saga holidays orkney and shetland saga holidays orkney and shetland

Enjoy a fascinating talk from historian Nick Card on the Orkney Islands' Neolithic past. Enjoy a relaxing break over the May Day Bank Holiday; Join ORCA on deck of Bolette to spot whales ; You could visit the mighty Cathedral of St Mangus, which was begun in 1137. Ferry: Sail from Shetland to Orkney on the evening sailing on a Monday, Wednesday & Friday, depart Lerwick at 1730 and arrive in Kirkwall at 2300. This is a customizable tour and can be tailor-made to your preference. Their warm hospitality is sure to be a highlight of your Scottish experience. Discover what makes the perfect boutique cruise experience, every time. Stretching off Scotland's north coast are Shetland and Orkney, two very special archipelagos where Scotland meets Scandinavia. 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. 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. These tours are immensely popular so expect to be travelling in the company of like-minded travellers from around the world. Soak up the history and imagine life in eras gone by! Simply pop your details in the box below for the latest news, travel advice, destination inspiration, and special offers delivered straight to your inbox. It's a short drive to our hotel for the next three nights. From here you can gaze out to the Muckle Flugga lighthouse. The Italian Prisoners constructed a chapel out of a pair of Nissen Huts. Shetland: The northernmost part of the UK, Shetland is wild, rugged and beautiful. 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. In a land thats been largely tamed, they remain rare unspoiled outposts of rugged coastline and remote beauty. These tours are inclusive of superior tourist class accommodation, transportation, selected admission fees and many meals. Orkney To Shetland Via Fair Isle & Shetland To Orkney Via Fair Isle. It's a favourite with twitchers, who flock here to enjoy sensational seabird colonies and rare species. Take in the breathtaking Old Man of Hoy a 450 foot sea stack and perhaps Orkneys most famous landmark. Availability is individually checked for a hand-picked selection of smaller hotels, guest houses and other independent businesses, so please bear with us and we will respond in 1-2 working days. In the Shetlands, its all about Busta House. EU nationals need to have either a valid passport or identity card.Visas for the UK are not required by those travelling from Australia, Canada, USA or EU for stays of up to six months.Any other nationality looking to visit the UK must contact the local embassy to check visa requirements. 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. Shetland is home to a world-class diversity of wildlife, from puffins and seals to purpoises and even whales. An interesting tour, with lots of great historical commentary and beautiful landscapes. 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. 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. A holiday to the islands of Orkney and Shetland has it all. The restaurant prides itself on local produce, prepared to make the most of the fresh flavours. Inspiring options. Watch for dolphins which sometimes play in the bow waves. Citylink buses run to Aberdeen, Gills Bay and Scrabster so you can catch your ferry to the islands. 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. They constitute the Shetland Islands council area and the historic county of Shetland. Youll find pre-history at almost every turn across the Orkney islands: from neolithic chambered cairns, stone circles and standing stones through to the fascinating Stone Age village at Skara Brae. add an extra night or two on each island group to explore in depth? Please ensure you tick the reCAPTCHA checkbox to show you're not a spam bot! Consequently, bedrooms and bathrooms come in varying shapes and sizes. Any additional charge for the single supplement will be confirmed at the point of final payment and bookings are accepted on this understanding. Guided wildlife tour of Shetland Isles. Highlights of Orkney and Shetland6 day/5 night. UNESCO World Heritage Site. A quick introduction. After rejoining the ship for an evening sailing to Kirkwall, we have a further two full days touring Orkney, before our short crossing back to the mainland. Relaxing hotel-based holidays in the sun, with a Saga host on hand. Excellent, informative, enjoyable tour. For all their differences, these islands share a similar feel: weather-beaten archipelagos with more in common with the Faroes than mainland Scotland. Travel by overnight ferry to Lerwick, the capital of Shetland, arriving at 0730 and enjoy a leisurely breakfast on board before disembarking. 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. 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. Outside these hours you can email one of our team atreservations@hfholidays.co.uk, or make a booking online. It lay covered for centuries, if not millennia, before a sandstorm in the 1920s revealed the amazing ruins. Historic and Cultural Tours. Search. Group transfer to Sumburgh airport for your return flight. 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. 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. Depart Lerwick at the end of the afternoon for the overnight journey on the cruise class Northlink Ferries service to Aberdeen. Look out for the gargoyles which a former owner rescued from the Houses of Parliament in London. 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! 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 also offer a fly-drive holiday as an alternative way to visit Orkney & Shetland. Tour Returns: TBA hrs, Outside Reception at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Edinburgh111 Glasgow Road Edinburgh EH12 8NF, Check-in: TBA hrs The islands are also blessed with an extraordinary natural beauty. On Mainland . Buses and trains to Orkney. The ultimate collection of European cycling holidays. 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. Free time will let you explore Kirkwall and St Magnus Cathedral before setting sail for the mainland. A stunning six day private tour from Inverness through the Highlands to the Northern Isles of Orkney and Shetland. 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. Welcome to life in the easy lane. In each case, it is not necessarily added to the bill. In 1468, the impoverished Christian I, King of Denmark, Norway and Sweden, pawned the Orkney Isles to James III of Scotland in lieu of a royal dowry for 50,000 florins. Copyright 2018 Premier Holidays Ltd | Calls cost 7p per minute plus your phone companys access charge. The islands are a birdwatchers' paradise and one of the major seabird breeding and feeding areas in the North Atlantic. Spot dolphins and porpoises in the coastal waters, or breeding seabirds such as puffins and guillemots at Hermaness Nature Reserve. 10 Day Shetland & Orkney Car Tour. 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. From Glasgow and Edinburgh, we travel northwards through the Kingdom of Fife to reach Dundee, which sits overlooking the River Tay. 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. Time to return home. With over 100 islands contributing to over 1,500 miles of coastline, there is something to discover around every corner, from the entrancing blend of Scottish and Scandinavian culture to the dramatic . Scapa Travel is a trading name of Scapa Travel Limited who are registered in Scotland with company number SC438791, and VAT number 115719224. The innovative Shetland Museum and Archives tells the fascinating story of these islands and is well worth visiting. When's the best time to visit? The Shetland Islands are the UNBELIEVABLE Hidden Treasure of Scotland, the northernmost point of the United Kingdom and formerly part of Norway. Easy to download as a PDF, our trip notes provide detailed information for every holiday. 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. 2 miles (3km) with 200 feet (60m) of ascent. The Ayre Hotel. We arrive in Lerwick around 07:30 hrs. Enjoy 3 days (3 nights) in Orkney. Non-member fee: 30 per person. 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. The Old Man of Hoy. and 'why?'. Our journey continues through the fertile farmland of Angus to reach the granite city of Aberdeen by late afternoon. From getting to know you by name to remembering your favourite drink at the bar, youll always receive personal, attentive service. 2,268. Let Scapa Travel use their extensive local knowledge to create a memorable holiday, tailored specifically for you. Our first visits are to the Ring of Brodgar and the Standing Stones of Stenness. Youll board your ferry to Orkney in the afternoon and arrive in Kirkwall, the historic capital of Orkney, later this evening. Known as the Churchill Barriers, we will use these causeways to reach the little island of Lamb Holm. This picturesque spring Orkney & Shetland Mini Cruise combines coastal scenery with fascinating history. Overnight Orkney. And as more than fifth of our guests cruise solo, youll always be in good company. 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. High levels of cover from an award winning provider, 3-year fixed price with no tie-ins - T&Cs apply. Spirit of Discovery departing Tilbury. Weather permitting, enjoy a welcome drink on the small terrace, which overlooks the distinctive pagoda-roof of the neighbours: the Highland Park distillery. Outstanding scenery, exceptional wildlife, ancient history, traditional crafts and world-class diving. 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. 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. But forget the . Take in the breathtaking Old Man of Hoy a 450 foot sea stack and perhaps Orkneys most famous landmark. 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. Scattered off the northeast coast of Scotland, Orkney and the Shetland Islands are staggeringly beautiful. 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. More details & Book Bank Holiday Escape to Scenic Scotland . 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. Orkney, an ancient cluster of 70 islands brimming with history and dramatic coastlines, lie off the north west coast of Scotland. Shetland Isles wildlife holiday. Shetland Islands, also called Zetland or Shetland, group of about 100 islands, fewer than 20 of them inhabited, in Scotland, 130 miles (210 km) north of the Scottish mainland, at the northern extremity of the United Kingdom. Call for options 01904 521 936. Enjoy a complimentary chauffeur service, wines, premium spirits, speciality dining, gratuities, Wi-Fi and travel insurance. 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. 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 . [1] Day 5. Wherever you cruise on Spirit of Adventure and Spirit of Discovery, youll always step aboard here in the UK. This self drive holiday to Orkney and Shetland gives you the opportunity to experience the wonderful landscapes, fascinating wildlife and archaeological heritage of these magical, and very different parts of the UK. Join us on a stunning journey to the unforgettable Orkney Islands, a little-visited archipelago of some 70 small islands and skerries due north of the Scottish mainland. Exciting destinations. With 70 magical islands its difficult to know where to begin. Later we make the short drive to Sumburgh Head, where the waters of the North Sea meet the waves of the Atlantic Ocean. Usually the coach will arrive at the overnight stop between 16:30 and 17:00 hrs each day. Orkney & Shetland Start your journey by travelling from Orkney from Scrabster near Thurso, where you will find your hotel which is . Look out for the lighthouse, opened in 1929 its powerful light can be seen from 46 km away. An experienced tour manager will lead the tour and your coach will be expertly driven by a professional driver. 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. 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. However the earldom began, by the time of Earl Sigurd we are heading into more reliable territory - although still laced with myth and folklore. A fitting finale to the holiday, this walk along the magnificent granite coastline around Muckle Roe offers a chance to admire the windswept isolation and remote beauty of Shetland. Spirit of Discovery departing Dover. The Tower has been restored over the past century, however not all of the original structure still remains. enquiries@absoluteescapes.com. Our last visit of the day is to Skara Brae. Its just six miles from Skara Brae and has an award-winning restaurant overlooking the loch, serving outstanding Scottish seafood and Aberdeen Angus beef. All included in the price. We will hold your data securely within our organisation, McKinlay Kidd Limited. Photo: Lis Burke, CC BY-SA 2.0. 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). (Read 1 review) Late availability on these dates: 15 Apr, 13 May. 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. We also include a Boat trip around Noss during your time on Shetland (please note this only runs between May and mid-September). With a maximum of 15 passengers per group, you can be sure of . . Seabirds flock to this rocky outcrop in their thousands during breeding season and colonies of common and grey seal spend autumn in the waters of the bay. During our time here will visit the RSPB reserve which is home to many species of seabirds including puffins, guillemots and razorbills. Here you can see evidence of many different eras dating as far back as Neolithic times. Be the first to hear about all things HF Holidays. 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. Family room - this is a room for three people sleeping in one large bed (2 people) and one single bed (1 person). Duration 6 Days. 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. 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. Guide Lorraine gives an insight into this ancient archipelago. In a land that's been largely tamed, they remain rare unspoiled outposts of rugged coastline and remote beauty. Its a great way to make new friends! Then trace . 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. Wildflowers bloom throughout the summer, covering the green cliffs with colour and the exquisite . This morning you will enjoy a real treat a wildlife boat trip. VAT Number 125 4899 87. 8 nights from. It was raided by Norsemen in the 12th Century. Trade Login Contact 08444 937 531 Destinations UK & Channel Islands. 01273 823 700 . Shes the beautiful sister to Spirit of Discovery, but has a whole host of surprises of her own, including exciting new restaurants. During the hour-long sailing look out for porpoises, dolphins and minke whales that can often be seen. You will also find no end of delicious local produce to tempt you and a busy programme of annual festivals. This expanse of water has played witness to some monumental events. 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. 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 . The thousands of prehistoric Neolithic sites which have survived to tell their tale at the Heart of Neolithic Orkney UNESCO world heritage site are both spectacular and mysterious. Outstanding scenery, exceptional wildlife, ancient history, traditional crafts and world-class diving. Jna Sparey has been organising and conducting tours to Iceland - her Mother's homeland - and to many other places around the world since 1985. Scattered off Scotland's northeast coast, this wild windswept archipelago offers a far-from-it-all feel just a skip away from the mainland. Popular attractions Orkney Wireless Museum and St. Magnus Cathedral are located . 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. Scapa Travel sells travel services on behalf of Hays Travel Limited and benefits from Hays Travel's membership of ABTA with membership number P8418. 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. Standing guard to warn the passing ships is the Sumburgh Lighthouse, designed by the grandfather of the famous author Robert Louis Stevenson. Single cabins now available on all January to March 2023 cruises. Today is your final day in Shetland, but as the ferry does not leave until late afternoon you could take the opportunity to explore Shetlands ancient capital Scalloway. 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. We then have two full days to tour Shetland. Days 5-8 Orkney. Sailing Type - Mostly Coastal Day Sailing but the passage to Fair Isle is an open-water sea passage and there is a chance of an overnight passage on this voyage where you would be part of the watch system. Rooms are simple but homely and all come with TV and tea and coffee making facilities. We know that after a busy day of sightseeing an exceptional place to stay makes all the difference. If you would like to spend an extra night or two on either Orkney or Shetland, wed be delighted to assist. Our ships are smaller, but wonderfully spacious. Discover some of the most important Neolithic sites in Europe and uncover the mysteries of a 5,000 year old civilisation at a UNESCO world heritage site. Scattered off the northeast coast of Scotland, Orkney and the Shetland Islands are staggeringly beautiful. Dine on fresh seafood in cosmopolitan Kirkwall and Lerwick, and enjoy an extensive local craft culture. We'll make a visit to view the remarkable paintings that can be found inside the simple corrugated metal exterior. These are wonderfully charming and intimate and run with great flair by their owners. 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. Built in 1600, this castle was once the home of the Earl of Orkney. Once checked-in onboard head to your comfortable twin-berth cabin with en-suite bathroom or enjoy time exploring the ship's many facilities. Also includes hotels in Alderney, Sark and Herm, plus the Isle of Wight, Isles of Scilly, Isle of Man and Shetland & Orkney Islands. Jersey; Guernsey; Herm, Sark & Alderney; Isles of Scilly; Isle of Wight ; Isle of Man ; Shetland & Orkney Islands ; North America.