Later this afternoon we travel to the port to join the ferry bound for the Orkney Islands. Aberdeen and Caithness, the Scottish Mainland are where the ferries sail from are also covered, and you'll find business listings also to help you plan . Take the strain off holiday planning with a bespoke package holiday or group trip to Shetland. Arrive on Orkney and settle in to the Merkister Hotel. As well as having full board accommodation in your choice of cabin, the services of a professional crew and on-board entertainment are also included. Saga Cruises; Disney Cruises; Cruise Ships. 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. The card payment providers above are used for taking your payments by operators featured on our site. This amazingly well-preserved village was built 5,000 years ago. 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. Please see Terms and Conditions for further details. 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. It also comprises larger 4* Hotels selected for their high standard of accommodation, exceptional service, and great location. The Tower has been restored over the past century, however not all of the original structure still remains. Stretching off Scotlands north coast are Shetland and Orkney, two very special archipelagos where Scotland meets Scandinavia. Beautiful beaches, stunning cliffs, ancient settlements and wonderful wildlife-spotting opportunities - Shetland has a lot to offer. A key event in the global calendar, the annual Up Helly Aa Winter Fire . 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. A collection of quality 4* Guest Houses and 3* Hotels often located in beautiful locations which provide an excellent standard of accommodation.
To help us reduce spam, please tick the reCAPTCHA field. Shetland and the Tall Ships. 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 . You will travel aboard a state of the art motorcoach with air-conditioning, reclining seats, oversized windows and emergency washroom. Specialists in offering a range of adventure holidays, tours and incredible wilderness experiences. Call for options 01904 521 936. The Orkney Islands were the Orcades of ancient classical literature. Dinner will be served on board and we will arrive in Kirkwall around 23:00 hrs. Relaxing hotel-based holidays in the sun, with a Saga host on hand. Enjoy a fascinating talk from historian Nick Card on the Orkney Islands' Neolithic past. Weather permitting, enjoy a welcome drink on the small terrace, which overlooks the distinctive pagoda-roof of the neighbours: the Highland Park distillery. 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. A stunning six day private tour from Inverness through the Highlands to the Northern Isles of Orkney and Shetland. 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. Later we make the short drive to Sumburgh Head, where the waters of the North Sea meet the waves of the Atlantic Ocean. Supplements may apply. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. In certain locations youll may be joined by a local guide who will provide local insight and show you the highlights. Although parts date back to the 1500s, most of the building was completed in the eighteenth century by a wealthy landowning family as their own home.
ORKNEY AND SHETLAND HISTORICAL - JSTOR Home During our time here will visit the RSPB reserve which is home to many species of seabirds including puffins, guillemots and razorbills. Join us on a magnificent expedition cruise to the Orkney, Shetland and Faroe Islands on board Le Boreal. The event is taking place on Saturday 6 May, with the additional bank holiday on 8 May. The nearby seaport of Stromness is famed for the Pier Arts Centre which showcases the work of artists and sculptors from Orkney and beyond. Savour your chance to try lamb with its distinctive flavour due to the seaweed diet of the sheep, or sample local seafood including mouth-watering prawns and delicious stir-fried squid. Please contact us for information on child prices. Non-member fee: 30 per person. From getting to know you by name to remembering your favourite drink at the bar, youll always receive personal, attentive service. This trip is operated by our England team. Excellent, informative, enjoyable tour. Available May 2023. Enjoy a complimentary chauffeur service, wines, premium spirits, speciality dining, gratuities, Wi-Fi and travel insurance. The landscape is wild and remote and, outside of the . 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. the west of Scotland and Ireland in 795.
Shetland, Orkney and the Hebrides coach holidays 2023 - Door2Tour Travel to Orkney by ferry from Caithness, on the north coast of Scotland, with the crossing taking just under an hour. We can book package holidays including flights from the UK, hotel accommodation and car hire. However the earldom began, by the time of Earl Sigurd we are heading into more reliable territory - although still laced with myth and folklore. 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. Tour Returns: TBA hrs, Outside Reception at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Edinburgh111 Glasgow Road Edinburgh EH12 8NF, Check-in: TBA hrs
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. Youll find our Escorted Tours to be memorable - for all the right reasons! Our discerning team has a wealth of experience, and we extensively research and regularly review all of the accommodation we select for our clients. 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 . Fred Olsen. They branded their services "P&O Ferries" from 1975 to 1989 and "P&O Scottish Ferries" thereafter. Overnight Orkney, Take the opportunity to visit one of Orkneys smaller isles. Weve had a long love affair with Orkneys family-run Merkister Hotel, not least for its enviable setting on the shores of Harray Loch. Contact us via email: It was raided by Norsemen in the 12th Century. Orkney & Shetland Guided Island Hopping Holiday, Hebridean Hopscotch Guided Island Hopping Holiday, Lewis & Harris Guided Island Hopping Holiday, Experience wild and windswept natural landscapes, Spot wildlife on these relatively untouched islands, Comfortable en-suite rooms in our partner accommodation(s), Cooked or continental breakfast every morning, Full-board or half-board (please refer to trip notes), Three-course evening meals, plus tea & coffee, Guided walks with an experienced HF Holidays Leader, All transport to and from walks where necessary, Suitable footwear such as waterproof walking boots that provide ankle support and good grip, Waterproof and windproof jacket, preferably insulated, Comfortable clothing (jeans & waterproof capes are not suitable), Several base layers (long-sleeve or short-sleeve), Cushioned walking socks to avoid blisters, First aid kit, including plasters and insect repellent, Rubbish bag (remember to always leave no trace). , Duration: 9 Days / 8 Nights. Our smaller ships are the perfect choice if youre cruising solo. This picturesque spring Orkney & Shetland Mini Cruise combines coastal scenery with fascinating history. 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. 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. All holidays are subject to availability. With 70 magical islands its difficult to know where to begin. Sign up today and start discovering. Individually, the sites are masterpieces of Neolithic design and construction, and collectively they represent one of the richest surviving Neolithic landscapes in Western Europe, giving us an incredible insight into the society, skills and spiritual beliefs of the people who constructed them.
Shetland Islands | History, Climate, Population, & Facts For anyone easily seduced by big skies, sea views, and wide-open spaces, Orkney is always a good idea. Providing inspiring active experiences, immerse yourself in the unique landscapes, history, culture and wildlife on a Wilderness England adventure. 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. 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. Its the most southerly point of mainland Shetland and where thousands of species of seabird come ashore to nest on the cliffs. 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. We are obliged to maintain a high standard of service to you by ABTA's Code of Conduct. This elevated viewpoint affords extensive views over Shetland and of Fair Isle to the south. 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. Overnight: Kirkwall Hotel/Lynnfield Hotel, Kirkwall (or similar) (3 nights). 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.
Shetland & Orkney Island - Premier Holidays Outer two berth cabins included on the Orkney to Shetland and Shetland to Aberdeen crossings. We then rejoin our transport for the scenic transfer to Busta House. Inspiring options. Orkney and Shetland are a haven for wildlife. 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. 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.
Shetland & Orkney Multi-Centre Walking Holiday | 2023 & 2024 USA. Another day you might head for South Ronaldsay now connected by the famous Churchill Barriers to the Mainland. Overnight Orkney. Many people have landed there before you . 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.
British Isles Cruises 2023 | Cruising Holidays 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 means one or two nights at sea followed by sailing in Shetland and Orkney.
Orkney Islands | History, Geography, & Facts | Britannica 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. 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. Our first visits are to the Ring of Brodgar and the Standing Stones of Stenness. Buses and trains to Orkney. Enjoy free time in Kirkwall this morning. Where Scotland meets Scandinavia, this wild and remote corner of northern Britain is truly remarkable. 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. Tour departure and return times will be advised in your tour documentation. Consequently, bedrooms and bathrooms come in varying shapes and sizes. Meanwhile, the rich ancient history and numerous archaeological sites offer a fascinating glimpse into the past, with many details of life preserved. Day 9. 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. Family room - this is a room for three people sleeping in one large bed (2 people) and one single bed (1 person). 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. 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. 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. 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. Group transfer to Sumburgh airport for your return flight. 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. When people think of Scotland's islands, it's usually the Hebrides they have in mind. They constitute the Shetland Islands council area and the historic county of Shetland. We would also suggest checking your home policy or credit card contract as many suppliers include travel insurance as part of their offering. Come explor. Scattered off Scotland's northeast coast, this wild windswept archipelago offers a far-from-it-all feel just a skip away from the mainland. Read 20 . Be aware of your surroundings and don't venture off on your own. Discover what makes the perfect boutique cruise experience, every time. Registered Office: Enbrook Park, Folkestone, Kent, CT20 3SE. You do not have any pinned holidays. Below is a list of some tour operators that organise regular trips to the islands. Citylink buses run to Aberdeen, Gills Bay and Scrabster so you can catch your ferry to the islands. All Rights Reserved. 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. 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. Please click here to see full flight schedules to Shetland & Orkney Island. Are you sure you would like to continue with this room size? Once checked-in onboard head to your comfortable twin-berth cabin with en-suite bathroom or enjoy time exploring the ship's many facilities. Discover squawking seabird colonies, staggering scenery, and some of the best-preserved Neolithic ruins in Europe as you island hop between Mainland . Wilderness England creates incredible journeys to the wild and magical outdoor spaces across Yorkshire, the Lake District, Northumberland, the Cotswolds and the Peak District.
Uncover Orkneys Ancient Secrets - Shearings 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. 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! 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. It's a similar story by rail, with trains available to both Aberdeen . Our sociable ships have been designed with more than 100 single balcony cabins, the widest selection on the ocean wave.
Visit Orkney & Shetland | Orkney & Shetland Holidays - McKinlay Kidd Registered office: Gilbridge House, Keel Square, Sunderland SR1 3HA. The Shetland Islands are the UNBELIEVABLE Hidden Treasure of Scotland, the northernmost point of the United Kingdom and formerly part of Norway. Search. 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. P&O Iona; Anthem of the Seas; Regal Princess; MSC Virtuosa; Queen Mary 2 . Then trace . 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. It took 300 years to complete and is one of the finest examples of Norman architecture in Europe. There will be a stop where can enjoy time off the coach and buy refreshments. Shetland: The northernmost part of the UK, Shetland is wild, rugged and beautiful.
Highlights of Orkney & Shetland - DC Thomson Travel It lay covered for centuries, if not millennia, before a sandstorm in the 1920s revealed the amazing ruins. 2 miles (3km) with 200 feet (60m) of ascent. ARE YOU A SOLO TRAVELLER WILLING TO SHARE? Your hotel is an historic building, complete with nooks and crannies, winding corridors, steep steps, creaky floorboards and supposedly a resident ghost. Todays walk takes us to the famous sea stack known as the Old Man of Hoy and will have bird watchers twitching with excitement at the prospect of spotting arctic and great skuas.
On Mainland, is the capital Kirkwall whose sights include St Magnus Cathedral, the Bishops and Earls palaces and the Orkney Museum. For further information about ABTA, the Code of Conduct and the arbitration scheme available to you if you have a complaint, contact ABTA, 30 Park Street, London, SE1 9EQ, Tel: 020 3117 0599 or www.abta.com, Hays Travel Limited are registered in England and Wales with company number 1990682 and VAT number 193167195. 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. 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. If you wish to combine these categories or perhaps upgrade for a special occasion let us know in your enquiry. Last month I was in Orkney for the first time. These departure dates can be booked with flights or as land only holiday options. The strong historical and cultural influence of Norway upon these islands is clear in their timber-framed and brightly coloured architecture.
Tours of Shetland and Orkney Islands - Scotland Tours 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.
Shetland Islands holidays in 2023 & 2024 | Responsible Travel Available Until September 2023. P&O took over the routes from the long-established North of Scotland, Orkney & Shetland Steam Navigation Company in 1971. We also include a Boat trip around Noss during your time on Shetland (please note this only runs between May and mid-September). Do take a walk in the gardens which stretch down to the water. Recently hailed as one of Lonely Planets Best in Europe for 2019, the ruggedly handsome Shetland Islands comprise around 100 different islands with just 15 inhabited. Rated 4.88 out of 5 based on 5,609 reviews. From jagged cliffs to unspoilt beaches and stone . Cabin upgrades may also be available on request.
10 Favourite Books about Shetland - Shetland Wool Adventures These unique islands are home to some of the most breathtaking coastal scenery to be found anywhere in Britain. A holiday to the islands of Orkney and Shetland has it all. Orkney and Shetland, being the nearest western land to Norway, would be first visited. More than a million birds breed in very large colonies. This expanse of water has played witness to some monumental events. Find out everything you need to know about planning a trip to Scotland's incredible Northern Isles. The unspoilt landscape of Shetland has a rugged beauty shaped by the sea at the end of the last Ice Age. Discover the Castle of Mey and its magnificent gardens. 999 pp. 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. We use your data to prepare holiday proposals and to make bookings for you if you choose to go ahead.
Scottish Islands & Island Hopping | VisitScotland Spot dolphins and porpoises in the coastal waters, or breeding seabirds such as puffins and guillemots at Hermaness Nature Reserve. Our destination is Lerwick, the island's attractive capital. 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). UNESCO World Heritage Site. Only a short distance away is Sumburgh Head Nature Reserve with its famous lighthouse overlooking the cliffs. This was once the Shetland capital and is the site of Scalloway Castle which was built for the notorious Earl Patrick Stewart in the early 17th Century. On arrival, we visit Sumburgh Head RSPB reserve. 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. Spend two days exploring some of the many island treasures, including Scalloway Castle and Jarlshof, an outstanding example of . Situated just off the north-eastern tip of Scotland on the near-edge of Europe, Shetland, Orkney and the Hebrides are a wilderness in which to shake off the cobwebs. Also includes hotels in Alderney, Sark and Herm, plus the Isle of Wight, Isles of Scilly, Isle of Man and Shetland & Orkney Islands.