Wherever you cruise on Spirit of Adventure and Spirit of Discovery, youll always step aboard here in the UK. CrimeMost destinations are generally trouble-free, however as with all places that you are not familiar with, keep an eye on your belongings and if necessary lock them away somewhere safe back at your hotel if possible. We suggest an early start today - there's a lot to fit in! The Shetlands were pawned for a further 8,000 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. Some cruises also incorporate the Faroe Isles. 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. Non-member fee: 30 per person. Youre also sure to come across plenty of roaming Shetland ponies on your travels. A quick introduction. All sorts of nature abound here, from seals and otters to ponies and hundreds of birds, making it a wildlife lover's paradise. 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. 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. Last month I was in Orkney for the first time. Our newsletter features exciting new itineraries, blog posts from the team, and fabulous competitions. We arrive in Lerwick around 07:30 hrs. These cliffs are bursting with an extraordinary range of wildlife, such as seals, puffins, gannets and whales. Overnight Orkney. Explore prehistoric sites and experience a very different way of life. 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. Rooms are simple but homely and all come with TV and tea and coffee making facilities. Studio Tour London - Harry Potter, Peaky Blinders Filming Location Tours 2023. This was once the Shetland capital and is the site of Scalloway Castle which was built for the notorious Earl Patrick Stewart in the early 17th Century. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and breakfast. Your accommodation is great for the little personal touches. Known as the Churchill Barriers, we will use these causeways to reach the little island of Lamb Holm. , Duration: 9 Days / 8 Nights. We love the opportunity to use our first-hand knowledge and experience to design and deliver the perfect, bespoke holiday experience for you. Overnight Ferry. As you sail below, the screeching is deafening, and youll feel very outnumbered, a stranger invading their territory. Later this afternoon we travel to the port to join the ferry bound for the Orkney Islands. From getting to know you by name to remembering your favourite drink at the bar, youll always receive personal, attentive service. 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. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take an alternative route, or vary the running order for weather and/or operational reasons. If you fancy sampling the local water of life, why not take a tour at the. 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. Highlights of Orkney & Shetland. Welcome to the incredible archipelago of Orkney! Supplements may apply. 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. 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). 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. Take the opportunity to visit one of Orkneys smaller isles. Click the heart icon on the search or holiday pages to pin a holiday. Wilderness Walking The Knoydart Peninsula, Wilderness Walking England Coast to Coast, Wilderness Walking Arran: Scotland in Miniature, Wilderness Walking Northumberland and TheLakeDistrict, Wilderness Walking Outer Hebrides: Uists, Barra & Mingulay, Wilderness Walking High Points of the OuterHebrides, Wilderness Walking Glencoe and the Highlands, Wilderness Walking High Points of the Lake District, Wilderness Walking The Coast of Cornwall, Wilderness Walking Outer Hebrides and Skye, Wilderness Walking Cairngorms National Park & Royal Deeside, Wilderness Walking Autumn in Perthshire, Road Cycling TheNorthCoast500: Highlights, Wildlife Adventures Autumn Wildlife Islay, Wildlife Adventures The Scottish Highlands, Wildlife Adventures Mull, Staffa & Iona, Wildlife Adventures A Rewilding Journey in the Cairngorms, Photography Skye and the West Highlands, Sailing and Walking Knoydart, Skye and TheSmallIsles, Self Catering Family Adventure Outer Hebrides, The Great Family Adventure Treasure Highlands, Self Guided + Cycling Skye and the Inner Hebrides, Self Guided+ Cycling The Outer Hebrides, Self Drive Collection Highland Perthshire, Self Drive Collection Ben Nevis & The West, Self Drive Winter Highland Explorations, Self-Drive Winter Highland CosyCairngorms, Low Carbon Adventure Scottish Highlands, Road Cycling TheNorthCoast500: Classic, Guided In The Footsteps of RabbieBurns, Guided Scottish Highlands Multi-Activity Adventure, On an Orkney holiday you will experience the. Warner Bros. As well as having full board accommodation in your choice of cabin, the services of a professional crew and on-board entertainment are also included. 895 per person for March, 945 per person for April & October, 985 per person for May & September and 1015 per person for June to August. 7 miles (12km) with 1,360 feet (420m) of ascent. It lay covered for centuries, if not millennia, before a sandstorm in the 1920s revealed the amazing ruins. Among the settlements on Mainland, the largest island, is Scalloway, a fishing port. Overnight Orkney, Take the opportunity to visit one of Orkneys smaller isles. On Mainland the capital, Lerwick, has a good range of shops, restaurants and pubs as well as the outstanding Shetland Museum and Archives and a thriving music scene. At Aberdeen Harbour, we join the Northlink ferry for the overnight crossing to Shetland. 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. The coach will continue on to Glasgow, for passengers wishing to end their tour there. Overnight Shetland. Please note that a family room is normally a standard double or twin room with either a sofa bed or a rollaway bed. This is a far cry in both style and location from a chain hotel and all rooms are individually decorated. 8 miles (13.5km) with 850 feet (260m) of ascent. Photo: juvlai, CC BY-SA 2.0. The largest town, Lerwick, is closer to Norway than to Edinburgh, and culturally and geographically they feel more Norse than Scottish. Do take a walk in the gardens which stretch down to the water. 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. We sail with Serco Northlink Ferries and their modern, purpose-built vessels, the Hrossey and the Hjaltland, from Aberdeen overnight to Lerwick. For group bookings of 10+ people click here. Already a firm favourite since her launch in 2019, step aboard Spirit of Discovery and discover the ships selection of grand public rooms, restaurants, balcony cabins and outside spaces. Watch for dolphins which sometimes play in the bow waves. Pop into the Shetland Crofthouse Museum in Dunrossness, a restored 19th century Shetland croft which was inhabited until the 1960s. The islanders themselves feel a strong local identity and you can be guaranteed a warm island welcome and some fantastic local fresh food. 2,268. Our first visits are to the Ring of Brodgar and the Standing Stones of Stenness. With Orkney in his hands, Sigurd had the means to expand his territory and, according to the saga, soon took Caithness, Sutherland and sections of Argyll on the Scottish . We depart Aberdeen at 19:00 hrs, and a short time later, dinner will be served in the ship's restaurant. Wildflowers bloom throughout the summer, covering the green cliffs with colour and the exquisite . Excellent and Friendly Staff!! 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. NB these cruise details have been updated - Please see the new trip page - Orkney, Shetland, Faroe Islands and St Kilda cruise.. We also offer a fly-drive holiday as an alternative way to visit Orkney & Shetland. Please click here to see full flight schedules to Shetland & Orkney Island. Scalloway CastleWhen visiting the Shetland Isles, why not visit Scalloway Castle? The Ring of Brodgar in the Heart of Neolithic Orkney. Spot dolphins and porpoises in the coastal waters, or breeding seabirds such as puffins and guillemots at Hermaness Nature Reserve. 9 miles (14km) with 1,060 feet (320m) of ascent. Indulge in a delicious fish and chip lunch overlooking the sea in Brae. 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 . The card payment providers above are used for taking your payments by operators featured on our site. The Ayre Hotel. 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. This expanse of water has played witness to some monumental events. The innovative Shetland Museum and Archives tells the fascinating story of these islands and is well worth visiting. See the Tall Ships in Lerwick. Meanwhile, the rich ancient history and numerous archaeological sites offer a fascinating glimpse into the past, with many details of life preserved. Shetland's council workers will not get the extra bank holiday on the Monday after King Charles's coronation. 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. Trade Login Contact 08444 937 531 Destinations UK & Channel Islands. Be aware of your surroundings and don't venture off on your own. Guided wildlife tour of Shetland Isles. All rights reserved. Thoroughly recommend this as an enjoyable way to experience Shetland and Orkney. Our ships are smaller, but wonderfully spacious. Tour departure and return times will be advised in your tour documentation. You do not have any pinned holidays. 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. In the afternoon well visit Maes Howe, one of the most treasured Neolithic sites in Europe. More details & Book Bank Holiday Escape to Scenic Scotland . 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. Take in the breathtaking Old Man of Hoy a 450 foot sea stack and perhaps Orkneys most famous landmark. Outer two berth cabins included on the Orkney to Shetland and Shetland to Aberdeen crossings. The UKs bestselling monthly subscription magazine. 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. In Shetland, inter-island ferry travel is operated by the council , while Orkney Ferries connect the archipelago's 13 island destinations. It makes everything so easy, especially when youre chauffeur driven from your own front door. High levels of cover from an award winning provider, 3-year fixed price with no tie-ins - T&Cs apply. 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. Earl Sigurd takes control. 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. Scapa Travel is a trading name of Scapa Travel Limited who are registered in Scotland with company number SC438791, and VAT number 115719224. Scotland's Northern Isles by Motorhome. All we ask is that you write to us within 7 days of your return and explain your reason for claiming the refund. You are able to walk in and out and around them, just imagining how people used to survive here. Shetland and the Tall Ships. We use cookies to provide you with the best online experience. Our journey continues through the fertile farmland of Angus to reach the granite city of Aberdeen by late afternoon. Day 1 - Departing Inverness with a morning drive to the far North of Scotland and the ferry port of Scrabster, near Thurso. On Mainland . 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. To purchase a policy speak to your insurance broker or undertake a search on-line. Starts from: Edinburgh. 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. add an extra night or two on each island group to explore in depth? . Tour Details. At 1,475 feet (450m) this is Shetlands highest peak. Ayre Road, Kirkwall, Scotland, KW15 1QX. The Orkney Mainland is just Getting to Orkney can be easier and quicker than you may think. View our Full Privacy Notice, Read independent reviews from ourcustomers. Enchanting Orkney is a smorgasbord of must-see sites and cultural attractions scattered across70 islands. Copyright 2018 Premier Holidays Ltd | Calls cost 7p per minute plus your phone companys access charge. Walking is a wonderful way to discover the Orkney Islands. Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Revealed. You will also find no end of delicious local produce to tempt you and a busy programme of annual festivals. Wilderness Ireland take their clients to the most remote and beautiful regions of Ireland, all while staying at the most welcoming accommodations and delivering outstanding customer service. Group transfer to Sumburgh airport for your return flight. Travel to the wild and glorious peninsula of Northmavine. Scattered off the northeast coast of Scotland, Orkney and the Shetland Islands are staggeringly beautiful. In no time youll be sailing away to one unforgettable destination after another. This picturesque spring Orkney & Shetland Mini Cruise combines coastal scenery with fascinating history. 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. Continue to the rugged Shetland archipelago to visit Lerwick as it hosts the annual Tall Ships Races. Make the most of your time on the islands on this carefully-curated itinerary accessible by flight from central Scotland. 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 diversity of these islands is astounding, a distinctive mixture of Scandinavian history scattered across a rugged Scottish landscape, and a self-drive holiday of Shetland and Orkney guarantees memories to last a lifetime.
