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. 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. If you wish to combine these categories or perhaps upgrade for a special occasion let us know in your enquiry. The Orkney Mainland is just Getting to Orkney can be easier and quicker than you may think. Single cabins now available on all January to March 2023 cruises. 8.4/5 (52 reviews) Great place! This holiday is based on ferry crossings, starting from the north coast of Scotland near Thurso and returning to Aberdeen. Contact us via email: The island's attractions include . [1] 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. Spot dolphins and porpoises in the coastal waters, or breeding seabirds such as puffins and guillemots at Hermaness Nature Reserve. Where Scotland meets Scandinavia, this wild and remote corner of northern Britain is truly remarkable. 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. We can book package holidays including flights from the UK, hotel . 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. menu. They branded their services "P&O Ferries" from 1975 to 1989 and "P&O Scottish Ferries" thereafter. 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. This mysterious place of long days and colourful night skies is home to a wealth of sea life and sea birds, not . More than a million birds breed in very large colonies. Please choose from one of our accommodation categories below. A stunning six day private tour from Inverness through the Highlands to the Northern Isles of Orkney and Shetland. 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. 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. 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. Visit the Bishops and Earls Palaces where you can learn of a time when Orkney was part of the Norse-held kingdom of Nordreyjar. 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. Some cruises also incorporate the Faroe Isles. The innovative Shetland Museum and Archives tells the fascinating story of these islands and is well worth visiting. Later we travel to the dramatic sea cliffs at Eshaness which have been created by the constant pounding of the Atlantic waves. 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. Call and speak to one of our travel experts who have experienced Shetland & Orkney Islands personally. 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. Recently hailed as one of Lonely Planets Best in Europe for 2019, the ruggedly handsome Shetland Islands comprise around 100 different islands with just 15 inhabited. Our home for tonight is in the delightful village of Bray which overlooks Busta Voe. During the summer it is still light when you arrive. While these are some of the most impressive ancient sites in Europe, youll find other beguiling places of interest scattered across the whole island chain. Take the strain off holiday planning with a bespoke package holiday or group trip to Shetland. 7 miles (12km) with 1,360 feet (420m) of ascent. As you sail below, the screeching is deafening, and youll feel very outnumbered, a stranger invading their territory. Once we make landfall expect day sailing among the islands and skerries. 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. All holidays 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. Please note that a family room is normally a standard double or twin room with either a sofa bed or a rollaway bed. With Orkney in his hands, Sigurd had the means to expand his territory and, according to the saga, soon took Caithness, Sutherland and sections of Argyll on the Scottish . 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. 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. The Ayre Hotel. The islands are also blessed with an extraordinary natural beauty. 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. Take in the breathtaking Old Man of Hoy a 450 foot sea stack and perhaps Orkneys most famous landmark. It's a favourite with twitchers, who flock here to enjoy sensational seabird colonies and rare species. Overnight: Busta House Hotel/Brae Hotel, Shetland (or similar). Welcome to life in the easy lane. Dinner will be served on board and we will arrive in Kirkwall around 23:00 hrs. 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. Book a package holiday. These tours are carefully researched and combine quality hotels, luxury travel, informative visits and leisure time. 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. 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. A collection of 3* B&Bs and Guest Houses offering comfortable accommodation close to local attractions. Sign up today and start discovering. Scattered off the northeast coast of Scotland, Orkney and the Shetland Islands are staggeringly beautiful. Here you can see evidence of many different eras dating as far back as Neolithic times. With a strong norse influence, these island groups provide a surprisingly contrasting cultural experience when compared to the Hebrides. We'll make a visit to view the remarkable paintings that can be found inside the simple corrugated metal exterior. Later you could take a 10 minute ferry journey to the Isle of Bressay to explore the rich natural heritage and incredible wildlife. Sign up for latest offers and top sellers. Discover more at the visitor centre which provides touch-screen presentations and a wide range of artefacts that have excavated from the site. From jagged cliffs to unspoilt beaches and stone . Arrive on Orkney and settle in to the Merkister Hotel. Cycling for Softies is a luxury cycling tour operator providing gourmet cycling adventures in France and Italy. Another day you might head for South Ronaldsay now connected by the famous Churchill Barriers to the Mainland. Fiercely independent and sprinkled with Scandinavian tradition, this pair of wild windswept archipelagos offer an island-hopping holiday that ticks-off squawking seabird . Scapa Travel sells travel services on behalf of Hays Travel Limited and benefits from Hays Travel's membership of ABTA with membership number P8418. Inspiring options. If you plan to bring your own vehicle, we are also able to offer this itinerary without a rental car. Let Scapa Travel use their extensive local knowledge to create a memorable holiday, tailored specifically for you. Ayre Road, Kirkwall, Scotland, KW15 1QX. Tour Departs: TBA hrs
These tours are immensely popular so expect to be travelling in the company of like-minded travellers from around the world. Judi Florence Self Guided - The West Highland Way Reviewed on 08/10/2018. We love the opportunity to use our first-hand knowledge and experience to design and deliver the perfect, bespoke holiday experience for you. Everything's taken care of on a Saga escorted tour, so you can see and do more. Jna Sparey has been organising and conducting tours to Iceland - her Mother's homeland - and to many other places around the world since 1985. Outstanding scenery, exceptional wildlife, ancient history, traditional crafts and world-class diving. Family room - this is a room for three people sleeping in one large bed (2 people) and one single bed (1 person). Watch for dolphins which sometimes play in the bow waves. When people think of Scotland's islands, it's usually the Hebrides they have in mind. Booking holidays since 1939, ATOL Protected. 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 . During the hour-long sailing look out for porpoises, dolphins and minke whales that can often be seen. Your leader will be in reception at 18:30 to give you a quick introduction to the holiday before dinner. Our local guide will help you to discover ancient civilisations, archaeological delights and bountiful wildlife from our base in the island capital of Kirkwall. 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 . Please ensure you tick the reCAPTCHA checkbox to show you're not a spam bot! Duration 6 Days. Discover what makes the perfect boutique cruise experience, every time. In each case, it is not necessarily added to the bill. Shetland & Orkney Island Holidays . 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. 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. Shetland's other great Viking site is over on the northern island of Unst, reached by a succession of roll-on, roll-off car ferries from Mainland, the largest island in the group. Photo: Lis Burke, CC BY-SA 2.0. With a maximum of 15 passengers per group, you can be sure of . Guide Lorraine gives an insight into this ancient archipelago. Twin room - this is a room for two people sleeping in two separate beds. , Duration: 9 Days / 8 Nights. Later this afternoon we travel to the port to join the ferry bound for the Orkney Islands. All sorts of nature abound here, from seals and otters to ponies and hundreds of birds, making it a wildlife lover's paradise. Registered Office: Enbrook Park, Folkestone, Kent, CT20 3SE. Later we make the short drive to Sumburgh Head, where the waters of the North Sea meet the waves of the Atlantic Ocean. Make sure you visit Jarlshof, another incredible prehistoric site exposed in violent storms in the last couple of centuries. Stretching off Scotlands north coast are Shetland and Orkney, two very special archipelagos where Scotland meets Scandinavia. If you're flying here, public bus services connect with all the main airports in Scotland too. 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. 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. Shetland and the Tall Ships. Buses and trains to Orkney. Iona AbbeyOne of Scotland's most sacred and historic sites, the Abbey was founded in 563AD and it still retains its spiritual atmosphere today. Our latest all-balcony boutique ship launched in the summer of 2021. 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. Today we explore the heart of Neolithic Orkney. 9 miles (14km) with 760 feet (230m) of ascent. Shetland's council workers will not get the extra bank holiday on the Monday after King Charles's coronation. Find out more in our Shetland travel guide. Each one is all inclusive, and youll have your own private balcony to enjoy every destination in style. Highlights of Orkney and Shetland6 day/5 night. Walking is a wonderful way to discover the Orkney Islands. They left carvings behind which are considered to be some of the finest examples of runic inscriptions in the World. Later, in medieval times, farmsteads were also built here. Easy to download as a PDF, our trip notes provide detailed information for every holiday. 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 breadth of history to be discovered here is without parallel in Scotland and is sure to amaze you. Thoroughly recommend this as an enjoyable way to experience Shetland and Orkney. Spend some time exploring this fascinating seaport where you could visit. We would also suggest checking your home policy or credit card contract as many suppliers include travel insurance as part of their offering. 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. To help us reduce spam, please tick the reCAPTCHA field. 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. The Italian Prisoners constructed a chapel out of a pair of Nissen Huts. Book your tailor-made holiday to Offers with Premier Holidays. Departing by Coach. Scotland's Northern Isles by Motorhome. 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. Guided wildlife tour of Shetland Isles. This expanse of water has played witness to some monumental events. North Hanover Street Bus Stance, Glasgow, G1 2BP. A genuine feel pervades this small family owned hotel, located on the edge of Kirkwall. Nowhere else in Britain, and hardly anywhere else in Europe, can you get so close, so easily, to so many seabirds. 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. Several of the prisoners have returned to Orkney over the years to assist with the restoration of the building. Discover your ideal travel experience. 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). On Mainland, is the capital Kirkwall whose sights include St Magnus Cathedral, the Bishops and Earls palaces and the Orkney Museum. Only a 20 minute drive from Lerwick, you can discover the ruins of Scalloway Castle, visit Scalloway Museum, or enjoy a stroll through the picturesque harbour. 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. Both Shetland and Orkney offer a good chance of spotting the Northern Lights, particularly in autumn and winter. These unassuming islands have a truly magical quality, and civilisation has thrived here for millennia. 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.