We suggest an early start today - there's a lot to fit in! This trip is operated by our England team. Later, in medieval times, farmsteads were also built here. We have the application forms in our office at 11 Bridge Street.For more information see www.airdiscountscheme.com, Sign-up to our mailing list for Exclusive Offers. Tallest Sea Cliffs in Britain. Spirit of Discovery departing Dover. Our ships are smaller, but wonderfully spacious. These range from traditional luxury to contemporary Hotels. We'll always treat your personal details with the utmost care. We can book package holidays including flights from the UK, hotel accommodation and car hire. This holiday is based on ferry crossings, starting from the north coast of Scotland near Thurso and returning to Aberdeen. 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. From 565, the time when Orkney and Shetland were Christianised, three generations, or ninety-nine years, would be ample time to account for the Pictish ecclesiastical monuments of which the remains have been found. To make it easier, heres a list of items you should consider packing. Look out for the gargoyles which a former owner rescued from the Houses of Parliament in London. Archaeological Treasures of Orkney and Shetland, Location:Northlink Ferry (1); Busta, Shetland Islands (1) and Kirkwall, Orkney islands (3), Admission to Scalloway Castle, Jarlshof, Ring of Brodgar, Stenness Standing Stones, Maeshowe, Skara Brae and Italian Chapel, Touring by luxury air-conditioned coach with reclining seats, All baggage handling and hotel tips are included, Services throughout the tour of a professional Tour Director. The Vikings left their mark, such as the beautifully proportioned round church at Orphir as well as their grafitti which we now admire as works of art! Simply pop your details in the box below for the latest news, travel advice, destination inspiration, and special offers delivered straight to your inbox. Wherever you cruise on Spirit of Adventure and Spirit of Discovery, youll always step aboard here in the UK. When's the best time to visit? This holiday can be arranged from March to October. These mysterious stone circles are amongst the most significant in Europe and are some 5,000 years old. Spend some time exploring this fascinating seaport where you could visit. USA. For group bookings of 10+ people click here. ABTA and ABTA Members help holidaymakers to get the most from their travel and assist them when things do not go according to plan. Departing by Coach. Copyright 2016 - 2023 Scapa Travel. Dinner will be served on board and we will arrive in Kirkwall around 23:00 hrs. Uncover Orkney's Ancient Secrets. It took 300 years to complete and is one of the finest examples of Norman architecture in Europe. Call for options 01904 521 936. Already a firm favourite since her launch in 2019, step aboard Spirit of Discovery and discover the ships selection of grand public rooms, restaurants, balcony cabins and outside spaces. It is worth checking the HM Revenues and Customs website before you travel. the west of Scotland and Ireland in 795. More than a million birds breed in very large colonies. P&O took over the routes from the long-established North of Scotland, Orkney & Shetland Steam Navigation Company in 1971. Day 9. Getting to Orkney via public transport is simple. And as more than fifth of our guests cruise solo, youll always be in good company. Supplements may apply. The strong historical and cultural influence of Norway upon these islands is clear in their timber-framed and brightly coloured architecture. With a maximum of 15 passengers per group, you can be sure of . Orkney, an ancient cluster of 70 islands brimming with history and dramatic coastlines, lie off the north west coast of Scotland. Double room - this is a room for two people sharing one large bed. Wilderness Walking The Knoydart Peninsula, Wilderness Walking England Coast to Coast, Wilderness Walking Arran: Scotland in Miniature, Wilderness Walking Northumberland and TheLakeDistrict, Wilderness Walking Outer Hebrides: Uists, Barra & Mingulay, Wilderness Walking High Points of the OuterHebrides, Wilderness Walking Glencoe and the Highlands, Wilderness Walking High Points of the Lake District, Wilderness Walking The Coast of Cornwall, Wilderness Walking Outer Hebrides and Skye, Wilderness Walking Cairngorms National Park & Royal Deeside, Wilderness Walking Autumn in Perthshire, Road Cycling TheNorthCoast500: Highlights, Wildlife Adventures Autumn Wildlife Islay, Wildlife Adventures The Scottish Highlands, Wildlife Adventures Mull, Staffa & Iona, Wildlife Adventures A Rewilding Journey in the Cairngorms, Photography Skye and the West Highlands, Sailing and Walking Knoydart, Skye and TheSmallIsles, Self Catering Family Adventure Outer Hebrides, The Great Family Adventure Treasure Highlands, Self Guided + Cycling Skye and the Inner Hebrides, Self Guided+ Cycling The Outer Hebrides, Self Drive Collection Highland Perthshire, Self Drive Collection Ben Nevis & The West, Self Drive Winter Highland Explorations, Self-Drive Winter Highland CosyCairngorms, Low Carbon Adventure Scottish Highlands, Road Cycling TheNorthCoast500: Classic, Guided In The Footsteps of RabbieBurns, Guided Scottish Highlands Multi-Activity Adventure, On an Orkney holiday you will experience the. Spend two days exploring some of the many island treasures, including Scalloway Castle and Jarlshof, an outstanding example of . We also include a Boat trip around Noss during your time on Shetland (please note this only runs between May and mid-September). You will travel aboard a state of the art motorcoach with air-conditioning, reclining seats, oversized windows and emergency washroom. 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. Take the strain off holiday planning with a bespoke package holiday or group trip to Shetland. Single cabins now available on 2023 winter cruises, Interest rates and costs of equity release. During the course of the day youll normally be travelling for no more than 2 hours at a time before making a stop to enjoy a visit to an attraction or for a comfort break/meal stop. These stones have continued to mystify and amaze visitors with questions such as 'who built them?' add an extra night or two on each island group to explore in depth? All sorts of nature abound here, from seals and otters to ponies and hundreds of birds, making it a wildlife lover's paradise. View our Full Privacy Notice, Read independent reviews from ourcustomers. 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). We also offer a fly-drive holiday as an alternative way to visit Orkney & Shetland. . This mysterious tomb was built from huge sandstone blocks over 5,000 years ago and aligns perfectly with the winter solstice testament to an advanced knowledge of astronomy by its architects. Wilderness England creates incredible journeys to the wild and magical outdoor spaces across Yorkshire, the Lake District, Northumberland, the Cotswolds and the Peak District. 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. Come explor. 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. 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. However the earldom began, by the time of Earl Sigurd we are heading into more reliable territory - although still laced with myth and folklore. The Orkney Mainland is just Getting to Orkney can be easier and quicker than you may think. All room types, other than twin rooms, are subject to availability. Then trace . 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. 2 miles (3km) with 200 feet (60m) of ascent. View our privacy policy. We arrive in Lerwick around 07:30 hrs. The Shetlands were pawned for a further 8,000 florins. 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. Our first walk on Orkney follows a clifftop coastal path from Marwick Bay to the Brough of Birsay, overlooking RSPB Marwick Head reserve. For all their differences, these islands share a similar feel: weather-beaten archipelagos with more in common with the Faroes than mainland Scotland. 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. Orkney and Shetland, off the north coast of Scotland. A collection of 3* B&Bs and Guest Houses offering comfortable accommodation close to local attractions. Borealis. Excellent, informative, enjoyable tour. The Old Man of Hoy. The Orkney Islands constitute a council area and belong to the historic county of Orkney. If you're flying here, public bus services connect with all the main airports in Scotland too. 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. The ultimate collection of European cycling holidays. Buses and trains to Orkney. AccommodationThe price of this tour includes hotel accommodation/ferry cabin with en-suite bathroom. 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. 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. 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 . In nearby Scalloway an excellent museum tells the story of the top-secret WWII Shetland Bus operation. . Specialists in offering a range of adventure holidays, tours and incredible wilderness experiences. 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. Our smaller ships are the perfect choice if youre cruising solo. Overlooking Skaill Bay, we'll discover a settlement of Stone Age houses complete with chairs, beds and dressers all made from stone. Registered office: Gilbridge House, Keel Square, Sunderland SR1 3HA. Make the most of your time on the islands on this carefully-curated itinerary accessible by flight from central Scotland. With their northerly location, the best time to visit is between March and November, with the long days of summer a particularly appealing time. If you are keen to take more ferry trips, then island hop through Yell to Unst in the far north. The beautiful Cairngorms National Park will bring us to the Pass of Drumocher and Highland Perthshire beyond. Consequently, bedrooms and bathrooms come in varying shapes and sizes. 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. Sign up today and start discovering. 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. 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. The island's attractions include . 18 Hours of Midsummer Sun. Calls cost 7p per minute plus your phone companys access charge. All we ask is that you write to us within 7 days of your return and explain your reason for claiming the refund. Discover your ideal travel experience. 7 miles (12km) with 1,360 feet (420m) of ascent. Historic and Cultural Tours. 10 Day Shetland & Orkney Car Tour. To help us reduce spam, please tick the reCAPTCHA field. Its difficult not to be inspired by sweeping panoramic views as you stroll along deserted white sandy beaches or gaze up at dramatic sea cliffs created by fierce volcanic eruptions and the ravages of the North Sea. From here you can gaze out to the Muckle Flugga lighthouse. 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. All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. Youll board your ferry to Orkney in the afternoon and arrive in Kirkwall, the historic capital of Orkney, later this evening. Explore archaeological wonders such as Skara Brae, Jarlshof, the Ring of Brodgar, and the Standing Stones of Stenness. 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. It's a favourite with twitchers, who flock here to enjoy sensational seabird colonies and rare species. 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. A stunning six day private tour from Inverness through the Highlands to the Northern Isles of Orkney and Shetland. Family room - this is a room for three people sleeping in one large bed (2 people) and one single bed (1 person). This means one or two nights at sea followed by sailing in Shetland and Orkney. Travel to Orkney by ferry from Caithness, on the north coast of Scotland, with the crossing taking just under an hour. Ayre Road, Kirkwall, Scotland, KW15 1QX. 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. We only share data with business partners where it is necessary to fulfil our service. Youll find our Escorted Tours to be memorable - for all the right reasons! 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. Spirit of Adventure departing Dover. Visit the Orkneyinga Viking history interpretation centre to learn more. 999 pp. Enjoy 4 days (3 nights) in Shetland. From getting to know you by name to remembering your favourite drink at the bar, youll always receive personal, attentive service. Discover the Castle of Mey and its magnificent gardens. Your leader will be in reception at 18:30 to give you a quick introduction to the holiday before dinner. The last part of the journey takes us through the Kingdom of Fife and across the Forth Estuary into Edinburgh. We depart Aberdeen at 19:00 hrs, and a short time later, dinner will be served in the ship's restaurant. Spend two days exploring some of the many island treasures, including Scalloway Castle and Jarlshof, an outstanding example of a prehistoric and Norse settlement.