney and Shetland - 6 day tour - Scottish Tours The breadth of history to be discovered here is without parallel in Scotland and is sure to amaze you. The unspoilt landscape of Shetland has a rugged beauty shaped by the sea at the end of the last Ice Age. Here you can see evidence of many different eras dating as far back as Neolithic times. 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. 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. Overlooking Skaill Bay, we'll discover a settlement of Stone Age houses complete with chairs, beds and dressers all made from stone. During the hour-long sailing look out for porpoises, dolphins and minke whales that can often be seen. 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. 10 Day Shetland and Orkney Tour (self drive) 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. Covid-19 Travel Requirements Covid-19 Travel Updates and FAQs Cruise Deals; Cruise Lines; . Cruising is another great way of accessing this remote Scottish wilderness, allowing you to explore in comfort. This iconic sea stack is only a few hundred years old. 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. The History of the Orkney and Shetland Isles Orkney and Shetland, being the nearest western land to Norway, would be first visited. Travel to Orkney by ferry from Caithness, on the north coast of Scotland, with the crossing taking just under an hour. Tour departure and return times will be advised in your tour documentation. Single cabins now available on 2023 winter cruises, Interest rates and costs of equity release. King Charles coronation holiday rejected by Shetland councillors Island hop the wild Scottish Northern Isles on this week's holiday to Orkney and Shetland From 895 to 1015 7 days ex flights. Clicking on the link below will redirect you to the Wilderness England website. Registered Office: Enbrook Park, Folkestone, Kent, CT20 3SE. Sailing Fair Isle | Orkney to Shetland | Shetland To Orkney It's a similar story by rail, with trains available to both Aberdeen . Shetland - South Mainland. Fiercely independent and sprinkled with Scandinavian tradition, this pair of wild windswept archipelagos offer an island-hopping holiday that ticks-off squawking seabird . Shetland Islands Map - Scotland, United Kingdom - Mapcarta and 'why?'. Jersey; Guernsey; Herm, Sark & Alderney; Isles of Scilly; Isle of Wight ; Isle of Man ; Shetland & Orkney Islands ; North America. Orkney and Shetland are a haven for wildlife. Let Scapa Travel use their extensive local knowledge to create a memorable holiday, tailored specifically for you. Shetland and the Tall Ships. These tours are immensely popular so expect to be travelling in the company of like-minded travellers from around the world. ABTA and ABTA Members help holidaymakers to get the most from their travel and assist them when things do not go according to plan. Discover the Castle of Mey and its magnificent gardens. These unassuming islands have a truly magical quality, and civilisation has thrived here for millennia.
Ina Garten Crustless Quiche,
Betty Hutton Gunsmoke,
Best Time To Visit Chaco Canyon,
Articles S
