saga holidays orkney and shetland

Wildlife watching here is superb. A quick introduction. 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. Popular attractions Orkney Wireless Museum and St. Magnus Cathedral are located . In West Mainland, dont miss the hauntingly beautiful Heart of Neolithic Orkney UNESCO World Heritage Site. Beautiful beaches, stunning cliffs, ancient settlements and wonderful wildlife-spotting opportunities - Shetland has a lot to offer. We depart Aberdeen at 19:00 hrs, and a short time later, dinner will be served in the ship's restaurant. 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. It's a short drive to our hotel for the next three nights. 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. A key event in the global calendar, the annual Up Helly Aa Winter Fire . Only a 20 minute drive from Lerwick, you can discover the ruins of Scalloway Castle, visit Scalloway Museum, or enjoy a stroll through the picturesque harbour. Orkney boasts inspirational landscapes where verdant fields stretch down to pristine beaches and dramatic seas crash against towering cliffs. A BSpoke Tour is all about being as restful or as adventurous as you desire. Our sociable ships have been designed with more than 100 single balcony cabins, the widest selection on the ocean wave. Orkney & Shetland Guided Small Group Tour - McKinlay Kidd Highlights of Orkney and Shetland6 day/5 night. All sorts of nature abound here, from seals and otters to ponies and hundreds of birds, making it a wildlife lover's paradise. Orkneyjar - Viking Orkney - The Beginning of the Earldom ARE YOU A SOLO TRAVELLER WILLING TO SHARE? To help us reduce spam, please tick the reCAPTCHA field. Shetland Islands Tours/Holidays - DC Thomson Travel Soak up the history and imagine life in eras gone by! Shetland is home to a world-class diversity of wildlife, from puffins and seals to purpoises and even whales. 10 Favourite Books about Shetland - Shetland Wool Adventures Check-in: TBA hrs Find out more in our Shetland travel guide. Once we make landfall expect day sailing among the islands and skerries. Topped by a prehistoric chambered burial cairn, the summit offers a breathtaking panorama across this ice-carved landscape. These treasures are of such importance that UNESCO has designated them a World Heritage site. 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 . Fair Isle | Shetland.org It's a convenient crossing point for otters too, who, in these islands, are sea-dwelling. Read 20 . The best time to visit is during what Shetlanders call the . Available from April to October. Our latest all-balcony boutique ship launched in the summer of 2021. We strongly recommend that you have travel insurance in place for your trip to Scotland, especially if you are visiting from overseas. Today we explore the heart of Neolithic Orkney. Studio Tour London - Harry Potter, Peaky Blinders Filming Location Tours 2023. Entry RequirementsWhen travelling between the UK, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man in most cases an official form of identification such as a Driver's License will be ok. Orkney and Shetland, off the north coast of Scotland. P&O Iona; Anthem of the Seas; Regal Princess; MSC Virtuosa; Queen Mary 2 . Photo: Lis Burke, CC BY-SA 2.0. 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. Think of this itinerary as a starting point which can be tailored into something completely unique to you by our award-winning specialists. Booking holidays since 1939, ATOL Protected. Tours of Shetland and Orkney Islands - Scotland Tours It is worth checking the HM Revenues and Customs website before you travel. 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. 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. The nearby seaport of Stromness is famed for the Pier Arts Centre which showcases the work of artists and sculptors from Orkney and beyond. Our full season of 2023 cruises and early 2024 cruises are on sale now. Fred Olsen. Scapa Travel is a trading name of Scapa Travel Limited who are registered in Scotland with company number SC438791, and VAT number 115719224. Our journey continues through the fertile farmland of Angus to reach the granite city of Aberdeen by late afternoon. This will ensure that we can improve the experience for all our future guests. Keep an eye on everyone in your party and do not go off with people you do not know. Orkneyinga Saga: The History of the Earls of Orkney - Goodreads Overnight Orkney. Uncover Orkneys Ancient Secrets - Shearings The Ring of Brodgar in the Heart of Neolithic Orkney. While most tour operators use hotels around the capital, Lerwick, we choose to stay somewhere you can really appreciate Shetlands remote beauty. 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). Youre also sure to come across plenty of roaming Shetland ponies on your travels. If you fancy sampling the local water of life, why not take a tour at the. An experienced tour manager will lead the tour and your coach will be expertly driven by a professional driver. 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! 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. As you sail below, the screeching is deafening, and youll feel very outnumbered, a stranger invading their territory. Jersey; Guernsey; Herm, Sark & Alderney; Isles of Scilly; Isle of Wight ; Isle of Man ; Shetland & Orkney Islands ; North America. Look out for the lighthouse, opened in 1929 its powerful light can be seen from 46 km away. This 16th century lairds manor has bags of historic charm, as well as a roaring fireplace for chilly days, and a well-stocked whisky selection. It lay covered for centuries, if not millennia, before a sandstorm in the 1920s revealed the amazing ruins. Judi Florence Self Guided - The West Highland Way Reviewed on 08/10/2018. Only a short distance away is Sumburgh Head Nature Reserve with its famous lighthouse overlooking the cliffs. 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. A stunning six day private tour from Inverness through the Highlands to the Northern Isles of Orkney and Shetland. Spirit of Adventure departing Dover. 2 miles (3km) with 200 feet (60m) of ascent. Travel by overnight ferry to Lerwick, the capital of Shetland, arriving at 0730 and enjoy a leisurely breakfast on board before disembarking. Later you could take a 10 minute ferry journey to the Isle of Bressay to explore the rich natural heritage and incredible wildlife. Highlights of Orkney and Shetland - 6 day tour - Scottish Tours Scapa Travel sells travel services on behalf of Hays Travel Limited and benefits from Hays Travel's membership of ABTA with membership number P8418. Over 4,000 years old, discoveries here include everything from Stone Age settlements and Bronze Age dwellings to Norse longhouses and medieval farms. Finally, a laird's house was constructed on the site in the 1600s. 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. 01273 823 700 . The ultimate collection of European cycling holidays. Join us on a magnificent expedition cruise to the Orkney, Shetland and Faroe Islands on board Le Boreal. The landscape is wild and remote and, outside of the . From jagged cliffs to unspoilt beaches and stone circles left by settlers some 4,000 years ago, the region is steeped in age-old history. Free time will let you explore Kirkwall and St Magnus Cathedral before setting sail for the mainland. Its a great way to make new friends! An interesting tour, with lots of great historical commentary and beautiful landscapes. For group bookings of 10+ people click here. Our ships are smaller, but wonderfully spacious. 2023 HF Holidays Limited. A selection of cruises incorporating the islands are available, with ports of call including Stornoway (Isle of Lewis) and Kirkwall (Isle of Orkney), as well as Edinburgh. Your hotel is an historic building, complete with nooks and crannies, winding corridors, steep steps, creaky floorboards and supposedly a resident ghost. Find out everything you need to know about planning a trip to Scotland's incredible Northern Isles. In Kirkwall you will find a bustling and friendly town with a great selection of restaurants, pubs, and local art shops, as well as the most northerly cathedral in Britain dating back to the 12th century. To purchase a policy speak to your insurance broker or undertake a search on-line. Available Until September 2023. Iona AbbeyOne of Scotland's most sacred and historic sites, the Abbey was founded in 563AD and it still retains its spiritual atmosphere today. 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. You could visit the mighty Cathedral of St Mangus, which was begun in 1137. 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). Explore archaeological wonders such as Skara Brae, Jarlshof, the Ring of Brodgar, and the Standing Stones of Stenness. Uncover hidden gems and holiday inspiration from our team of travel specialists. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. 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. Here we will have some free time to explore this charming town with its stone-paved alleys, granite houses and independent shops. From Glasgow and Edinburgh, we travel northwards through the Kingdom of Fife to reach Dundee, which sits overlooking the River Tay. Borealis. 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. Available May 2023. Jna Sparey has been organising and conducting tours to Iceland - her Mother's homeland - and to many other places around the world since 1985. Built in 1600, this castle was once the home of the Earl of Orkney. It makes everything so easy, especially when youre chauffeur driven from your own front door. We arrive in Lerwick around 07:30 hrs. Shetland Islands Map - Scotland, United Kingdom - Mapcarta Some cruises also incorporate the Faroe Isles. 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. Its just six miles from Skara Brae and has an award-winning restaurant overlooking the loch, serving outstanding Scottish seafood and Aberdeen Angus beef. These tours are carefully researched and combine quality hotels, luxury travel, informative visits and leisure time. The Old Man of Hoy. Stay at this 3-star hotel in Kirkwall. The Ayre Hotel. 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. In 1919 the German Navy scuttled itself as a grand act of defiance and, in 1939, HMS Royal Oak was sunk here by a U-boat. Our last visit of the day is to Skara Brae. Please note: All fields marked * are required, Please select a date or 1-2 months if flexible. Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Revealed. Later, in medieval times, farmsteads were also built here. 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. 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. Enjoy 3 days (3 nights) in Orkney. We'll always treat your personal details with the utmost care. Read more, Need something more tailored? Discover your ideal travel experience. Photo: juvlai, CC BY-SA 2.0. Shetland and Orkney Islands Tour from Inverness - The Hebridean Explorer Meanwhile, the rich ancient history and numerous archaeological sites offer a fascinating glimpse into the past, with many details of life preserved. Visit the Bishops and Earls Palaces where you can learn of a time when Orkney was part of the Norse-held kingdom of Nordreyjar. On arrival at Gills Bay, we join the famous North Coast 500 route as we make the coastal drive southwards across the Dornoch and Cromarty Firths towards Inverness. Tour Departs: TBA hrs Also includes hotels in Alderney, Sark and Herm, plus the Isle of Wight, Isles of Scilly, Isle of Man and Shetland & Orkney Islands. 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. Continue to the rugged Shetland archipelago to visit Lerwick as it hosts the annual Tall Ships Races. Enchanting Orkney is a smorgasbord of must-see sites and cultural attractions scattered across70 islands. Explore the islands' Norse heritage on a coach holiday, where the sound of fiddles can still be heard drifting through the fresh air. 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. 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. If you enjoy the art of first-class travel whilst enjoying amazing value then an Escorted Tour is just for you. Usually the coach will arrive at the overnight stop between 16:30 and 17:00 hrs each day. Its name, meaning Earls House, was bestowed by Sir Walter Scott when he used the ruins of the sixteenth century lairds house as a fictional setting. Wildflowers bloom throughout the summer, covering the green cliffs with colour and the exquisite . Fiercely independent and sprinkled with Scandinavian tradition, this pair of wild windswept archipelagos offer an island-hopping holiday that ticks-off squawking seabird . Departing by Coach. Take in the breathtaking Old Man of Hoy a 450 foot sea stack and perhaps Orkneys most famous landmark. Make the most of your time on the islands on this carefully-curated itinerary accessible by flight from central Scotland. When's the best time to visit? 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. Experience the unique islands of Shetland and Orkney, with mysterious prehistoric sites, natural wonders and breathtaking scenery waiting around every corner. 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. Consequently, bedrooms and bathrooms come in varying shapes and sizes. Accommodation on board in a double/twin en-suite outer cabin is included in the price. Orkney and the Shetland Isles | Great Rail Journeys 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. Travel to the wild and glorious peninsula of Northmavine. These range from traditional luxury to contemporary Hotels. Dinner will be served on board and we will arrive in Kirkwall around 23:00 hrs. Scattered off Scotland's northeast coast, this wild windswept archipelago offers a far-from-it-all feel just a skip away from the mainland. Orkney & Shetland Guided Island Hopping Holiday - HF Holidays Time to return home. Holidays In The UK For Over 50s - 2022/23 l Saga Travel Be inspired by local artisans from jewellery-making to storytelling, the creative spirit on these islands has thrived for thousands of years. How does the Care Funding Advice Service work? 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. High levels of cover from an award winning provider, 3-year fixed price with no tie-ins - T&Cs apply. 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. 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. Stretching off Scotland's north coast are Shetland and Orkney, two very special archipelagos where Scotland meets Scandinavia. From here you can gaze out to the Muckle Flugga lighthouse. We also analyse data in order to develop and improve our products and our service in the future. Orkney & Shetland Self-drive | McKinlay Kidd | AITO Orkney and Shetland, being the nearest western land to Norway, would be first visited. Its the most southerly point of mainland Shetland and where thousands of species of seabird come ashore to nest on the cliffs. Search. Island hop the wild Scottish Northern Isles on this week's holiday to Orkney and Shetland From 895 to 1015 7 days ex flights. 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. Does equity release affect inheritance tax. Registered office: Gilbridge House, Keel Square, Sunderland SR1 3HA. 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. 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. The holiday described is based on taking your own car, but ask us if you would like a fly-drive proposal, flying to and between the islands andhiring a car on each island. Be aware of your surroundings and don't venture off on your own. Outer two berth cabins included on the Orkney to Shetland and Shetland to Aberdeen crossings. The Shetlands were pawned for a further 8,000 florins. 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. It took 300 years to complete and is one of the finest examples of Norman architecture in Europe. 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 . The breadth of history to be discovered here is without parallel in Scotland and is sure to amaze you. Travel to Orkney by ferry from Caithness, on the north coast of Scotland, with the crossing taking just under an hour. We guarantee to refund this service charge if you believe that arranging your holiday through McKinlay Kidd has not met your expectations for value. These departure dates can be booked with flights or as land only holiday options. Spend two days exploring some of the many island treasures, including Scalloway Castle and Jarlshof, an outstanding example of . Specialists in offering a range of adventure holidays, tours and incredible wilderness experiences. Please click below to find the trip notes for your departure date. This holiday can be arranged from March to October. Our packages include car rental and comprehensive insurance for the duration of your holiday. Sailing Fair Isle | Orkney to Shetland | Shetland To Orkney Language: EnglishCurrency: Pound SterlingTime Zone: GMTTipping: 10 to 12% is usual for hotels with 10 to 15% being usual for restaurants. Orkney & Shetland Start your journey by travelling from Orkney from Scrabster near Thurso, where you will find your hotel which is . Shetland travel guide - Responsible Travel Shetland Islands holidays in 2023 & 2024 | Responsible Travel Day 9. 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. Copyright 2016 - 2023 Scapa Travel. See the landscapes of Shetland and Orkney; Visit Trshavn, with its Viking heritage; Itinerary From. 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. Shetland & Orkney Island - Premier Holidays At the ancient settlement of Jarlshof you can explore 4,000 years of human history. This trip is operated by our England team. Wilderness England creates incredible journeys to the wild and magical outdoor spaces across Yorkshire, the Lake District, Northumberland, the Cotswolds and the Peak District.

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saga holidays orkney and shetland