Our ships are smaller, but wonderfully spacious. Spot dolphins and porpoises in the coastal waters, or breeding seabirds such as puffins and guillemots at Hermaness Nature Reserve. Arrive in Aberdeen at 0700 and enjoy breakfast on board before disembarking and continuing your onward journey. 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. This will ensure that we can improve the experience for all our future guests. Overnight Orkney. Indulge in a delicious fish and chip lunch overlooking the sea in Brae. A collection of 3* B&Bs and Guest Houses offering comfortable accommodation close to local attractions. Tour departure and return times will be advised in your tour documentation. Take the strain off holiday planning with a bespoke package holiday or group trip to Shetland. All rights reserved. Easy to download as a PDF, our trip notes provide detailed information for every holiday. 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. This holiday can be arranged from March to October. In Shetland, inter-island ferry travel is operated by the council , while Orkney Ferries connect the archipelago's 13 island destinations. The natural beauty of Orkneys landscape boasts a rich variety of scenery. 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. 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. Overnight Orkney. At 1,475 feet (450m) this is Shetlands highest peak. Sign up for our newsletter and be the first to hear about trip news, blogs and offers. The ultimate collection of European cycling holidays. 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. 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. Think of this itinerary as a starting point which can be tailored into something completely unique to you by our award-winning specialists. 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. In each case, it is not necessarily added to the bill. We guarantee to refund this service charge if you believe that arranging your holiday through McKinlay Kidd has not met your expectations for value. This picturesque spring Orkney & Shetland Mini Cruise combines coastal scenery with fascinating history. 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. 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! 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. All we ask is that you write to us within 7 days of your return and explain your reason for claiming the refund. Package holidays to Shetland | Shetland.org Only a short distance away is Sumburgh Head Nature Reserve with its famous lighthouse overlooking the cliffs. 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. 2,599. Designed with our guests in mind, our modern sister ships offer small-ship luxury with a private balcony for every guest. The coach will continue on to Glasgow, for passengers wishing to end their tour there. However, some airlines will insist you show a passport so check before you travel.If you are travelling to Scotland from Australia, Canada or the USA, you must have a valid passport for at least three months beyond the length of your stay. Dinner will be served on board and we will arrive in Kirkwall around 23:00 hrs. Discover the Castle of Mey and its magnificent gardens. Rated 4.88 out of 5 based on 5,609 reviews. It makes everything so easy, especially when youre chauffeur driven from your own front door. Although a remote wilderness, there is a lot to do in Shetland, Orkney and the Hebrides. Shetland Islands Tours/Holidays - DC Thomson Travel Orphir has a Viking museum, the Orkneyinga Saga Centre, and the remains of Scotland's only . If you wish to combine these categories or perhaps upgrade for a special occasion let us know in your enquiry. Now it forms part of the World Heritage Site in the centre of the Orkney Mainland, along with the tomb of Maes Howe, the Ring of Brodgar and the mighty Standing Stones of Stenness. A superb coastal trailalongthe spectacular sea cliffs from Yesnaby to the impressive ancient settlement of Skara Brae a remarkable feat of ancient engineering predates the pyramids of Egypt and even Stonehenge. Iona AbbeyOne of Scotland's most sacred and historic sites, the Abbey was founded in 563AD and it still retains its spiritual atmosphere today. Orkney & Shetland Guided Island Hopping Holiday - HF Holidays This is a far cry in both style and location from a chain hotel and all rooms are individually decorated. Please note: All fields marked * are required, Please select a date or 1-2 months if flexible. If you would like to spend an extra night or two on either Orkney or Shetland, wed be delighted to assist. Some cruises also incorporate the Faroe Isles. Let us know if we can tailor-make it for you to link with a self-drive tour of the Scottish Highlands. Your hotel is an historic building, complete with nooks and crannies, winding corridors, steep steps, creaky floorboards and supposedly a resident ghost. Enjoy a fascinating talk from historian Nick Card on the Orkney Islands' Neolithic past. Please click here to see full flight schedules to Shetland & Orkney Island. Nowhere else in Britain, and hardly anywhere else in Europe, can you get so close, so easily, to so many seabirds. Lake District, Yorkshire & Hadrians Wall, Classic Yorkshire: Whitby, York & The Dales, East of England: Cambridge, Norfolk & Suffolk. 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. You will travel aboard a state of the art motorcoach with air-conditioning, reclining seats, oversized windows and emergency washroom. Twin room - this is a room for two people sleeping in two separate beds. Today we explore the heart of Neolithic Orkney. 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. 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 . On Mainland, is the capital Kirkwall whose sights include St Magnus Cathedral, the Bishops and Earls palaces and the Orkney Museum. The beautiful Cairngorms National Park will bring us to the Pass of Drumocher and Highland Perthshire beyond. Spirit of Discovery departing Dover. 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. Go Scotland Tours is offering a private guided tour combining the Western Isles of Skye, Harris and Lewis with Orkney. With 70 magical islands its difficult to know where to begin. 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. 10 Favourite Books about Shetland - Shetland Wool Adventures Buses and trains to Orkney. Orkney and Shetland are a haven for wildlife. Each one is all inclusive, and youll have your own private balcony to enjoy every destination in style. Tour Details. 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. There are so many reasons why Saga stands out from other cruise lines. We would also suggest checking your home policy or credit card contract as many suppliers include travel insurance as part of their offering. The best time to visit is during what Shetlanders call the . Please ensure you tick the reCAPTCHA checkbox to show you're not a spam bot! All holidays are subject to availability. Youll be in good company if you choose to take dinner at your hotel, a popular destination for locals as well as visitors. Orkney and Shetland Island Hopping - Best of Scotland We will never share your data with third parties for marketing purposes. Wildlife watching here is superb. The card payment providers above are used for taking your payments by operators featured on our site. From 2,345 7 days ex flights. Please note that if at ten weeks prior to the start of your holiday a sharing partner is unavailable, a single room will be allocated with a resulting single supplement charge outlined above. ABTA and ABTA Members help holidaymakers to get the most from their travel and assist them when things do not go according to plan. In certain locations youll may be joined by a local guide who will provide local insight and show you the highlights. For some magnificent coastal drama of a different kind, take a trip to Eshaness and watch the waves crashing around the sea stacks and pounding the cliffs. Beautiful beaches, stunning cliffs, ancient settlements and wonderful wildlife-spotting opportunities - Shetland has a lot to offer. See the Tall Ships in Lerwick. How do I get there? Getting Here | Orkney.com View our Full Privacy Notice, Read independent reviews from ourcustomers. British Isles Cruises 2023 & 2024 | Fred. Olsen Cruises Spirit of Discovery departing Tilbury. Orkney & Shetland Islands - About Argyll Walking Holidays It also comprises larger 4* Hotels selected for their high standard of accommodation, exceptional service, and great location. Thoroughly recommend this as an enjoyable way to experience Shetland and Orkney. Balmoral Cruise Deals - Planet Cruise Shes the beautiful sister to Spirit of Discovery, but has a whole host of surprises of her own, including exciting new restaurants. 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. Available Until September 2023. Discover our last-minute, luxury, all-inclusive, and many other incredible cruise deals. 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. 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. We use cookies to provide you with the best online experience. Popular attractions Orkney Wireless Museum and St. Magnus Cathedral are located . A genuine feel pervades this small family owned hotel, located on the edge of Kirkwall. Shetland & Orkney Island - Premier Holidays 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. Sign up for our newsletter and unlock exclusive tips and inspiration from our team of travel specialists. Our first visits are to the Ring of Brodgar and the Standing Stones of Stenness. They constitute the Shetland Islands council area and the historic county of Shetland. Arrive on Orkney and settle in to the Merkister Hotel. Covid-19 Travel Requirements Covid-19 Travel Updates and FAQs Cruise Deals; Cruise Lines; . Find out everything you need to know about planning a trip to Scotland's incredible Northern Isles. enquiries@absoluteescapes.com. Orkney Holidays 2023 - Expedia 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. Spend two days exploring some of the many island treasures, including Scalloway Castle and Jarlshof, an outstanding example of a prehistoric and Norse settlement. Does equity release affect inheritance tax. 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. The Shetlands were pawned for a further 8,000 florins. AccommodationThe price of this tour includes hotel accommodation/ferry cabin with en-suite bathroom. Advertised flight prices are based on UK flights departing from London. VAT Number 125 4899 87. But forget the . 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. 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. While most tour operators use hotels around the capital, Lerwick, we choose to stay somewhere you can really appreciate Shetlands remote beauty. The landscape is wild and remote and, outside of the . 999 pp. Sign up today and start discovering. Scottish Islands & Island Hopping | VisitScotland You do not have any pinned holidays. Faroe Islands Cruise Tour: Shetland & Orkney Islands | National P&O took over the routes from the long-established North of Scotland, Orkney & Shetland Steam Navigation Company in 1971. Norway To Orkney Sailing In The Wake Of The Vikings - SchoonerSail The Shetland Islands are the most northerly part of the United Kingdom, a group of islands 100 miles / 160 km north of mainland Scotland. 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. Continue to the rugged Shetland archipelago to visit Lerwick as it hosts the annual Tall Ships Races. Just a short flight from mainland UK and accessible from a wide range of regional airports. Written around AD 1200 by an unnamed Icelandic author, the Orkneyinga Saga is an intriguing fusion of myth, legend and history. The Orkney Islands were the Orcades of ancient classical literature. Later this afternoon we travel to the port to join the ferry bound for the Orkney Islands. Orkney Islands | History, Geography, & Facts | Britannica 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. Many coaches are equipped with WiFi too. The nearby seaport of Stromness is famed for the Pier Arts Centre which showcases the work of artists and sculptors from Orkney and beyond. Once checked-in onboard head to your comfortable twin-berth cabin with en-suite bathroom or enjoy time exploring the ship's many facilities. At 1,475 feet (450m) this is Shetlands highest peak. P&O Iona; Anthem of the Seas; Regal Princess; MSC Virtuosa; Queen Mary 2 . Family room - this is a room for three people sleeping in one large bed (2 people) and one single bed (1 person). Visit the Orkneyinga Viking history interpretation centre to learn more. Overnight Orkney, Take the opportunity to visit one of Orkneys smaller isles. The Abbey was restored at the start of the 20thcentury and the Abbey now welcomes visitors from around the world who flock to enjoy its peaceful atmosphere. Shetland: The northernmost part of the UK, Shetland is wild, rugged and beautiful. Shetland, Orkney and the Hebrides coach holidays 2023 - Door2Tour 2 miles (3km) with 200 feet (60m) of ascent. Tour Departs: TBA hrs Both have featured recently on the BBC, yet in very contrasting ways: Orkney is hailed for its rich folklore, prehistoric sites and abundance of wildlife, while Shetland owes its ever increasing . At the ancient settlement of Jarlshof you can explore 4,000 years of human history. 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 . Accept. 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. 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. We will hold your data securely within our organisation, McKinlay Kidd Limited. Registered office 11 Bridge Street, Kirkwall, Orkney, KW151 HR. "The staff was xtrenely king and helpful! Departing by Coach. Highlights of Orkney and Shetland - 6 day tour - Scottish Tours Youll find pre-history at almost every turn across the Orkney islands: from neolithic chambered cairns, stone circles and standing stones through to the fascinating Stone Age village at Skara Brae. Non-member fee: 30 per person. As you sail below, the screeching is deafening, and youll feel very outnumbered, a stranger invading their territory. ORKNEY AND SHETLAND HISTORICAL - JSTOR Home the west of Scotland and Ireland in 795. With a maximum of 15 passengers per group, you can be sure of . We depart Aberdeen at 19:00 hrs, and a short time later, dinner will be served in the ship's restaurant. 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. 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. Tallest Sea Cliffs in Britain. Later we travel to the dramatic sea cliffs at Eshaness which have been created by the constant pounding of the Atlantic waves. UNESCO World Heritage Site. The restaurant prides itself on local produce, prepared to make the most of the fresh flavours. Theres an opportunity to learn about Shetlands heritage at the Tangwick Haa museum today as we circumnavigate the beautiful Eshaness peninsula. Today we bid farewell to island life and make the journey to St Margaret's Hope where the fast Pentland Ferries catamaran waits to transport us across the Pentland Firth. 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. 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. Tour Returns: TBA hrs, Outside Reception at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Edinburgh111 Glasgow Road Edinburgh EH12 8NF, Check-in: TBA hrs Welcome to life in the easy lane. Booking holidays since 1939, ATOL Protected. Today we leave Orkney and head north to Shetland. Our Premium category includes a unique collection of luxurious and stylish boutique Guest Houses and small 4* Hotels. Youll find comfortable public areas with free Wi-Fi, as well as a cosy bar, and handy drying facilities, too. P&O Scottish Ferries - Wikipedia The Ring of Brodgar in the Heart of Neolithic Orkney. Entry RequirementsWhen travelling between the UK, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man in most cases an official form of identification such as a Driver's License will be ok. With over 100 islands contributing to over 1,500 miles of coastline, there is something to discover around every corner, from the entrancing blend of Scottish and Scandinavian culture to the dramatic . Cycling for Softies is a luxury cycling tour operator providing gourmet cycling adventures in France and Italy. Excellent and Friendly Staff!! Shetland: an epic landscape with a Viking soul | Scotland holidays 5 Nights No Fly Cruise from 799pp Liverpool, Cruising past Duart Castle, Cruising Sound of Mull, Cruising Loch Hourn, Cruising by The Small Isles, Portree, Isle of Skye, Kirkwall, Orkney Islands, Cruising by Dutchman's Cap (Bac Mr), Cruising Fingal's Cave, Cruise by Iona, Liverpool. Includes 9 nights accommodation (2 of which will be on the ferry to and from Shetland) and ferry costs. ARE YOU A SOLO TRAVELLER WILLING TO SHARE? Its the most southerly point of mainland Shetland and where thousands of species of seabird come ashore to nest on the cliffs. This trip is operated by our England team. Another day you might head for South Ronaldsay now connected by the famous Churchill Barriers to the Mainland.