9 miles (15.5 km) with 1,280 feet (380m) of ascent. Overnight Shetland. If, like us, you cant get enough of the archeological discoveries, head over to Rousay with its Midhowe Broch and Cairn. Iona AbbeyOne of Scotland's most sacred and historic sites, the Abbey was founded in 563AD and it still retains its spiritual atmosphere today. Welcome to the incredible archipelago of Orkney! Please contact us for more details. More likely we will be sailing for part of a night or a very early/late start and a long day. 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. 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. Although a remote wilderness, there is a lot to do in Shetland, Orkney and the Hebrides. Overnight Orkney. 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. Dine on fresh seafood in cosmopolitan Kirkwall and Lerwick, and enjoy an extensive local craft culture. . The islanders themselves feel a strong local identity and you can be guaranteed a warm island welcome and some fantastic local fresh food. All sorts of nature abound here, from seals and otters to ponies and hundreds of birds, making it a wildlife lover's paradise. On Mainland, is the capital Kirkwall whose sights include St Magnus Cathedral, the Bishops and Earls palaces and the Orkney Museum. Just a short flight from mainland UK and accessible from a wide range of regional airports. Your hotel is an historic building, complete with nooks and crannies, winding corridors, steep steps, creaky floorboards and supposedly a resident ghost. With 70 magical islands its difficult to know where to begin. Contact us via email: As you sail below, the screeching is deafening, and youll feel very outnumbered, a stranger invading their territory. Later you could take a 10 minute ferry journey to the Isle of Bressay to explore the rich natural heritage and incredible wildlife. The best time to visit is during what Shetlanders call the . 01273 823 700 . Departing by Coach. Depart Lerwick at the end of the afternoon for the overnight journey on the cruise class Northlink Ferries service to Aberdeen. Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Revealed. Shetland and the Tall Ships. 638 ratings70 reviews. 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. 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. Our last visit of the day is to Skara Brae. Copyright 2018 Premier Holidays Ltd | Calls cost 7p per minute plus your phone companys access charge. 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). You are able to walk in and out and around them, just imagining how people used to survive here. This iconic sea stack is only a few hundred years old. Non-member fee: 30 per person. Outer two berth cabins included on the Orkney to Shetland and Shetland to Aberdeen crossings. 8 nights from. Keep an eye on everyone in your party and do not go off with people you do not know. Orkney boasts inspirational landscapes where verdant fields stretch down to pristine beaches and dramatic seas crash against towering cliffs. 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. We also offer a fly-drive holiday as an alternative way to visit Orkney & Shetland. (Read 1 review) Late availability on these dates: 15 Apr, 13 May. Beautiful beaches, stunning cliffs, ancient settlements and wonderful wildlife-spotting opportunities - Shetland has a lot to offer. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and breakfast. The sea route from the coast of Norway due west to the remotest parts of the British Isles is a classic offshore voyage of around 200 miles. Known as the Churchill Barriers, we will use these causeways to reach the little island of Lamb Holm. I have never been that far north before. For anyone easily seduced by big skies, sea views, and wide-open spaces, Orkney is always a good idea. A holiday to the islands of Orkney and Shetland has it all. Travel by overnight ferry to Lerwick, the capital of Shetland, arriving at 0730 and enjoy a leisurely breakfast on board before disembarking. We'll always treat your personal details with the utmost care. The islands are also blessed with an extraordinary natural beauty. NB these cruise details have been updated - Please see the new trip page - Orkney, Shetland, Faroe Islands and St Kilda cruise.. This is a far cry in both style and location from a chain hotel and all rooms are individually decorated. 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. Orkney and Shetland Isles Holidays. The islands are a birdwatchers' paradise and one of the major seabird breeding and feeding areas in the North Atlantic. 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. The expedition starts in Oban and we sail, via the scenic and bird-rich island of Handa, to the enchanting Orkney Islands. The Shetland Islands are the UNBELIEVABLE Hidden Treasure of Scotland, the northernmost point of the United Kingdom and formerly part of Norway. I flew from Glasgow to Kirkwall, the main town, instead of tak Reg No: 250017 | VAT No: 817 0144 57 | Copyright McKinlay Kidd Ltd 2023. Language: EnglishCurrency: Pound SterlingTime Zone: GMTTipping: 10 to 12% is usual for hotels with 10 to 15% being usual for restaurants. There are so many reasons why Saga stands out from other cruise lines. 18 Hours of Midsummer Sun. Please click below to find the trip notes for your departure date. Topped by a prehistoric chambered burial cairn, the summit offers a breathtaking panorama across this ice-carved landscape. 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. It lay covered for centuries, if not millennia, before a sandstorm in the 1920s revealed the amazing ruins. They left carvings behind which are considered to be some of the finest examples of runic inscriptions in the World. This island adventure starts with a tour to Aberdeen to catch the overnight ferry service bound for Lerwick in the Shetlands, Britain's most northerly island archipelago. Make the most of your time on the islands on this carefully-curated itinerary accessible by flight from central Scotland. Think of this itinerary as a starting point which can be tailored into something completely unique to you by our award-winning specialists. Spend two days exploring some of the many island treasures, including Scalloway Castle and Jarlshof, an outstanding example of . Warner Bros. Tallest Sea Cliffs in Britain. Scattered off the northeast coast of Scotland, Orkney and the Shetland Islands are staggeringly beautiful. Rated 4.88 out of 5 based on 5,609 reviews. The Tower has been restored over the past century, however not all of the original structure still remains. 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. These are wonderfully charming and intimate and run with great flair by their owners. Saga Cruises; Disney Cruises; Cruise Ships. Our discerning team has a wealth of experience, and we extensively research and regularly review all of the accommodation we select for our clients. 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. 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. Discover squawking seabird colonies, staggering scenery, and some of the best-preserved Neolithic ruins in Europe as you island hop between Mainland . 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. Later you could take a 10 minute ferry journey to the Isle of Bressay to explore the rich natural heritage and incredible wildlife. Your accommodation is great for the little personal touches. 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. 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. Fred Olsen. 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. Last month I was in Orkney for the first time. Both Shetland and Orkney offer a good chance of spotting the Northern Lights, particularly in autumn and winter. Overnight Shetland. Orkney Islands, group of more than 70 islands and isletsonly about 20 of which are inhabitedin Scotland, lying about 20 miles (32 km) north of the Scottish mainland, across the strait known as the Pentland Firth. Each one is all inclusive, and youll have your own private balcony to enjoy every destination in style. In no time youll be sailing away to one unforgettable destination after another. Registered office 11 Bridge Street, Kirkwall, Orkney, KW151 HR. More details & Book Bank Holiday Escape to Scenic Scotland . The UKs bestselling monthly subscription magazine. Read 20 . Orkney, an ancient cluster of 70 islands brimming with history and dramatic coastlines, lie off the north west coast of Scotland. We will hold your data securely within our organisation, McKinlay Kidd Limited. Well also visit the impressive archaeological site of Jarlshof. Relaxing hotel-based holidays in the sun, with a Saga host on hand. In each case, it is not necessarily added to the bill. 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. Today we explore the heart of Neolithic Orkney. More than a million birds breed in very large colonies. Discover your ideal travel experience. 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. A BSpoke Tour is all about being as restful or as adventurous as you desire. Next, sail southwards to reach the Orkney Islands, where we'll discover the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, a UNESCO World Heritage site that includes Skara Brae, Maeshowe and the Ring of Brodgar Stone Circle. 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. Call and speak to one of our travel experts who have experienced Shetland & Orkney Islands personally. A chat with your warm and friendly hosts and fellow guests over breakfast will arm you with local knowledge and tips for the day ahead. 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. 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. If you go above this allowance you may have to pay tax or duty. We will never share your data with third parties for marketing purposes. Youre also sure to come across plenty of roaming Shetland ponies on your travels. Enjoy a relaxing break over the May Day Bank Holiday; Join ORCA on deck of Bolette to spot whales ; These mysterious stone circles are amongst the most significant in Europe and are some 5,000 years old. Arrive in Aberdeen at 0700 and enjoy breakfast on board before disembarking and continuing your onward journey. 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. Spirit of Discovery departing Tilbury. Day 9. You could visit the mighty Cathedral of St Mangus, which was begun in 1137. Getting to Orkney via public transport is simple. Later, in medieval times, farmsteads were also built here. On arrival, we visit Sumburgh Head RSPB reserve. Excellent array of hotels and self-catering options across Jersey and Guernsey. We will communicate with you from time to time about our products and services, similar to those currently featured on our website. Nowhere else in Britain, and hardly anywhere else in Europe, can you get so close, so easily, to so many seabirds. 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. 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. Welcome to life in the easy lane. 999 pp. 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. Any additional charge for the single supplement will be confirmed at the point of final payment and bookings are accepted on this understanding. Its difficult not to be inspired by sweeping panoramic views as you stroll along deserted white sandy beaches or gaze up at dramatic sea cliffs created by fierce volcanic eruptions and the ravages of the North Sea. The beautiful Cairngorms National Park will bring us to the Pass of Drumocher and Highland Perthshire beyond. Sign up for latest offers and top sellers. Thoroughly recommend this as an enjoyable way to experience Shetland and Orkney. You will also find no end of delicious local produce to tempt you and a busy programme of annual festivals. 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. All room types, other than twin rooms, are subject to availability. We strongly recommend that you have travel insurance in place for your trip to Scotland, especially if you are visiting from overseas. Fiercely independent and sprinkled with Scandinavian tradition, this pair of wild windswept archipelagos offer an island-hopping holiday that ticks-off squawking seabird . 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. Our sociable ships have been designed with more than 100 single balcony cabins, the widest selection on the ocean wave. The thousands of prehistoric Neolithic sites which have survived to tell their tale at the Heart of Neolithic Orkney UNESCO world heritage site are both spectacular and mysterious. Are you sure you would like to continue with this room size? 3.91. 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. Walking is a wonderful way to discover the Orkney Islands. Lake District, Yorkshire & Hadrians Wall, Classic Yorkshire: Whitby, York & The Dales, East of England: Cambridge, Norfolk & Suffolk. Stay at this 3-star hotel in Kirkwall. Rated 4.88 out of 5 based on 5,609 reviews. Usually the tour will depart the hotel between 08:00 hrs and 08:30 hrs in the morning. Covid-19 Travel Requirements Covid-19 Travel Updates and FAQs Cruise Deals; Cruise Lines; . This trip is operated by our England team. Small group travel: 2023: 15 Apr, 13 May. The largest town, Lerwick, is closer to Norway than to Edinburgh, and culturally and geographically they feel more Norse than Scottish. In a land thats been largely tamed, they remain rare unspoiled outposts of rugged coastline and remote beauty. Well also visit the Ring of Brodgar and the Standing Stones of Stenness, which together with Skara Brae and Maes How, form the Heart of Neolithic Orkney UNESCO World Heritage Site. ARE YOU A SOLO TRAVELLER WILLING TO SHARE? Includes 9 nights accommodation (2 of which will be on the ferry to and from Shetland) and ferry costs. These are at additional expense and, if available, details will be provided with your tour documentation. This mysterious place of long days and colourful night skies is home to a wealth of sea life and sea birds, not . Registered in England, number 5713R. Built in 1600, this castle was once the home of the Earl of Orkney. Another day you might head for South Ronaldsay now connected by the famous Churchill Barriers to the Mainland. All included in the price. It's a similar story by rail, with trains available to both Aberdeen . Overnight Shetland. Scotland's Northern Isles by Motorhome. 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 . enquiries@absoluteescapes.com. Supplements may apply. Later return to Kirkwall where dinner is served in our hotel. Specialists in offering a range of adventure holidays, tours and incredible wilderness experiences. Shetland - South Mainland. Studio Tour London - Harry Potter, Peaky Blinders Filming Location Tours 2023. Orphir has a Viking museum, the Orkneyinga Saga Centre, and the remains of Scotland's only . Book your tailor-made holiday to Offers with Premier Holidays. However the earldom began, by the time of Earl Sigurd we are heading into more reliable territory - although still laced with myth and folklore. Find out everything you need to know about planning a trip to Scotland's incredible Northern Isles. After breakfast, we travel to the very south of the mainland to visit Jarlshof, where waves of settlers lived for more than 4,000 years. 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. Overnight Ferry. In the Shetlands, its all about Busta House. We will make it easy for you to opt-out of receiving communications, to check what data we hold on you or to request us to delete your data altogether. The Orkney Islands constitute a council area and belong to the historic county of Orkney. In a land that's been largely tamed, they remain rare unspoiled outposts of rugged coastline and remote beauty. If you wish to combine these categories or perhaps upgrade for a special occasion let us know in your enquiry. The strong historical and cultural influence of Norway upon these islands is clear in their timber-framed and brightly coloured architecture. The restaurant prides itself on local produce, prepared to make the most of the fresh flavours. 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. 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. The innovative Shetland Museum and Archives tells the fascinating story of these islands and is well worth visiting. Among the settlements on Mainland, the largest island, is Scalloway, a fishing port. See the Tall Ships in Lerwick. To help us reduce spam, please tick the reCAPTCHA field. 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. 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. Experience the unique islands of Shetland and Orkney, with mysterious prehistoric sites, natural wonders and breathtaking scenery waiting around every corner. From 2,345 7 days ex flights. The services were taken over by NorthLink Orkney and Shetland Ferries in 2002. Scattered off the northeast coast of Scotland, Orkney and the Shetland Islands are staggeringly beautiful. 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. 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. In the afternoon well visit Maes Howe, one of the most treasured Neolithic sites in Europe. . All sorts of nature abound here, from seals and otters to ponies and hundreds of birds, making it a wildlife lover's paradise. 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. Be aware of your surroundings and don't venture off on your own. Next, we make for Maeshowe, a magnificent chambered tomb that dates from around 2,500 BC. Wilderness England creates incredible journeys to the wild and magical outdoor spaces across Yorkshire, the Lake District, Northumberland, the Cotswolds and the Peak District. FAQsPlease see the FAQ section for more information on this tour. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. UNESCO World Heritage Site. In some cases, due to ferry or other travel connections, the tour may depart earlier or arrive later your tour director will advise you if this will be happening on your tour. the west of Scotland and Ireland in 795. All we ask is that you write to us within 7 days of your return and explain your reason for claiming the refund. Below is a list of some tour operators that organise regular trips to the islands. Rooms are simple but homely and all come with TV and tea and coffee making facilities. Outstanding scenery, exceptional wildlife, ancient history, traditional crafts and world-class diving. 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. 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. We know that after a busy day of sightseeing an exceptional place to stay makes all the difference. Scalloway CastleWhen visiting the Shetland Isles, why not visit Scalloway Castle? With their northerly location, the best time to visit is between March and November, with the long days of summer a particularly appealing time. 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. Outside these hours you can email one of our team atreservations@hfholidays.co.uk, or make a booking online. From here you can gaze out to the Muckle Flugga lighthouse. 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. Enjoy 3 days (3 nights) in Orkney. The card payment providers above are used for taking your payments by operators featured on our site. 895 per person for March, 945 per person for April & October, 985 per person for May & September and 1015 per person for June to August. It is a wild and dramatic place. Overnight Orkney, Take the opportunity to visit one of Orkneys smaller isles. 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. 9 miles (14km) with 760 feet (230m) of ascent. Explore the islands' Norse heritage on a coach holiday, where the sound of fiddles can still be heard drifting through the fresh air. This elevated viewpoint affords extensive views over Shetland and of Fair Isle to the south. EU nationals need to have either a valid passport or identity card.Visas for the UK are not required by those travelling from Australia, Canada, USA or EU for stays of up to six months.Any other nationality looking to visit the UK must contact the local embassy to check visa requirements. All itineraries and room types are presented subject to availability at specific hotels. Cycling for Softies is a luxury cycling tour operator providing gourmet cycling adventures in France and Italy. The islands geographic location makes it a crossroad for wildlife. Group transfer to Sumburgh airport for your return flight. Tour Returns: TBA hrs, Outside Reception at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Edinburgh111 Glasgow Road Edinburgh EH12 8NF, Check-in: TBA hrs 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. If a service charge has already been added, no further tip is required. Available from April to October. A quick introduction. Visit the Orkneyinga Viking history interpretation centre to learn more. To purchase a policy speak to your insurance broker or undertake a search on-line. Judi Florence Self Guided - The West Highland Way Reviewed on 08/10/2018. 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. Registered Office: Enbrook Park, Folkestone, Kent, CT20 3SE. Thats why all of the accommodation we select is hand-picked using our first-hand knowledge of the best places to stay. If you plan to bring your own vehicle, we are also able to offer this itinerary without a rental car.
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