Thats why all of the accommodation we select is hand-picked using our first-hand knowledge of the best places to stay. The Norsmen left their mark on the islands and some of the Norse legends and customs are still kept alive during festivals . 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. Although a remote wilderness, there is a lot to do in Shetland, Orkney and the Hebrides. Nowhere else in Britain, and hardly anywhere else in Europe, can you get so close, so easily, to so many seabirds. 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. 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. 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. Day 1 - Departing Inverness with a morning drive to the far North of Scotland and the ferry port of Scrabster, near Thurso. Discover squawking seabird colonies, staggering scenery, and some of the best-preserved Neolithic ruins in Europe as you island hop between Mainland . and a self-drive holiday of Shetland and Orkney guarantees memories to last a . 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 . Sign up for our newsletter and unlock exclusive tips and inspiration from our team of travel specialists. Find out everything you need to know about planning a trip to Scotland's incredible Northern Isles. Enjoy a fascinating talk from historian Nick Card on the Orkney Islands' Neolithic past. 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. You will also find no end of delicious local produce to tempt you and a busy programme of annual festivals. For all their differences, these islands share a similar feel: weather-beaten archipelagos with more in common with the Faroes than mainland Scotland. The Tower has been restored over the past century, however not all of the original structure still remains. To make it easier, heres a list of items you should consider packing. The innovative Shetland Museum and Archives tells the fascinating story of these islands and is well worth visiting. Relaxing hotel-based holidays in the sun, with a Saga host on hand. Let us know if we can tailor-make it for you to link with a self-drive tour of the Scottish Highlands. Please ensure you tick the reCAPTCHA checkbox to show you're not a spam bot! Orkney and Shetland Islands holidays set out for two of the most northerly outposts in Britain. Look out for the lighthouse, opened in 1929 its powerful light can be seen from 46 km away. 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. Later you could take a 10 minute ferry journey to the Isle of Bressay to explore the rich natural heritage and incredible wildlife. 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. Scattered off the northeast coast of Scotland, Orkney and the Shetland Islands are staggeringly beautiful. At the Isle of Hoy you can visit Scapa Flow Visitor Centre and learn the fascinating story of this naval anchorage in the two world wars. Our journey continues through the fertile farmland of Angus to reach the granite city of Aberdeen by late afternoon. Available May 2023. In the Shetlands, its all about Busta House. Days 5-8 Orkney. Are you sure you would like to continue with this room size? The landscape is wild and remote and, outside of the . Connections are available from other airports in the UK, Europ Book with Scapa Travel to get your 50% discount on eligible Scottish routes.The discount applies to residents of Orkney, Shetland, Caithness, NorthWest Sutherland, the Western Isles,Colonsay, Islay and Jura, with a valid Air Discount Scheme card and PIN number. Outer two berth cabins included on the Orkney to Shetland and Shetland to Aberdeen crossings. 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. Watch for dolphins which sometimes play in the bow waves. Also includes hotels in Alderney, Sark and Herm, plus the Isle of Wight, Isles of Scilly, Isle of Man and Shetland & Orkney Islands. Enjoy 4 days (3 nights) in Shetland. In no time youll be sailing away to one unforgettable destination after another. Discover our last-minute, luxury, all-inclusive, and many other incredible cruise deals. The largest town, Lerwick, is closer to Norway than to Edinburgh, and culturally and geographically they feel more Norse than Scottish. This mysterious place of long days and colourful night skies is home to a wealth of sea life and sea birds, not . 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. Consequently, bedrooms and bathrooms come in varying shapes and sizes. These are leisurely cycling tours winding through vineyards and staying in high end accommodation where the emphasis is as much on the food and wine as the cycling. With a strong norse influence, these island groups provide a surprisingly contrasting cultural experience when compared to the Hebrides. If you fancy some retail therapy, Kirkwall has a wealth of independent shops and craftworkers studios to be explored. Our latest all-balcony boutique ship launched in the summer of 2021. Highlights of Orkney & Shetland. 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. 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. 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 . They left carvings behind which are considered to be some of the finest examples of runic inscriptions in the World. Now it forms part of the World Heritage Site in the centre of the Orkney Mainland, along with the tomb of Maes Howe, the Ring of Brodgar and the mighty Standing Stones of Stenness. 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. Shes the beautiful sister to Spirit of Discovery, but has a whole host of surprises of her own, including exciting new restaurants. Departing by Coach. 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. 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). Today you'll be heading south to experience remarkable heritage sites. I have never been that far north before. Outside these hours you can email one of our team atreservations@hfholidays.co.uk, or make a booking online. A collection of 3* B&Bs and Guest Houses offering comfortable accommodation close to local attractions. Shetland & Orkney Island Holidays . 9 miles (15.5 km) with 1,280 feet (380m) of ascent. Please note that a family room is normally a standard double or twin room with either a sofa bed or a rollaway bed. Last month I was in Orkney for the first time. Trade Login Contact 08444 937 531 Destinations UK & Channel Islands. 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. Meet Shetland ponies in their natural habitat. Scapa Travel is a trading name of Scapa Travel Limited who are registered in Scotland with company number SC438791, and VAT number 115719224. Day 5. 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. Dine on fresh seafood in cosmopolitan Kirkwall and Lerwick, and enjoy an extensive local craft culture. Judi Florence Self Guided - The West Highland Way Reviewed on 08/10/2018. Tour Returns: TBA hrs, Outside Reception at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Edinburgh111 Glasgow Road Edinburgh EH12 8NF, Check-in: TBA hrs Twin room - this is a room for two people sleeping in two separate beds. Once checked-in onboard head to your comfortable twin-berth cabin with en-suite bathroom or enjoy time exploring the ship's many facilities. Experience a unique blend of Scandinavian and Scottish culture, as the Norse history and heritage still shapes these islands today. More details & Book Bank Holiday Escape to Scenic Scotland . Any additional charge for the single supplement will be confirmed at the point of final payment and bookings are accepted on this understanding. Scalloway CastleWhen visiting the Shetland Isles, why not visit Scalloway Castle? 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. 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. 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. Our packages include car rental and comprehensive insurance for the duration of your holiday. It's a short drive to our hotel for the next three nights. 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. (Do find time to pop in for a tour of the traditional whisky making process.) To prevent further attacks, a series of four barriers were constructed using Italian prisoners of war. P&O Iona; Anthem of the Seas; Regal Princess; MSC Virtuosa; Queen Mary 2 . Easy to download as a PDF, our trip notes provide detailed information for every holiday. Its name, meaning Earls House, was bestowed by Sir Walter Scott when he used the ruins of the sixteenth century lairds house as a fictional setting. Once we make landfall expect day sailing among the islands and skerries. Toggle navigation. Enjoy a relaxing break over the May Day Bank Holiday; Join ORCA on deck of Bolette to spot whales ; 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. 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. 8 nights from. 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. 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. 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. (Read 1 review) Late availability on these dates: 15 Apr, 13 May. 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. There are so many reasons why Saga stands out from other cruise lines. Buy your own drinks and keep sight of them at all times. You could visit the mighty Cathedral of St Mangus, which was begun in 1137. Let Scapa Travel use their extensive local knowledge to create a memorable holiday, tailored specifically for you. 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. Includes 9 nights accommodation (2 of which will be on the ferry to and from Shetland) and ferry costs. All room types, other than twin rooms, are subject to availability. Absolute Escapes has an excellent relationship with a number of car hire operators and we are able to offer quality vehicles and great value for money. Usually the coach will arrive at the overnight stop between 16:30 and 17:00 hrs each day. The ultimate collection of European cycling holidays. It is a wild and dramatic place. Our sociable ships have been designed with more than 100 single balcony cabins, the widest selection on the ocean wave. Registered office 11 Bridge Street, Kirkwall, Orkney, KW151 HR. Accept. Calls cost 7p per minute plus your phone companys access charge. Find out more in our Shetland travel guide. Walking is a wonderful way to discover the Orkney Islands. Once your unforgettable excursion comes to an end, make your way to your next base. The South Mainland awaits today home to some of Shetlands most jaw-drapping scenery and best archeological sites, including the Isle of Mousa where you will encounter the best preserved Broch anywhere in the world. Orkney and Shetland, being the nearest western land to Norway, would be first visited. A holiday to the islands of Orkney and Shetland has it all. 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. These tours are carefully researched and combine quality hotels, luxury travel, informative visits and leisure time. All Rights Reserved. A genuine feel pervades this small family owned hotel, located on the edge of Kirkwall. During the summer it is still light when you arrive. Honest and easy 2 minute travel guide including what makes Shetland Islands so special as well as map and highlights. Step back into the Stone Age in the Orkney and Shetland Islands, and come face-to-face with the legacy of the Vikings amid the turf-roofed cottages and ancient sites of the Faroes. We can book package holidays including flights from the UK, hotel accommodation and car hire. Ayre Road, Kirkwall, Scotland, KW15 1QX. Orkney & Shetland Guided Island Hopping Holiday, Hebridean Hopscotch Guided Island Hopping Holiday, Lewis & Harris Guided Island Hopping Holiday, Experience wild and windswept natural landscapes, Spot wildlife on these relatively untouched islands, Comfortable en-suite rooms in our partner accommodation(s), Cooked or continental breakfast every morning, Full-board or half-board (please refer to trip notes), Three-course evening meals, plus tea & coffee, Guided walks with an experienced HF Holidays Leader, All transport to and from walks where necessary, Suitable footwear such as waterproof walking boots that provide ankle support and good grip, Waterproof and windproof jacket, preferably insulated, Comfortable clothing (jeans & waterproof capes are not suitable), Several base layers (long-sleeve or short-sleeve), Cushioned walking socks to avoid blisters, First aid kit, including plasters and insect repellent, Rubbish bag (remember to always leave no trace). Read more, Need something more tailored? 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. These mysterious stone circles are amongst the most significant in Europe and are some 5,000 years old. Non-member fee: 30 per person. Designed with our guests in mind, our modern sister ships offer small-ship luxury with a private balcony for every guest. In each case, it is not necessarily added to the bill. Shetland Isles wildlife holiday. These treasures are of such importance that UNESCO has designated them a World Heritage site. 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 . Where Scotland meets Scandinavia, this wild and remote corner of northern Britain is truly remarkable. Borealis. These cliffs are bursting with an extraordinary range of wildlife, such as seals, puffins, gannets and whales. Be the first to hear about all things HF Holidays. It's a similar story by rail, with trains available to both Aberdeen . Depart Lerwick at the end of the afternoon for the overnight journey on the cruise class Northlink Ferries service to Aberdeen. In the afternoon well visit Maes Howe, one of the most treasured Neolithic sites in Europe. A key event in the global calendar, the annual Up Helly Aa Winter Fire . The holiday ideas on our website are just examples of the amazing trips we offer. Shetland is home to a world-class diversity of wildlife, from puffins and seals to purpoises and even whales. UNESCO World Heritage Site. Come explor. 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. All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. Thoroughly recommend this as an enjoyable way to experience Shetland and Orkney. 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. Starts from: Edinburgh. Topped by a prehistoric chambered burial cairn, the summit offers a breathtaking panorama across this ice-carved landscape. Spend two days exploring some of the many island treasures, including Scalloway Castle and Jarlshof, an outstanding example of . If you go above this allowance you may have to pay tax or duty. The Old Man of Hoy. 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 . 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. These stones have continued to mystify and amaze visitors with questions such as 'who built them?' 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. As well as having full board accommodation in your choice of cabin, the services of a professional crew and on-board entertainment are also included. Family room - this is a room for three people sleeping in one large bed (2 people) and one single bed (1 person). Spot dolphins and porpoises in the coastal waters, or breeding seabirds such as puffins and guillemots at Hermaness Nature Reserve. Iona AbbeyOne of Scotland's most sacred and historic sites, the Abbey was founded in 563AD and it still retains its spiritual atmosphere today. Overnight Orkney. We arrive in Lerwick around 07:30 hrs. The unspoilt landscape of Shetland has a rugged beauty shaped by the sea at the end of the last Ice Age. The natural beauty of Orkneys landscape boasts a rich variety of scenery. 7 miles (12km) with 1,360 feet (420m) of ascent. Soak up the history and imagine life in eras gone by! Sign up for latest offers and top sellers. 8.4/5 (52 reviews) Great place! The UK has a famously unpredictable climate so it's best to be prepared for weather thats sunny one minute and raining the next. Many people have landed there before you . The event is taking place on Saturday 6 May, with the additional bank holiday on 8 May. 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. ARE YOU A SOLO TRAVELLER WILLING TO SHARE? Please click below to find the trip notes for your departure date. If you are happy with the details you have provided above then click Submit Form to send us your enquiry. 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. Shetland: The northernmost part of the UK, Shetland is wild, rugged and beautiful. Fiercely independent and sprinkled with Scandinavian tradition, this pair of wild windswept archipelagos offer an island-hopping holiday that ticks-off squawking seabird colonies, staggering scenery, and some of the best-preserved Neolithic ruins in Europe. Arrive into Lerwick, Shetland early this morning. Spirit of Adventure departing Dover. Scattered off the northeast coast of Scotland, Orkney and the Shetland Islands are staggeringly beautiful. 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. Registered office: Gilbridge House, Keel Square, Sunderland SR1 3HA. Our ships are smaller, but wonderfully spacious. Overlooking Skaill Bay, we'll discover a settlement of Stone Age houses complete with chairs, beds and dressers all made from stone. Take the strain off holiday planning with a bespoke package holiday or group trip to Shetland. An experienced tour manager will lead the tour and your coach will be expertly driven by a professional driver. Our local guide will help you to discover ancient civilisations, archaeological delights and bountiful wildlife from our base in the island capital of Kirkwall. Studio Tour London - Harry Potter, Peaky Blinders Filming Location Tours 2023. 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. It's a favourite with twitchers, who flock here to enjoy sensational seabird colonies and rare species. Based on 1 salaries posted anonymously by Saga Group Mi Analyst employees in Seaham, England. Here you can see evidence of many different eras dating as far back as Neolithic times. With a maximum of 15 passengers per group, you can be sure of . 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. We would also suggest checking your home policy or credit card contract as many suppliers include travel insurance as part of their offering. Please click here to see full flight schedules to Shetland & Orkney Island. Orkney boasts inspirational landscapes where verdant fields stretch down to pristine beaches and dramatic seas crash against towering cliffs. 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. Scotland's Northern Isles by Motorhome. 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. menu. The card payment providers above are used for taking your payments by operators featured on our site. enquiries@absoluteescapes.com. 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. To help us reduce spam, please tick the reCAPTCHA field. 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. Its a great way to make new friends! On arrival, we visit Sumburgh Head RSPB reserve. The beautiful Cairngorms National Park will bring us to the Pass of Drumocher and Highland Perthshire beyond. 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. BSpoke's cycling experts can tailor-make your perfect cycling holiday where you can travel at your own pace or in a group of like-minded individuals. Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Revealed. Finally, a laird's house was constructed on the site in the 1600s. It took 300 years to complete and is one of the finest examples of Norman architecture in Europe. These unassuming islands have a truly magical quality, and civilisation has thrived here for millennia. A quick introduction. 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. Warner Bros. Highlights of Orkney and Shetland6 day/5 night. All holidays are subject to availability. Click the heart icon on the search or holiday pages to pin a holiday. Cabin upgrades may also be available on request. Let Scapa Travel use their extensive local knowledge to create a memorable holiday, tailored specifically for you. Your hotel is an historic building, complete with nooks and crannies, winding corridors, steep steps, creaky floorboards and supposedly a resident ghost. 18 Hours of Midsummer Sun. 2,599. 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. If so, please follow the booking process for a twin room and we will do our best to find you another group member of the same gender to share with. The nearby seaport of Stromness is famed for the Pier Arts Centre which showcases the work of artists and sculptors from Orkney and beyond. Island hop the wild Scottish Northern Isles on this week's holiday to Orkney and Shetland From 895 to 1015 7 days ex flights. In 1468, the impoverished Christian I, King of Denmark, Norway and Sweden, pawned the Orkney Isles to James III of Scotland in lieu of a royal dowry for 50,000 florins. 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. This was once the Shetland capital and is the site of Scalloway Castle which was built for the notorious Earl Patrick Stewart in the early 17th Century. Saga Cruises; Disney Cruises; Cruise Ships. Enjoy 3 days (3 nights) in Orkney. 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.
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saga holidays orkney and shetland