enquiries@absoluteescapes.com. In West Mainland, dont miss the hauntingly beautiful Heart of Neolithic Orkney UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Ski Solutions team are all skiing experts, and their wealth of knowledge and passion for the mountains will ensure you experience a truly memorable ski holiday. You will also find no end of delicious local produce to tempt you and a busy programme of annual festivals. More than a million birds breed in very large colonies. If you are planning to bring alcohol, tobacco or souvenirs into the country, you need to be familiar with the UK's custom laws. 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. Discover the Castle of Mey and its magnificent gardens. Weather permitting, enjoy a welcome drink on the small terrace, which overlooks the distinctive pagoda-roof of the neighbours: the Highland Park distillery. A BSpoke Tour is all about being as restful or as adventurous as you desire. 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. On arrival at Gills Bay, we join the famous North Coast 500 route as we make the coastal drive southwards across the Dornoch and Cromarty Firths towards Inverness. Travel to Orkney by ferry from Caithness, on the north coast of Scotland, with the crossing taking just under an hour. 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. The island's attractions include . Topped by a prehistoric chambered burial cairn, the summit offers a breathtaking panorama across this ice-carved landscape. Connections are available from other airports in the UK, Europ Book with Scapa Travel to get your 50% discount on eligible Scottish routes.The discount applies to residents of Orkney, Shetland, Caithness, NorthWest Sutherland, the Western Isles,Colonsay, Islay and Jura, with a valid Air Discount Scheme card and PIN number. 9 miles (14km) with 760 feet (230m) of ascent. Getting Here | Orkney.com 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. View our privacy policy. Overnight Orkney. All we ask is that you write to us within 7 days of your return and explain your reason for claiming the refund. Scapa Travel is a trading name of Scapa Travel Limited who are registered in Scotland with company number SC438791, and VAT number 115719224. Warner Bros. 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. Sign up for our newsletter and unlock exclusive tips and inspiration from our team of travel specialists. It's a similar story by rail, with trains available to both Aberdeen . Depart Lerwick at the end of the afternoon for the overnight journey on the cruise class Northlink Ferries service to Aberdeen. One of the most beautiful and rugged of the Orkney Islands, Hoy is much more akin to the Scottish Highlands than the rolling countryside and crofts found across the archipelago. Its the most southerly point of mainland Shetland and where thousands of species of seabird come ashore to nest on the cliffs. They branded their services "P&O Ferries" from 1975 to 1989 and "P&O Scottish Ferries" thereafter. 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. More likely we will be sailing for part of a night or a very early/late start and a long day. Experience a unique blend of Scandinavian and Scottish culture, as the Norse history and heritage still shapes these islands today. Shetland and the Tall Ships. Registered office: Gilbridge House, Keel Square, Sunderland SR1 3HA. 2023 HF Holidays Limited. Orkney and Shetland, off the north coast of Scotland. 18 Hours of Midsummer Sun. Later return to Kirkwall where dinner is served in our hotel. Orkneyinga Saga: The History of the Earls of Orkney - Goodreads Nearby sits the Bishop's Palace and Earl's Palace, which was reputedly built using forced labour. You do not have any pinned holidays. We are obliged to maintain a high standard of service to you by ABTA's Code of Conduct. Dine on fresh seafood in cosmopolitan Kirkwall and Lerwick, and enjoy an extensive local craft culture. 999 pp. Language: EnglishCurrency: Pound SterlingTime Zone: GMTTipping: 10 to 12% is usual for hotels with 10 to 15% being usual for restaurants. We also include a Boat trip around Noss during your time on Shetland (please note this only runs between May and mid-September). Go Scotland Tours is offering a private guided tour combining the Western Isles of Skye, Harris and Lewis with Orkney. 5 Nights No Fly Cruise from 799pp Liverpool, Cruising past Duart Castle, Cruising Sound of Mull, Cruising Loch Hourn, Cruising by The Small Isles, Portree, Isle of Skye, Kirkwall, Orkney Islands, Cruising by Dutchman's Cap (Bac Mr), Cruising Fingal's Cave, Cruise by Iona, Liverpool. These unique islands are home to some of the most breathtaking coastal scenery to be found anywhere in Britain. 2,268. We sail with Serco Northlink Ferries and their modern, purpose-built vessels, the Hrossey and the Hjaltland, from Aberdeen overnight to Lerwick. 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. Popular attractions Orkney Wireless Museum and St. Magnus Cathedral are located . 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 . Clicking on the link below will redirect you to the Wilderness England website. In 1919 the German Navy scuttled itself as a grand act of defiance and, in 1939, HMS Royal Oak was sunk here by a U-boat. We then rejoin our transport for the scenic transfer to Busta House. Our journey continues through the fertile farmland of Angus to reach the granite city of Aberdeen by late afternoon. There are so many reasons why Saga stands out from other cruise lines. The Shetland Islands are the UNBELIEVABLE Hidden Treasure of Scotland, the northernmost point of the United Kingdom and formerly part of Norway. Honest and easy 2 minute travel guide including what makes Shetland Islands so special as well as map and highlights. 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. Next, we make for Maeshowe, a magnificent chambered tomb that dates from around 2,500 BC. Be the first to hear about all things HF Holidays. Uncover Orkneys Ancient Secrets - Shearings 10 Day Shetland & Orkney Car Tour. Arrive into Lerwick, Shetland early this morning. All included in the price. Scotland's Northern Isles by Motorhome. The event is taking place on Saturday 6 May, with the additional bank holiday on 8 May. Duration 6 Days. 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. From jagged cliffs to unspoilt beaches and stone . A holiday to the islands of Orkney and Shetland has it all. Explore the islands' Norse heritage on a coach holiday, where the sound of fiddles can still be heard drifting through the fresh air. In the afternoon well visit Maes Howe, one of the most treasured Neolithic sites in Europe. 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 . Another day you might head for South Ronaldsay now connected by the famous Churchill Barriers to the Mainland. 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. It took 300 years to complete and is one of the finest examples of Norman architecture in Europe. The Shetland Islands are the most northerly part of the United Kingdom, a group of islands 100 miles / 160 km north of mainland Scotland. 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). This afternoon we tour through the island, and as we make our journey hopefully, we will see some native Shetland ponies grazing in their fields. Lake District, Yorkshire & Hadrians Wall, Classic Yorkshire: Whitby, York & The Dales, East of England: Cambridge, Norfolk & Suffolk. Shetland Isles wildlife holiday. These cliffs are bursting with an extraordinary range of wildlife, such as seals, puffins, gannets and whales. To purchase a policy speak to your insurance broker or undertake a search on-line. Archaeological Treasures of Orkney and Shetland, Location:Northlink Ferry (1); Busta, Shetland Islands (1) and Kirkwall, Orkney islands (3), Admission to Scalloway Castle, Jarlshof, Ring of Brodgar, Stenness Standing Stones, Maeshowe, Skara Brae and Italian Chapel, Touring by luxury air-conditioned coach with reclining seats, All baggage handling and hotel tips are included, Services throughout the tour of a professional Tour Director. You are able to walk in and out and around them, just imagining how people used to survive here.
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