All sorts of nature abound here, from seals and otters to ponies and hundreds of birds, making it a wildlife lover's paradise. Pop into the Shetland Crofthouse Museum in Dunrossness, a restored 19th century Shetland croft which was inhabited until the 1960s. The Norsmen left their mark on the islands and some of the Norse legends and customs are still kept alive during festivals . The Orkney Islands constitute a council area and belong to the historic county of Orkney. In nearby Scalloway an excellent museum tells the story of the top-secret WWII Shetland Bus operation. Both Shetland and Orkney offer a good chance of spotting the Northern Lights, particularly in autumn and winter. Stop off to admire the ornate Italian Chapel, crafted from scraps by prisoners of war, and look out for the many wrecked ships poking their remains out of the water around Scapa Flow. Our home for tonight is in the delightful village of Bray which overlooks Busta Voe. Here you can see evidence of many different eras dating as far back as Neolithic times. For anyone easily seduced by big skies, sea views, and wide-open spaces, Orkney is always a good idea. Please note the narcotic plant Khat/Qat is legal in the UK, but is not in a majority of other countries so never try to export this when leaving the UK.If you are visiting from outside of the United Kingdom, it is wise to check customs requirements before you travel. 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. 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. The nearby seaport of Stromness is famed for the Pier Arts Centre which showcases the work of artists and sculptors from Orkney and beyond. Come explor. Overnight: Kirkwall Hotel/Lynnfield Hotel, Kirkwall (or similar) (3 nights). The Stones were erected around 3000BC and it is thought that they were some kind of astronomical calendar associated with the moon. With 70 magical islands its difficult to know where to begin. Book your holiday today with Planet Cruise! 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. Fiercely independent and sprinkled with Scandinavian tradition, this pair of wild windswept archipelagos offer an island-hopping holiday that ticks-off squawking seabird . 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. Later we travel to the dramatic sea cliffs at Eshaness which have been created by the constant pounding of the Atlantic waves. These unique islands are home to some of the most breathtaking coastal scenery to be found anywhere in Britain. 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 . The expedition starts in Oban and we sail, via the scenic and bird-rich island of Handa, to the enchanting Orkney Islands. To make it easier, heres a list of items you should consider packing. the west of Scotland and Ireland in 795. This week-long fully-escorted Orkney & Shetland tour is a new addition to the McKinlay Kidd programme, building on our extensive knowledge of the destinations. 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 . All room types, other than twin rooms, are subject to availability. For group bookings of 10+ people click here. Overnight Orkney. Jersey; Guernsey; Herm, Sark & Alderney; Isles of Scilly; Isle of Wight ; Isle of Man ; Shetland & Orkney Islands ; North America. Copyright 2016 - 2023 Scapa Travel. 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. 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. If you are happy with the details you have provided above then click Submit Form to send us your enquiry. Usually the coach will arrive at the overnight stop between 16:30 and 17:00 hrs each day. Youre also sure to come across plenty of roaming Shetland ponies on your travels. The islands are also blessed with an extraordinary natural beauty. Shetland's other great Viking site is over on the northern island of Unst, reached by a succession of roll-on, roll-off car ferries from Mainland, the largest island in the group. In Shetland, inter-island ferry travel is operated by the council , while Orkney Ferries connect the archipelago's 13 island destinations. A fitting finale to the holiday, this walk along the magnificent granite coastline around Muckle Roe offers a chance to admire the windswept isolation and remote beauty of Shetland. It's a favourite with twitchers, who flock here to enjoy sensational seabird colonies and rare species. Our self-drive touring holiday of Orkney & Shetland gives you the opportunity to experience the landscapes, wildlife and archaeological heritage of these magical, and very different, parts of the UK. 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. Walking is a wonderful way to discover the Orkney Islands. These range from traditional luxury to contemporary Hotels. Single cabins now available on 2023 winter cruises, Interest rates and costs of equity release. Please note: All fields marked * are required, Please select a date or 1-2 months if flexible. 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. Accommodation on board in a double/twin en-suite outer cabin is included in the price. But forget the . These mysterious stone circles are amongst the most significant in Europe and are some 5,000 years old. In the Shetlands, its all about Busta House. More than a million birds breed in very large colonies. Scattered off the northeast coast of Scotland, Orkney and the Shetland Islands are staggeringly beautiful. 8 nights from. This is a far cry in both style and location from a chain hotel and all rooms are individually decorated. Our local guide will help you to discover ancient civilisations, archaeological delights and bountiful wildlife from our base in the island capital of Kirkwall. During our time here will visit the RSPB reserve which is home to many species of seabirds including puffins, guillemots and razorbills. Small group travel: 2023: 15 Apr, 13 May. Starts from: Edinburgh. We can book package holidays including flights from the UK, hotel . Your leader will be in reception at 18:30 to give you a quick introduction to the holiday before dinner. Double room - this is a room for two people sharing one large bed. 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. 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. The rest of this evening is free to relax and, perhaps, enjoy a wee night-cap in the bar or get some fresh sea air before retiring for the night. We know that after a busy day of sightseeing an exceptional place to stay makes all the difference. Excellent array of hotels and self-catering options across Jersey and Guernsey. HF Holidays LimitedUnit 1, First FloorImperial PlaceMaxwell RoadBorehamwoodHertfordshire WD6 1JNUnited Kingdom, Monday to Friday: 9.00am - 5.30pmSaturday: 9.00am - 1.00pmSunday: ClosedBank Holidays: 9.00am - 1.00pm. To help you have an enjoyable holiday in Shetland, Orkney and the Outer Hebrides, take a look at these useful tips and advice provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO): Health and Travel InsuranceBritish Citizens are advised by some of our tour operators to have travel insurance before going on a tour or holiday, even if it happens to be in your country of residence. You are able to walk in and out and around them, just imagining how people used to survive here. Day 5. If you're flying here, public bus services connect with all the main airports in Scotland too. The best time to visit is during what Shetlanders call the . Many people have landed there before you . Arrive into Lerwick, Shetland early this morning. Non-member fee: 30 per person. Breakfast is served onboard from 07:15 hrs after which we board the coach and disembark to begin our island tour. Built in 1600, this castle was once the home of the Earl of Orkney. We then rejoin our transport for the scenic transfer to Busta House. Overnight Shetland. Specialists in offering a range of adventure holidays, tours and incredible wilderness experiences. add an extra night or two on each island group to explore in depth? Outside these hours you can email one of our team atreservations@hfholidays.co.uk, or make a booking online. 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. Scotland's Northern Isles by Motorhome. Youll board your ferry to Orkney in the afternoon and arrive in Kirkwall, the historic capital of Orkney, later this evening. Scapa Travel is a trading name of Scapa Travel Limited who are registered in Scotland with company number SC438791, and VAT number 115719224. Stretching off Scotlands north coast are Shetland and Orkney, two very special archipelagos where Scotland meets Scandinavia. 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. Today we explore the heart of Neolithic Orkney. Please contact us for more details. Think of this itinerary as a starting point which can be tailored into something completely unique to you by our award-winning specialists. As you sail below, the screeching is deafening, and youll feel very outnumbered, a stranger invading their territory. 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).
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