(Read 1 review) Late availability on these dates: 15 Apr, 13 May. Prices are based on two people sharing a room for this six night holiday and includes breakfast in both hotels, ferry crossings from Caithness to Orkney, from Orkney to Shetland and from Lerwick to Aberdeen. Rated 4.88 out of 5 based on 5,609 reviews. Shetland's council workers will not get the extra bank holiday on the Monday after King Charles's coronation. Popular attractions Orkney Wireless Museum and St. Magnus Cathedral are located . Take the opportunity to visit one of Orkneys smaller isles. Our latest all-balcony boutique ship launched in the summer of 2021. 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. Spend some time exploring this fascinating seaport where you could visit. 9 miles (14km) with 1,060 feet (320m) of ascent. Please contact us for more details. Easy to download as a PDF, our trip notes provide detailed information for every holiday. 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. Our Premium category includes a unique collection of luxurious and stylish boutique Guest Houses and small 4* Hotels. In Shetland, inter-island ferry travel is operated by the council , while Orkney Ferries connect the archipelago's 13 island destinations. On Mainland . Enjoy 3 days (3 nights) in Orkney. Fred Olsen. At the ancient settlement of Jarlshof you can explore 4,000 years of human history. 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. Pop into the Shetland Crofthouse Museum in Dunrossness, a restored 19th century Shetland croft which was inhabited until the 1960s. All sorts of nature abound here, from seals and otters to ponies and hundreds of birds, making it a wildlife lover's paradise. To help us reduce spam, please tick the reCAPTCHA field. 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. How does the Care Funding Advice Service work? 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. Wherever you cruise on Spirit of Adventure and Spirit of Discovery, youll always step aboard here in the UK. , Duration: 9 Days / 8 Nights. Its a great way to make new friends! Before your departure, you will receive personalised holiday information including full directions, recommended routes, and suggestions on places to visit depending on your interests and our local knowledge to help you get the most from your holiday. They constitute the Shetland Islands council area and the historic county of Shetland. 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. Next, we make for Maeshowe, a magnificent chambered tomb that dates from around 2,500 BC. Orkney and Shetland are a haven for wildlife. Today you'll be heading south to experience remarkable heritage sites. It took 300 years to complete and is one of the finest examples of Norman architecture in Europe. The landscape is wild and remote and, outside of the . During the summer it is still light when you arrive. This will ensure that we can improve the experience for all our future guests. The Norsmen left their mark on the islands and some of the Norse legends and customs are still kept alive during festivals . 2,599. Day 9. Uncover hidden gems and holiday inspiration from our team of travel specialists. Arrive on Orkney and settle in to the Merkister Hotel. P&O took over the routes from the long-established North of Scotland, Orkney & Shetland Steam Navigation Company in 1971. This elevated viewpoint affords extensive views over Shetland and of Fair Isle to the south. Continue to the rugged Shetland archipelago to visit Lerwick as it hosts the annual Tall Ships Races. 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. Discover their all-balcony cabins, huge choice of included speciality restaurants and bars, and an outdoor lido with a full wraparound deck. Later we make the short drive to Sumburgh Head, where the waters of the North Sea meet the waves of the Atlantic Ocean. FAQsPlease see the FAQ section for more information on this tour. The event is taking place on Saturday 6 May, with the additional bank holiday on 8 May. If you are keen to take more ferry trips, then island hop through Yell to Unst in the far north. 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. How do I get there? 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. Overlooking Skaill Bay, we'll discover a settlement of Stone Age houses complete with chairs, beds and dressers all made from stone. View our Full Privacy Notice, Read independent reviews from ourcustomers. and 'why?'. Discover what makes the perfect boutique cruise experience, every time. 638 ratings70 reviews. There are so many reasons why Saga stands out from other cruise lines. Includes 9 nights accommodation (2 of which will be on the ferry to and from Shetland) and ferry costs. Buy your own drinks and keep sight of them at all times. Registered office: Gilbridge House, Keel Square, Sunderland SR1 3HA. Beautiful beaches, stunning cliffs, ancient settlements and wonderful wildlife-spotting opportunities - Shetland has a lot to offer. 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. Also includes hotels in Alderney, Sark and Herm, plus the Isle of Wight, Isles of Scilly, Isle of Man and Shetland & Orkney Islands. 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. Registered in England, number 5713R. Advertised flight prices are based on UK flights departing from London. Non-member fee: 30 per person. If you are happy with the details you have provided above then click Submit Form to send us your enquiry. 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. Think of this itinerary as a starting point which can be tailored into something completely unique to you by our award-winning specialists. These departure dates can be booked with flights or as land only holiday options. Call and speak to one of our travel experts who have experienced Shetland & Orkney Islands personally. Experience a unique blend of Scandinavian and Scottish culture, as the Norse history and heritage still shapes these islands today. Let Scapa Travel use their extensive local knowledge to create a memorable holiday, tailored specifically for you. This mysterious place of long days and colourful night skies is home to a wealth of sea life and sea birds, not . 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. 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. 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. Indulge in a delicious fish and chip lunch overlooking the sea in Brae. 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. This holiday can be arranged from March to October. 01273 823 700 . Finally, a laird's house was constructed on the site in the 1600s. Ayre Road, Kirkwall, Scotland, KW15 1QX. Visit the Orkneyinga Viking history interpretation centre to learn more. This amazingly well-preserved village was built 5,000 years ago. Topped by a prehistoric chambered burial cairn, the summit offers a breathtaking panorama across this ice-carved landscape. and a self-drive holiday of Shetland and Orkney guarantees memories to last a . 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. Excellent, informative, enjoyable tour. 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. Cabin upgrades may also be available on request. We will communicate with you from time to time about our products and services, similar to those currently featured on our website. 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. We also offer a fly-drive holiday as an alternative way to visit Orkney & Shetland. Youll board your ferry to Orkney in the afternoon and arrive in Kirkwall, the historic capital of Orkney, later this evening. In certain locations youll may be joined by a local guide who will provide local insight and show you the highlights. Orkney and Shetland, being the nearest western land to Norway, would be first visited. From jagged cliffs to unspoilt beaches and stone . Language: EnglishCurrency: Pound SterlingTime Zone: GMTTipping: 10 to 12% is usual for hotels with 10 to 15% being usual for restaurants. Where Scotland meets Scandinavia, this wild and remote corner of northern Britain is truly remarkable. Both have featured recently on the BBC, yet in very contrasting ways: Orkney is hailed for its rich folklore, prehistoric sitesand abundance of wildlife, while Shetland owes its ever increasing popularity to thehit TV series Shetland based on Ann Cleeves gritty and fictional crime stories. Starts from: Edinburgh. Usually the tour will depart the hotel between 08:00 hrs and 08:30 hrs in the morning. Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Revealed. Wildflowers bloom throughout the summer, covering the green cliffs with colour and the exquisite . Just a short flight from mainland UK and accessible from a wide range of regional airports. Tour Returns: TBA hrs, Outside Reception at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Edinburgh111 Glasgow Road Edinburgh EH12 8NF, Check-in: TBA hrs 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. Our home for tonight is in the delightful village of Bray which overlooks Busta Voe. This is a far cry in both style and location from a chain hotel and all rooms are individually decorated. Outside these hours you can email one of our team atreservations@hfholidays.co.uk, or make a booking online. Uncover Orkney's Ancient Secrets. However the earldom began, by the time of Earl Sigurd we are heading into more reliable territory - although still laced with myth and folklore. Our journey continues through the fertile farmland of Angus to reach the granite city of Aberdeen by late afternoon. With a strong norse influence, these island groups provide a surprisingly contrasting cultural experience when compared to the Hebrides. Overnight Shetland. 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. The services were taken over by NorthLink Orkney and Shetland Ferries in 2002. These cliffs are bursting with an extraordinary range of wildlife, such as seals, puffins, gannets and whales. Topped by a prehistoric chambered burial cairn, the summit offers a breathtaking panorama across this ice-carved landscape. It's a favourite with twitchers, who flock here to enjoy sensational seabird colonies and rare species. Overnight Shetland. Enchanting Orkney is a smorgasbord of must-see sites and cultural attractions scattered across70 islands. 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. This iconic sea stack is only a few hundred years old.
