Spend two days exploring some of the many island treasures, including Scalloway Castle and Jarlshof, an outstanding example of . 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. Highlights of Orkney & Shetland. Easy to download as a PDF, our trip notes provide detailed information for every holiday. Available May 2023. Travel to Orkney by ferry from Caithness, on the north coast of Scotland, with the crossing taking just under an hour. Usually the tour will depart the hotel between 08:00 hrs and 08:30 hrs in the morning. Enjoy 3 days (3 nights) in Orkney. This is a customizable tour and can be tailor-made to your preference. Their warm hospitality is sure to be a highlight of your Scottish experience. 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. We will hold your data securely within our organisation, McKinlay Kidd Limited. These tours are carefully researched and combine quality hotels, luxury travel, informative visits and leisure time. 8 nights from. Our latest all-balcony boutique ship launched in the summer of 2021. "The staff was xtrenely king and helpful! Arrive in Aberdeen at 0700 and enjoy breakfast on board before disembarking and continuing your onward journey. Orkney and Shetland Islands holidays set out for two of the most northerly outposts in Britain. Enjoy a relaxing break over the May Day Bank Holiday; Join ORCA on deck of Bolette to spot whales ; This elevated viewpoint affords extensive views over Shetland and of Fair Isle to the south. The breadth of history to be discovered here is without parallel in Scotland and is sure to amaze you. Scapa Travel sells travel services on behalf of Hays Travel Limited and benefits from Hays Travel's membership of ABTA with membership number P8418. You do not have any pinned holidays. Tour Returns: TBA hrs, Outside Reception at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Edinburgh111 Glasgow Road Edinburgh EH12 8NF, Check-in: TBA hrs 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. 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. Duration 6 Days. It's a favourite with twitchers, who flock here to enjoy sensational seabird colonies and rare species. Indulge in a delicious fish and chip lunch overlooking the sea in Brae. Earl Sigurd takes control. Orphir has a Viking museum, the Orkneyinga Saga Centre, and the remains of Scotland's only . Enjoy free time in Kirkwall this morning. Visit the Orkneyinga Viking history interpretation centre to learn more. If, like us, you cant get enough of the archeological discoveries, head over to Rousay with its Midhowe Broch and Cairn. We are obliged to maintain a high standard of service to you by ABTA's Code of Conduct. The island's attractions include . But there are two other, very distinctive, island groups off Scotland's north coast that are well worth the effort of reaching: Orkney and Shetland. To prevent further attacks, a series of four barriers were constructed using Italian prisoners of war. Wed also suggest a day of further island hopping by ferry, perhaps across to nearby Shapinsay for a good stretch of the legs or a visit to more mountainous Hoy for an alternative perspective on the Old Man sea stack. The Tower has been restored over the past century, however not all of the original structure still remains. Orkney, an ancient cluster of 70 islands brimming with history and dramatic coastlines, lie off the north west coast of Scotland. Tour Departs: TBA hrs Each one is all inclusive, and youll have your own private balcony to enjoy every destination in style. The Ayre Hotel. Youll be in good company if you choose to take dinner at your hotel, a popular destination for locals as well as visitors. At this fascinating site, we will discover the remains of oval houses from the Bronze Age, an Iron Age broch and Viking longhouses. FAQsPlease see the FAQ section for more information on this tour. 638 ratings70 reviews. 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. It is a wild and dramatic place. 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. 8 nights from. 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. 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. Wilderness England creates incredible journeys to the wild and magical outdoor spaces across Yorkshire, the Lake District, Northumberland, the Cotswolds and the Peak District. Local Laws and CustomsQueuing is a British Institution - jump a queue at your own risk!Drug offences will carry penalties in the UK, so avoid getting involved with anything whilst in Scotland. 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. 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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. 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. Well also visit the impressive archaeological site of Jarlshof. 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. 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. Enjoy 4 days (3 nights) in Shetland. 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. From 799pp. Providing inspiring active experiences, immerse yourself in the unique landscapes, history, culture and wildlife on a Wilderness England adventure. Scapa Travel is a trading name of Scapa Travel Limited who are registered in Scotland with company number SC438791, and VAT number 115719224. Several of the prisoners have returned to Orkney over the years to assist with the restoration of the building. The Stones were erected around 3000BC and it is thought that they were some kind of astronomical calendar associated with the moon. This amazingly well-preserved village was built 5,000 years ago. During the hour-long sailing look out for porpoises, dolphins and minke whales that can often be seen. 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. Uncover hidden gems and holiday inspiration from our team of travel specialists. The capital, Lerwick, is home to Shetlands main museum and local art centre by the harbour, as well as various locations used in the filming of the Shetland TV series. See the Tall Ships in Lerwick. All room types, other than twin rooms, are subject to availability. Includes 9 nights accommodation (2 of which will be on the ferry to and from Shetland) and ferry costs. It's a similar story by rail, with trains available to both Aberdeen . 01273 823 700 . Once we make landfall expect day sailing among the islands and skerries. Orkney and Shetland, off the north coast of Scotland. A genuine feel pervades this small family owned hotel, located on the edge of Kirkwall. 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. Departing by Coach. Modern Slavery & Human Trafficking Statement. 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. and a self-drive holiday of Shetland and Orkney guarantees memories to last a . 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. P&O Iona; Anthem of the Seas; Regal Princess; MSC Virtuosa; Queen Mary 2 . 18 Hours of Midsummer Sun. Breakfast is served onboard from 07:15 hrs after which we board the coach and disembark to begin our island tour. The islanders themselves feel a strong local identity and you can be guaranteed a warm island welcome and some fantastic local fresh food. Our destination is Lerwick, the island's attractive capital. Entry RequirementsWhen travelling between the UK, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man in most cases an official form of identification such as a Driver's License will be ok. Although a remote wilderness, there is a lot to do in Shetland, Orkney and the Hebrides. Keep an eye on everyone in your party and do not go off with people you do not know. From Glasgow and Edinburgh, we travel northwards through the Kingdom of Fife to reach Dundee, which sits overlooking the River Tay. 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. Please note that a family room is normally a standard double or twin room with either a sofa bed or a rollaway bed. Later this afternoon we travel to the port to join the ferry bound for the Orkney Islands. We only share data with business partners where it is necessary to fulfil our service. Its a great way to make new friends! Usually the coach will arrive at the overnight stop between 16:30 and 17:00 hrs each day. 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. Advertised flight prices are based on UK flights departing from London. VAT Number 125 4899 87. Orkney and Shetland Isles Holidays. AccommodationThe price of this tour includes hotel accommodation/ferry cabin with en-suite bathroom. North Hanover Street Bus Stance, Glasgow, G1 2BP. The landscape is wild and remote and, outside of the . Finally, a laird's house was constructed on the site in the 1600s. 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. Shetland - South Mainland. More than a million birds breed in very large colonies. Spirit of Adventure departing Dover. 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. During our time here will visit the RSPB reserve which is home to many species of seabirds including puffins, guillemots and razorbills. 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. Visit the Bishops and Earls Palaces where you can learn of a time when Orkney was part of the Norse-held kingdom of Nordreyjar. With their northerly location, the best time to visit is between March and November, with the long days of summer a particularly appealing time. Both have featured recently on the BBC, yet in very contrasting ways: Orkney is hailed for its rich folklore, prehistoric sites and abundance of wildlife, while Shetland owes its ever increasing . In 1850 a fierce storm hit the Orkney Isles and the site of Skara Brae was uncovered; previously it was hidden beneath a grass mound. 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. Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Revealed. Take the strain off holiday planning with a bespoke package holiday or group trip to Shetland. Registered in England, number 5713R. Tour Returns: TBA hrs. 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. . When people think of Scotland's islands, it's usually the Hebrides they have in mind. 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. 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. Guided wildlife tour of Shetland Isles. In the Shetlands, its all about Busta House. Trade Login Contact 08444 937 531 Destinations UK & Channel Islands. Photo: juvlai, CC BY-SA 2.0. However the earldom began, by the time of Earl Sigurd we are heading into more reliable territory - although still laced with myth and folklore. ARE YOU A SOLO TRAVELLER WILLING TO SHARE? Outstanding scenery, exceptional wildlife, ancient history, traditional crafts and world-class diving. The expedition starts in Oban and we sail, via the scenic and bird-rich island of Handa, to the enchanting Orkney Islands. From jagged cliffs to unspoilt beaches and stone . (Do find time to pop in for a tour of the traditional whisky making process.) The card payment providers above are used for taking your payments by operators featured on our site. 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. Enjoy a complimentary chauffeur service, wines, premium spirits, speciality dining, gratuities, Wi-Fi and travel insurance. 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. Day 5. All packages that include flights are ATOL protected. 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. Overnight Shetland. This mysterious place of long days and colourful night skies is home to a wealth of sea life and sea birds, not . We then rejoin our transport for the scenic transfer to Busta House. This iconic sea stack is only a few hundred years old. 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. Over 4,000 years old, discoveries here include everything from Stone Age settlements and Bronze Age dwellings to Norse longhouses and medieval farms. Topped by a prehistoric chambered burial cairn, the summit offers a breathtaking panorama across this ice-carved landscape. 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. 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. Meet Shetland ponies in their natural habitat. Where Scotland meets Scandinavia, this wild and remote corner of northern Britain is truly remarkable. Scattered off Scotland's northeast coast, this wild windswept archipelago offers a far-from-it-all feel just a skip away from the mainland. The UKs bestselling monthly subscription magazine. It lay covered for centuries, if not millennia, before a sandstorm in the 1920s revealed the amazing ruins. Do take a walk in the gardens which stretch down to the water. It's a short drive to our hotel for the next three nights. 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! . Tallest Sea Cliffs in Britain. The event is taking place on Saturday 6 May, with the additional bank holiday on 8 May. The nearby seaport of Stromness is famed for the Pier Arts Centre which showcases the work of artists and sculptors from Orkney and beyond. To help us reduce spam, please tick the reCAPTCHA field. Spot dolphins and porpoises in the coastal waters, or breeding seabirds such as puffins and guillemots at Hermaness Nature Reserve. Standing guard to warn the passing ships is the Sumburgh Lighthouse, designed by the grandfather of the famous author Robert Louis Stevenson. You will not be able to use this site without JavaScript. At the ancient settlement of Jarlshof you can explore 4,000 years of human history. It took 300 years to complete and is one of the finest examples of Norman architecture in Europe. USA. And as more than fifth of our guests cruise solo, youll always be in good company. 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 . 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. 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. There are so many reasons why Saga stands out from other cruise lines. Call and speak to one of our travel experts who have experienced Shetland & Orkney Islands personally. Average salary for Saga Group Mi Analyst in Seaham, England: [salary]. These unique islands are home to some of the most breathtaking coastal scenery to be found anywhere in Britain.