Discover more at the visitor centre which provides touch-screen presentations and a wide range of artefacts that have excavated from the site. Connections are available from other airports in the UK, Europ Book with Scapa Travel to get your 50% discount on eligible Scottish routes.The discount applies to residents of Orkney, Shetland, Caithness, NorthWest Sutherland, the Western Isles,Colonsay, Islay and Jura, with a valid Air Discount Scheme card and PIN number. Accommodation on board in a double/twin en-suite outer cabin is included in the price. Visitors can climb up the tower of the Castle and visit the Scalloway Museum which is located next door. From 2,345 7 days ex flights. Youll find comfortable public areas with free Wi-Fi, as well as a cosy bar, and handy drying facilities, too. It's a convenient crossing point for otters too, who, in these islands, are sea-dwelling. From Glasgow and Edinburgh, we travel northwards through the Kingdom of Fife to reach Dundee, which sits overlooking the River Tay. We will discover more about this rather unpleasant character and his tyrannical ways during our visit. Our newsletter features exciting new itineraries, blog posts from the team, and fabulous competitions. Your hotel is a short drive away from the ferry port, in the islands capital, Kirkwall. Rooms are simple but homely and all come with TV and tea and coffee making facilities. Shetland and the Tall Ships. Visit the Orkneyinga Viking history interpretation centre to learn more. Enjoy a fascinating talk from historian Nick Card on the Orkney Islands' Neolithic past. The UK has a famously unpredictable climate so it's best to be prepared for weather thats sunny one minute and raining the next. Available Until September 2023. FAQsPlease see the FAQ section for more information on this tour. (Read 1 review) Late availability on these dates: 15 Apr, 13 May. Discover squawking seabird colonies, staggering scenery, and some of the best-preserved Neolithic ruins in Europe as you island hop between Mainland . Day 9. The island's attractions include . We would also suggest checking your home policy or credit card contract as many suppliers include travel insurance as part of their offering. 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. Earl Sigurd takes control. 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. Well also visit the impressive archaeological site of Jarlshof. Please see Terms and Conditions for further details. 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 . 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. This morning you will enjoy a real treat a wildlife boat trip. Youll board your ferry to Orkney in the afternoon and arrive in Kirkwall, the historic capital of Orkney, later this evening. 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. Currently on offer are holidays to Iceland in winter and summer, plus fantastic trips to The Shetland Isles, Southern Ireland, Hidden France and Romandy Switzerland and the Dordogne. Easy to download as a PDF, our trip notes provide detailed information for every holiday. 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. Departing by Coach. As you sail below, the screeching is deafening, and youll feel very outnumbered, a stranger invading their territory. 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 sea route from the coast of Norway due west to the remotest parts of the British Isles is a classic offshore voyage of around 200 miles. Days 5-8 Orkney. The Shetland Islands are the UNBELIEVABLE Hidden Treasure of Scotland, the northernmost point of the United Kingdom and formerly part of Norway. Soak up the history and imagine life in eras gone by! Discover the Castle of Mey and its magnificent gardens. We love the opportunity to use our first-hand knowledge and experience to design and deliver the perfect, bespoke holiday experience for you. There will be a stop where can enjoy time off the coach and buy refreshments. 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. From 799pp. The islands are also blessed with an extraordinary natural beauty. The Ski Solutions team are all skiing experts, and their wealth of knowledge and passion for the mountains will ensure you experience a truly memorable ski holiday. Our latest all-balcony boutique ship launched in the summer of 2021. This picturesque spring Orkney & Shetland Mini Cruise combines coastal scenery with fascinating history. To purchase a policy speak to your insurance broker or undertake a search on-line. Known as the Churchill Barriers, we will use these causeways to reach the little island of Lamb Holm. Scapa Travel sells travel services on behalf of Hays Travel Limited and benefits from Hays Travel's membership of ABTA with membership number P8418. [1] enquiries@absoluteescapes.com. Thats why all of the accommodation we select is hand-picked using our first-hand knowledge of the best places to stay. The event is taking place on Saturday 6 May, with the additional bank holiday on 8 May. Orkney and Shetland, off the north coast of Scotland. 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. Discover what makes the perfect boutique cruise experience, every time. 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. 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. 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. Time to return home. A quick introduction. Registered office: Gilbridge House, Keel Square, Sunderland SR1 3HA. 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. Many people have landed there before you . 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. Registered Office: Enbrook Park, Folkestone, Kent, CT20 3SE. 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. At the ancient settlement of Jarlshof you can explore 4,000 years of human history. Group transfer to Sumburgh airport for your return flight. Later return to Kirkwall where dinner is served in our hotel. A fitting finale to the holiday, this walk along the magnificent granite coastline around Muckle Roe offers a chance to admire the windswept isolation and remote beauty of Shetland. 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. Youre also sure to come across plenty of roaming Shetland ponies on your travels. The breadth of history to be discovered here is without parallel in Scotland and is sure to amaze you. Modern Slavery & Human Trafficking Statement. Tour Details. Free time will let you explore Kirkwall and St Magnus Cathedral before setting sail for the mainland. All holidays are subject to availability. Wilderness England creates incredible journeys to the wild and magical outdoor spaces across Yorkshire, the Lake District, Northumberland, the Cotswolds and the Peak District. A holiday to the islands of Orkney and Shetland has it all. The South Mainland awaits today home to some of Shetlands most jaw-drapping scenery and best archeological sites, including the Isle of Mousa where you will encounter the best preserved Broch anywhere in the world. 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. If you would like to spend an extra night or two on either Orkney or Shetland, wed be delighted to assist. Inspiring options. Clicking on the link below will redirect you to the Wilderness England website. Pop into the Shetland Crofthouse Museum in Dunrossness, a restored 19th century Shetland croft which was inhabited until the 1960s. Do take a walk in the gardens which stretch down to the water. During the summer it is still light when you arrive. Shetland is home to a world-class diversity of wildlife, from puffins and seals to purpoises and even whales. Non-member fee: 30 per person. Theres an opportunity to learn about Shetlands heritage at the Tangwick Haa museum today as we circumnavigate the beautiful Eshaness peninsula. 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. Their warm hospitality is sure to be a highlight of your Scottish experience. We only share data with business partners where it is necessary to fulfil our service. Visit the Bishops and Earls Palaces where you can learn of a time when Orkney was part of the Norse-held kingdom of Nordreyjar. Depart Lerwick at the end of the afternoon for the overnight journey on the cruise class Northlink Ferries service to Aberdeen. Find out everything you need to know about planning a trip to Scotland's incredible Northern Isles. 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. "The staff was xtrenely king and helpful! Travel to the wild and glorious peninsula of Northmavine. They constitute the Shetland Islands council area and the historic county of Shetland. During our time here will visit the RSPB reserve which is home to many species of seabirds including puffins, guillemots and razorbills. 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. These are leisurely cycling tours winding through vineyards and staying in high end accommodation where the emphasis is as much on the food and wine as the cycling. How do I get there? Registered office 11 Bridge Street, Kirkwall, Orkney, KW151 HR. Be aware of your surroundings and don't venture off on your own. Excellent and Friendly Staff!! Go Scotland Tours is offering a private guided tour combining the Western Isles of Skye, Harris and Lewis with Orkney. Cabin upgrades may also be available on request. Our local guide will help you to discover ancient civilisations, archaeological delights and bountiful wildlife from our base in the island capital of Kirkwall. With a maximum of 15 passengers per group, you can be sure of . A genuine feel pervades this small family owned hotel, located on the edge of Kirkwall. 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. The Italian Prisoners constructed a chapel out of a pair of Nissen Huts. Family room - this is a room for three people sleeping in one large bed (2 people) and one single bed (1 person). 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. Lake District, Yorkshire & Hadrians Wall, Classic Yorkshire: Whitby, York & The Dales, East of England: Cambridge, Norfolk & Suffolk. All packages that include flights are ATOL protected. 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. A stunning six day private tour from Inverness through the Highlands to the Northern Isles of Orkney and Shetland. Later, in medieval times, farmsteads were also built here. Booking holidays since 1939, ATOL Protected. From jagged cliffs to unspoilt beaches and stone . Fiercely independent and sprinkled with Scandinavian tradition, this pair of wild windswept archipelagos offer an island-hopping holiday that ticks-off squawking seabird . Registered in England, number 5713R. 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. Guide Lorraine gives an insight into this ancient archipelago. Today visitors can see eight dwellings, each connected by a series of low passageways. The capital, Lerwick, is home to Shetlands main museum and local art centre by the harbour, as well as various locations used in the filming of the Shetland TV series. These departure dates can be booked with flights or as land only holiday options. I have never been that far north before. Overnight: Busta House Hotel/Brae Hotel, Shetland (or similar). The innovative Shetland Museum and Archives tells the fascinating story of these islands and is well worth visiting. Our last visit of the day is to Skara Brae. Once checked-in onboard head to your comfortable twin-berth cabin with en-suite bathroom or enjoy time exploring the ship's many facilities. These are at additional expense and, if available, details will be provided with your tour documentation. Today we leave Orkney and head north to Shetland. Language: EnglishCurrency: Pound SterlingTime Zone: GMTTipping: 10 to 12% is usual for hotels with 10 to 15% being usual for restaurants. 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. Book your holiday today with Planet Cruise! 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. Look out for the lighthouse, opened in 1929 its powerful light can be seen from 46 km away.