From 799pp. Wildflowers bloom throughout the summer, covering the green cliffs with colour and the exquisite . The thousands of prehistoric Neolithic sites which have survived to tell their tale at the Heart of Neolithic Orkney UNESCO world heritage site are both spectacular and mysterious. Orkney and Shetland are a haven for wildlife. menu. Our latest all-balcony boutique ship launched in the summer of 2021. Thousands of seabirds including gannets, guillemots and kittiwakes nest and feed in the Noss Nature Reserve. The unspoilt landscape of Shetland has a rugged beauty shaped by the sea at the end of the last Ice Age. Overnight Orkney. Rated 4.88 out of 5 based on 5,609 reviews. Double room - this is a room for two people sharing one large bed. On Mainland . Visit the Bishops and Earls Palaces where you can learn of a time when Orkney was part of the Norse-held kingdom of Nordreyjar. We will hold your data securely within our organisation, McKinlay Kidd Limited. If you go above this allowance you may have to pay tax or duty. From getting to know you by name to remembering your favourite drink at the bar, youll always receive personal, attentive service. The Orkney Islands constitute a council area and belong to the historic county of Orkney. And as more than fifth of our guests cruise solo, youll always be in good company. CrimeMost destinations are generally trouble-free, however as with all places that you are not familiar with, keep an eye on your belongings and if necessary lock them away somewhere safe back at your hotel if possible. Everything's taken care of on a Saga escorted tour, so you can see and do more. You are able to walk in and out and around them, just imagining how people used to survive here. We will communicate with you from time to time about our products and services, similar to those currently featured on our website. Many coaches are equipped with WiFi too. They left carvings behind which are considered to be some of the finest examples of runic inscriptions in the World. All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. 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. Youll find comfortable public areas with free Wi-Fi, as well as a cosy bar, and handy drying facilities, too. 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). Calls cost 7p per minute plus your phone companys access charge. 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. Be inspired by local artisans from jewellery-making to storytelling, the creative spirit on these islands has thrived for thousands of years. After breakfast, we travel to the very south of the mainland to visit Jarlshof, where waves of settlers lived for more than 4,000 years. Registered Office: Enbrook Park, Folkestone, Kent, CT20 3SE. Explore the islands' Norse heritage on a coach holiday, where the sound of fiddles can still be heard drifting through the fresh air. Tour Returns: TBA hrs. 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. On arrival, we visit Sumburgh Head RSPB reserve. Arrive into Lerwick, Shetland early this morning. 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. Free time will let you explore Kirkwall and St Magnus Cathedral before setting sail for the mainland. You will travel aboard a state of the art motorcoach with air-conditioning, reclining seats, oversized windows and emergency washroom. Tallest Sea Cliffs in Britain. You could visit the mighty Cathedral of St Mangus, which was begun in 1137. Enjoy a complimentary chauffeur service, wines, premium spirits, speciality dining, gratuities, Wi-Fi and travel insurance. With their northerly location, the best time to visit is between March and November, with the long days of summer a particularly appealing time. Spot dolphins and porpoises in the coastal waters, or breeding seabirds such as puffins and guillemots at Hermaness Nature Reserve. Contact us via email: All packages that include flights are ATOL protected. Arrive into Lerwick, Shetland early this morning. 7 miles (12km) with 1,360 feet (420m) of ascent. ARE YOU A SOLO TRAVELLER WILLING TO SHARE? Wild Atlantic Way Discover Cork & Kerry, North Highlands & Orkney Guided Rail Tour, Loch Ness, The Jacobite & Skye Guided Rail Tour, Don't just take our word for it, read independent reviews, Exploring ancient civilisations in Orkney, The Best of Scotlands Highlands & Islands. 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. These tours are inclusive of superior tourist class accommodation, transportation, selected admission fees and many meals. Enjoy 4 days (3 nights) in Shetland. These cliffs are bursting with an extraordinary range of wildlife, such as seals, puffins, gannets and whales. Another day you might head for South Ronaldsay now connected by the famous Churchill Barriers to the Mainland. We will discover more about this rather unpleasant character and his tyrannical ways during our visit. 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. Just a short flight from mainland UK and accessible from a wide range of regional airports. Outer two berth cabins included on the Orkney to Shetland and Shetland to Aberdeen crossings. Discover their all-balcony cabins, huge choice of included speciality restaurants and bars, and an outdoor lido with a full wraparound deck. 8 nights from. 01273 823 700 . At 1,475 feet (450m) this is Shetlands highest peak. On many tours youll have the chance to personalise your touring experience by participating in some carefully planned optional excursions. 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. Tour Details. Walking is a wonderful way to discover the Orkney Islands. Its difficult not to be inspired by sweeping panoramic views as you stroll along deserted white sandy beaches or gaze up at dramatic sea cliffs created by fierce volcanic eruptions and the ravages of the North Sea. View our privacy policy. This amazingly well-preserved village was built 5,000 years ago. 638 ratings70 reviews. A key event in the global calendar, the annual Up Helly Aa Winter Fire . Scapa Travel is a trading name of Scapa Travel Limited who are registered in Scotland with company number SC438791, and VAT number 115719224. Jersey; Guernsey; Herm, Sark & Alderney; Isles of Scilly; Isle of Wight ; Isle of Man ; Shetland & Orkney Islands ; North America. 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. Advertised flight prices are based on UK flights departing from London. 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). Day 9. At Aberdeen Harbour, we join the Northlink ferry for the overnight crossing to Shetland. Orkney Islands, group of more than 70 islands and isletsonly about 20 of which are inhabitedin Scotland, lying about 20 miles (32 km) north of the Scottish mainland, across the strait known as the Pentland Firth. 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. Over 4,000 years old, discoveries here include everything from Stone Age settlements and Bronze Age dwellings to Norse longhouses and medieval farms. The Tower has been restored over the past century, however not all of the original structure still remains. Our smaller ships are the perfect choice if youre cruising solo. This expanse of water has played witness to some monumental events. A stunning six day private tour from Inverness through the Highlands to the Northern Isles of Orkney and Shetland. Shes the beautiful sister to Spirit of Discovery, but has a whole host of surprises of her own, including exciting new restaurants. 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. 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. We will never share your data with third parties for marketing purposes. Our journey continues through the fertile farmland of Angus to reach the granite city of Aberdeen by late afternoon. Its a great way to make new friends! The Old Man of Hoy. Scalloway CastleWhen visiting the Shetland Isles, why not visit Scalloway Castle? The Shetlands were pawned for a further 8,000 florins. 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. Pop into the Shetland Crofthouse Museum in Dunrossness, a restored 19th century Shetland croft which was inhabited until the 1960s. Our sociable ships have been designed with more than 100 single balcony cabins, the widest selection on the ocean wave. 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. Some cruises also incorporate the Faroe Isles. In certain locations youll may be joined by a local guide who will provide local insight and show you the highlights. 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. Outside these hours you can email one of our team atreservations@hfholidays.co.uk, or make a booking online. Your hotel is an historic building, complete with nooks and crannies, winding corridors, steep steps, creaky floorboards and supposedly a resident ghost. (Do find time to pop in for a tour of the traditional whisky making process.) Enjoy a relaxing break over the May Day Bank Holiday; Join ORCA on deck of Bolette to spot whales ; We will make it easy for you to opt-out of receiving communications, to check what data we hold on you or to request us to delete your data altogether. Today you'll be heading south to experience remarkable heritage sites. Simply pop your details in the box below for the latest news, travel advice, destination inspiration, and special offers delivered straight to your inbox. 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. 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. 9 miles (14km) with 760 feet (230m) of ascent. Travel by overnight ferry to Lerwick, the capital of Shetland, arriving at 0730 and enjoy a leisurely breakfast on board before disembarking. 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. Buy your own drinks and keep sight of them at all times. From 2,345 7 days ex flights. For group bookings of 10+ people click here. The islands are a birdwatchers' paradise and one of the major seabird breeding and feeding areas in the North Atlantic. 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. 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. A holiday to the islands of Orkney and Shetland has it all. Find out more in our Shetland travel guide. Weve had a long love affair with Orkneys family-run Merkister Hotel, not least for its enviable setting on the shores of Harray Loch. Today we leave Orkney and head north to Shetland. 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. Your leader will be in reception at 18:30 to give you a quick introduction to the holiday before dinner. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. The Ring of Brodgar in the Heart of Neolithic Orkney. 895 per person for March, 945 per person for April & October, 985 per person for May & September and 1015 per person for June to August. As you sail below, the screeching is deafening, and youll feel very outnumbered, a stranger invading their territory. The ultimate collection of European cycling holidays. Inspiring options. Arrive on Orkney and settle in to the Merkister Hotel. Please contact us for information on child prices. Discover your ideal travel experience. These mysterious stone circles are amongst the most significant in Europe and are some 5,000 years old. If you are happy with the details you have provided above then click Submit Form to send us your enquiry. We arrive in Lerwick around 07:30 hrs. Copyright 2016 - 2023 Scapa Travel. With 70 magical islands its difficult to know where to begin. Dine on fresh seafood in cosmopolitan Kirkwall and Lerwick, and enjoy an extensive local craft culture. Our packages include car rental and comprehensive insurance for the duration of your holiday. Its the most southerly point of mainland Shetland and where thousands of species of seabird come ashore to nest on the cliffs.