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. The Ski Solutions team are all skiing experts, and their wealth of knowledge and passion for the mountains will ensure you experience a truly memorable ski holiday. Well also visit the impressive archaeological site of Jarlshof. Prices are based on two people sharing a room for this six night holiday and includes breakfast in both hotels, ferry crossings from Caithness to Orkney, from Orkney to Shetland and from Lerwick to Aberdeen. The breadth of history to be discovered here is without parallel in Scotland and is sure to amaze you. To purchase a policy speak to your insurance broker or undertake a search on-line. A collection of quality 4* Guest Houses and 3* Hotels often located in beautiful locations which provide an excellent standard of accommodation. 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. These range from traditional luxury to contemporary Hotels. In each case, it is not necessarily added to the bill. Overlooking Skaill Bay, we'll discover a settlement of Stone Age houses complete with chairs, beds and dressers all made from stone. 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. Enjoy a complimentary chauffeur service, wines, premium spirits, speciality dining, gratuities, Wi-Fi and travel insurance. All our holiday prices include a service charge of 9 per person per night towards the costs we incur in researching, planning and designing your holiday. These stones have continued to mystify and amaze visitors with questions such as 'who built them?' Below is a list of some tour operators that organise regular trips to the islands. 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). 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. Shetland's council workers will not get the extra bank holiday on the Monday after King Charles's coronation. Our first walk on Orkney follows a clifftop coastal path from Marwick Bay to the Brough of Birsay, overlooking RSPB Marwick Head reserve. On Mainland . At the ancient settlement of Jarlshof you can explore 4,000 years of human history. Arrive into Lerwick, Shetland early this morning. Experience a unique blend of Scandinavian and Scottish culture, as the Norse history and heritage still shapes these islands today. When's the best time to visit? Clicking on the link below will redirect you to the Wilderness England website. Buses and trains to Orkney. Built in 1600, this castle was once the home of the Earl of Orkney. Our packages include car rental and comprehensive insurance for the duration of your holiday. All sorts of nature abound here, from seals and otters to ponies and hundreds of birds, making it a wildlife lover's paradise. During the course of the day youll normally be travelling for no more than 2 hours at a time before making a stop to enjoy a visit to an attraction or for a comfort break/meal stop. Theres an opportunity to learn about Shetlands heritage at the Tangwick Haa museum today as we circumnavigate the beautiful Eshaness peninsula. Overnight Orkney. 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. Buy your own drinks and keep sight of them at all times. Enjoy free time in Kirkwall this morning. 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. Cruising is another great way of accessing this remote Scottish wilderness, allowing you to explore in comfort. Overnight: Kirkwall Hotel/Lynnfield Hotel, Kirkwall (or similar) (3 nights). With a maximum of 15 passengers per group, you can be sure of . 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. The Norsmen left their mark on the islands and some of the Norse legends and customs are still kept alive during festivals . Travel back in time to the Stone Age and discover an ancient civilisation at The Heart of Neolithic Orkney a UNESCO World Heritage Site which includes the four awe-inspiring sites of the Ring of Brodgar, the Stones of Stenness, the Maeshowe tomb and Skara Brae. Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Revealed. During the hour-long sailing look out for porpoises, dolphins and minke whales that can often be seen. Scattered off the northeast coast of Scotland, Orkney and the Shetland Islands are staggeringly beautiful. (Do find time to pop in for a tour of the traditional whisky making process.) Think of this itinerary as a starting point which can be tailored into something completely unique to you by our award-winning specialists. We also analyse data in order to develop and improve our products and our service in the future. The last part of the journey takes us through the Kingdom of Fife and across the Forth Estuary into Edinburgh. On many tours youll have the chance to personalise your touring experience by participating in some carefully planned optional excursions. Saga Cruises; Disney Cruises; Cruise Ships. Beautiful beaches, stunning cliffs, ancient settlements and wonderful wildlife-spotting opportunities - Shetland has a lot to offer. The UKs bestselling monthly subscription magazine. The Italian Prisoners constructed a chapel out of a pair of Nissen Huts. These unassuming islands have a truly magical quality, and civilisation has thrived here for millennia. From getting to know you by name to remembering your favourite drink at the bar, youll always receive personal, attentive service. Weather permitting, enjoy a welcome drink on the small terrace, which overlooks the distinctive pagoda-roof of the neighbours: the Highland Park distillery. 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. Our Premium category includes a unique collection of luxurious and stylish boutique Guest Houses and small 4* Hotels. and a self-drive holiday of Shetland and Orkney guarantees memories to last a . 8.4/5 (52 reviews) Great place! We suggest an early start today - there's a lot to fit in! Youll be in good company if you choose to take dinner at your hotel, a popular destination for locals as well as visitors. Orkney is a land of opportunity forged by 5,000 years of unique history. Currently on offer are holidays to Iceland in winter and summer, plus fantastic trips to The Shetland Isles, Southern Ireland, Hidden France and Romandy Switzerland and the Dordogne. 2023 HF Holidays Limited. Please choose from one of our accommodation categories below. Be aware of your surroundings and don't venture off on your own. This expanse of water has played witness to some monumental events. These treasures are of such importance that UNESCO has designated them a World Heritage site. Providing inspiring active experiences, immerse yourself in the unique landscapes, history, culture and wildlife on a Wilderness England adventure. It is worth checking the HM Revenues and Customs website before you travel. A genuine feel pervades this small family owned hotel, located on the edge of Kirkwall. Please click here to see full flight schedules to Shetland & Orkney Island. These are leisurely cycling tours winding through vineyards and staying in high end accommodation where the emphasis is as much on the food and wine as the cycling. As you sail below, the screeching is deafening, and youll feel very outnumbered, a stranger invading their territory. Enjoy 3 days (3 nights) in Orkney. Fiercely independent and sprinkled with Scandinavian tradition, this pair of wild windswept archipelagos offer an island-hopping holiday that ticks-off squawking seabird . With a strong norse influence, these island groups provide a surprisingly contrasting cultural experience when compared to the Hebrides. If you plan to bring your own vehicle, we are also able to offer this itinerary without a rental car. In a land thats been largely tamed, they remain rare unspoiled outposts of rugged coastline and remote beauty. Highlights of Orkney and Shetland6 day/5 night. The ultimate collection of European cycling holidays. 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. (Read 1 review) Late availability on these dates: 15 Apr, 13 May. 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! Be inspired by local artisans from jewellery-making to storytelling, the creative spirit on these islands has thrived for thousands of years. Are you sure you would like to continue with this room size? Discover their all-balcony cabins, huge choice of included speciality restaurants and bars, and an outdoor lido with a full wraparound deck. These are at additional expense and, if available, details will be provided with your tour documentation. For group bookings of 10+ people click here. We sail with Serco Northlink Ferries and their modern, purpose-built vessels, the Hrossey and the Hjaltland, from Aberdeen overnight to Lerwick. . Let Scapa Travel use their extensive local knowledge to create a memorable holiday, tailored specifically for you. Please click below to find the trip notes for your departure date. Earl Sigurd takes control. 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. Simply pop your details in the box below for the latest news, travel advice, destination inspiration, and special offers delivered straight to your inbox. In 1850 a fierce storm hit the Orkney Isles and the site of Skara Brae was uncovered; previously it was hidden beneath a grass mound. Enjoy 4 days (3 nights) in Shetland. We would also suggest checking your home policy or credit card contract as many suppliers include travel insurance as part of their offering. We will hold your data securely within our organisation, McKinlay Kidd Limited. We then have two full days to tour Shetland. Before your departure, you will receive personalised holiday information including full directions, recommended routes, and suggestions on places to visit depending on your interests and our local knowledge to help you get the most from your holiday. Citylink buses run to Aberdeen, Gills Bay and Scrabster so you can catch your ferry to the islands. We also include a Boat trip around Noss during your time on Shetland (please note this only runs between May and mid-September). Find out more in our Shetland travel guide. 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 . High levels of cover from an award winning provider, 3-year fixed price with no tie-ins - T&Cs apply. 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. If a service charge has already been added, no further tip is required. We have the application forms in our office at 11 Bridge Street.For more information see www.airdiscountscheme.com, Sign-up to our mailing list for Exclusive Offers. Shetland - South Mainland. Visit the Orkneyinga Viking history interpretation centre to learn more. Advertised flight prices are based on UK flights departing from London. 3.91. Discover what makes the perfect boutique cruise experience, every time. 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 . Now it forms part of the World Heritage Site in the centre of the Orkney Mainland, along with the tomb of Maes Howe, the Ring of Brodgar and the mighty Standing Stones of Stenness. Where Scotland meets Scandinavia, this wild and remote corner of northern Britain is truly remarkable.