If you plan to bring your own vehicle, we are also able to offer this itinerary without a rental car. Another day you might head for South Ronaldsay now connected by the famous Churchill Barriers to the Mainland. Check-in: TBA hrs Spend two days exploring some of the many island treasures, including Scalloway Castle and Jarlshof, an outstanding example of a prehistoric and Norse settlement. (Do find time to pop in for a tour of the traditional whisky making process.) Take in the breathtaking Old Man of Hoy a 450 foot sea stack and perhaps Orkneys most famous landmark. 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. Visit the Bishops and Earls Palaces where you can learn of a time when Orkney was part of the Norse-held kingdom of Nordreyjar. Available Until September 2023. 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. It's a favourite with twitchers, who flock here to enjoy sensational seabird colonies and rare species. 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. From wildlife and wool tours to walking holidays and fire festival fun, each celebrate a different aspect of Shetland, so you can choose a trip . The Italian Prisoners constructed a chapel out of a pair of Nissen Huts. 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. Jarlshof - explore this historic site, where people lived for more than 4,000 years, to see outstanding examples of Bronze Age and Viking houses, Scalloway - tour through this attractive fishing port that was once the island capital to visit the imposing ruins of 17th Century Scalloway Castle, Maeshowe - investigate this impressive chambered tomb and see the Viking graffiti left 1,000 years ago, Skara Brae - discover how early man lived at this amazingly well-preserved Stone Age settlement of dwelling houses complete with beds and chairs, Kirkwall - enjoy a three-night stay in this bustling port dominated by 12th Century St Magnus Cathedral, Movie locations Moondogs, The Long Hope and The Spy in Black. 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. At 1,475 feet (450m) this is Shetlands highest peak. Travel to the wild and glorious peninsula of Northmavine. All Rights Reserved. Experience a unique blend of Scandinavian and Scottish culture, as the Norse history and heritage still shapes these islands today. Beautiful beaches, stunning cliffs, ancient settlements and wonderful wildlife-spotting opportunities - Shetland has a lot to offer. 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 . 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. Comprehensive travel insurance is advised for all other nationals planning on visiting Scotland.If you need to contact the emergency services whilst in Scotland simply dial 999 or 112 to ask for an ambulance. Overnight Shetland. Supplements may apply. 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. Our packages include car rental and comprehensive insurance for the duration of your holiday. 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. Highlights of Orkney & Shetland. 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. Stretching off Scotland's north coast are Shetland and Orkney, two very special archipelagos where Scotland meets Scandinavia. 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. Please note that if at ten weeks prior to the start of your holiday a sharing partner is unavailable, a single room will be allocated with a resulting single supplement charge outlined above. 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. 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. 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. These mysterious stone circles are amongst the most significant in Europe and are some 5,000 years old. The holiday ideas on our website are just examples of the amazing trips we offer. Today you'll be heading south to experience remarkable heritage sites. Based on 1 salaries posted anonymously by Saga Group Mi Analyst employees in Seaham, England. Providing inspiring active experiences, immerse yourself in the unique landscapes, history, culture and wildlife on a Wilderness England adventure. Cruising is another great way of accessing this remote Scottish wilderness, allowing you to explore in comfort. Photo: Lis Burke, CC BY-SA 2.0. You will start your journey in the cosmopolitan city of Aberdeen where you will board the well-equipped Northlink Ferry and sail overnight in your modern and comfortable twin-berth cabin. At Aberdeen Harbour, we join the Northlink ferry for the overnight crossing to Shetland. Do take a walk in the gardens which stretch down to the water. 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. Later, in medieval times, farmsteads were also built here. Single cabins now available on 2023 winter cruises, Interest rates and costs of equity release. Some of them are: Skara BraeThought to be one of Orkney's most visited tourist spots, Skara Brae is an ancient site which is older than Stonehenge. Enjoy a complimentary chauffeur service, wines, premium spirits, speciality dining, gratuities, Wi-Fi and travel insurance. menu. Single cabins now available on all January to March 2023 cruises. Between the rugged cliffs at Yesnaby in the west and the sandy beaches of Deerness in the east, lie rolling green hills and wild heather moors. Meanwhile seals laze on rocks beneath the cliffs or nose around the boat. Tour Returns: TBA hrs. Average salary for Saga Group Mi Analyst in Seaham, England: [salary]. These are at additional expense and, if available, details will be provided with your tour documentation. This morning you will enjoy a real treat a wildlife boat trip. These are wonderfully charming and intimate and run with great flair by their owners. Entry RequirementsWhen travelling between the UK, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man in most cases an official form of identification such as a Driver's License will be ok. Jersey; Guernsey; Herm, Sark & Alderney; Isles of Scilly; Isle of Wight ; Isle of Man ; Shetland & Orkney Islands ; North America. The nature reserve is the perfect place to spot seabirds such as puffins, guillemots and kittiwakes. Trade Login Contact 08444 937 531 Destinations UK & Channel Islands. Also includes hotels in Alderney, Sark and Herm, plus the Isle of Wight, Isles of Scilly, Isle of Man and Shetland & Orkney Islands. Enjoy 4 days (3 nights) in Shetland. In the afternoon well visit Maes Howe, one of the most treasured Neolithic sites in Europe. 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. The card payment providers above are used for taking your payments by operators featured on our site. Its the most southerly point of mainland Shetland and where thousands of species of seabird come ashore to nest on the cliffs. Once we make landfall expect day sailing among the islands and skerries. To help us reduce spam, please tick the reCAPTCHA field. Here we will have some free time to explore this charming town with its stone-paved alleys, granite houses and independent shops. 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 . Go Scotland Tours is offering a private guided tour combining the Western Isles of Skye, Harris and Lewis with Orkney. All included in the price. ABTA and ABTA Members help holidaymakers to get the most from their travel and assist them when things do not go according to plan. Tourist officesFor further information about the Scottish Isles you can visit their official tourist board websites at: The Shetland Isles: shetland.orgThe Orkney Isles:visitorkney.comThe Outer Hebrides:visithebrides.com. It is a wonderful way to get a real feel for both the culture and the wildlife of these islands, with knowledgeable guides on hand to inform. Please click below to find the trip notes for your departure date. We arrive in Lerwick around 07:30 hrs. Discover our last-minute, luxury, all-inclusive, and many other incredible cruise deals. 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. Outside these hours you can email one of our team atreservations@hfholidays.co.uk, or make a booking online. Each one is all inclusive, and youll have your own private balcony to enjoy every destination in style. The natural beauty of Orkneys landscape boasts a rich variety of scenery. Callanish Standing StonesLocated in the Outer Hebrides on the west coast of Lewis, the Callanish Standing Stones are a must-see attraction for all visitors to the Western Isles. The nearby seaport of Stromness is famed for the Pier Arts Centre which showcases the work of artists and sculptors from Orkney and beyond. Take the ferry from Stromness to Scrabster on the Scottish mainland, where your self-drive tour of Orkney and Shetland will come to an end. Tastefully decorated and furnished, these properties are generally owned and operated by locals who have a genuine passion for their region which they are keen to share with you.