Its name, meaning Earls House, was bestowed by Sir Walter Scott when he used the ruins of the sixteenth century lairds house as a fictional setting. 2,268. All Rights Reserved. Absolute Escapes has an excellent relationship with a number of car hire operators and we are able to offer quality vehicles and great value for money. UNESCO World Heritage Site. 8 nights from. 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. View our Full Privacy Notice, Read independent reviews from ourcustomers. For all their differences, these islands share a similar feel: weather-beaten archipelagos with more in common with the Faroes than mainland Scotland. Welcome to the incredible archipelago of Orkney! If you are planning to bring alcohol, tobacco or souvenirs into the country, you need to be familiar with the UK's custom laws. Come explor. On many tours youll have the chance to personalise your touring experience by participating in some carefully planned optional excursions. You are able to walk in and out and around them, just imagining how people used to survive here. We sail with Serco Northlink Ferries and their modern, purpose-built vessels, the Hrossey and the Hjaltland, from Aberdeen overnight to Lerwick. Time to return home. Travel to the wild and glorious peninsula of Northmavine. Step back into the Stone Age in the Orkney and Shetland Islands, and come face-to-face with the legacy of the Vikings amid the turf-roofed cottages and ancient sites of the Faroes. Sign up for our newsletter and unlock exclusive tips and inspiration from our team of travel specialists. The natural beauty of Orkneys landscape boasts a rich variety of scenery. Check-in: TBA hrs 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. The rest of this evening is free to relax and, perhaps, enjoy a wee night-cap in the bar or get some fresh sea air before retiring for the night. Enjoy free time in Kirkwall this morning. Available Until September 2023. Accept. Well also visit the impressive archaeological site of Jarlshof. From Glasgow and Edinburgh, we travel northwards through the Kingdom of Fife to reach Dundee, which sits overlooking the River Tay. For anyone easily seduced by big skies, sea views, and wide-open spaces, Orkney is always a good idea. Our sociable ships have been designed with more than 100 single balcony cabins, the widest selection on the ocean wave. During the hour-long sailing look out for porpoises, dolphins and minke whales that can often be seen. Wilderness England creates incredible journeys to the wild and magical outdoor spaces across Yorkshire, the Lake District, Northumberland, the Cotswolds and the Peak District. In certain locations youll may be joined by a local guide who will provide local insight and show you the highlights. Discover our last-minute, luxury, all-inclusive, and many other incredible cruise deals. Where Scotland meets Scandinavia, this wild and remote corner of northern Britain is truly remarkable. AccommodationThe price of this tour includes hotel accommodation/ferry cabin with en-suite bathroom. Overnight Orkney, Take the opportunity to visit one of Orkneys smaller isles. Look out for the gargoyles which a former owner rescued from the Houses of Parliament in London. This will ensure that we can improve the experience for all our future guests. Shetland is home to a world-class diversity of wildlife, from puffins and seals to purpoises and even whales. If you fancy some retail therapy, Kirkwall has a wealth of independent shops and craftworkers studios to be explored. The largest town, Lerwick, is closer to Norway than to Edinburgh, and culturally and geographically they feel more Norse than Scottish. 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. Once checked-in onboard head to your comfortable twin-berth cabin with en-suite bathroom or enjoy time exploring the ship's many facilities. The Italian Prisoners constructed a chapel out of a pair of Nissen Huts. See the landscapes of Shetland and Orkney; Visit Trshavn, with its Viking heritage; Itinerary From. We will discover more about this rather unpleasant character and his tyrannical ways during our visit. Highlights of Orkney and Shetland6 day/5 night. This elevated viewpoint affords extensive views over Shetland and of Fair Isle to the south. With a strong norse influence, these island groups provide a surprisingly contrasting cultural experience when compared to the Hebrides. 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. 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. We have the application forms in our office at 11 Bridge Street.For more information see www.airdiscountscheme.com, Sign-up to our mailing list for Exclusive Offers. Orkney & Shetland Start your journey by travelling from Orkney from Scrabster near Thurso, where you will find your hotel which is . Toggle navigation. Scapa Travel sells travel services on behalf of Hays Travel Limited and benefits from Hays Travel's membership of ABTA with membership number P8418. We can book package holidays including flights from the UK, hotel . Orphir has a Viking museum, the Orkneyinga Saga Centre, and the remains of Scotland's only . Please ensure you tick the reCAPTCHA checkbox to show you're not a spam bot! 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. The ultimate collection of European cycling holidays. 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. This amazingly well-preserved village was built 5,000 years ago. Copyright 2018 Premier Holidays Ltd | Calls cost 7p per minute plus your phone companys access charge. Below is a list of some tour operators that organise regular trips to the islands. You will not be able to use this site without JavaScript. Tour Departs: TBA hrs 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. On Mainland, is the capital Kirkwall whose sights include St Magnus Cathedral, the Bishops and Earls palaces and the Orkney Museum. 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. If you're looking to visit the islands north of Scotland, Orkney and Shetland are connected to the mainland and each other by NorthLink Ferries. Weather permitting, enjoy a welcome drink on the small terrace, which overlooks the distinctive pagoda-roof of the neighbours: the Highland Park distillery. Where Scotland meets Scandinavia, this wild and remote corner of northern Britain is truly remarkable. If you fancy sampling the local water of life, why not take a tour at the. Shetland's council workers will not get the extra bank holiday on the Monday after King Charles's coronation. Today we bid farewell to island life and make the journey to St Margaret's Hope where the fast Pentland Ferries catamaran waits to transport us across the Pentland Firth. Excellent and Friendly Staff!! and a self-drive holiday of Shetland and Orkney guarantees memories to last a . Todays walk takes us to the famous sea stack known as the Old Man of Hoy and will have bird watchers twitching with excitement at the prospect of spotting arctic and great skuas. This holiday can be arranged from March to October. 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. These tours are inclusive of superior tourist class accommodation, transportation, selected admission fees and many meals. Providing inspiring active experiences, immerse yourself in the unique landscapes, history, culture and wildlife on a Wilderness England adventure. The breadth of history to be discovered here is without parallel in Scotland and is sure to amaze you. Experience a unique blend of Scandinavian and Scottish culture, as the Norse history and heritage still shapes these islands today. There will be a stop where can enjoy time off the coach and buy refreshments. Fiercely independent and sprinkled with Scandinavian tradition, this pair of wild windswept archipelagos offer an island-hopping holiday that ticks-off squawking seabird colonies, staggering scenery, and some of the best-preserved Neolithic ruins in Europe. But forget the . Enjoy a complimentary chauffeur service, wines, premium spirits, speciality dining, gratuities, Wi-Fi and travel insurance. 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. P&O took over the routes from the long-established North of Scotland, Orkney & Shetland Steam Navigation Company in 1971. Ayre Road, Kirkwall, Scotland, KW15 1QX. Discover the Castle of Mey and its magnificent gardens. 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. Excellent, informative, enjoyable tour. The nearby seaport of Stromness is famed for the Pier Arts Centre which showcases the work of artists and sculptors from Orkney and beyond. Highlights of Orkney and Shetland6 day/5 night. Take the strain off holiday planning with a bespoke package holiday or group trip to Shetland. 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. The Old Man of Hoy. All room types, other than twin rooms, are subject to availability. Specialists in offering a range of adventure holidays, tours and incredible wilderness experiences. 3.91. These are at additional expense and, if available, details will be provided with your tour documentation. Borealis. Finally, a laird's house was constructed on the site in the 1600s. These are wonderfully charming and intimate and run with great flair by their owners. Overnight: Busta House Hotel/Brae Hotel, Shetland (or similar). The card payment providers above are used for taking your payments by operators featured on our site. To prevent further attacks, a series of four barriers were constructed using Italian prisoners of war. 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.