Calls cost 7p per minute plus your phone companys access charge. And as more than fifth of our guests cruise solo, youll always be in good company. 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. Other notable islands include Hoy for the dramatic Old Man of Hoy sea stack and Scapa Flow Visitor Centre and Museum; the Brough of Birsay with its Norse ruins; Rousay for over 100 archaeological sites; and North Ronaldsay which has a unique heritage and history. Continue to the rugged Shetland archipelago to visit Lerwick as it hosts the annual Tall Ships Races. Earl Sigurd takes control. Next, we make for Maeshowe, a magnificent chambered tomb that dates from around 2,500 BC. We strongly recommend that you have travel insurance in place for your trip to Scotland, especially if you are visiting from overseas. British Isles Cruises 2023 | Cruising Holidays Please click below to find the trip notes for your departure date. A collection of 3* B&Bs and Guest Houses offering comfortable accommodation close to local attractions. 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. In the Shetlands, its all about Busta House. Scapa Travel is a trading name of Scapa Travel Limited who are registered in Scotland with company number SC438791, and VAT number 115719224. 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 . Supplements may apply. 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. Orkney & Shetland Islands - About Argyll Walking Holidays The Orkney Mainland is just Getting to Orkney can be easier and quicker than you may think. Discover some of the most important Neolithic sites in Europe and uncover the mysteries of a 5,000 year old civilisation at a UNESCO world heritage site. Take the strain off holiday planning with a bespoke package holiday or group trip to Shetland. Getting Here | Orkney.com [1] Scapa Travel sells travel services on behalf of Hays Travel Limited and benefits from Hays Travel's membership of ABTA with membership number P8418. VAT Number 125 4899 87. We depart Aberdeen at 19:00 hrs, and a short time later, dinner will be served in the ship's restaurant. 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. Its a great way to make new friends! An experienced tour manager will lead the tour and your coach will be expertly driven by a professional driver. 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. Single cabins now available on 2023 winter cruises, Interest rates and costs of equity release. Wed also suggest a day of further island hopping by ferry, perhaps across to nearby Shapinsay for a good stretch of the legs or a visit to more mountainous Hoy for an alternative perspective on the Old Man sea stack. Overlooking Skaill Bay, we'll discover a settlement of Stone Age houses complete with chairs, beds and dressers all made from stone. 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. Average salary for Saga Group Mi Analyst in Seaham, England: [salary]. Orkney and Shetland Island Hopping - Best of Scotland 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 . FAQsPlease see the FAQ section for more information on this tour. Advertised flight prices are based on UK flights departing from London. 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. Buy your own drinks and keep sight of them at all times. Orkneyjar - Viking Orkney - The Beginning of the Earldom Scattered off the northeast coast of Scotland, Orkney and the Shetland Islands are staggeringly beautiful. Orkney & Shetland Self-drive | McKinlay Kidd | AITO and a self-drive holiday of Shetland and Orkney guarantees memories to last a . In each case, it is not necessarily added to the bill. 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. Discover our last-minute, luxury, all-inclusive, and many other incredible cruise deals. To make it easier, heres a list of items you should consider packing. 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. Breakfast is served onboard from 07:15 hrs after which we board the coach and disembark to begin our island tour. Many coaches are equipped with WiFi too. Orkney Islands | History, Geography, & Facts | Britannica One of the most beautiful and rugged of the Orkney Islands, Hoy is much more akin to the Scottish Highlands than the rolling countryside and crofts found across the archipelago. Read more, Need something more tailored? Faroe Island cruise | The Small Cruise Ship Collection This is a far cry in both style and location from a chain hotel and all rooms are individually decorated. Several of the prisoners have returned to Orkney over the years to assist with the restoration of the building. Wherever you cruise on Spirit of Adventure and Spirit of Discovery, youll always step aboard here in the UK. This picturesque spring Orkney & Shetland Mini Cruise combines coastal scenery with fascinating history. Prepare for cool windy weather so that you can take time to enjoy the amazing archeology you visit. Orkney is a land of opportunity forged by 5,000 years of unique history. Excellent array of hotels and self-catering options across Jersey and Guernsey. Beautiful beaches, stunning cliffs, ancient settlements and wonderful wildlife-spotting opportunities - Shetland has a lot to offer. We will discover more about this rather unpleasant character and his tyrannical ways during our visit. ARE YOU A SOLO TRAVELLER WILLING TO SHARE? Jna Tours of Iceland, see the Nothern Lights and more Please contact us for more details. Meanwhile seals laze on rocks beneath the cliffs or nose around the boat. Its the most southerly point of mainland Shetland and where thousands of species of seabird come ashore to nest on the cliffs. Nearby sits the Bishop's Palace and Earl's Palace, which was reputedly built using forced labour. Orkney Islands Walking Holidays | Wilderness Scotland 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. 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. These treasures are of such importance that UNESCO has designated them a World Heritage site. 8.4/5 (52 reviews) Great place! These tours are immensely popular so expect to be travelling in the company of like-minded travellers from around the world. 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. 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. On Mainland the capital, Lerwick, has a good range of shops, restaurants and pubs as well as the outstanding Shetland Museum and Archives and a thriving music scene. 18 Hours of Midsummer Sun. Spend two days exploring some of the many island treasures, including Scalloway Castle and Jarlshof, an outstanding example of a prehistoric and Norse settlement. Written around AD 1200 by an unnamed Icelandic author, the Orkneyinga Saga is an intriguing fusion of myth, legend and history. 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. 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. Fiercely independent and sprinkled with Scandinavian tradition, this pair of wild windswept archipelagos offer an island-hopping holiday that ticks-off squawking seabird . Available Until September 2023. add an extra night or two on each island group to explore in depth? The Orkney Islands constitute a council area and belong to the historic county of Orkney. Below is a list of some tour operators that organise regular trips to the islands. Shetland Islands holidays in 2023 & 2024 | Responsible Travel 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. Meet Shetland ponies in their natural habitat. Arrive into Lerwick, Shetland early this morning. The strong historical and cultural influence of Norway upon these islands is clear in their timber-framed and brightly coloured architecture. Saga Group Mi Analyst Salaries in Seaham, England | Glassdoor Standing guard to warn the passing ships is the Sumburgh Lighthouse, designed by the grandfather of the famous author Robert Louis Stevenson. 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. Read 20 . Highlights of Orkney and Shetland6 day/5 night. Overnight Orkney. Built in 1600, this castle was once the home of the Earl of Orkney. You do not have any pinned holidays. 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. Citylink buses run to Aberdeen, Gills Bay and Scrabster so you can catch your ferry to the islands. 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. Tour Returns: TBA hrs. Shetland Islands | History, Climate, Population, & Facts Orkney and Shetland Tour | Brightwater Holidays Time to return home. Take the opportunity to visit one of Orkneys smaller isles. Buses and trains to Orkney. All rights reserved. Cruising is another great way of accessing this remote Scottish wilderness, allowing you to explore in comfort. 9 miles (15.5 km) with 1,280 feet (380m) of ascent. From 799pp. Single cabins now available on all January to March 2023 cruises. Scottish Islands & Island Hopping | VisitScotland Spirit of Discovery departing Dover. It lay covered for centuries, if not millennia, before a sandstorm in the 1920s revealed the amazing ruins. From Glasgow and Edinburgh, we travel northwards through the Kingdom of Fife to reach Dundee, which sits overlooking the River Tay. Shetland travel guide - Responsible Travel 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. 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. Visit the Bishops and Earls Palaces where you can learn of a time when Orkney was part of the Norse-held kingdom of Nordreyjar. It is a wild and dramatic place. P&O took over the routes from the long-established North of Scotland, Orkney & Shetland Steam Navigation Company in 1971. On many tours youll have the chance to personalise your touring experience by participating in some carefully planned optional excursions. Enjoy 4 days (3 nights) in Shetland. Uncover Orkney's Ancient Secrets. This expanse of water has played witness to some monumental events. 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. Thoroughly recommend this as an enjoyable way to experience Shetland and Orkney. Youll be in good company if you choose to take dinner at your hotel, a popular destination for locals as well as visitors. Here we will have some free time to explore this charming town with its stone-paved alleys, granite houses and independent shops. 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. Norway To Orkney Sailing In The Wake Of The Vikings - SchoonerSail 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. Shes the beautiful sister to Spirit of Discovery, but has a whole host of surprises of her own, including exciting new restaurants. Tour Departs: TBA hrs Registered office 11 Bridge Street, Kirkwall, Orkney, KW151 HR. The unspoilt landscape of Shetland has a rugged beauty shaped by the sea at the end of the last Ice Age. Please see Terms and Conditions for further details. The services were taken over by NorthLink Orkney and Shetland Ferries in 2002. I have never been that far north before. The island's attractions include . We suggest an early start today - there's a lot to fit in! Our last visit of the day is to Skara Brae. Stay at this 3-star hotel in Kirkwall. Orkney and Shetland Islands holidays set out for two of the most northerly outposts in Britain. We love the opportunity to use our first-hand knowledge and experience to design and deliver the perfect, bespoke holiday experience for you. 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. We sail with Serco Northlink Ferries and their modern, purpose-built vessels, the Hrossey and the Hjaltland, from Aberdeen overnight to Lerwick. Popular attractions Orkney Wireless Museum and St. Magnus Cathedral are located . Dinner will be served on board and we will arrive in Kirkwall around 23:00 hrs. Later you could take a 10 minute ferry journey to the Isle of Bressay to explore the rich natural heritage and incredible wildlife. 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. Tour Departs: TBA hrs But forget the . A quick introduction. Accommodation on board in a double/twin en-suite outer cabin is included in the price. Contact usEmail: info@scapatravel.co.ukTelephone: 01856 889040, Our opening hours are:Monday to Friday 10am to 4pmSaturday 11am to 3pm. Outside these hours you can email one of our team atreservations@hfholidays.co.uk, or make a booking online. AccommodationThe price of this tour includes hotel accommodation/ferry cabin with en-suite bathroom. The nearby seaport of Stromness is famed for the Pier Arts Centre which showcases the work of artists and sculptors from Orkney and beyond. They constitute the Shetland Islands council area and the historic county of Shetland. 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. Overnight Orkney, Take the opportunity to visit one of Orkneys smaller isles. 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.