8.4/5 (52 reviews) Great place! The islands are a birdwatchers' paradise and one of the major seabird breeding and feeding areas in the North Atlantic. Where Scotland meets Scandinavia, this wild and remote corner of northern Britain is truly remarkable. Faroe Islands Cruise Tour: Shetland & Orkney Islands | National This is a customizable tour and can be tailor-made to your preference. Buses and trains to Orkney. Weve had a long love affair with Orkneys family-run Merkister Hotel, not least for its enviable setting on the shores of Harray Loch. Overnight Orkney, Take the opportunity to visit one of Orkneys smaller isles. Read 20 . Check-in: TBA hrs Later this afternoon we travel to the port to join the ferry bound for the Orkney Islands. Shetland & Orkney Island Holidays . Thousands of seabirds including gannets, guillemots and kittiwakes nest and feed in the Noss Nature Reserve. The ultimate collection of European cycling holidays. 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. All sorts of nature abound here, from seals and otters to ponies and hundreds of birds, making it a wildlife lover's paradise. Discover our last-minute, luxury, all-inclusive, and many other incredible cruise deals. We use cookies to provide you with the best online experience. Scattered off the northeast coast of Scotland, Orkney and the Shetland Islands are staggeringly beautiful. 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. 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. 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. We only share data with business partners where it is necessary to fulfil our service. Orkney & Shetland Holidays | Scapa Travel All sorts of nature abound here, from seals and otters to ponies and hundreds of birds, making it a wildlife lover's paradise. Spend two days exploring some of the many island treasures, including Scalloway Castle and Jarlshof, an outstanding example of . The last part of the journey takes us through the Kingdom of Fife and across the Forth Estuary into Edinburgh. Further south on Mainland is Sumburgh Head, an ideal spot for twitchers with unobstructed views of the seabird colonies; Old Scatness, a recently excavated Iron Age village; and the Jarlshof Prehistoric and Norse settlements, with archaeological treasures from over 4,000 years. Meanwhile, the rich ancient history and numerous archaeological sites offer a fascinating glimpse into the past, with many details of life preserved. With a strong norse influence, these island groups provide a surprisingly contrasting cultural experience when compared to the Hebrides. 8 nights from. Scalloway CastleWhen visiting the Shetland Isles, why not visit Scalloway Castle? Welcome to the incredible archipelago of Orkney! To purchase a policy speak to your insurance broker or undertake a search on-line. Look out for the lighthouse, opened in 1929 its powerful light can be seen from 46 km away. Also includes hotels in Alderney, Sark and Herm, plus the Isle of Wight, Isles of Scilly, Isle of Man and Shetland & Orkney Islands. Your Holiday in Shetland and Orkney | NorthLink Ferries 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. . . Today is your final day in Shetland, but as the ferry does not leave until late afternoon you could take the opportunity to explore Shetlands ancient capital Scalloway. Shetland Isles wildlife holiday. We are obliged to maintain a high standard of service to you by ABTA's Code of Conduct. Enjoy 4 days (3 nights) in Shetland. The expedition starts in Oban and we sail, via the scenic and bird-rich island of Handa, to the enchanting Orkney Islands. Sign up today and start discovering. You are able to walk in and out and around them, just imagining how people used to survive here. Does equity release affect inheritance tax. A quick introduction. Based on 1 salaries posted anonymously by Saga Group Mi Analyst employees in Seaham, England. At the Isle of Hoy you can visit Scapa Flow Visitor Centre and learn the fascinating story of this naval anchorage in the two world wars. 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. A BSpoke Tour is all about being as restful or as adventurous as you desire. Please click below to find the trip notes for your departure date. All included in the price. Copyright 2016 - 2023 Scapa Travel. Depart Lerwick at the end of the afternoon for the overnight journey on the cruise class Northlink Ferries service to Aberdeen. Spend some time exploring this fascinating seaport where you could visit. Inspiring options. Finally, a laird's house was constructed on the site in the 1600s. The Orkneyinga saga (Old Norse: [orknyje s]; also called the History of the Earls of Orkney and Jarls' Saga) is a narrative of the history of the Orkney and Shetland islands and their relationship with other local polities, particularly Norway and Scotland.The saga has "no parallel in the social and literary record of Scotland" and is "the only medieval chronicle to have . From 799pp. 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. 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. These mysterious stone circles are amongst the most significant in Europe and are some 5,000 years old. The History of the Orkney and Shetland Isles 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. All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. 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. Faroe Island cruise | The Small Cruise Ship Collection Excellent array of hotels and self-catering options across Jersey and Guernsey. Advertised flight prices are based on UK flights departing from London. These tours are carefully researched and combine quality hotels, luxury travel, informative visits and leisure time. Orphir has a Viking museum, the Orkneyinga Saga Centre, and the remains of Scotland's only . Stay at this 3-star hotel in Kirkwall. With 70 magical islands its difficult to know where to begin. 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. 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. Standing guard to warn the passing ships is the Sumburgh Lighthouse, designed by the grandfather of the famous author Robert Louis Stevenson. "The staff was xtrenely king and helpful! Please note that a family room is normally a standard double or twin room with either a sofa bed or a rollaway bed. During the summer it is still light when you arrive. 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. We'll make a visit to view the remarkable paintings that can be found inside the simple corrugated metal exterior. More than a million birds breed in very large colonies. This morning you will enjoy a real treat a wildlife boat trip. Do take a walk in the gardens which stretch down to the water. These are wonderfully charming and intimate and run with great flair by their owners. Shetland travel guide - Responsible Travel During the Neolithic and Early Bronze Age, the people of Orkney and Shetland were among the first in Britain to begin building Megalithic chamber tombs and later henge monuments. Our home for tonight is in the delightful village of Bray which overlooks Busta Voe. This elevated viewpoint affords extensive views over Shetland and of Fair Isle to the south. 10 Day Shetland & Orkney Car Tour. Orkney and Shetland, being the nearest western land to Norway, would be first visited. With their northerly location, the best time to visit is between March and November, with the long days of summer a particularly appealing time. Enjoy free time in Kirkwall this morning. Let Scapa Travel use their extensive local knowledge to create a memorable holiday, tailored specifically for you. AccommodationThe price of this tour includes hotel accommodation/ferry cabin with en-suite bathroom. Read more, Need something more tailored? Tour Details. Youll be in good company if you choose to take dinner at your hotel, a popular destination for locals as well as visitors. At the Isle of Hoy you can visit Scapa Flow Visitor Centre and learn the fascinating story of this naval anchorage in the two world wars. Stretching off Scotland's north coast are Shetland and Orkney, two very special archipelagos where Scotland meets Scandinavia. If a service charge has already been added, no further tip is required. Overnight Shetland. The islanders themselves feel a strong local identity and you can be guaranteed a warm island welcome and some fantastic local fresh food. Find out everything you need to know about planning a trip to Scotland's incredible Northern Isles. The Shetlands were pawned for a further 8,000 florins. Available from April to October. Tour Departs: TBA hrs This means one or two nights at sea followed by sailing in Shetland and Orkney. Scapa Travel is a trading name of Scapa Travel Limited who are registered in Scotland with company number SC438791, and VAT number 115719224. Overnight: Kirkwall Hotel/Lynnfield Hotel, Kirkwall (or similar) (3 nights). 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. 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. Weather permitting, enjoy a welcome drink on the small terrace, which overlooks the distinctive pagoda-roof of the neighbours: the Highland Park distillery. Accept. It was raided by Norsemen in the 12th Century. Spirit of Discovery departing Dover. I have never been that far north before. Today we leave Orkney and head north to Shetland. Take the opportunity to visit one of Orkneys smaller isles. Shetland Islands Map - Scotland, United Kingdom - Mapcarta ORKNEY AND SHETLAND HISTORICAL - JSTOR Home 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. 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. From Glasgow and Edinburgh, we travel northwards through the Kingdom of Fife to reach Dundee, which sits overlooking the River Tay. Registered Office: Enbrook Park, Folkestone, Kent, CT20 3SE. At the ancient settlement of Jarlshof you can explore 4,000 years of human history. Shetland's council workers will not get the extra bank holiday on the Monday after King Charles's coronation. Iona AbbeyOne of Scotland's most sacred and historic sites, the Abbey was founded in 563AD and it still retains its spiritual atmosphere today. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. These treasures are of such importance that UNESCO has designated them a World Heritage site. 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. Rated 4.88 out of 5 based on 5,609 reviews. 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. High levels of cover from an award winning provider, 3-year fixed price with no tie-ins - T&Cs apply. 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. 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 . Once your unforgettable excursion comes to an end, make your way to your next base. These departure dates can be booked with flights or as land only holiday options. Saga Group Mi Analyst Salaries in Seaham, England | Glassdoor If you enjoy the art of first-class travel whilst enjoying amazing value then an Escorted Tour is just for you. Experience the unique islands of Shetland and Orkney, with mysterious prehistoric sites, natural wonders and breathtaking scenery waiting around every corner. Overnight Shetland. If you wish to combine these categories or perhaps upgrade for a special occasion let us know in your enquiry. 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. In nearby Scalloway an excellent museum tells the story of the top-secret WWII Shetland Bus operation. Uncover Orkney's Ancient Secrets. You will not be able to use this site without JavaScript. On many tours youll have the chance to personalise your touring experience by participating in some carefully planned optional excursions. 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. This iconic sea stack is only a few hundred years old. Come explor. Day 9. 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.