the west of Scotland and Ireland in 795. Call and speak to one of our travel experts who have experienced Shetland & Orkney Islands personally. This mysterious place of long days and colourful night skies is home to a wealth of sea life and sea birds, not . As a British citizen you will be entitled to free emergency health care on the NHS.If you are visiting Scotland from outside the United Kingdom and fall ill or are involved in an accident and are from any member of the European Economic Area or Switzerland, you can obtain free or reduced cost treatment with The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Highlights of Orkney and Shetland - 6 day tour - Scottish Tours Nowhere else in Britain, and hardly anywhere else in Europe, can you get so close, so easily, to so many seabirds. Tour Returns: TBA hrs. Booking holidays since 1939, ATOL Protected. Breakfast is served onboard from 07:15 hrs after which we board the coach and disembark to begin our island tour. 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. Arrive in Aberdeen at 0700 and enjoy breakfast on board before disembarking and continuing your onward journey. To help us reduce spam, please tick the reCAPTCHA field. Dinner will be served on board and we will arrive in Kirkwall around 23:00 hrs. P&O took over the routes from the long-established North of Scotland, Orkney & Shetland Steam Navigation Company in 1971. 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. The expedition starts in Oban and we sail, via the scenic and bird-rich island of Handa, to the enchanting Orkney Islands. This expanse of water has played witness to some monumental events. In no time youll be sailing away to one unforgettable destination after another. Package holidays to Shetland | Shetland.org Orkney.com | This is Orkney Sail away to lands steeped in history, wildlife and stunning scenery, far from the jostling crowds, to the haunting beauty of the Orkney and Shetland Isles. Sailing Fair Isle | Orkney to Shetland | Shetland To Orkney If a service charge has already been added, no further tip is required. Sign up for our newsletter and unlock exclusive tips and inspiration from our team of travel specialists. They left carvings behind which are considered to be some of the finest examples of runic inscriptions in the World. Experience the unique islands of Shetland and Orkney, with mysterious prehistoric sites, natural wonders and breathtaking scenery waiting around every corner. Supplements may apply. Outside these hours you can email one of our team [email protected], or make a booking online. They branded their services "P&O Ferries" from 1975 to 1989 and "P&O Scottish Ferries" thereafter. View our privacy policy. UNESCO World Heritage Site. Arrive into Lerwick, Shetland early this morning. Written in the early 13 th century when Shetland and Orkney were Norse possessions it really centers on Orkney which was undoubtedly the richer and more important of the two island groups. 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. Orkney and Shetland Archaeology Tours | Andante Travels Youre also sure to come across plenty of roaming Shetland ponies on your travels. Overnight Shetland. Enjoy free time in Kirkwall this morning. This trip is operated by our England team. Then trace . Shetland's council workers will not get the extra bank holiday on the Monday after King Charles's coronation. Your accommodation is great for the little personal touches. 2,599. 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. Its a great way to make new friends! 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 . Easy to download as a PDF, our trip notes provide detailed information for every holiday. 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. 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. 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. 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. However the earldom began, by the time of Earl Sigurd we are heading into more reliable territory - although still laced with myth and folklore. Orkney Guided Island Hopping Holiday - HF Holidays The nearby seaport of Stromness is famed for the Pier Arts Centre which showcases the work of artists and sculptors from Orkney and beyond. The diversity of these islands is astounding, a distinctive mixture of Scandinavian history scattered across a rugged Scottish landscape, and a self-drive holiday of Shetland and Orkney guarantees memories to last a lifetime. Dine on fresh seafood in cosmopolitan Kirkwall and Lerwick, and enjoy an extensive local craft culture. 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. Tallest Sea Cliffs in Britain. Wilderness England creates incredible journeys to the wild and magical outdoor spaces across Yorkshire, the Lake District, Northumberland, the Cotswolds and the Peak District. 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. Discover more at the visitor centre which provides touch-screen presentations and a wide range of artefacts that have excavated from the site. But the surrounding dwellings and outbuildings date from thousands of years earlier. Popular attractions Orkney Wireless Museum and St. Magnus Cathedral are located . Time to return home. If you are happy with the details you have provided above then click Submit Form to send us your enquiry. A holiday to the islands of Orkney and Shetland has it all. Modern Slavery & Human Trafficking Statement. Soak up the history and imagine life in eras gone by! The unspoilt landscape of Shetland has a rugged beauty shaped by the sea at the end of the last Ice Age. 9 miles (15.5 km) with 1,280 feet (380m) of ascent. Between the rugged cliffs at Yesnaby in the west and the sandy beaches of Deerness in the east, lie rolling green hills and wild heather moors. Our home for tonight is in the delightful village of Bray which overlooks Busta Voe. Single cabins now available on all January to March 2023 cruises. 7 miles (12km) with 1,360 feet (420m) of ascent. Check-in: TBA hrs Orkney & Shetland Mini Cruise - DC Thomson Travel 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. Saga Group Mi Analyst Salaries in Seaham, England | Glassdoor Book your holiday today with Planet Cruise! Tours of Shetland and Orkney Islands - Scotland Tours It is worth checking the HM Revenues and Customs website before you travel. Contact us via email: The only medieval chronicle to have Orkney as the central place of action, it tells of an era when the islands were still part of the Viking world, beginning with their conquest by the . Cycling for Softies is a luxury cycling tour operator providing gourmet cycling adventures in France and Italy. Any additional charge for the single supplement will be confirmed at the point of final payment and bookings are accepted on this understanding. 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. Come explor. Shetland Islands Map - Scotland, United Kingdom - Mapcarta Our ships are smaller, but wonderfully spacious. Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Revealed. HF Holidays LimitedUnit 1, First FloorImperial PlaceMaxwell RoadBorehamwoodHertfordshire WD6 1JNUnited Kingdom, Monday to Friday: 9.00am - 5.30pmSaturday: 9.00am - 1.00pmSunday: ClosedBank Holidays: 9.00am - 1.00pm. Standing guard to warn the passing ships is the Sumburgh Lighthouse, designed by the grandfather of the famous author Robert Louis Stevenson. It is a wonderful way to get a real feel for both the culture and the wildlife of these islands, with knowledgeable guides on hand to inform. Our local guide will help you to discover ancient civilisations, archaeological delights and bountiful wildlife from our base in the island capital of Kirkwall. Day 5. These are at additional expense and, if available, details will be provided with your tour documentation. 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. All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. Our journey continues through the fertile farmland of Angus to reach the granite city of Aberdeen by late afternoon. You will not be able to use this site without JavaScript. Thats why all of the accommodation we select is hand-picked using our first-hand knowledge of the best places to stay. Orkney and the Shetland Isles | Great Rail Journeys 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 . 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. 3.91. 5 Nights No Fly Cruise from 799pp Liverpool, Cruising past Duart Castle, Cruising Sound of Mull, Cruising Loch Hourn, Cruising by The Small Isles, Portree, Isle of Skye, Kirkwall, Orkney Islands, Cruising by Dutchman's Cap (Bac Mr), Cruising Fingal's Cave, Cruise by Iona, Liverpool. The wild landscapes featureintricate coastlines marked by towering cliffs, deep caves and giant rock stacks which make for an inspiring backdrop for various activities such as walking and sea kayaking. Visit Orkney & Shetland | Orkney & Shetland Holidays - McKinlay Kidd If you fancy sampling the local water of life, why not take a tour at the. Prepare for cool windy weather so that you can take time to enjoy the amazing archeology you visit. 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. 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. We suggest an early start today - there's a lot to fit in! 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. 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. 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. FAQsPlease see the FAQ section for more information on this tour. We also offer a fly-drive holiday as an alternative way to visit Orkney & Shetland. menu. Discover our last-minute, luxury, all-inclusive, and many other incredible cruise deals. The Orkney Mainland is just Getting to Orkney can be easier and quicker than you may think. Citylink buses run to Aberdeen, Gills Bay and Scrabster so you can catch your ferry to the islands. To make it easier, heres a list of items you should consider packing. These treasures are of such importance that UNESCO has designated them a World Heritage site. Please contact us for information on child prices. In certain locations youll may be joined by a local guide who will provide local insight and show you the highlights. Our destination is Lerwick, the island's attractive capital. 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. Shetland & Orkney Multi-Centre Walking Holiday | 2023 & 2024 To purchase a policy speak to your insurance broker or undertake a search on-line. We know that after a busy day of sightseeing an exceptional place to stay makes all the difference. From area guides to interesting articles and event guides, NorthLink Ferries have everything you'll need to enjoy a fantastic holiday in the unique and memorable Orkney and Shetland islands. Guided wildlife tour of Shetland Isles. Uncover Orkneys Ancient Secrets - Shearings Topped by a prehistoric chambered burial cairn, the summit offers a breathtaking panorama across this ice-carved landscape. 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. Please contact us for more details. Day 1 - Departing Inverness with a morning drive to the far North of Scotland and the ferry port of Scrabster, near Thurso. From here you can gaze out to the Muckle Flugga lighthouse. See the landscapes of Shetland and Orkney; Visit Trshavn, with its Viking heritage; Itinerary From. In a land thats been largely tamed, they remain rare unspoiled outposts of rugged coastline and remote beauty. Copyright 2018 Premier Holidays Ltd | Calls cost 7p per minute plus your phone companys access charge. In a land that's been largely tamed, they remain rare unspoiled outposts of rugged coastline and remote beauty. Shetland Isles wildlife holiday. A collection of 3* B&Bs and Guest Houses offering comfortable accommodation close to local attractions. 2023 HF Holidays Limited. This picturesque spring Orkney & Shetland Mini Cruise combines coastal scenery with fascinating history. 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. All included in the price. 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. Take the opportunity to visit one of Orkneys smaller isles. Continue to the rugged Shetland archipelago to visit Lerwick as it hosts the annual Tall Ships Races. 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). (Read 1 review) Late availability on these dates: 15 Apr, 13 May. Please note that if at ten weeks prior to the start of your holiday a sharing partner is unavailable, a single room will be allocated with a resulting single supplement charge outlined above. 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. Registered Office: Enbrook Park, Folkestone, Kent, CT20 3SE. Our Premium category includes a unique collection of luxurious and stylish boutique Guest Houses and small 4* Hotels. For anyone easily seduced by big skies, sea views, and wide-open spaces, Orkney is always a good idea. Accommodation on board in a double/twin en-suite outer cabin is included in the price. Please note that a family room is normally a standard double or twin room with either a sofa bed or a rollaway bed. 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 in the breathtaking Old Man of Hoy a 450 foot sea stack and perhaps Orkneys most famous landmark. The restaurant prides itself on local produce, prepared to make the most of the fresh flavours. This holiday is based on ferry crossings, starting from the north coast of Scotland near Thurso and returning to Aberdeen. Overnight Orkney. add an extra night or two on each island group to explore in depth? Some cruises also incorporate the Faroe Isles. Orkney played a vital role during both World Wars, and this afternoon we will travel to see Scapa Flow which provided a sheltered anchorage for the British naval fleet. 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. Consequently, bedrooms and bathrooms come in varying shapes and sizes. We guarantee to refund this service charge if you believe that arranging your holiday through McKinlay Kidd has not met your expectations for value. Photo: juvlai, CC BY-SA 2.0. Almost but not quite a separate island, Northmavine is joined to the rest of the Shetland Mainland at Mavis Grind where the relentless Atlantic Ocean has nearly cut through to the North Sea. These tours are immensely popular so expect to be travelling in the company of like-minded travellers from around the world. The holiday ideas on our website are just examples of the amazing trips we offer. British Isles Cruises 2023 | Cruising Holidays When's the best time to visit? These tours are inclusive of superior tourist class accommodation, transportation, selected admission fees and many meals. As you sail below, the screeching is deafening, and youll feel very outnumbered, a stranger invading their territory. North Hanover Street Bus Stance, Glasgow, G1 2BP. 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. We depart Aberdeen at 19:00 hrs, and a short time later, dinner will be served in the ship's restaurant. 01273 823 700 . Highlights of Orkney and Shetland6 day/5 night. Thousands of seabirds including gannets, guillemots and kittiwakes nest and feed in the Noss Nature Reserve. Think of this itinerary as a starting point which can be tailored into something completely unique to you by our award-winning specialists. If you would like to spend an extra night or two on either Orkney or Shetland, wed be delighted to assist. Enjoy a fascinating talk from historian Nick Card on the Orkney Islands' Neolithic past. Several of the prisoners have returned to Orkney over the years to assist with the restoration of the building. Wildlife watching here is superb. Sign up for latest offers and top sellers. 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. Our first walk on Orkney follows a clifftop coastal path from Marwick Bay to the Brough of Birsay, overlooking RSPB Marwick Head reserve. From jagged cliffs to unspoilt beaches and stone . The coach will continue on to Glasgow, for passengers wishing to end their tour there. Based on 1 salaries posted anonymously by Saga Group Mi Analyst employees in Seaham, England. The Tower has been restored over the past century, however not all of the original structure still remains. Outstanding scenery, exceptional wildlife, ancient history, traditional crafts and world-class diving. Scattered off Scotland's northeast coast, this wild windswept archipelago offers a far-from-it-all feel just a skip away from the mainland. USA. Sign up for latest offers and top sellers. How do I get there? Its just six miles from Skara Brae and has an award-winning restaurant overlooking the loch, serving outstanding Scottish seafood and Aberdeen Angus beef. 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. During the hour-long sailing look out for porpoises, dolphins and minke whales that can often be seen. 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. Once we make landfall expect day sailing among the islands and skerries. More than a million birds breed in very large colonies. The nature reserve is the perfect place to spot seabirds such as puffins, guillemots and kittiwakes. Orkney, an ancient cluster of 70 islands brimming with history and dramatic coastlines, lie off the north west coast of Scotland. We will discover more about this rather unpleasant character and his tyrannical ways during our visit. 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. Today we explore the heart of Neolithic Orkney. 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. 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. Family room - this is a room for three people sleeping in one large bed (2 people) and one single bed (1 person). You do not have any pinned holidays. These cliffs are bursting with an extraordinary range of wildlife, such as seals, puffins, gannets and whales. From Glasgow and Edinburgh, we travel northwards through the Kingdom of Fife to reach Dundee, which sits overlooking the River Tay. All Rights Reserved. And as more than fifth of our guests cruise solo, youll always be in good company. Scattered off the northeast coast of Scotland, Orkney and the Shetland Islands are staggeringly beautiful. Highlights of Orkney and Shetland6 day/5 night. Known as the Churchill Barriers, we will use these causeways to reach the little island of Lamb Holm. A stunning six day private tour from Inverness through the Highlands to the Northern Isles of Orkney and Shetland. Getting Here | Orkney.com Excellent, informative, enjoyable tour. Our newsletter features exciting new itineraries, blog posts from the team, and fabulous competitions. Offers - Premier Holidays We love the opportunity to use our first-hand knowledge and experience to design and deliver the perfect, bespoke holiday experience for you. Walking is a wonderful way to discover the Orkney Islands. and a self-drive holiday of Shetland and Orkney guarantees memories to last a . Here you can see evidence of many different eras dating as far back as Neolithic times. Simply pop your details in the box below for the latest news, travel advice, destination inspiration, and special offers delivered straight to your inbox. 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. View our Full Privacy Notice, Read independent reviews from ourcustomers. With a strong norse influence, these island groups provide a surprisingly contrasting cultural experience when compared to the Hebrides. Our full season of 2023 cruises and early 2024 cruises are on sale now. Shetland, Orkney and the Hebrides coach holidays 2023 - Door2Tour Tour Details. Spend two days exploring some of the many island treasures, including Scalloway Castle and Jarlshof, an outstanding example of . Exciting destinations. 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. We'll make a visit to view the remarkable paintings that can be found inside the simple corrugated metal exterior. 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. This is a far cry in both style and location from a chain hotel and all rooms are individually decorated. Your leader will be in reception at 18:30 to give you a quick introduction to the holiday before dinner. Trade Login Contact 08444 937 531 Destinations UK & Channel Islands. 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. Just a short flight from mainland UK and accessible from a wide range of regional airports. Thoroughly recommend this as an enjoyable way to experience Shetland and Orkney. Are you sure you would like to continue with this room size? This morning you will enjoy a real treat a wildlife boat trip. If you go above this allowance you may have to pay tax or duty. Orkney Holidays 2023 - Expedia Your Holiday in Shetland and Orkney | NorthLink Ferries Orkneyjar - Viking Orkney - The Beginning of the Earldom Orkney & Shetland Islands - About Argyll Walking Holidays Let us know if we can tailor-make it for you to link with a self-drive tour of the Scottish Highlands. Spirit of Discovery departing Dover. We then rejoin our transport for the scenic transfer to Busta House. Starts from: Edinburgh. If you fancy some retail therapy, Kirkwall has a wealth of independent shops and craftworkers studios to be explored. Today we bid farewell to island life and make the journey to St Margaret's Hope where the fast Pentland Ferries catamaran waits to transport us across the Pentland Firth.
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