Search. Find out everything you need to know about planning a trip to Scotland's incredible Northern Isles. 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 . Other notable islands include Hoy for the dramatic Old Man of Hoy sea stack and Scapa Flow Visitor Centre and Museum; the Brough of Birsay with its Norse ruins; Rousay for over 100 archaeological sites; and North Ronaldsay which has a unique heritage and history. 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. Selecting the right sleeping arrangements can be a little bit confusing, so here is a description of what you can expect from the hotel accommodation offered as part of your tour: Single room - this is a room for one person sleeping in a single bed. These mysterious stone circles are amongst the most significant in Europe and are some 5,000 years old. Later return to Kirkwall where dinner is served in our hotel. The best time to visit is during what Shetlanders call the . The Orkney Islands were the Orcades of ancient classical literature. We also analyse data in order to develop and improve our products and our service in the future. Also includes hotels in Alderney, Sark and Herm, plus the Isle of Wight, Isles of Scilly, Isle of Man and Shetland & Orkney Islands. 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. Overnight Shetland. We are obliged to maintain a high standard of service to you by ABTA's Code of Conduct. Highlights of Orkney and Shetland6 day/5 night. A holiday to the islands of Orkney and Shetland has it all. It took 300 years to complete and is one of the finest examples of Norman architecture in Europe. If you wish to combine these categories or perhaps upgrade for a special occasion let us know in your enquiry. Their warm hospitality is sure to be a highlight of your Scottish experience. 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 . These tours are carefully researched and combine quality hotels, luxury travel, informative visits and leisure time. Buses and trains to Orkney. During the hour-long sailing look out for porpoises, dolphins and minke whales that can often be seen. Discover more at the visitor centre which provides touch-screen presentations and a wide range of artefacts that have excavated from the site. This trip is operated by our England team. The natural beauty of Orkneys landscape boasts a rich variety of scenery. 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). Contact usEmail: info@scapatravel.co.ukTelephone: 01856 889040, Our opening hours are:Monday to Friday 10am to 4pmSaturday 11am to 3pm. A holiday to the islands of Orkney and Shetland has it all. Book a package holiday. Everything's taken care of on a Saga escorted tour, so you can see and do more. 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. Read more, Need something more tailored? Departing by Coach. 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. We can book package holidays including flights from the UK, hotel . This elevated viewpoint affords extensive views over Shetland and of Fair Isle to the south. All rights reserved. The Stones were erected around 3000BC and it is thought that they were some kind of astronomical calendar associated with the moon. Britain's original ski travel agency and tailor-made ski tour operator, Ski Solutions has been arranging ski holidays for over 30 years across Europe and North America. 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. Toggle navigation. Several of the prisoners have returned to Orkney over the years to assist with the restoration of the building. 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. At this fascinating site, we will discover the remains of oval houses from the Bronze Age, an Iron Age broch and Viking longhouses. Recently hailed as one of Lonely Planet's Best in Europe for 2019, the ruggedly handsome Shetland Islands comprise around 100 different islands with just 15 inhabited. Written in the early 13 th century when Shetland and Orkney were Norse possessions it really centers on Orkney which was undoubtedly the richer and more important of the two island groups. The Old Man of Hoy. Recently hailed as one of Lonely Planets Best in Europe for 2019, the ruggedly handsome Shetland Islands comprise around 100 different islands with just 15 inhabited. 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. It also comprises larger 4* Hotels selected for their high standard of accommodation, exceptional service, and great location. All included in the price. It's a favourite with twitchers, who flock here to enjoy sensational seabird colonies and rare species. Weve had a long love affair with Orkneys family-run Merkister Hotel, not least for its enviable setting on the shores of Harray Loch. 01273 823 700 . Shetland - South Mainland. This expanse of water has played witness to some monumental events. If a service charge has already been added, no further tip is required. An experienced tour manager will lead the tour and your coach will be expertly driven by a professional driver. Time to return home. Our Premium category includes a unique collection of luxurious and stylish boutique Guest Houses and small 4* Hotels. Copyright 2016 - 2023 Scapa Travel. These treasures are of such importance that UNESCO has designated them a World Heritage site. Fred Olsen. The Shetlands were pawned for a further 8,000 florins. The restaurant prides itself on local produce, prepared to make the most of the fresh flavours. Accommodation on board in a double/twin en-suite outer cabin is included in the price. All we ask is that you write to us within 7 days of your return and explain your reason for claiming the refund. 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. Sign up for latest offers and top sellers. Here you can see evidence of many different eras dating as far back as Neolithic times. Explore prehistoric sites and experience a very different way of life. Watch for dolphins which sometimes play in the bow waves. This morning you will enjoy a real treat a wildlife boat trip. (Read 1 review) Late availability on these dates: 15 Apr, 13 May. Visitors can climb up the tower of the Castle and visit the Scalloway Museum which is located next door. 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. Take in the breathtaking Old Man of Hoy a 450 foot sea stack and perhaps Orkneys most famous landmark. On many tours youll have the chance to personalise your touring experience by participating in some carefully planned optional excursions. Sign up for our newsletter and unlock exclusive tips and inspiration from our team of travel specialists. From here you can gaze out to the Muckle Flugga lighthouse. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Many coaches are equipped with WiFi too. FAQsPlease see the FAQ section for more information on this tour. Overnight Orkney. This holiday can be arranged from March to October. Overnight Ferry. If, like us, you cant get enough of the archeological discoveries, head over to Rousay with its Midhowe Broch and Cairn. It is a wild and dramatic place. 18 Hours of Midsummer Sun. Family room - this is a room for three people sleeping in one large bed (2 people) and one single bed (1 person). Norse settlers named it Fridarey - 'the island of peace' - but this stepping stone in the sea was also vital in times of strife, when the Earls of Orkney, and . Orphir has a Viking museum, the Orkneyinga Saga Centre, and the remains of Scotland's only . Further south on Mainland is Sumburgh Head, an ideal spot for twitchers with unobstructed views of the seabird colonies; Old Scatness, a recently excavated Iron Age village; and the Jarlshof Prehistoric and Norse settlements, with archaeological treasures from over 4,000 years. From Glasgow and Edinburgh, we travel northwards through the Kingdom of Fife to reach Dundee, which sits overlooking the River Tay. The UK has a famously unpredictable climate so it's best to be prepared for weather thats sunny one minute and raining the next. 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. Stay at this 3-star hotel in Kirkwall. Shetland & Orkney Island Holidays . As you sail below, the screeching is deafening, and youll feel very outnumbered, a stranger invading their territory. Free time will let you explore Kirkwall and St Magnus Cathedral before setting sail for the mainland. 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. ARE YOU A SOLO TRAVELLER WILLING TO SHARE? Tastefully decorated rooms provide a comfortable place to sleep and on a clear night you can gaze up at the starry skies and search for the swirling ribbons of neon green, pink, and purple known as the northern lights.