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. Honest and easy 2 minute travel guide including what makes Shetland Islands so special as well as map and highlights. Uncover hidden gems and holiday inspiration from our team of travel specialists. Later we travel to the dramatic sea cliffs at Eshaness which have been created by the constant pounding of the Atlantic waves. Our journey continues through the fertile farmland of Angus to reach the granite city of Aberdeen by late afternoon. Later you could take a 10 minute ferry journey to the Isle of Bressay to explore the rich natural heritage and incredible wildlife. Fred Olsen. If you fancy some retail therapy, Kirkwall has a wealth of independent shops and craftworkers studios to be explored. Sign up for latest offers and top sellers. Youll board your ferry to Orkney in the afternoon and arrive in Kirkwall, the historic capital of Orkney, later this evening. Advertised flight prices are based on UK flights departing from London. The Orkney Mainland is just Getting to Orkney can be easier and quicker than you may think. Day 5. Easy to download as a PDF, our trip notes provide detailed information for every holiday. Weve had a long love affair with Orkneys family-run Merkister Hotel, not least for its enviable setting on the shores of Harray Loch. 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. An experienced tour manager will lead the tour and your coach will be expertly driven by a professional driver. Contact usEmail: info@scapatravel.co.ukTelephone: 01856 889040, Our opening hours are:Monday to Friday 10am to 4pmSaturday 11am to 3pm. From jagged cliffs to unspoilt beaches and stone . 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. You do not have any pinned holidays. Overlooking Skaill Bay, we'll discover a settlement of Stone Age houses complete with chairs, beds and dressers all made from stone. Both Shetland and Orkney offer a good chance of spotting the Northern Lights, particularly in autumn and winter. Topped by a prehistoric chambered burial cairn, the summit offers a breathtaking panorama across this ice-carved landscape.
Balmoral Cruise Deals - Planet Cruise At the ancient settlement of Jarlshof you can explore 4,000 years of human history. It is a wild and dramatic place.
Fair Isle | Shetland.org 638 ratings70 reviews. We'll always treat your personal details with the utmost care. Simply pop your details in the box below for the latest news, travel advice, destination inspiration, and special offers delivered straight to your inbox.
Shetland & Orkney Holiday 2023 & 2024 | Self-Drive Road Trip Many coaches are equipped with WiFi too. Last month I was in Orkney for the first time. We'll make a visit to view the remarkable paintings that can be found inside the simple corrugated metal exterior. 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. Registered office: Gilbridge House, Keel Square, Sunderland SR1 3HA. The coach will continue on to Glasgow, for passengers wishing to end their tour there. We would also suggest checking your home policy or credit card contract as many suppliers include travel insurance as part of their offering. Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Revealed. Finally, a laird's house was constructed on the site in the 1600s. A holiday to the islands of Orkney and Shetland has it all. We then have two full days to tour Shetland. From getting to know you by name to remembering your favourite drink at the bar, youll always receive personal, attentive service. Registered office 11 Bridge Street, Kirkwall, Orkney, KW151 HR. 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. This elevated viewpoint affords extensive views over Shetland and of Fair Isle to the south. If you go above this allowance you may have to pay tax or duty.
Orkney & Shetland Mini Cruise - DC Thomson Travel Stay at this 3-star hotel in Kirkwall. The holiday ideas on our website are just examples of the amazing trips we offer. 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. During our time here will visit the RSPB reserve which is home to many species of seabirds including puffins, guillemots and razorbills. Well also visit the impressive archaeological site of Jarlshof. All holidays are subject to availability. On Mainland, is the capital Kirkwall whose sights include St Magnus Cathedral, the Bishops and Earls palaces and the Orkney Museum.
Shetland Islands | History, Climate, Population, & Facts Youll find comfortable public areas with free Wi-Fi, as well as a cosy bar, and handy drying facilities, too. Once checked-in onboard head to your comfortable twin-berth cabin with en-suite bathroom or enjoy time exploring the ship's many facilities. 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 . Recently hailed as one of Lonely Planets Best in Europe for 2019, the ruggedly handsome Shetland Islands comprise around 100 different islands with just 15 inhabited. Cycling for Softies is a luxury cycling tour operator providing gourmet cycling adventures in France and Italy. 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. These tours are immensely popular so expect to be travelling in the company of like-minded travellers from around the world. It took 300 years to complete and is one of the finest examples of Norman architecture in Europe. Available Until September 2023. Guide Lorraine gives an insight into this ancient archipelago. Meanwhile seals laze on rocks beneath the cliffs or nose around the boat. The nearby seaport of Stromness is famed for the Pier Arts Centre which showcases the work of artists and sculptors from Orkney and beyond. Seabirds flock to this rocky outcrop in their thousands during breeding season and colonies of common and grey seal spend autumn in the waters of the bay. Based on 1 salaries posted anonymously by Saga Group Mi Analyst employees in Seaham, England. Once we make landfall expect day sailing among the islands and skerries. Clicking on the link below will redirect you to the Wilderness England website. We then rejoin our transport for the scenic transfer to Busta House. The Orkney Islands were the Orcades of ancient classical literature.
Sailing Fair Isle | Orkney to Shetland | Shetland To Orkney Orkney Guided Island Hopping Holiday - HF Holidays And as more than fifth of our guests cruise solo, youll always be in good company. Tastefully decorated rooms provide a comfortable place to sleep and on a clear night you can gaze up at the starry skies and search for the swirling ribbons of neon green, pink, and purple known as the northern lights.
Modern Slavery & Human Trafficking Statement. Orkney boasts inspirational landscapes where verdant fields stretch down to pristine beaches and dramatic seas crash against towering cliffs. Guided wildlife tour of Shetland Isles. Scattered off the northeast coast of Scotland, Orkney and the Shetland Islands are staggeringly beautiful.
Shetland and Orkney Islands Tour from Inverness - The Hebridean Explorer 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. Our sociable ships have been designed with more than 100 single balcony cabins, the widest selection on the ocean wave. Other notable islands include Hoy for the dramatic Old Man of Hoy sea stack and Scapa Flow Visitor Centre and Museum; the Brough of Birsay with its Norse ruins; Rousay for over 100 archaeological sites; and North Ronaldsay which has a unique heritage and history. Please contact us for more details. Photo: juvlai, CC BY-SA 2.0. An interesting tour, with lots of great historical commentary and beautiful landscapes. In a land that's been largely tamed, they remain rare unspoiled outposts of rugged coastline and remote beauty. Your leader will be in reception at 18:30 to give you a quick introduction to the holiday before dinner.
Offers - 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. Scattered off Scotland's northeast coast, this wild windswept archipelago offers a far-from-it-all feel just a skip away from the mainland. Day 1 - Departing Inverness with a morning drive to the far North of Scotland and the ferry port of Scrabster, near Thurso. 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. Take the ferry from Stromness to Scrabster on the Scottish mainland, where your self-drive tour of Orkney and Shetland will come to an end. For anyone easily seduced by big skies, sea views, and wide-open spaces, Orkney is always a good idea. The Ayre Hotel.
The History of the Orkney and Shetland Isles and 'why?'. 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. 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.
The Shetland Islands | The Unbelievable Hidden Treasure of Scotland Many people have landed there before you . Please choose from one of our accommodation categories below. There will be a stop where can enjoy time off the coach and buy refreshments. 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. However the earldom began, by the time of Earl Sigurd we are heading into more reliable territory - although still laced with myth and folklore. This iconic sea stack is only a few hundred years old. Accept. Our discerning team has a wealth of experience, and we extensively research and regularly review all of the accommodation we select for our clients. Take in the breathtaking Old Man of Hoy a 450 foot sea stack and perhaps Orkneys most famous landmark. Next, we make for Maeshowe, a magnificent chambered tomb that dates from around 2,500 BC. Borealis. Are you sure you would like to continue with this room size? Be aware of your surroundings and don't venture off on your own. 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. It also comprises larger 4* Hotels selected for their high standard of accommodation, exceptional service, and great location. It's a similar story by rail, with trains available to both Aberdeen . FAQsPlease see the FAQ section for more information on this tour. Double room - this is a room for two people sharing one large bed. USA. Book a package holiday.
Orkney and Shetland Archaeology Tours | Andante Travels Make the most of your time on the islands on this carefully-curated itinerary accessible by flight from central Scotland. Take in the breathtaking Old Man of Hoy a 450 foot sea stack and perhaps Orkneys most famous landmark. If you're flying here, public bus services connect with all the main airports in Scotland too. Relaxing hotel-based holidays in the sun, with a Saga host on hand. 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. Here we will have some free time to explore this charming town with its stone-paved alleys, granite houses and independent shops. Recently hailed as one of Lonely Planet's Best in Europe for 2019, the ruggedly handsome Shetland Islands comprise around 100 different islands with just 15 inhabited. 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. Among the settlements on Mainland, the largest island, is Scalloway, a fishing port. On arrival, we visit Sumburgh Head RSPB reserve. Please note: All fields marked * are required, Please select a date or 1-2 months if flexible. Savour your chance to try lamb with its distinctive flavour due to the seaweed diet of the sheep, or sample local seafood including mouth-watering prawns and delicious stir-fried squid. You could visit the mighty Cathedral of St Mangus, which was begun in 1137. Florida; Las Vegas & The West . More than a million birds breed in very large colonies. But the surrounding dwellings and outbuildings date from thousands of years earlier. 2023 HF Holidays Limited. During the summer it is still light when you arrive. We will communicate with you from time to time about our products and services, similar to those currently featured on our website.
Package holidays to Shetland | Shetland.org Highlights of Orkney and Shetland6 day/5 night. Meet Shetland ponies in their natural habitat. Wilderness England creates incredible journeys to the wild and magical outdoor spaces across Yorkshire, the Lake District, Northumberland, the Cotswolds and the Peak District. Wherever you cruise on Spirit of Adventure and Spirit of Discovery, youll always step aboard here in the UK. Written around AD 1200 by an unnamed Icelandic author, the Orkneyinga Saga is an intriguing fusion of myth, legend and history. Average salary for Saga Group Mi Analyst in Seaham, England: [salary]. Where Scotland meets Scandinavia, this wild and remote corner of northern Britain is truly remarkable. The Italian Prisoners constructed a chapel out of a pair of Nissen Huts.
British Isles Cruises 2023 | Cruising Holidays In nearby Scalloway an excellent museum tells the story of the top-secret WWII Shetland Bus operation. Its a great way to make new friends! A collection of 3* B&Bs and Guest Houses offering comfortable accommodation close to local attractions.
Orkney and the Shetland Isles | Great Rail Journeys The landscape is wild and remote and, outside of the . Watch for dolphins which sometimes play in the bow waves. Please click here to see full flight schedules to Shetland & Orkney Island.
Highlights of Orkney & Shetland. Exciting destinations. Excellent array of hotels and self-catering options across Jersey and Guernsey. We will hold your data securely within our organisation, McKinlay Kidd Limited. 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. These stones have continued to mystify and amaze visitors with questions such as 'who built them?' This picturesque spring Orkney & Shetland Mini Cruise combines coastal scenery with fascinating history. Sign up for our newsletter and be the first to hear about trip news, blogs and offers. A stunning six day private tour from Inverness through the Highlands to the Northern Isles of Orkney and Shetland. Orkney and Shetland are a haven for wildlife. Travel to the wild and glorious peninsula of Northmavine. Orkney and Shetland, off the north coast of Scotland. Orkney & Shetland Start your journey by travelling from Orkney from Scrabster near Thurso, where you will find your hotel which is . Cabin upgrades may also be available on request. 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 . To help us reduce spam, please tick the reCAPTCHA field. Photo: Lis Burke, CC BY-SA 2.0. Explore the islands' Norse heritage on a coach holiday, where the sound of fiddles can still be heard drifting through the fresh air. 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. See the Tall Ships in Lerwick. Judi Florence Self Guided - The West Highland Way Reviewed on 08/10/2018. The islands geographic location makes it a crossroad for wildlife. All sorts of nature abound here, from seals and otters to ponies and hundreds of birds, making it a wildlife lover's paradise.
Shetland Islands holidays in 2023 & 2024 | Responsible Travel Spend some time exploring this fascinating seaport where you could visit Shetland Museum to gain an invaluable introduction to the islands history, or explore Fort Charlotte originally built in 1665 to protect Shetland from Dutch warships. We suggest an early start today - there's a lot to fit in!
The card payment providers above are used for taking your payments by operators featured on our site. Scapa Travel sells travel services on behalf of Hays Travel Limited and benefits from Hays Travel's membership of ABTA with membership number P8418. From 2,345 7 days ex flights. A genuine feel pervades this small family owned hotel, located on the edge of Kirkwall. This is a customizable tour and can be tailor-made to your preference. 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. Only a short distance away is Sumburgh Head Nature Reserve with its famous lighthouse overlooking the cliffs. Call for options 01904 521 936. Our ships are smaller, but wonderfully spacious. The largest town, Lerwick, is closer to Norway than to Edinburgh, and culturally and geographically they feel more Norse than Scottish. The Orkney Islands constitute a council area and belong to the historic county of Orkney. Thousands of seabirds including gannets, guillemots and kittiwakes nest and feed in the Noss Nature Reserve. It was raided by Norsemen in the 12th Century. Check-in: TBA hrs
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. We guarantee to refund this service charge if you believe that arranging your holiday through McKinlay Kidd has not met your expectations for value. We use cookies to provide you with the best online experience. 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. 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. Book your holiday today with Planet Cruise!
Orkney & Shetland Holidays | Scapa Travel Spend some time exploring this fascinating seaport where you could visit. 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. 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. VAT Number 125 4899 87. 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. 999 pp. 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.
Tours of Shetland and Orkney Islands - Scotland Tours 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. It lay covered for centuries, if not millennia, before a sandstorm in the 1920s revealed the amazing ruins. 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. 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. A collection of quality 4* Guest Houses and 3* Hotels often located in beautiful locations which provide an excellent standard of accommodation. 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. Look out for the gargoyles which a former owner rescued from the Houses of Parliament in London. Later, in medieval times, farmsteads were also built here. Please ensure you tick the reCAPTCHA checkbox to show you're not a spam bot! This will ensure that we can improve the experience for all our future guests. These unique islands are home to some of the most breathtaking coastal scenery to be found anywhere in Britain. 8 miles (13.5km) with 850 feet (260m) of ascent. We are obliged to maintain a high standard of service to you by ABTA's Code of Conduct. 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. The islanders themselves feel a strong local identity and you can be guaranteed a warm island welcome and some fantastic local fresh food. Overnight Orkney. Booking holidays since 1939, ATOL Protected. The Shetland Islands are the UNBELIEVABLE Hidden Treasure of Scotland, the northernmost point of the United Kingdom and formerly part of Norway. Earl Sigurd takes control. In Shetland, inter-island ferry travel is operated by the council , while Orkney Ferries connect the archipelago's 13 island destinations. If you are happy with the details you have provided above then click Submit Form to send us your enquiry. Iona AbbeyOne of Scotland's most sacred and historic sites, the Abbey was founded in 563AD and it still retains its spiritual atmosphere today. Click the heart icon on the search or holiday pages to pin a holiday. 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.
10 Day Shetland and Orkney Tour (self drive) 3.91. Shes the beautiful sister to Spirit of Discovery, but has a whole host of surprises of her own, including exciting new restaurants. Scotland's Northern Isles by Motorhome. During the hour-long sailing look out for porpoises, dolphins and minke whales that can often be seen. Tour Returns: TBA hrs. Outer two berth cabins included on the Orkney to Shetland and Shetland to Aberdeen crossings.
Highlights of Orkney and Shetland - 6 day tour - Scottish Tours The Stones were erected around 3000BC and it is thought that they were some kind of astronomical calendar associated with the moon. Fiercely independent and sprinkled with Scandinavian tradition, this pair of wild windswept archipelagos offer an island-hopping holiday that ticks-off squawking seabird . Buy your own drinks and keep sight of them at all times. Studio Tour London - Harry Potter, Peaky Blinders Filming Location Tours 2023. 10 Day Shetland & Orkney Car Tour. It's a favourite with twitchers, who flock here to enjoy sensational seabird colonies and rare species. Spirit of Adventure departing Dover. 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. 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. Overnight Orkney. Thats why all of the accommodation we select is hand-picked using our first-hand knowledge of the best places to stay. If you are planning to bring alcohol, tobacco or souvenirs into the country, you need to be familiar with the UK's custom laws.
10 Favourite Books about Shetland - Shetland Wool Adventures Thoroughly recommend this as an enjoyable way to experience Shetland and Orkney. From 799pp.
Orkney & Shetland Guided Small Group Tour - McKinlay Kidd Currently on offer are holidays to Iceland in winter and summer, plus fantastic trips to The Shetland Isles, Southern Ireland, Hidden France and Romandy Switzerland and the Dordogne. The Old Man of Hoy. 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.