Last month I was in Orkney for the first time. 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. 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. Later you could take a 10 minute ferry journey to the Isle of Bressay to explore the rich natural heritage and incredible wildlife. Our packages include car rental and comprehensive insurance for the duration of your holiday. Come explor. Uncover hidden gems and holiday inspiration from our team of travel specialists. Orkney boasts inspirational landscapes where verdant fields stretch down to pristine beaches and dramatic seas crash against towering cliffs. 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. Iona AbbeyOne of Scotland's most sacred and historic sites, the Abbey was founded in 563AD and it still retains its spiritual atmosphere today. Shetland Isles wildlife holiday. High levels of cover from an award winning provider, 3-year fixed price with no tie-ins - T&Cs apply. Discover more at the visitor centre which provides touch-screen presentations and a wide range of artefacts that have excavated from the site. 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 . Covid-19 Travel Requirements Covid-19 Travel Updates and FAQs Cruise Deals; Cruise Lines; . Orkney and Shetland Islands holidays set out for two of the most northerly outposts in Britain. Enjoy a complimentary chauffeur service, wines, premium spirits, speciality dining, gratuities, Wi-Fi and travel insurance. Starts from: Edinburgh. 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. Modern Slavery & Human Trafficking Statement. We love the opportunity to use our first-hand knowledge and experience to design and deliver the perfect, bespoke holiday experience for you. Written around AD 1200 by an unnamed Icelandic author, the Orkneyinga Saga is an intriguing fusion of myth, legend and history. We suggest an early start today - there's a lot to fit in! A key event in the global calendar, the annual Up Helly Aa Winter Fire . Tastefully decorated and furnished, these properties are generally owned and operated by locals who have a genuine passion for their region which they are keen to share with you. Shetland - South Mainland. Our full season of 2023 cruises and early 2024 cruises are on sale now. We only share data with business partners where it is necessary to fulfil our service. Buses and trains to Orkney. If you plan to bring your own vehicle, we are also able to offer this itinerary without a rental car. Discover what makes the perfect boutique cruise experience, every time. 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. Discover their all-balcony cabins, huge choice of included speciality restaurants and bars, and an outdoor lido with a full wraparound deck. Usually the tour will depart the hotel between 08:00 hrs and 08:30 hrs in the morning. To help us reduce spam, please tick the reCAPTCHA field. Contact us via email: It makes everything so easy, especially when youre chauffeur driven from your own front door. Carefully selected en-suite accommodation for 8 nights including traditional Scottish breakfast, Comprehensive information pack and local visitor guidebooks, Personalised itinerary with our recommendations for the best places to eat and drink and sightseeing suggestions, Map of Scotland with our recommended driving route, 9 days rental of an Economy car (other vehicle categories available) including comprehensive insurance, All ferry crossings (as per your itinerary), Transport: Rental car included (optional). 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. Judi Florence Self Guided - The West Highland Way Reviewed on 08/10/2018. Book your tailor-made holiday to Offers with Premier Holidays. 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. Please note that a family room is normally a standard double or twin room with either a sofa bed or a rollaway bed. Highlights of Orkney and Shetland6 day/5 night. Our Premium category includes a unique collection of luxurious and stylish boutique Guest Houses and small 4* Hotels. How do I get there? If you go above this allowance you may have to pay tax or duty. We also offer a fly-drive holiday as an alternative way to visit Orkney & Shetland. Go Scotland Tours is offering a private guided tour combining the Western Isles of Skye, Harris and Lewis with Orkney. We guarantee to refund this service charge if you believe that arranging your holiday through McKinlay Kidd has not met your expectations for value. Youll board your ferry to Orkney in the afternoon and arrive in Kirkwall, the historic capital of Orkney, later this evening. Call and speak to one of our travel experts who have experienced Shetland & Orkney Islands personally. FAQsPlease see the FAQ section for more information on this tour. Popular attractions Orkney Wireless Museum and St. Magnus Cathedral are located . Fred Olsen. This is a customizable tour and can be tailor-made to your preference. It was raided by Norsemen in the 12th Century. All sorts of nature abound here, from seals and otters to ponies and hundreds of birds, making it a wildlife lover's paradise. 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. Half way between Orkney and Shetland is Fair Isle, a jewel of an island owned by the National Trust for Scotland and famous for its birds, knitwear and historic shipwrecks. On Mainland . Scapa Travel sells travel services on behalf of Hays Travel Limited and benefits from Hays Travel's membership of ABTA with membership number P8418. The island's attractions include . 2,268. For group bookings of 10+ people click here. They constitute the Shetland Islands council area and the historic county of Shetland. More than a million birds breed in very large colonies. Breakfast is served onboard from 07:15 hrs after which we board the coach and disembark to begin our island tour. In the afternoon well visit Maes Howe, one of the most treasured Neolithic sites in Europe. Scapa Travel is a trading name of Scapa Travel Limited who are registered in Scotland with company number SC438791, and VAT number 115719224. 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. A holiday to the islands of Orkney and Shetland has it all. Finally, a laird's house was constructed on the site in the 1600s. Sign up for latest offers and top sellers. In Kirkwall you will find a bustling and friendly town with a great selection of restaurants, pubs, and local art shops, as well as the most northerly cathedral in Britain dating back to the 12th century. Orkney, an ancient cluster of 70 islands brimming with history and dramatic coastlines, lie off the north west coast of Scotland. Later this afternoon we travel to the port to join the ferry bound for the Orkney Islands. Its a great way to make new friends! Studio Tour London - Harry Potter, Peaky Blinders Filming Location Tours 2023. Its just six miles from Skara Brae and has an award-winning restaurant overlooking the loch, serving outstanding Scottish seafood and Aberdeen Angus beef. 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. Enchanting Orkney is a smorgasbord of must-see sites and cultural attractions scattered across70 islands. Arrive in Aberdeen at 0700 and enjoy breakfast on board before disembarking and continuing your onward journey. "The staff was xtrenely king and helpful! Double room - this is a room for two people sharing one large bed. 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. These cliffs are bursting with an extraordinary range of wildlife, such as seals, puffins, gannets and whales. Please click below to find the trip notes for your departure date. 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. From getting to know you by name to remembering your favourite drink at the bar, youll always receive personal, attentive service. At 1,475 feet (450m) this is Shetlands highest peak. 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. These stones have continued to mystify and amaze visitors with questions such as 'who built them?' You will start your journey in the cosmopolitan city of Aberdeen where you will board the well-equipped Northlink Ferry and sail overnight in your modern and comfortable twin-berth cabin. Think of this itinerary as a starting point which can be tailored into something completely unique to you by our award-winning specialists. 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. You will not be able to use this site without JavaScript. Overnight Shetland. Photo: Lis Burke, CC BY-SA 2.0. During the summer it is still light when you arrive. Later we make the short drive to Sumburgh Head, where the waters of the North Sea meet the waves of the Atlantic Ocean. Providing inspiring active experiences, immerse yourself in the unique landscapes, history, culture and wildlife on a Wilderness England adventure. They branded their services "P&O Ferries" from 1975 to 1989 and "P&O Scottish Ferries" thereafter. Visit the Orkneyinga Viking history interpretation centre to learn more. Spot dolphins and porpoises in the coastal waters, or breeding seabirds such as puffins and guillemots at Hermaness Nature Reserve. 01273 823 700 . Spirit of Discovery departing Dover. With a maximum of 15 passengers per group, you can be sure of . 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 you are keen to take more ferry trips, then island hop through Yell to Unst in the far north. 9 miles (14km) with 760 feet (230m) of ascent. You will start your journey in the cosmopolitan city of Aberdeen where you will board the well-equipped Northlink Ferry and sail overnight in your modern and comfortable twin-berth cabin. Our journey continues through the fertile farmland of Angus to reach the granite city of Aberdeen by late afternoon. Supplements may apply. 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. Citylink buses run to Aberdeen, Gills Bay and Scrabster so you can catch your ferry to the islands. 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 . 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. The natural beauty of Orkneys landscape boasts a rich variety of scenery. The Italian Prisoners constructed a chapel out of a pair of Nissen Huts. 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. The Tower has been restored over the past century, however not all of the original structure still remains. 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. Sign up for our newsletter and unlock exclusive tips and inspiration from our team of travel specialists. 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. The Abbey was restored at the start of the 20thcentury and the Abbey now welcomes visitors from around the world who flock to enjoy its peaceful atmosphere. 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. Once checked-in onboard head to your comfortable twin-berth cabin with en-suite bathroom or enjoy time exploring the ship's many facilities. 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. 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. Overnight Orkney. Please choose from one of our accommodation categories below. 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. The UK has a famously unpredictable climate so it's best to be prepared for weather thats sunny one minute and raining the next. Day 1 - Departing Inverness with a morning drive to the far North of Scotland and the ferry port of Scrabster, near Thurso. It is a wild and dramatic place. 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 . Our first visits are to the Ring of Brodgar and the Standing Stones of Stenness. We sail with Serco Northlink Ferries and their modern, purpose-built vessels, the Hrossey and the Hjaltland, from Aberdeen overnight to Lerwick. 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. 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. All packages that include flights are ATOL protected. A collection of 3* B&Bs and Guest Houses offering comfortable accommodation close to local attractions. In a land thats been largely tamed, they remain rare unspoiled outposts of rugged coastline and remote beauty. In certain locations youll may be joined by a local guide who will provide local insight and show you the highlights. Later you could take a 10 minute ferry journey to the Isle of Bressay to explore the rich natural heritage and incredible wildlife. Please note the narcotic plant Khat/Qat is legal in the UK, but is not in a majority of other countries so never try to export this when leaving the UK.If you are visiting from outside of the United Kingdom, it is wise to check customs requirements before you travel. It's a similar story by rail, with trains available to both Aberdeen . This holiday can be arranged from March to October. Be aware of your surroundings and don't venture off on your own. Stop at Weisdale to see artists at work at Shetland Jewellery, before arriving at Northmavine where you could travel to the spectacular Eshaness Cliffs with their imposing lighthouse, or hike up to the top of Ronas Hill. The Orkney Islands constitute a council area and belong to the historic county of Orkney. (Read 1 review) Late availability on these dates: 15 Apr, 13 May. 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. To prevent further attacks, a series of four barriers were constructed using Italian prisoners of war. It also comprises larger 4* Hotels selected for their high standard of accommodation, exceptional service, and great location. Stretching off Scotlands north coast are Shetland and Orkney, two very special archipelagos where Scotland meets Scandinavia. The restaurant prides itself on local produce, prepared to make the most of the fresh flavours. Scalloway CastleWhen visiting the Shetland Isles, why not visit Scalloway Castle? 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. 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. We know that after a busy day of sightseeing an exceptional place to stay makes all the difference. View our privacy policy. The best time to visit is during what Shetlanders call the . The beautiful Cairngorms National Park will bring us to the Pass of Drumocher and Highland Perthshire beyond. 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. Travel to the wild and glorious peninsula of Northmavine. 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. Walking is a wonderful way to discover the Orkney Islands. 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 . Fiercely independent and sprinkled with Scandinavian tradition, this pair of wild windswept archipelagos offer an island-hopping holiday that ticks-off squawking seabird . This expanse of water has played witness to some monumental events. We are obliged to maintain a high standard of service to you by ABTA's Code of Conduct. 2023 HF Holidays Limited. Enjoy a relaxing break over the May Day Bank Holiday; Join ORCA on deck of Bolette to spot whales ; Sign up today and start discovering. Next, we make for Maeshowe, a magnificent chambered tomb that dates from around 2,500 BC. Also includes hotels in Alderney, Sark and Herm, plus the Isle of Wight, Isles of Scilly, Isle of Man and Shetland & Orkney Islands. Visitors can climb up the tower of the Castle and visit the Scalloway Museum which is located next door. Getting to Orkney via public transport is simple. 8 nights from. Orkney and Shetland are a haven for wildlife. 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. Everything's taken care of on a Saga escorted tour, so you can see and do more. Theres an opportunity to learn about Shetlands heritage at the Tangwick Haa museum today as we circumnavigate the beautiful Eshaness peninsula. Thoroughly recommend this as an enjoyable way to experience Shetland and Orkney. This self drive holiday to Orkney and Shetland gives you the opportunity to experience the wonderful landscapes, fascinating wildlife and archaeological heritage of these magical, and very different parts of the UK. 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. Look out for the lighthouse, opened in 1929 its powerful light can be seen from 46 km away. We'll make a visit to view the remarkable paintings that can be found inside the simple corrugated metal exterior. Enjoy a fascinating talk from historian Nick Card on the Orkney Islands' Neolithic past. They left carvings behind which are considered to be some of the finest examples of runic inscriptions in the World. 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. Youll board your ferry to Orkney in the afternoon and arrive in Kirkwall, the historic capital of Orkney, later this evening. The unspoilt landscape of Shetland has a rugged beauty shaped by the sea at the end of the last Ice Age. Wildlife watching here is superb. Lake District, Yorkshire & Hadrians Wall, Classic Yorkshire: Whitby, York & The Dales, East of England: Cambridge, Norfolk & Suffolk. More likely we will be sailing for part of a night or a very early/late start and a long day. There are so many reasons why Saga stands out from other cruise lines. 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.
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