saga holidays orkney and shetland

The only medieval chronicle to have Orkney as the central place of action, it tells of an era when the islands were still part of the Viking world, beginning with their conquest by the . A genuine feel pervades this small family owned hotel, located on the edge of Kirkwall. The Orkney Mainland is just Getting to Orkney can be easier and quicker than you may think. 2 miles (3km) with 200 feet (60m) of ascent. In West Mainland, dont miss the hauntingly beautiful Heart of Neolithic Orkney UNESCO World Heritage Site. Getting to Orkney via public transport is simple. It makes everything so easy, especially when youre chauffeur driven from your own front door. 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. 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. From getting to know you by name to remembering your favourite drink at the bar, youll always receive personal, attentive service. ARE YOU A SOLO TRAVELLER WILLING TO SHARE? Twin room - this is a room for two people sleeping in two separate beds. Tastefully decorated rooms provide a comfortable place to sleep and on a clear night you can gaze up at the starry skies and search for the swirling ribbons of neon green, pink, and purple known as the northern lights. Includes 9 nights accommodation (2 of which will be on the ferry to and from Shetland) and ferry costs. Take the opportunity to visit one of Orkneys smaller isles. 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. Later return to Kirkwall where dinner is served in our hotel. Today visitors can see eight dwellings, each connected by a series of low passageways. Spend some time exploring this fascinating seaport where you could visit. Thats why all of the accommodation we select is hand-picked using our first-hand knowledge of the best places to stay. Simply pop your details in the box below for the latest news, travel advice, destination inspiration, and special offers delivered straight to your inbox. All room types, other than twin rooms, are subject to availability. When's the best time to visit? Travel to Orkney by ferry from Caithness, on the north coast of Scotland, with the crossing taking just under an hour. On Mainland, is the capital Kirkwall whose sights include St Magnus Cathedral, the Bishops and Earls palaces and the Orkney Museum. 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. Let us know if we can tailor-make it for you to link with a self-drive tour of the Scottish Highlands. If you fancy some retail therapy, Kirkwall has a wealth of independent shops and craftworkers studios to be explored. 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. They branded their services "P&O Ferries" from 1975 to 1989 and "P&O Scottish Ferries" thereafter. We know that after a busy day of sightseeing an exceptional place to stay makes all the difference. These treasures are of such importance that UNESCO has designated them a World Heritage site. Enjoy free time in Kirkwall this morning. Excellent array of hotels and self-catering options across Jersey and Guernsey. . Guided wildlife tour of Shetland Isles. 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. You will not be able to use this site without JavaScript. Scattered off the northeast coast of Scotland, Orkney and the Shetland Islands are staggeringly beautiful. Time to return home. With a maximum of 15 passengers per group, you can be sure of . Sign up for our newsletter and unlock exclusive tips and inspiration from our team of travel specialists. This picturesque spring Orkney & Shetland Mini Cruise combines coastal scenery with fascinating history. Inspiring options. From here you can gaze out to the Muckle Flugga lighthouse. A stunning six day private tour from Inverness through the Highlands to the Northern Isles of Orkney and Shetland. This 16th century lairds manor has bags of historic charm, as well as a roaring fireplace for chilly days, and a well-stocked whisky selection. 8 nights from. Family room - this is a room for three people sleeping in one large bed (2 people) and one single bed (1 person). Non-member fee: 30 per person. Our local guide will help you to discover ancient civilisations, archaeological delights and bountiful wildlife from our base in the island capital of Kirkwall. Travel by overnight ferry to Lerwick, the capital of Shetland, arriving at 0730 and enjoy a leisurely breakfast on board before disembarking. We depart Aberdeen at 19:00 hrs, and a short time later, dinner will be served in the ship's restaurant. Enjoy 3 days (3 nights) in Orkney. Single cabins now available on all January to March 2023 cruises. Stretching off Scotland's north coast are Shetland and Orkney, two very special archipelagos where Scotland meets Scandinavia. Orkney played a vital role during both World Wars, and this afternoon we will travel to see Scapa Flow which provided a sheltered anchorage for the British naval fleet. 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. Scattered off Scotland's northeast coast, this wild windswept archipelago offers a far-from-it-all feel just a skip away from the mainland. 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. Its a great way to make new friends! 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. These departure dates can be booked with flights or as land only holiday options. The UKs bestselling monthly subscription magazine. Overlooking Skaill Bay, we'll discover a settlement of Stone Age houses complete with chairs, beds and dressers all made from stone. Discover what makes the perfect boutique cruise experience, every time. The Ring of Brodgar in the Heart of Neolithic Orkney. We love the opportunity to use our first-hand knowledge and experience to design and deliver the perfect, bespoke holiday experience for you. Think of this itinerary as a starting point which can be tailored into something completely unique to you by our award-winning specialists. 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. Depart Lerwick at the end of the afternoon for the overnight journey on the cruise class Northlink Ferries service to Aberdeen. Enjoy a fascinating talk from historian Nick Card on the Orkney Islands' Neolithic past. These tours are carefully researched and combine quality hotels, luxury travel, informative visits and leisure time. Cabin upgrades may also be available on request. 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. Among the settlements on Mainland, the largest island, is Scalloway, a fishing port. You are able to walk in and out and around them, just imagining how people used to survive here. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take an alternative route, or vary the running order for weather and/or operational reasons. 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. Call for options 01904 521 936. Weve had a long love affair with Orkneys family-run Merkister Hotel, not least for its enviable setting on the shores of Harray Loch. Guide Lorraine gives an insight into this ancient archipelago. Please contact us for more details. If you fancy sampling the local water of life, why not take a tour at the. Please ensure you tick the reCAPTCHA checkbox to show you're not a spam bot! Tour Departs: TBA hrs Spirit of Adventure departing Dover. Search. Shetland - South Mainland. 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. There will be a stop where can enjoy time off the coach and buy refreshments. Regional departures and/or connections to London, if available, can be requested. We strongly recommend that you have travel insurance in place for your trip to Scotland, especially if you are visiting from overseas. 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. 8 miles (13.5km) with 850 feet (260m) of ascent. Today we explore the heart of Neolithic Orkney. At this fascinating site, we will discover the remains of oval houses from the Bronze Age, an Iron Age broch and Viking longhouses. It also comprises larger 4* Hotels selected for their high standard of accommodation, exceptional service, and great location. Tourist officesFor further information about the Scottish Isles you can visit their official tourist board websites at: The Shetland Isles: shetland.orgThe Orkney Isles:visitorkney.comThe Outer Hebrides:visithebrides.com. Read more, Need something more tailored? Thousands of seabirds including gannets, guillemots and kittiwakes nest and feed in the Noss Nature Reserve. But the surrounding dwellings and outbuildings date from thousands of years earlier. Rated 4.88 out of 5 based on 5,609 reviews. 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. As you sail below, the screeching is deafening, and youll feel very outnumbered, a stranger invading their territory. If you only require a specific response to this enquiry and have no interest in receiving occasional information, news or offers from McKinlay Kidd in future, please email unsubscribe at mckinlaykidd dot com. Highlights of Orkney and Shetland6 day/5 night. Stop off to admire the ornate Italian Chapel, crafted from scraps by prisoners of war, and look out for the many wrecked ships poking their remains out of the water around Scapa Flow. Discover squawking seabird colonies, staggering scenery, and some of the best-preserved Neolithic ruins in Europe as you island hop between Mainland . Usually the coach will arrive at the overnight stop between 16:30 and 17:00 hrs each day. 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. Carefully selected en-suite accommodation for 8 nights including traditional Scottish breakfast, Comprehensive information pack and local visitor guidebooks, Personalised itinerary with our recommendations for the best places to eat and drink and sightseeing suggestions, Map of Scotland with our recommended driving route, 9 days rental of an Economy car (other vehicle categories available) including comprehensive insurance, All ferry crossings (as per your itinerary), Transport: Rental car included (optional). Tastefully decorated and furnished, these properties are generally owned and operated by locals who have a genuine passion for their region which they are keen to share with you. 9 miles (14km) with 760 feet (230m) of ascent. 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. Below is a list of some tour operators that organise regular trips to the islands. Our full season of 2023 cruises and early 2024 cruises are on sale now. 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. All rights reserved. Calls cost 7p per minute plus your phone companys access charge. 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. Overnight Orkney, Take the opportunity to visit one of Orkneys smaller isles. We then rejoin our transport for the scenic transfer to Busta House. 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. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and breakfast. Highlights of Orkney and Shetland6 day/5 night. Later you could take a 10 minute ferry journey to the Isle of Bressay to explore the rich natural heritage and incredible wildlife. 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. Excellent and Friendly Staff!! The islands geographic location makes it a crossroad for wildlife. Youll be in good company if you choose to take dinner at your hotel, a popular destination for locals as well as visitors. 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. 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. See the Tall Ships in Lerwick. From jagged cliffs to unspoilt beaches and stone . 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. 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. Finally, a laird's house was constructed on the site in the 1600s. Our first visits are to the Ring of Brodgar and the Standing Stones of Stenness. Group transfer to Sumburgh airport for your return flight. Florida; Las Vegas & The West . 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 destination is Lerwick, the island's attractive capital. Both Shetland and Orkney offer a good chance of spotting the Northern Lights, particularly in autumn and winter. Travel to the wild and glorious peninsula of Northmavine. Meet Shetland ponies in their natural habitat. To prevent further attacks, a series of four barriers were constructed using Italian prisoners of war. Indulge in a delicious fish and chip lunch overlooking the sea in Brae. Departing by Coach. How do I get there? A holiday to the islands of Orkney and Shetland has it all. Arrive into Lerwick, Shetland early this morning. Scotland's Northern Isles by Motorhome. 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. 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. When people think of Scotland's islands, it's usually the Hebrides they have in mind. Copyright 2016 - 2023 Scapa Travel. menu. Sign up today and start discovering. Scapa Travel sells travel services on behalf of Hays Travel Limited and benefits from Hays Travel's membership of ABTA with membership number P8418. Providing inspiring active experiences, immerse yourself in the unique landscapes, history, culture and wildlife on a Wilderness England adventure. Also includes hotels in Alderney, Sark and Herm, plus the Isle of Wight, Isles of Scilly, Isle of Man and Shetland & Orkney Islands. Overnight Orkney. 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. We'll make a visit to view the remarkable paintings that can be found inside the simple corrugated metal exterior. Many coaches are equipped with WiFi too. Over 4,000 years old, discoveries here include everything from Stone Age settlements and Bronze Age dwellings to Norse longhouses and medieval farms. Youll find our Escorted Tours to be memorable - for all the right reasons! Nowhere else in Britain, and hardly anywhere else in Europe, can you get so close, so easily, to so many seabirds. The expedition starts in Oban and we sail, via the scenic and bird-rich island of Handa, to the enchanting Orkney Islands. Go Scotland Tours is offering a private guided tour combining the Western Isles of Skye, Harris and Lewis with Orkney. 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. However the earldom began, by the time of Earl Sigurd we are heading into more reliable territory - although still laced with myth and folklore. Does equity release affect inheritance tax. Outstanding scenery, exceptional wildlife, ancient history, traditional crafts and world-class diving. The largest town, Lerwick, is closer to Norway than to Edinburgh, and culturally and geographically they feel more Norse than Scottish. They are home to a vast array of seabirds and unusual Scottish fauna, such as the rare Scottish Primrose, which means that the natural environment plays a starring role in any trip to these islands. Overnight: Busta House Hotel/Brae Hotel, Shetland (or similar). 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. 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. 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. Orkney To Shetland Via Fair Isle & Shetland To Orkney Via Fair Isle. All itineraries and room types are presented subject to availability at specific hotels. We will never share your data with third parties for marketing purposes. We use your data to prepare holiday proposals and to make bookings for you if you choose to go ahead. 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. It lay covered for centuries, if not millennia, before a sandstorm in the 1920s revealed the amazing ruins. The Old Man of Hoy. Welcome to life in the easy lane. The Shetland Islands are the UNBELIEVABLE Hidden Treasure of Scotland, the northernmost point of the United Kingdom and formerly part of Norway. 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. These cliffs are bursting with an extraordinary range of wildlife, such as seals, puffins, gannets and whales. Buy your own drinks and keep sight of them at all times. You will also find no end of delicious local produce to tempt you and a busy programme of annual festivals. ABTA and ABTA Members help holidaymakers to get the most from their travel and assist them when things do not go according to plan. Overnight Shetland. Your leader will be in reception at 18:30 to give you a quick introduction to the holiday before dinner. 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. Citylink buses run to Aberdeen, Gills Bay and Scrabster so you can catch your ferry to the islands. In the Shetlands, its all about Busta House. Overnight Shetland. Later we make the short drive to Sumburgh Head, where the waters of the North Sea meet the waves of the Atlantic Ocean. A chat with your warm and friendly hosts and fellow guests over breakfast will arm you with local knowledge and tips for the day ahead. We are obliged to maintain a high standard of service to you by ABTA's Code of Conduct. The ultimate collection of European cycling holidays. We also offer a fly-drive holiday as an alternative way to visit Orkney & Shetland. You will travel aboard a state of the art motorcoach with air-conditioning, reclining seats, oversized windows and emergency washroom. Clicking on the link below will redirect you to the Wilderness England website. Excellent, informative, enjoyable tour. Orkney and Shetland, off the north coast of Scotland. For group bookings of 10+ people click here. You do not have any pinned holidays. For those people coming to the UK from the EU, you are allowed to bring an unlimited amount of most goods for your own use without paying tax or duty.However, if you are travelling to the UK from outside of the EU, you are given an allowance of how much alcohol, tobacco, perfume, souvenirs and other goods. Designed with our guests in mind, our modern sister ships offer small-ship luxury with a private balcony for every guest. 999 pp. Look out for the lighthouse, opened in 1929 its powerful light can be seen from 46 km away. Book your tailor-made holiday to Offers with Premier Holidays. 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. A quick introduction. Contact us via email: Visit the Orkneyinga Viking history interpretation centre to learn more. 7 miles (12km) with 1,360 feet (420m) of ascent. Sign up for latest offers and top sellers. Shetland's council workers will not get the extra bank holiday on the Monday after King Charles's coronation. The diversity of these islands is astounding, a distinctive mixture of Scandinavian history scattered across a rugged Scottish landscape, and a self-drive holiday of Shetland and Orkney guarantees memories to last a lifetime. We will communicate with you from time to time about our products and services, similar to those currently featured on our website. 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. These range from traditional luxury to contemporary Hotels. Cruising is another great way of accessing this remote Scottish wilderness, allowing you to explore in comfort. 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. To make it easier, heres a list of items you should consider packing. 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. The Norsmen left their mark on the islands and some of the Norse legends and customs are still kept alive during festivals . 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. add an extra night or two on each island group to explore in depth? The services were taken over by NorthLink Orkney and Shetland Ferries in 2002. Registered office 11 Bridge Street, Kirkwall, Orkney, KW151 HR. 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. The Italian Prisoners constructed a chapel out of a pair of Nissen Huts. In no time youll be sailing away to one unforgettable destination after another. 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. Do take a walk in the gardens which stretch down to the water. Rooms are simple but homely and all come with TV and tea and coffee making facilities. We can book package holidays including flights from the UK, hotel accommodation and car hire. It is worth checking the HM Revenues and Customs website before you travel. Recently hailed as one of Lonely Planet's Best in Europe for 2019, the ruggedly handsome Shetland Islands comprise around 100 different islands with just 15 inhabited. Spot dolphins and porpoises in the coastal waters, or breeding seabirds such as puffins and guillemots at Hermaness Nature Reserve. Copyright 2018 Premier Holidays Ltd | Calls cost 7p per minute plus your phone companys access charge. Spend two days exploring some of the many island treasures, including Scalloway Castle and Jarlshof, an outstanding example of . In a land that's been largely tamed, they remain rare unspoiled outposts of rugged coastline and remote beauty. Orkney & Shetland Start your journey by travelling from Orkney from Scrabster near Thurso, where you will find your hotel which is . 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. Duration 6 Days. And as more than fifth of our guests cruise solo, youll always be in good company. 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. Fiercely independent and sprinkled with Scandinavian tradition, this pair of wild windswept archipelagos offer an island-hopping holiday that ticks-off squawking seabird . Breakfast is served onboard from 07:15 hrs after which we board the coach and disembark to begin our island tour. HF Holidays LimitedUnit 1, First FloorImperial PlaceMaxwell RoadBorehamwoodHertfordshire WD6 1JNUnited Kingdom, Monday to Friday: 9.00am - 5.30pmSaturday: 9.00am - 1.00pmSunday: ClosedBank Holidays: 9.00am - 1.00pm. In certain locations youll may be joined by a local guide who will provide local insight and show you the highlights. The restaurant prides itself on local produce, prepared to make the most of the fresh flavours. 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. 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. P&O Iona; Anthem of the Seas; Regal Princess; MSC Virtuosa; Queen Mary 2 . Overnight Orkney. Are you sure you would like to continue with this room size? See the landscapes of Shetland and Orkney; Visit Trshavn, with its Viking heritage; Itinerary From. The unspoilt landscape of Shetland has a rugged beauty shaped by the sea at the end of the last Ice Age. Youll board your ferry to Orkney in the afternoon and arrive in Kirkwall, the historic capital of Orkney, later this evening. At 1,475 feet (450m) this is Shetlands highest peak. Watch for dolphins which sometimes play in the bow waves. This is a far cry in both style and location from a chain hotel and all rooms are individually decorated. Here we will have some free time to explore this charming town with its stone-paved alleys, granite houses and independent shops. With 70 magical islands its difficult to know where to begin. North Hanover Street Bus Stance, Glasgow, G1 2BP. We will discover more about this rather unpleasant character and his tyrannical ways during our visit.

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