All rights reserved. At the ancient settlement of Jarlshof you can explore 4,000 years of human history. Keep an eye on everyone in your party and do not go off with people you do not know. A genuine feel pervades this small family owned hotel, located on the edge of Kirkwall. It's a convenient crossing point for otters too, who, in these islands, are sea-dwelling. The landscape is wild and remote and, outside of the . Designed with our guests in mind, our modern sister ships offer small-ship luxury with a private balcony for every guest. Be inspired by local artisans from jewellery-making to storytelling, the creative spirit on these islands has thrived for thousands of years. Island hop the wild Scottish Northern Isles on this week's holiday to Orkney and Shetland From 895 to 1015 7 days ex flights. Please note: All fields marked * are required, Please select a date or 1-2 months if flexible. 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. This iconic sea stack is only a few hundred years old. Photo: Lis Burke, CC BY-SA 2.0. 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 . Just a short flight from mainland UK and accessible from a wide range of regional airports. Orkney, an ancient cluster of 70 islands brimming with history and dramatic coastlines, lie off the north west coast of Scotland. The nearby seaport of Stromness is famed for the Pier Arts Centre which showcases the work of artists and sculptors from Orkney and beyond. 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 Shetland, inter-island ferry travel is operated by the council , while Orkney Ferries connect the archipelago's 13 island destinations. The Tower has been restored over the past century, however not all of the original structure still remains. 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. On arrival, we visit Sumburgh Head RSPB reserve. Shetland - South Mainland. Trade Login Contact 08444 937 531 Destinations UK & Channel Islands. On Mainland . These tours are carefully researched and combine quality hotels, luxury travel, informative visits and leisure time. Your hotel is a short drive away from the ferry port, in the islands capital, Kirkwall. You could visit the mighty Cathedral of St Mangus, which was begun in 1137. Highlights of Orkney and Shetland6 day/5 night. You will not be able to use this site without JavaScript. Rated 4.88 out of 5 based on 5,609 reviews. A BSpoke Tour is all about being as restful or as adventurous as you desire. Discover what makes the perfect boutique cruise experience, every time. Any additional charge for the single supplement will be confirmed at the point of final payment and bookings are accepted on this understanding. It lay covered for centuries, if not millennia, before a sandstorm in the 1920s revealed the amazing ruins. The restaurant prides itself on local produce, prepared to make the most of the fresh flavours. Popular attractions Orkney Wireless Museum and St. Magnus Cathedral are located . It is a wonderful way to get a real feel for both the culture and the wildlife of these islands, with knowledgeable guides on hand to inform. Once checked-in onboard head to your comfortable twin-berth cabin with en-suite bathroom or enjoy time exploring the ship's many facilities. 01273 823 700 . 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. One of the most beautiful and rugged of the Orkney Islands, Hoy is much more akin to the Scottish Highlands than the rolling countryside and crofts found across the archipelago. 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. The islands geographic location makes it a crossroad for wildlife. Where Scotland meets Scandinavia, this wild and remote corner of northern Britain is truly remarkable. 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 . (Do find time to pop in for a tour of the traditional whisky making process.) Stay at this 3-star hotel in Kirkwall. In nearby Scalloway an excellent museum tells the story of the top-secret WWII Shetland Bus operation. Prepare for cool windy weather so that you can take time to enjoy the amazing archeology you visit. Orkney is a land of opportunity forged by 5,000 years of unique history. Outstanding scenery, exceptional wildlife, ancient history, traditional crafts and world-class diving. If you're flying here, public bus services connect with all the main airports in Scotland too. Although a remote wilderness, there is a lot to do in Shetland, Orkney and the Hebrides. The Norsmen left their mark on the islands and some of the Norse legends and customs are still kept alive during festivals . Wilderness England creates incredible journeys to the wild and magical outdoor spaces across Yorkshire, the Lake District, Northumberland, the Cotswolds and the Peak District. 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. Time to return home. Known as the Churchill Barriers, we will use these causeways to reach the little island of Lamb Holm. We also offer a fly-drive holiday as an alternative way to visit Orkney & Shetland. While most tour operators use hotels around the capital, Lerwick, we choose to stay somewhere you can really appreciate Shetlands remote beauty. We suggest an early start today - there's a lot to fit in! As you sail below, the screeching is deafening, and youll feel very outnumbered, a stranger invading their territory. 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. VAT Number 125 4899 87. Weather permitting, enjoy a welcome drink on the small terrace, which overlooks the distinctive pagoda-roof of the neighbours: the Highland Park distillery. Find out everything you need to know about planning a trip to Scotland's incredible Northern Isles. 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. 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. Overnight Orkney, Take the opportunity to visit one of Orkneys smaller isles. These unassuming islands have a truly magical quality, and civilisation has thrived here for millennia. Finally, a laird's house was constructed on the site in the 1600s. 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. Our newsletter features exciting new itineraries, blog posts from the team, and fabulous competitions. 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 . 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. Tour Details. If a service charge has already been added, no further tip is required. Last month I was in Orkney for the first time. 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. But forget the . There will be a stop where can enjoy time off the coach and buy refreshments. The UKs bestselling monthly subscription magazine. If you fancy some retail therapy, Kirkwall has a wealth of independent shops and craftworkers studios to be explored. Sign up for latest offers and top sellers. Accept. Enjoy a complimentary chauffeur service, wines, premium spirits, speciality dining, gratuities, Wi-Fi and travel insurance. Sign up for our newsletter and unlock exclusive tips and inspiration from our team of travel specialists. 2,268. Today you'll be heading south to experience remarkable heritage sites. 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. Overnight Orkney. Many coaches are equipped with WiFi too. Nowhere else in Britain, and hardly anywhere else in Europe, can you get so close, so easily, to so many seabirds. enquiries@absoluteescapes.com. Our first visits are to the Ring of Brodgar and the Standing Stones of Stenness. Buses and trains to Orkney. 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. 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. The islands are a birdwatchers' paradise and one of the major seabird breeding and feeding areas in the North Atlantic. Embark on an all-inclusive cruise to Scotland in 2023 to visit Invergordon, gateway to the Highlands, Urquhart Castle and Loch Ness, and the fishing town of Scrabster, set close to the famous village of John O'Groats. Exciting destinations. Youll find comfortable public areas with free Wi-Fi, as well as a cosy bar, and handy drying facilities, too. 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. Built in 1600, this castle was once the home of the Earl of Orkney. This morning you will enjoy a real treat a wildlife boat trip. 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. I flew from Glasgow to Kirkwall, the main town, instead of tak Reg No: 250017 | VAT No: 817 0144 57 | Copyright McKinlay Kidd Ltd 2023. Fiercely independent and sprinkled with Scandinavian tradition, this pair of wild windswept archipelagos offer an island-hopping holiday that ticks-off squawking seabird . Day 5. Discover more at the visitor centre which provides touch-screen presentations and a wide range of artefacts that have excavated from the site. 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. This means one or two nights at sea followed by sailing in Shetland and Orkney. Where Scotland meets Scandinavia, this wild and remote corner of northern Britain is truly remarkable. Ayre Road, Kirkwall, Scotland, KW15 1QX. 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. 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. These are at additional expense and, if available, details will be provided with your tour documentation. Overnight Shetland. The best time to visit is during what Shetlanders call the . 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. 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. Archaeological Treasures of Orkney and Shetland, Location:Northlink Ferry (1); Busta, Shetland Islands (1) and Kirkwall, Orkney islands (3), Admission to Scalloway Castle, Jarlshof, Ring of Brodgar, Stenness Standing Stones, Maeshowe, Skara Brae and Italian Chapel, Touring by luxury air-conditioned coach with reclining seats, All baggage handling and hotel tips are included, Services throughout the tour of a professional Tour Director. Highlights of Orkney & Shetland. Group transfer to Sumburgh airport for your return flight. 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. Excellent array of hotels and self-catering options across Jersey and Guernsey. With a strong norse influence, these island groups provide a surprisingly contrasting cultural experience when compared to the Hebrides. In certain locations youll may be joined by a local guide who will provide local insight and show you the highlights. Youre also sure to come across plenty of roaming Shetland ponies on your travels. Be aware of your surroundings and don't venture off on your own. We will communicate with you from time to time about our products and services, similar to those currently featured on our website. We then rejoin our transport for the scenic transfer to Busta House. These cliffs are bursting with an extraordinary range of wildlife, such as seals, puffins, gannets and whales.

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