In a land thats been largely tamed, they remain rare unspoiled outposts of rugged coastline and remote beauty. On many tours youll have the chance to personalise your touring experience by participating in some carefully planned optional excursions. Shetland's council workers will not get the extra bank holiday on the Monday after King Charles's coronation. For anyone easily seduced by big skies, sea views, and wide-open spaces, Orkney is always a good idea. 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. This is a customizable tour and can be tailor-made to your preference. 2,268. Find out more in our Shetland travel guide. "The staff was xtrenely king and helpful! Overnight Ferry. Our sociable ships have been designed with more than 100 single balcony cabins, the widest selection on the ocean wave. Experience the unique islands of Shetland and Orkney, with mysterious prehistoric sites, natural wonders and breathtaking scenery waiting around every corner. With their northerly location, the best time to visit is between March and November, with the long days of summer a particularly appealing time. In the afternoon well visit Maes Howe, one of the most treasured Neolithic sites in Europe. A collection of 3* B&Bs and Guest Houses offering comfortable accommodation close to local attractions. Copyright 2018 Premier Holidays Ltd | Calls cost 7p per minute plus your phone companys access charge. The largest town, Lerwick, is closer to Norway than to Edinburgh, and culturally and geographically they feel more Norse than Scottish. Our first visits are to the Ring of Brodgar and the Standing Stones of Stenness. Theres an opportunity to learn about Shetlands heritage at the Tangwick Haa museum today as we circumnavigate the beautiful Eshaness peninsula. The Orkney Mainland is just Getting to Orkney can be easier and quicker than you may think. For all their differences, these islands share a similar feel: weather-beaten archipelagos with more in common with the Faroes than mainland Scotland. Call and speak to one of our travel experts who have experienced Shetland & Orkney Islands personally. Both Shetland and Orkney offer a good chance of spotting the Northern Lights, particularly in autumn and winter. Tour Returns: TBA hrs, Outside Reception at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Edinburgh111 Glasgow Road Edinburgh EH12 8NF, Check-in: TBA hrs
Weve had a long love affair with Orkneys family-run Merkister Hotel, not least for its enviable setting on the shores of Harray Loch. In Shetland, inter-island ferry travel is operated by the council , while Orkney Ferries connect the archipelago's 13 island destinations. 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. Twin room - this is a room for two people sleeping in two separate beds. The Ring of Brodgar in the Heart of Neolithic Orkney. 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. Be aware of your surroundings and don't venture off on your own. During the hour-long sailing look out for porpoises, dolphins and minke whales that can often be seen. Our first walk on Orkney follows a clifftop coastal path from Marwick Bay to the Brough of Birsay, overlooking RSPB Marwick Head reserve. The drive north covers wonderful coastal scenery and normally takes around 3-4 hours including photo stops and a brief visit to the historic town of Dornoch. Shetland: The northernmost part of the UK, Shetland is wild, rugged and beautiful. 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. 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. Excellent and Friendly Staff!! Wildlife watching here is superb. An interesting tour, with lots of great historical commentary and beautiful landscapes. Overlooking Skaill Bay, we'll discover a settlement of Stone Age houses complete with chairs, beds and dressers all made from stone. Experience the unique islands of Shetland and Orkney, with mysterious prehistoric sites, natural wonders and breathtaking scenery waiting around every corner. 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. Tallest Sea Cliffs in Britain. With over 100 islands contributing to over 1,500 miles of coastline, there is something to discover around every corner, from the entrancing blend of Scottish and Scandinavian culture to the dramatic . 3.91. Cabin upgrades may also be available on request. We use your data to prepare holiday proposals and to make bookings for you if you choose to go ahead. Are you sure you would like to continue with this room size? View our privacy policy. Where Scotland meets Scandinavia, this wild and remote corner of northern Britain is truly remarkable. Cycling for Softies is a luxury cycling tour operator providing gourmet cycling adventures in France and Italy. Registered in England, number 5713R. Fred Olsen. At Aberdeen Harbour, we join the Northlink ferry for the overnight crossing to Shetland. Orkney and Shetland, being the nearest western land to Norway, would be first visited. Soak up the history and imagine life in eras gone by! 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. Later this afternoon we travel to the port to join the ferry bound for the Orkney Islands. Discover more at the visitor centre which provides touch-screen presentations and a wide range of artefacts that have excavated from the site. Be inspired by local artisans from jewellery-making to storytelling, the creative spirit on these islands has thrived for thousands of years. 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. 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. ARE YOU A SOLO TRAVELLER WILLING TO SHARE? Day 9. Join us on a stunning journey to the unforgettable Orkney Islands, a little-visited archipelago of some 70 small islands and skerries due north of the Scottish mainland. Discover their all-balcony cabins, huge choice of included speciality restaurants and bars, and an outdoor lido with a full wraparound deck. If you're flying here, public bus services connect with all the main airports in Scotland too. 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. Your hotel is an historic building, complete with nooks and crannies, winding corridors, steep steps, creaky floorboards and supposedly a resident ghost. menu. Outstanding scenery, exceptional wildlife, ancient history, traditional crafts and world-class diving. 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. With a strong norse influence, these island groups provide a surprisingly contrasting cultural experience when compared to the Hebrides. Wildflowers bloom throughout the summer, covering the green cliffs with colour and the exquisite . Beautiful beaches, stunning cliffs, ancient settlements and wonderful wildlife-spotting opportunities - Shetland has a lot to offer. Jarlshof - explore this historic site, where people lived for more than 4,000 years, to see outstanding examples of Bronze Age and Viking houses, Scalloway - tour through this attractive fishing port that was once the island capital to visit the imposing ruins of 17th Century Scalloway Castle, Maeshowe - investigate this impressive chambered tomb and see the Viking graffiti left 1,000 years ago, Skara Brae - discover how early man lived at this amazingly well-preserved Stone Age settlement of dwelling houses complete with beds and chairs, Kirkwall - enjoy a three-night stay in this bustling port dominated by 12th Century St Magnus Cathedral, Movie locations Moondogs, The Long Hope and The Spy in Black. Book your tailor-made holiday to Offers with Premier Holidays. Today is your final day in Shetland, but as the ferry does not leave until late afternoon you could take the opportunity to explore Shetlands ancient capital Scalloway. After rejoining the ship for an evening sailing to Kirkwall, we have a further two full days touring Orkney, before our short crossing back to the mainland. 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. Enjoy 4 days (3 nights) in Shetland. 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. In certain locations youll may be joined by a local guide who will provide local insight and show you the highlights. You will also find no end of delicious local produce to tempt you and a busy programme of annual festivals. This picturesque spring Orkney & Shetland Mini Cruise combines coastal scenery with fascinating history. There are so many reasons why Saga stands out from other cruise lines. 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! We will discover more about this rather unpleasant character and his tyrannical ways during our visit. Call for options 01904 521 936. Spirit of Discovery departing Tilbury. 8.4/5 (52 reviews) Great place! A fitting finale to the holiday, this walk along the magnificent granite coastline around Muckle Roe offers a chance to admire the windswept isolation and remote beauty of Shetland. This afternoon we tour through the island, and as we make our journey hopefully, we will see some native Shetland ponies grazing in their fields. Then trace . Jersey; Guernsey; Herm, Sark & Alderney; Isles of Scilly; Isle of Wight ; Isle of Man ; Shetland & Orkney Islands ; North America. Copyright 2016 - 2023 Scapa Travel. Youll board your ferry to Orkney in the afternoon and arrive in Kirkwall, the historic capital of Orkney, later this evening. Registered Office: Enbrook Park, Folkestone, Kent, CT20 3SE. 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 . Accommodation on board in a double/twin en-suite outer cabin is included in the price. You will travel aboard a state of the art motorcoach with air-conditioning, reclining seats, oversized windows and emergency washroom. The unspoilt landscape of Shetland has a rugged beauty shaped by the sea at the end of the last Ice Age. The nearby seaport of Stromness is famed for the Pier Arts Centre which showcases the work of artists and sculptors from Orkney and beyond. We would also suggest checking your home policy or credit card contract as many suppliers include travel insurance as part of their offering. View our Full Privacy Notice, Read independent reviews from ourcustomers. Its just six miles from Skara Brae and has an award-winning restaurant overlooking the loch, serving outstanding Scottish seafood and Aberdeen Angus beef. See the Tall Ships in Lerwick. We can book package holidays including flights from the UK, hotel . 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. We will communicate with you from time to time about our products and services, similar to those currently featured on our website. The event is taking place on Saturday 6 May, with the additional bank holiday on 8 May. Our local guide will help you to discover ancient civilisations, archaeological delights and bountiful wildlife from our base in the island capital of Kirkwall. Thoroughly recommend this as an enjoyable way to experience Shetland and Orkney. Orkney To Shetland Via Fair Isle & Shetland To Orkney Via Fair Isle. ABTA and ABTA Members help holidaymakers to get the most from their travel and assist them when things do not go according to plan. 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. 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. Let Scapa Travel use their extensive local knowledge to create a memorable holiday, tailored specifically for you. Take in the breathtaking Old Man of Hoy a 450 foot sea stack and perhaps Orkneys most famous landmark. Available May 2023. 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. At 1,475 feet (450m) this is Shetlands highest peak. Thats why all of the accommodation we select is hand-picked using our first-hand knowledge of the best places to stay. Read 20 . UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sign up for our newsletter and unlock exclusive tips and inspiration from our team of travel specialists.