During the Neolithic and Early Bronze Age, the people of Orkney and Shetland were among the first in Britain to begin building Megalithic chamber tombs and later henge monuments. Are you sure you would like to continue with this room size? If you only require a specific response to this enquiry and have no interest in receiving occasional information, news or offers from McKinlay Kidd in future, please email unsubscribe at mckinlaykidd dot com. Another day you might head for South Ronaldsay now connected by the famous Churchill Barriers to the Mainland. To make it easier, heres a list of items you should consider packing. Read more, Need something more tailored? The Stones were erected around 3000BC and it is thought that they were some kind of astronomical calendar associated with the moon. These tours are carefully researched and combine quality hotels, luxury travel, informative visits and leisure time. Tallest Sea Cliffs in Britain. 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. Make the most of your time on the islands on this carefully-curated itinerary accessible by flight from central Scotland. The breadth of history to be discovered here is without parallel in Scotland and is sure to amaze you. All packages that include flights are ATOL protected. We also offer a fly-drive holiday as an alternative way to visit Orkney & Shetland. 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. 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. 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. 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. It's a similar story by rail, with trains available to both Aberdeen . Highlights of Orkney and Shetland6 day/5 night. This expanse of water has played witness to some monumental events. They branded their services "P&O Ferries" from 1975 to 1989 and "P&O Scottish Ferries" thereafter. The Orkney Mainland is just Getting to Orkney can be easier and quicker than you may think. In a land thats been largely tamed, they remain rare unspoiled outposts of rugged coastline and remote beauty. These departure dates can be booked with flights or as land only holiday options. Book your tailor-made holiday to Offers with Premier Holidays. Finally, a laird's house was constructed on the site in the 1600s. Find out more in our Shetland travel guide. From 799pp. The Orkney Islands constitute a council area and belong to the historic county of Orkney. 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. This morning you will enjoy a real treat a wildlife boat trip. Let Scapa Travel use their extensive local knowledge to create a memorable holiday, tailored specifically for you. Duration 6 Days. All holidays are subject to availability. Go Scotland Tours is offering a private guided tour combining the Western Isles of Skye, Harris and Lewis with Orkney. Where Scotland meets Scandinavia, this wild and remote corner of northern Britain is truly remarkable. Please choose from one of our accommodation categories below. The only medieval chronicle to have Orkney as the central place of action, it tells of an era when the islands were still part of the Viking world, beginning with their conquest by the . 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. From area guides to interesting articles and event guides, NorthLink Ferries have everything you'll need to enjoy a fantastic holiday in the unique and memorable Orkney and Shetland islands. 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). Later you could take a 10 minute ferry journey to the Isle of Bressay to explore the rich natural heritage and incredible wildlife. We sail with Serco Northlink Ferries and their modern, purpose-built vessels, the Hrossey and the Hjaltland, from Aberdeen overnight to Lerwick. 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. However the earldom began, by the time of Earl Sigurd we are heading into more reliable territory - although still laced with myth and folklore. 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. The event is taking place on Saturday 6 May, with the additional bank holiday on 8 May. Orkney is a land of opportunity forged by 5,000 years of unique history. If you're flying here, public bus services connect with all the main airports in Scotland too. In 1468, the impoverished Christian I, King of Denmark, Norway and Sweden, pawned the Orkney Isles to James III of Scotland in lieu of a royal dowry for 50,000 florins. 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. Small group travel: 2023: 15 Apr, 13 May. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and breakfast. The wild landscapes featureintricate coastlines marked by towering cliffs, deep caves and giant rock stacks which make for an inspiring backdrop for various activities such as walking and sea kayaking. 2023 HF Holidays Limited. Overnight Orkney. Youll board your ferry to Orkney in the afternoon and arrive in Kirkwall, the historic capital of Orkney, later this evening. Youll find our Escorted Tours to be memorable - for all the right reasons! Usually the coach will arrive at the overnight stop between 16:30 and 17:00 hrs each day. 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. The expedition starts in Oban and we sail, via the scenic and bird-rich island of Handa, to the enchanting Orkney Islands. Orkney, an ancient cluster of 70 islands brimming with history and dramatic coastlines, lie off the north west coast of Scotland. Make sure you visit Jarlshof, another incredible prehistoric site exposed in violent storms in the last couple of centuries. This area of great archaeological significance includes Skara Brae, Europes best-preserved Stone Age village; the Ring of Brodgar; the Stones of Stenness and the Maeshowe chambered tomb. The Norsmen left their mark on the islands and some of the Norse legends and customs are still kept alive during festivals . With a maximum of 15 passengers per group, you can be sure of . We love the opportunity to use our first-hand knowledge and experience to design and deliver the perfect, bespoke holiday experience for you. Nearby sits the Bishop's Palace and Earl's Palace, which was reputedly built using forced labour. 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). 9 miles (14km) with 1,060 feet (320m) of ascent. Contact us via email: Advertised flight prices are based on UK flights departing from London. Starts from: Edinburgh. Fiercely independent and sprinkled with Scandinavian tradition, this pair of wild windswept archipelagos offer an island-hopping holiday that ticks-off squawking seabird colonies, staggering scenery, and some of the best-preserved Neolithic ruins in Europe. The UKs bestselling monthly subscription magazine. For those people coming to the UK from the EU, you are allowed to bring an unlimited amount of most goods for your own use without paying tax or duty.However, if you are travelling to the UK from outside of the EU, you are given an allowance of how much alcohol, tobacco, perfume, souvenirs and other goods. Simply pop your details in the box below for the latest news, travel advice, destination inspiration, and special offers delivered straight to your inbox. The islands are also blessed with an extraordinary natural beauty. Borealis. 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. 18 Hours of Midsummer Sun. You will travel aboard a state of the art motorcoach with air-conditioning, reclining seats, oversized windows and emergency washroom. Jersey; Guernsey; Herm, Sark & Alderney; Isles of Scilly; Isle of Wight ; Isle of Man ; Shetland & Orkney Islands ; North America. Our newsletter features exciting new itineraries, blog posts from the team, and fabulous competitions. We'll always treat your personal details with the utmost care. Discover squawking seabird colonies, staggering scenery, and some of the best-preserved Neolithic ruins in Europe as you island hop between Mainland . 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. 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. All sorts of nature abound here, from seals and otters to ponies and hundreds of birds, making it a wildlife lover's paradise. Search. 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. This iconic sea stack is only a few hundred years old. The islands are a birdwatchers' paradise and one of the major seabird breeding and feeding areas in the North Atlantic. Here you can see evidence of many different eras dating as far back as Neolithic times. NB these cruise details have been updated - Please see the new trip page - Orkney, Shetland, Faroe Islands and St Kilda cruise.. 7 miles (12km) with 1,360 feet (420m) of ascent. Available May 2023. If you are happy with the details you have provided above then click Submit Form to send us your enquiry. The unspoilt landscape of Shetland has a rugged beauty shaped by the sea at the end of the last Ice Age. Orkney played a vital role during both World Wars, and this afternoon we will travel to see Scapa Flow which provided a sheltered anchorage for the British naval fleet. Overnight: Busta House Hotel/Brae Hotel, Shetland (or similar). Overnight Orkney. The Old Man of Hoy. The islanders themselves feel a strong local identity and you can be guaranteed a warm island welcome and some fantastic local fresh food. 9 miles (14km) with 760 feet (230m) of ascent. These cliffs are bursting with an extraordinary range of wildlife, such as seals, puffins, gannets and whales. Highlights of Orkney and Shetland6 day/5 night. 3.91. The Shetland Islands are the most northerly part of the United Kingdom, a group of islands 100 miles / 160 km north of mainland Scotland. It's a short drive to our hotel for the next three nights. This picturesque spring Orkney & Shetland Mini Cruise combines coastal scenery with fascinating history. "The staff was xtrenely king and helpful! Thoroughly recommend this as an enjoyable way to experience Shetland and Orkney. Several of the prisoners have returned to Orkney over the years to assist with the restoration of the building. 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. They left carvings behind which are considered to be some of the finest examples of runic inscriptions in the World. It's a favourite with twitchers, who flock here to enjoy sensational seabird colonies and rare species. These are at additional expense and, if available, details will be provided with your tour documentation. the west of Scotland and Ireland in 795. Later this afternoon we travel to the port to join the ferry bound for the Orkney Islands. Free time will let you explore Kirkwall and St Magnus Cathedral before setting sail for the mainland. We use your data to prepare holiday proposals and to make bookings for you if you choose to go ahead. (Read 1 review) Late availability on these dates: 15 Apr, 13 May. 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.