It is worth checking the HM Revenues and Customs website before you travel. Local Laws and CustomsQueuing is a British Institution - jump a queue at your own risk!Drug offences will carry penalties in the UK, so avoid getting involved with anything whilst in Scotland. This morning you will enjoy a real treat a wildlife boat trip. These range from traditional luxury to contemporary Hotels. Please click here to see full flight schedules to Shetland & Orkney Island. Only a 20 minute drive from Lerwick, you can discover the ruins of Scalloway Castle, visit Scalloway Museum, or enjoy a stroll through the picturesque harbour. Popular attractions Orkney Wireless Museum and St. Magnus Cathedral are located . We will hold your data securely within our organisation, McKinlay Kidd Limited. Enchanting Orkney is a smorgasbord of must-see sites and cultural attractions scattered across70 islands. Some cruises also incorporate the Faroe Isles. For group bookings of 10+ people click here. Meanwhile seals laze on rocks beneath the cliffs or nose around the boat. You are able to walk in and out and around them, just imagining how people used to survive here. UNESCO World Heritage Site. These are leisurely cycling tours winding through vineyards and staying in high end accommodation where the emphasis is as much on the food and wine as the cycling. 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. Spend two days exploring some of the many island treasures, including Scalloway Castle and Jarlshof, an outstanding example of . The strong historical and cultural influence of Norway upon these islands is clear in their timber-framed and brightly coloured architecture. Photo: juvlai, CC BY-SA 2.0. To prevent further attacks, a series of four barriers were constructed using Italian prisoners of war. We love the opportunity to use our first-hand knowledge and experience to design and deliver the perfect, bespoke holiday experience for you. If so, please follow the booking process for a twin room and we will do our best to find you another group member of the same gender to share with. Below is a list of some tour operators that organise regular trips to the islands. 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. 18 Hours of Midsummer Sun. 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 . Please see Terms and Conditions for further details. Average salary for Saga Group Mi Analyst in Seaham, England: [salary]. 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. Visit the Bishops and Earls Palaces where you can learn of a time when Orkney was part of the Norse-held kingdom of Nordreyjar. ARE YOU A SOLO TRAVELLER WILLING TO SHARE? Savour your chance to try lamb with its distinctive flavour due to the seaweed diet of the sheep, or sample local seafood including mouth-watering prawns and delicious stir-fried squid. Cruising is another great way of accessing this remote Scottish wilderness, allowing you to explore in comfort. A quick introduction. 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. Currently on offer are holidays to Iceland in winter and summer, plus fantastic trips to The Shetland Isles, Southern Ireland, Hidden France and Romandy Switzerland and the Dordogne. 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. Check-in: TBA hrs AccommodationThe price of this tour includes hotel accommodation/ferry cabin with en-suite bathroom. Thats why all of the accommodation we select is hand-picked using our first-hand knowledge of the best places to stay. Family room - this is a room for three people sleeping in one large bed (2 people) and one single bed (1 person). Enjoy 4 days (3 nights) in Shetland. Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Revealed. The unspoilt landscape of Shetland has a rugged beauty shaped by the sea at the end of the last Ice Age. In a land thats been largely tamed, they remain rare unspoiled outposts of rugged coastline and remote beauty. 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. 8 nights from. Many people have landed there before you . Travel to the wild and glorious peninsula of Northmavine. Later you could take a 10 minute ferry journey to the Isle of Bressay to explore the rich natural heritage and incredible wildlife. 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. We use your data to prepare holiday proposals and to make bookings for you if you choose to go ahead. We will never share your data with third parties for marketing purposes. 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. 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. The Vikings left their mark, such as the beautifully proportioned round church at Orphir as well as their grafitti which we now admire as works of art! Studio Tour London - Harry Potter, Peaky Blinders Filming Location Tours 2023. Stop off to admire the ornate Italian Chapel, crafted from scraps by prisoners of war, and look out for the many wrecked ships poking their remains out of the water around Scapa Flow. We then rejoin our transport for the scenic transfer to Busta House. A superb coastal trailalongthe spectacular sea cliffs from Yesnaby to the impressive ancient settlement of Skara Brae a remarkable feat of ancient engineering predates the pyramids of Egypt and even Stonehenge. Overnight Orkney, Take the opportunity to visit one of Orkneys smaller isles. This iconic sea stack is only a few hundred years old. 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 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. In Kirkwall you will find a bustling and friendly town with a great selection of restaurants, pubs, and local art shops, as well as the most northerly cathedral in Britain dating back to the 12th century. The South Mainland awaits today home to some of Shetlands most jaw-drapping scenery and best archeological sites, including the Isle of Mousa where you will encounter the best preserved Broch anywhere in the world. Exciting destinations. VAT Number 125 4899 87. However the earldom began, by the time of Earl Sigurd we are heading into more reliable territory - although still laced with myth and folklore. Thousands of seabirds including gannets, guillemots and kittiwakes nest and feed in the Noss Nature Reserve. These tours are immensely popular so expect to be travelling in the company of like-minded travellers from around the world. Discover what makes the perfect boutique cruise experience, every time. Where Scotland meets Scandinavia, this wild and remote corner of northern Britain is truly remarkable. 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. Almost but not quite a separate island, Northmavine is joined to the rest of the Shetland Mainland at Mavis Grind where the relentless Atlantic Ocean has nearly cut through to the North Sea. Stop at Weisdale to see artists at work at Shetland Jewellery, before arriving at Northmavine where you could travel to the spectacular Eshaness Cliffs with their imposing lighthouse, or hike up to the top of Ronas Hill. Also includes hotels in Alderney, Sark and Herm, plus the Isle of Wight, Isles of Scilly, Isle of Man and Shetland & Orkney Islands. 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. Once checked-in onboard head to your comfortable twin-berth cabin with en-suite bathroom or enjoy time exploring the ship's many facilities. Our packages include car rental and comprehensive insurance for the duration of your holiday. 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. 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. Our latest all-balcony boutique ship launched in the summer of 2021. You do not have any pinned holidays. Highlights of Orkney and Shetland6 day/5 night. NB these cruise details have been updated - Please see the new trip page - Orkney, Shetland, Faroe Islands and St Kilda cruise.. This mysterious place of long days and colourful night skies is home to a wealth of sea life and sea birds, not . 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. These mysterious stone circles are amongst the most significant in Europe and are some 5,000 years old. 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. We'll always treat your personal details with the utmost care. Inspiring options. From jagged cliffs to unspoilt beaches and stone circles left by settlers some 4,000 years ago, the region is steeped in age-old history. They are home to a vast array of seabirds and unusual Scottish fauna, such as the rare Scottish Primrose, which means that the natural environment plays a starring role in any trip to these islands. Day 9. Trade Login Contact 08444 937 531 Destinations UK & Channel Islands. As a British citizen you will be entitled to free emergency health care on the NHS.If you are visiting Scotland from outside the United Kingdom and fall ill or are involved in an accident and are from any member of the European Economic Area or Switzerland, you can obtain free or reduced cost treatment with The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Enjoy free time in Kirkwall this morning. Buses and trains to Orkney. If you fancy some retail therapy, Kirkwall has a wealth of independent shops and craftworkers studios to be explored. Scattered off the northeast coast of Scotland, Orkney and the Shetland Islands are staggeringly beautiful. In a land that's been largely tamed, they remain rare unspoiled outposts of rugged coastline and remote beauty. 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 . Be aware of your surroundings and don't venture off on your own. 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. We depart Aberdeen at 19:00 hrs, and a short time later, dinner will be served in the ship's restaurant. These tours are carefully researched and combine quality hotels, luxury travel, informative visits and leisure time. 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. 2023 HF Holidays Limited. Designed with our guests in mind, our modern sister ships offer small-ship luxury with a private balcony for every guest. It's a short drive to our hotel for the next three nights. Stay at this 3-star hotel in Kirkwall. During our time here will visit the RSPB reserve which is home to many species of seabirds including puffins, guillemots and razorbills. Theres an opportunity to learn about Shetlands heritage at the Tangwick Haa museum today as we circumnavigate the beautiful Eshaness peninsula. 8.4/5 (52 reviews) Great place! Please note: All fields marked * are required, Please select a date or 1-2 months if flexible. Overnight: Kirkwall Hotel/Lynnfield Hotel, Kirkwall (or similar) (3 nights). We use cookies to provide you with the best online experience. Non-member fee: 30 per person. Our ships are smaller, but wonderfully spacious. 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. At the ancient settlement of Jarlshof you can explore 4,000 years of human history. Registered Office: Enbrook Park, Folkestone, Kent, CT20 3SE. Topped by a prehistoric chambered burial cairn, the summit offers a breathtaking panorama across this ice-carved landscape. Scattered off Scotland's northeast coast, this wild windswept archipelago offers a far-from-it-all feel just a skip away from the mainland. Known as the Churchill Barriers, we will use these causeways to reach the little island of Lamb Holm. Our last visit of the day is to Skara Brae. Its difficult not to be inspired by sweeping panoramic views as you stroll along deserted white sandy beaches or gaze up at dramatic sea cliffs created by fierce volcanic eruptions and the ravages of the North Sea. 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. Regional departures and/or connections to London, if available, can be requested. Both have featured recently on the BBC, yet in very contrasting ways: Orkney is hailed for its rich folklore, prehistoric sitesand abundance of wildlife, while Shetland owes its ever increasing popularity to thehit TV series Shetland based on Ann Cleeves gritty and fictional crime stories. 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. Shetland - South Mainland. Excellent, informative, enjoyable tour. 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. Please note the narcotic plant Khat/Qat is legal in the UK, but is not in a majority of other countries so never try to export this when leaving the UK.If you are visiting from outside of the United Kingdom, it is wise to check customs requirements before you travel. We suggest an early start today - there's a lot to fit in! We also include a Boat trip around Noss during your time on Shetland (please note this only runs between May and mid-September). These are at additional expense and, if available, details will be provided with your tour documentation. and a self-drive holiday of Shetland and Orkney guarantees memories to last a . All Rights Reserved. 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. Modern Slavery & Human Trafficking Statement. Buy your own drinks and keep sight of them at all times. Wildlife watching here is superb. Come explor. The far-flung Orkney and Shetland Isles offer the active traveller an invigorating and rewarding holiday experience, with jaw-dropping natural scenery and wildlife spectacles. Supplements may apply. Saga Cruises; Disney Cruises; Cruise Ships. menu. Tallest Sea Cliffs in Britain. A stunning six day private tour from Inverness through the Highlands to the Northern Isles of Orkney and Shetland. Usually the tour will depart the hotel between 08:00 hrs and 08:30 hrs in the morning. An experienced tour manager will lead the tour and your coach will be expertly driven by a professional driver. 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. This holiday is based on ferry crossings, starting from the north coast of Scotland near Thurso and returning to Aberdeen. 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. A short drive to the western side of the Shetland mainland brings us to the old fishing port of Scalloway, which sits overlooking a sheltered bay. It took 300 years to complete and is one of the finest examples of Norman architecture in Europe. Your accommodation is great for the little personal touches. 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. Tour Returns: TBA hrs, Outside Reception at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Edinburgh111 Glasgow Road Edinburgh EH12 8NF, Check-in: TBA hrs Fred Olsen. The Orkney Islands were the Orcades of ancient classical literature. 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. Providing inspiring active experiences, immerse yourself in the unique landscapes, history, culture and wildlife on a Wilderness England adventure. Enjoy 3 days (3 nights) in Orkney. In some cases, due to ferry or other travel connections, the tour may depart earlier or arrive later your tour director will advise you if this will be happening on your tour. Today we explore the heart of Neolithic Orkney. 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. We sail with Serco Northlink Ferries and their modern, purpose-built vessels, the Hrossey and the Hjaltland, from Aberdeen overnight to Lerwick. Free time will let you explore Kirkwall and St Magnus Cathedral before setting sail for the mainland. Another day you might head for South Ronaldsay now connected by the famous Churchill Barriers to the Mainland. Arrive on Orkney and settle in to the Merkister Hotel. This elevated viewpoint affords extensive views over Shetland and of Fair Isle to the south. Please click below to find the trip notes for your departure date. 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. The services were taken over by NorthLink Orkney and Shetland Ferries in 2002. Excellent and Friendly Staff!! Sail away to lands steeped in history, wildlife and stunning scenery, far from the jostling crowds, to the haunting beauty of the Orkney and Shetland Isles. Rooms are simple but homely and all come with TV and tea and coffee making facilities. 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. Tour Details. Guided wildlife tour of Shetland Isles. 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. At this fascinating site, we will discover the remains of oval houses from the Bronze Age, an Iron Age broch and Viking longhouses. The Orkney Mainland is just Getting to Orkney can be easier and quicker than you may think. The Abbey was restored at the start of the 20thcentury and the Abbey now welcomes visitors from around the world who flock to enjoy its peaceful atmosphere. Here we will have some free time to explore this charming town with its stone-paved alleys, granite houses and independent shops. In the afternoon well visit Maes Howe, one of the most treasured Neolithic sites in Europe. A key event in the global calendar, the annual Up Helly Aa Winter Fire . Our journey continues through the fertile farmland of Angus to reach the granite city of Aberdeen by late afternoon. 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. Borealis. 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 . 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. Spirit of Discovery departing Dover. 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 Ayre Hotel. If you're flying here, public bus services connect with all the main airports in Scotland too. Dinner will be served on board and we will arrive in Kirkwall around 23:00 hrs. This means one or two nights at sea followed by sailing in Shetland and Orkney. A collection of quality 4* Guest Houses and 3* Hotels often located in beautiful locations which provide an excellent standard of accommodation. If you plan to bring your own vehicle, we are also able to offer this itinerary without a rental car. Orkney & Shetland Start your journey by travelling from Orkney from Scrabster near Thurso, where you will find your hotel which is . On many tours youll have the chance to personalise your touring experience by participating in some carefully planned optional excursions. Scotland's Northern Isles by Motorhome. Enjoy a fascinating talk from historian Nick Card on the Orkney Islands' Neolithic past. All rights reserved. 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.