Registered Office: Enbrook Park, Folkestone, Kent, CT20 3SE. We are obliged to maintain a high standard of service to you by ABTA's Code of Conduct. Come explor. Orkney & Shetland Self-drive | McKinlay Kidd | AITO This means one or two nights at sea followed by sailing in Shetland and Orkney. 8 nights from. 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. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Explore the islands' Norse heritage on a coach holiday, where the sound of fiddles can still be heard drifting through the fresh air. 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. Orkney & Shetland Islands - About Argyll Walking Holidays We then rejoin our transport for the scenic transfer to Busta House. How do I get there? Rated 4.88 out of 5 based on 5,609 reviews. 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). It's a similar story by rail, with trains available to both Aberdeen . A collection of quality 4* Guest Houses and 3* Hotels often located in beautiful locations which provide an excellent standard of accommodation. We love the opportunity to use our first-hand knowledge and experience to design and deliver the perfect, bespoke holiday experience for you. Designed with our guests in mind, our modern sister ships offer small-ship luxury with a private balcony for every guest. We'll always treat your personal details with the utmost care. Discover our last-minute, luxury, all-inclusive, and many other incredible cruise deals. Shetland travel guide - Responsible Travel 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. 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. These are wonderfully charming and intimate and run with great flair by their owners. Make the most of your time on the islands on this carefully-curated itinerary accessible by flight from central Scotland. Inspiring options. Excellent, informative, enjoyable tour. Shetland & Orkney Holiday 2023 & 2024 | Self-Drive Road Trip It was raided by Norsemen in the 12th Century. Our packages include car rental and comprehensive insurance for the duration of your holiday. It's a favourite with twitchers, who flock here to enjoy sensational seabird colonies and rare species. Uncover Orkney's Ancient Secrets. It took 300 years to complete and is one of the finest examples of Norman architecture in Europe. We will discover more about this rather unpleasant character and his tyrannical ways during our visit. You could visit the mighty Cathedral of St Mangus, which was begun in 1137. At 1,475 feet (450m) this is Shetlands highest peak. The Norsmen left their mark on the islands and some of the Norse legends and customs are still kept alive during festivals . Welcome to life in the easy lane. We can book package holidays including flights from the UK, hotel accommodation and car hire. Indulge in a delicious fish and chip lunch overlooking the sea in Brae. Cabin upgrades may also be available on request. Thousands of seabirds including gannets, guillemots and kittiwakes nest and feed in the Noss Nature Reserve. More likely we will be sailing for part of a night or a very early/late start and a long day. When's the best time to visit? The largest town, Lerwick, is closer to Norway than to Edinburgh, and culturally and geographically they feel more Norse than Scottish. In certain locations youll may be joined by a local guide who will provide local insight and show you the highlights. Walking is a wonderful way to discover the Orkney Islands. The breadth of history to be discovered here is without parallel in Scotland and is sure to amaze you. Overnight Orkney. In no time youll be sailing away to one unforgettable destination after another. Highlights of Orkney & Shetland. 10 Favourite Books about Shetland - Shetland Wool Adventures In a land that's been largely tamed, they remain rare unspoiled outposts of rugged coastline and remote beauty. Accept. 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. Easy to download as a PDF, our trip notes provide detailed information for every holiday. All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. On many tours youll have the chance to personalise your touring experience by participating in some carefully planned optional excursions. Please choose from one of our accommodation categories below. Outside these hours you can email one of our team atreservations@hfholidays.co.uk, or make a booking online. Warner Bros. Outer two berth cabins included on the Orkney to Shetland and Shetland to Aberdeen crossings. Travel to Orkney by ferry from Caithness, on the north coast of Scotland, with the crossing taking just under an hour. Shetland: The northernmost part of the UK, Shetland is wild, rugged and beautiful. 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 . All included in the price. From 799pp. 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. In West Mainland, dont miss the hauntingly beautiful Heart of Neolithic Orkney UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy 4 days (3 nights) in Shetland. 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 innovative Shetland Museum and Archives tells the fascinating story of these islands and is well worth visiting. Norway To Orkney Sailing In The Wake Of The Vikings - SchoonerSail In each case, it is not necessarily added to the bill. Wildlife watching here is superb. Earl Sigurd takes control. In Shetland, inter-island ferry travel is operated by the council , while Orkney Ferries connect the archipelago's 13 island destinations. A holiday to the islands of Orkney and Shetland has it all. The Ayre Hotel. Explore prehistoric sites and experience a very different way of life. 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. The Tower has been restored over the past century, however not all of the original structure still remains. Group transfer to Sumburgh airport for your return flight. 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 . 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. Explore Shetland & Orkney by Motorhome To purchase a policy speak to your insurance broker or undertake a search on-line. Wherever you cruise on Spirit of Adventure and Spirit of Discovery, youll always step aboard here in the UK. Scotland's Northern Isles by Motorhome. Registered in England, number 5713R. We also offer a fly-drive holiday as an alternative way to visit Orkney & Shetland. Overnight Shetland. Excellent and Friendly Staff!! The last part of the journey takes us through the Kingdom of Fife and across the Forth Estuary into Edinburgh. 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. We arrive in Lerwick around 07:30 hrs. Sign up for latest offers and top sellers. We use your data to prepare holiday proposals and to make bookings for you if you choose to go ahead. Cycling for Softies is a luxury cycling tour operator providing gourmet cycling adventures in France and Italy. 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. Available Until September 2023. Saga Group Mi Analyst Salaries in Seaham, England | Glassdoor All rights reserved. High levels of cover from an award winning provider, 3-year fixed price with no tie-ins - T&Cs apply. Shetland & Orkney Island - Premier Holidays Travel to the wild and glorious peninsula of Northmavine. Our first walk on Orkney follows a clifftop coastal path from Marwick Bay to the Brough of Birsay, overlooking RSPB Marwick Head reserve. Studio Tour London - Harry Potter, Peaky Blinders Filming Location Tours 2023. 9 miles (15.5 km) with 1,280 feet (380m) of ascent. There are so many reasons why Saga stands out from other cruise lines. Highlights of Orkney & Shetland - DC Thomson Travel EU nationals need to have either a valid passport or identity card.Visas for the UK are not required by those travelling from Australia, Canada, USA or EU for stays of up to six months.Any other nationality looking to visit the UK must contact the local embassy to check visa requirements. The History of the Orkney and Shetland Isles We then have two full days to tour Shetland. Overnight Orkney, Take the opportunity to visit one of Orkneys smaller isles. Spend some time exploring this fascinating seaport where you could visit. Uncover hidden gems and holiday inspiration from our team of travel specialists. Shetland and the Tall Ships. 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 . 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. ABTA and ABTA Members help holidaymakers to get the most from their travel and assist them when things do not go according to plan. This mysterious place of long days and colourful night skies is home to a wealth of sea life and sea birds, not . 9 miles (14km) with 1,060 feet (320m) of ascent. A quick introduction. Our home for tonight is in the delightful village of Bray which overlooks Busta Voe. 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. Go Scotland Tours is offering a private guided tour combining the Western Isles of Skye, Harris and Lewis with Orkney. 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. Written around AD 1200 by an unnamed Icelandic author, the Orkneyinga Saga is an intriguing fusion of myth, legend and history. The holiday ideas on our website are just examples of the amazing trips we offer. 2 miles (3km) with 200 feet (60m) of ascent. The expedition starts in Oban and we sail, via the scenic and bird-rich island of Handa, to the enchanting Orkney Islands. Our destination is Lerwick, the island's attractive capital. USA. Spend two days exploring some of the many island treasures, including Scalloway Castle and Jarlshof, an outstanding example of a prehistoric and Norse settlement. 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. These tours are immensely popular so expect to be travelling in the company of like-minded travellers from around the world. Please see Terms and Conditions for further details. The landscape is wild and remote and, outside of the . 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. Calls cost 7p per minute plus your phone companys access charge. The beautiful Cairngorms National Park will bring us to the Pass of Drumocher and Highland Perthshire beyond. See the Tall Ships in Lerwick. 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. Dine on fresh seafood in cosmopolitan Kirkwall and Lerwick, and enjoy an extensive local craft culture. Shetland - South Mainland. 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. More details & Book Bank Holiday Escape to Scenic Scotland . 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 . Honest and easy 2 minute travel guide including what makes Shetland Islands so special as well as map and highlights. Arrive in Aberdeen at 0700 and enjoy breakfast on board before disembarking and continuing your onward journey. Later you could take a 10 minute ferry journey to the Isle of Bressay to explore the rich natural heritage and incredible wildlife. 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. These unique islands are home to some of the most breathtaking coastal scenery to be found anywhere in Britain. Faroe Islands Cruise Tour: Shetland & Orkney Islands | National 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. 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. To prevent further attacks, a series of four barriers were constructed using Italian prisoners of war. Please contact us for more details. Starts from: Edinburgh. It is worth checking the HM Revenues and Customs website before you travel. There will be a stop where can enjoy time off the coach and buy refreshments. Please note: All fields marked * are required, Please select a date or 1-2 months if flexible. Spend two days exploring some of the many island treasures, including Scalloway Castle and Jarlshof, an outstanding example of . With 70 magical islands its difficult to know where to begin. Some cruises also incorporate the Faroe Isles. Known as the Churchill Barriers, we will use these causeways to reach the little island of Lamb Holm. The islands are also blessed with an extraordinary natural beauty. Florida; Las Vegas & The West . Orkneyinga saga - Wikipedia But the surrounding dwellings and outbuildings date from thousands of years earlier. 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. Let Scapa Travel use their extensive local knowledge to create a memorable holiday, tailored specifically for you. Orkney, an ancient cluster of 70 islands brimming with history and dramatic coastlines, lie off the north west coast of Scotland. 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. Next, sail southwards to reach the Orkney Islands, where we'll discover the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, a UNESCO World Heritage site that includes Skara Brae, Maeshowe and the Ring of Brodgar Stone Circle. Jarlshof - explore this historic site, where people lived for more than 4,000 years, to see outstanding examples of Bronze Age and Viking houses, Scalloway - tour through this attractive fishing port that was once the island capital to visit the imposing ruins of 17th Century Scalloway Castle, Maeshowe - investigate this impressive chambered tomb and see the Viking graffiti left 1,000 years ago, Skara Brae - discover how early man lived at this amazingly well-preserved Stone Age settlement of dwelling houses complete with beds and chairs, Kirkwall - enjoy a three-night stay in this bustling port dominated by 12th Century St Magnus Cathedral, Movie locations Moondogs, The Long Hope and The Spy in Black. Find out more in our Shetland travel guide. Theres an opportunity to learn about Shetlands heritage at the Tangwick Haa museum today as we circumnavigate the beautiful Eshaness peninsula. 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. An experienced tour manager will lead the tour and your coach will be expertly driven by a professional driver. I have never been that far north before. 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. Your hotel is a short drive away from the ferry port, in the islands capital, Kirkwall. Holidays In The UK For Over 50s - 2022/23 l Saga Travel For anyone easily seduced by big skies, sea views, and wide-open spaces, Orkney is always a good idea. We only share data with business partners where it is necessary to fulfil our service. 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. Thats why all of the accommodation we select is hand-picked using our first-hand knowledge of the best places to stay.