saga holidays orkney and shetland

See the Tall Ships in Lerwick. Contact us via email: When's the best time to visit? 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. Spot dolphins and porpoises in the coastal waters, or breeding seabirds such as puffins and guillemots at Hermaness Nature Reserve. 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. Watch for dolphins which sometimes play in the bow waves. Contact usEmail: info@scapatravel.co.ukTelephone: 01856 889040, Our opening hours are:Monday to Friday 10am to 4pmSaturday 11am to 3pm. A holiday to the islands of Orkney and Shetland has it all. 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. Written around AD 1200 by an unnamed Icelandic author, the Orkneyinga Saga is an intriguing fusion of myth, legend and history. 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. At the ancient settlement of Jarlshof you can explore 4,000 years of human history. Free time will let you explore Kirkwall and St Magnus Cathedral before setting sail for the mainland. Check-in: TBA hrs Day 9. Welcome to life in the easy lane. Today we leave Orkney and head north to Shetland. Read more, Need something more tailored? 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. The services were taken over by NorthLink Orkney and Shetland Ferries in 2002. If you plan to bring your own vehicle, we are also able to offer this itinerary without a rental car. Look out for the gargoyles which a former owner rescued from the Houses of Parliament in London. 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. 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. Both Shetland and Orkney offer a good chance of spotting the Northern Lights, particularly in autumn and winter. P&O Iona; Anthem of the Seas; Regal Princess; MSC Virtuosa; Queen Mary 2 . and 'why?'. Enjoy 3 days (3 nights) in Orkney. Registered office: Gilbridge House, Keel Square, Sunderland SR1 3HA. Our Premium category includes a unique collection of luxurious and stylish boutique Guest Houses and small 4* Hotels. This trip is operated by our England team. Day 1 - Departing Inverness with a morning drive to the far North of Scotland and the ferry port of Scrabster, near Thurso. The capital, Lerwick, is home to Shetlands main museum and local art centre by the harbour, as well as various locations used in the filming of the Shetland TV series. If you are planning to bring alcohol, tobacco or souvenirs into the country, you need to be familiar with the UK's custom laws. Recently hailed as one of Lonely Planets Best in Europe for 2019, the ruggedly handsome Shetland Islands comprise around 100 different islands with just 15 inhabited. 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. At this fascinating site, we will discover the remains of oval houses from the Bronze Age, an Iron Age broch and Viking longhouses. Getting to Orkney via public transport is simple. These tours are immensely popular so expect to be travelling in the company of like-minded travellers from around the world. Dinner will be served on board and we will arrive in Kirkwall around 23:00 hrs. It's a convenient crossing point for otters too, who, in these islands, are sea-dwelling. Once checked-in onboard head to your comfortable twin-berth cabin with en-suite bathroom or enjoy time exploring the ship's many facilities. Many people have landed there before you . Several of the prisoners have returned to Orkney over the years to assist with the restoration of the building. Read 20 . A collection of 3* B&Bs and Guest Houses offering comfortable accommodation close to local attractions. Small group travel: 2023: 15 Apr, 13 May. To prevent further attacks, a series of four barriers were constructed using Italian prisoners of war. Depart Lerwick at the end of the afternoon for the overnight journey on the cruise class Northlink Ferries service to Aberdeen. As you sail below, the screeching is deafening, and youll feel very outnumbered, a stranger invading their territory. 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. 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. Warner Bros. 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. The expedition starts in Oban and we sail, via the scenic and bird-rich island of Handa, to the enchanting Orkney Islands. 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 . From 799pp. Breakfast is served onboard from 07:15 hrs after which we board the coach and disembark to begin our island tour. Specialists in offering a range of adventure holidays, tours and incredible wilderness experiences. Buy your own drinks and keep sight of them at all times. Once your unforgettable excursion comes to an end, make your way to your next base. Shetland's council workers will not get the extra bank holiday on the Monday after King Charles's coronation. Spend some time exploring this fascinating seaport where you could visit. Enjoy a relaxing break over the May Day Bank Holiday; Join ORCA on deck of Bolette to spot whales ; A holiday to the islands of Orkney and Shetland has it all. (Read 1 review) Late availability on these dates: 15 Apr, 13 May. Overnight Orkney. Orkney & Shetland Start your journey by travelling from Orkney from Scrabster near Thurso, where you will find your hotel which is . 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 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. This is a far cry in both style and location from a chain hotel and all rooms are individually decorated. Simply pop your details in the box below for the latest news, travel advice, destination inspiration, and special offers delivered straight to your inbox. Orkney and Shetland, off the north coast of Scotland. 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. Orkney and Shetland, being the nearest western land to Norway, would be first visited. Join us on a magnificent expedition cruise to the Orkney, Shetland and Faroe Islands on board Le Boreal. Guided wildlife tour of Shetland Isles. View our Full Privacy Notice, Read independent reviews from ourcustomers. Orkney Islands, group of more than 70 islands and isletsonly about 20 of which are inhabitedin Scotland, lying about 20 miles (32 km) north of the Scottish mainland, across the strait known as the Pentland Firth. enquiries@absoluteescapes.com. Come explor. 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. Orphir has a Viking museum, the Orkneyinga Saga Centre, and the remains of Scotland's only . Lake District, Yorkshire & Hadrians Wall, Classic Yorkshire: Whitby, York & The Dales, East of England: Cambridge, Norfolk & Suffolk. 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 breadth of history to be discovered here is without parallel in Scotland and is sure to amaze you. Rooms are simple but homely and all come with TV and tea and coffee making facilities. VAT Number 125 4899 87. The card payment providers above are used for taking your payments by operators featured on our site. Each one is all inclusive, and youll have your own private balcony to enjoy every destination in style. Iona AbbeyOne of Scotland's most sacred and historic sites, the Abbey was founded in 563AD and it still retains its spiritual atmosphere today. Days 5-8 Orkney. Fiercely independent and sprinkled with Scandinavian tradition, this pair of wild windswept archipelagos offer an island-hopping holiday that ticks-off squawking seabird . During our time here will visit the RSPB reserve which is home to many species of seabirds including puffins, guillemots and razorbills. Youll be in good company if you choose to take dinner at your hotel, a popular destination for locals as well as visitors. 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. 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. 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. Youll board your ferry to Orkney in the afternoon and arrive in Kirkwall, the historic capital of Orkney, later this evening.