saga holidays orkney and shetland

P&O Iona; Anthem of the Seas; Regal Princess; MSC Virtuosa; Queen Mary 2 . Shetland - South Mainland. Trade Login Contact 08444 937 531 Destinations UK & Channel Islands. The Stones were erected around 3000BC and it is thought that they were some kind of astronomical calendar associated with the moon. 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. Toggle navigation. Uncover Orkney's Ancient Secrets. Well also visit the Ring of Brodgar and the Standing Stones of Stenness, which together with Skara Brae and Maes How, form the Heart of Neolithic Orkney UNESCO World Heritage Site. Indulge in a delicious fish and chip lunch overlooking the sea in Brae. 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. Shetland's other great Viking site is over on the northern island of Unst, reached by a succession of roll-on, roll-off car ferries from Mainland, the largest island in the group. Shetland and the Tall Ships. How do I get there? Also includes hotels in Alderney, Sark and Herm, plus the Isle of Wight, Isles of Scilly, Isle of Man and Shetland & Orkney Islands. 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. Available Until September 2023. Enjoy 3 days (3 nights) in Orkney. Watch for dolphins which sometimes play in the bow waves. Later, in medieval times, farmsteads were also built here. These range from traditional luxury to contemporary Hotels. From 565, the time when Orkney and Shetland were Christianised, three generations, or ninety-nine years, would be ample time to account for the Pictish ecclesiastical monuments of which the remains have been found. Orkney To Shetland Via Fair Isle & Shetland To Orkney Via Fair Isle. Travel to Orkney by ferry from Caithness, on the north coast of Scotland, with the crossing taking just under an hour. Our destination is Lerwick, the island's attractive capital. 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. Starts from: Edinburgh. Discover your ideal travel experience. Visit the Bishops and Earls Palaces where you can learn of a time when Orkney was part of the Norse-held kingdom of Nordreyjar. Spend some time exploring this fascinating seaport where you could visit. A key event in the global calendar, the annual Up Helly Aa Winter Fire . The strong historical and cultural influence of Norway upon these islands is clear in their timber-framed and brightly coloured architecture. But the surrounding dwellings and outbuildings date from thousands of years earlier. Keep an eye on everyone in your party and do not go off with people you do not know. We then have two full days to tour Shetland. 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 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. Registered office 11 Bridge Street, Kirkwall, Orkney, KW151 HR. Outstanding scenery, exceptional wildlife, ancient history, traditional crafts and world-class diving. To help you have an enjoyable holiday in Shetland, Orkney and the Outer Hebrides, take a look at these useful tips and advice provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO): Health and Travel InsuranceBritish Citizens are advised by some of our tour operators to have travel insurance before going on a tour or holiday, even if it happens to be in your country of residence. Each one is all inclusive, and youll have your own private balcony to enjoy every destination in style. 2,268. Orkney boasts inspirational landscapes where verdant fields stretch down to pristine beaches and dramatic seas crash against towering cliffs. Overnight Shetland. At 1,475 feet (450m) this is Shetlands highest peak. Sign up for our newsletter and be the first to hear about trip news, blogs and offers. A genuine feel pervades this small family owned hotel, located on the edge of Kirkwall. Search. In nearby Scalloway an excellent museum tells the story of the top-secret WWII Shetland Bus operation. 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. Single cabins now available on all January to March 2023 cruises. You are able to walk in and out and around them, just imagining how people used to survive here. Take the opportunity to visit one of Orkneys smaller isles. Our home for tonight is in the delightful village of Bray which overlooks Busta Voe. All sorts of nature abound here, from seals and otters to ponies and hundreds of birds, making it a wildlife lover's paradise. 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. Contact usEmail: info@scapatravel.co.ukTelephone: 01856 889040, Our opening hours are:Monday to Friday 10am to 4pmSaturday 11am to 3pm. Its the most southerly point of mainland Shetland and where thousands of species of seabird come ashore to nest on the cliffs. All our holiday prices include a service charge of 9 per person per night towards the costs we incur in researching, planning and designing your holiday. Everything's taken care of on a Saga escorted tour, so you can see and do more. In each case, it is not necessarily added to the bill. Discover squawking seabird colonies, staggering scenery, and some of the best-preserved Neolithic ruins in Europe as you island hop between Mainland . Arrive in Aberdeen at 0700 and enjoy breakfast on board before disembarking and continuing your onward journey. 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. Jersey; Guernsey; Herm, Sark & Alderney; Isles of Scilly; Isle of Wight ; Isle of Man ; Shetland & Orkney Islands ; North America. Please contact us for information on child prices. Some of them are: Skara BraeThought to be one of Orkney's most visited tourist spots, Skara Brae is an ancient site which is older than Stonehenge. The Old Man of Hoy. 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 . Weather permitting, enjoy a welcome drink on the small terrace, which overlooks the distinctive pagoda-roof of the neighbours: the Highland Park distillery. These treasures are of such importance that UNESCO has designated them a World Heritage site. Tour Returns: TBA hrs, Outside Reception at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Edinburgh111 Glasgow Road Edinburgh EH12 8NF, Check-in: TBA hrs Today visitors can see eight dwellings, each connected by a series of low passageways. 638 ratings70 reviews. The last part of the journey takes us through the Kingdom of Fife and across the Forth Estuary into Edinburgh. Tour Departs: TBA hrs 2023 HF Holidays Limited. If, like us, you cant get enough of the archeological discoveries, head over to Rousay with its Midhowe Broch and Cairn. Later we travel to the dramatic sea cliffs at Eshaness which have been created by the constant pounding of the Atlantic waves. The expedition starts in Oban and we sail, via the scenic and bird-rich island of Handa, to the enchanting Orkney Islands. We are obliged to maintain a high standard of service to you by ABTA's Code of Conduct. Scapa Travel sells travel services on behalf of Hays Travel Limited and benefits from Hays Travel's membership of ABTA with membership number P8418. 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. It lay covered for centuries, if not millennia, before a sandstorm in the 1920s revealed the amazing ruins. 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. Spend two days exploring some of the many island treasures, including Scalloway Castle and Jarlshof, an outstanding example of . Scattered off the northeast coast of Scotland, Orkney and the Shetland Islands are staggeringly beautiful. These tours are immensely popular so expect to be travelling in the company of like-minded travellers from around the world. We guarantee to refund this service charge if you believe that arranging your holiday through McKinlay Kidd has not met your expectations for value. Youre also sure to come across plenty of roaming Shetland ponies on your travels. And as more than fifth of our guests cruise solo, youll always be in good company. Travel to the wild and glorious peninsula of Northmavine. Does equity release affect inheritance tax. 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 . However it has an account of Mousa Broch being used as part of an elopement (the same episode is mentioned in Egil's Saga too) and is an excellent place to . Overlooking Skaill Bay, we'll discover a settlement of Stone Age houses complete with chairs, beds and dressers all made from stone. Find out everything you need to know about planning a trip to Scotland's incredible Northern Isles. However, some airlines will insist you show a passport so check before you travel.If you are travelling to Scotland from Australia, Canada or the USA, you must have a valid passport for at least three months beyond the length of your stay. Half way between Orkney and Shetland is Fair Isle, a jewel of an island owned by the National Trust for Scotland and famous for its birds, knitwear and historic shipwrecks. 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. The landscape is wild and remote and, outside of the . Youll board your ferry to Orkney in the afternoon and arrive in Kirkwall, the historic capital of Orkney, later this evening. Tour departure and return times will be advised in your tour documentation. Consequently, bedrooms and bathrooms come in varying shapes and sizes. Look out for the gargoyles which a former owner rescued from the Houses of Parliament in London. Arrive into Lerwick, Shetland early this morning. It's a favourite with twitchers, who flock here to enjoy sensational seabird colonies and rare species. 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. These tours are inclusive of superior tourist class accommodation, transportation, selected admission fees and many meals. At the ancient settlement of Jarlshof you can explore 4,000 years of human history. Wildlife watching here is superb. A collection of quality 4* Guest Houses and 3* Hotels often located in beautiful locations which provide an excellent standard of accommodation. Easy to download as a PDF, our trip notes provide detailed information for every holiday. Borealis. Getting to Orkney via public transport is simple. There will be a stop where can enjoy time off the coach and buy refreshments. 9 miles (14km) with 760 feet (230m) of ascent. All holidays are subject to availability. 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. Visit the Orkneyinga Viking history interpretation centre to learn more. Wherever you cruise on Spirit of Adventure and Spirit of Discovery, youll always step aboard here in the UK. Photo: juvlai, CC BY-SA 2.0. 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. These unassuming islands have a truly magical quality, and civilisation has thrived here for millennia. Our full season of 2023 cruises and early 2024 cruises are on sale now. 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. We'll make a visit to view the remarkable paintings that can be found inside the simple corrugated metal exterior. We can book package holidays including flights from the UK, hotel . All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. Group transfer to Sumburgh airport for your return flight. Average salary for Saga Group Mi Analyst in Seaham, England: [salary]. Call for options 01904 521 936. Designed with our guests in mind, our modern sister ships offer small-ship luxury with a private balcony for every guest. 999 pp. Our newsletter features exciting new itineraries, blog posts from the team, and fabulous competitions. All packages that include flights are ATOL protected. Dine on fresh seafood in cosmopolitan Kirkwall and Lerwick, and enjoy an extensive local craft culture. Depart Lerwick at the end of the afternoon for the overnight journey on the cruise class Northlink Ferries service to Aberdeen. 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. 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. Scattered off the northeast coast of Scotland, Orkney and the Shetland Islands are staggeringly beautiful. Time to return home. More details & Book Bank Holiday Escape to Scenic Scotland . The Shetlands were pawned for a further 8,000 florins. We'll always treat your personal details with the utmost care. Stretching off Scotland's north coast are Shetland and Orkney, two very special archipelagos where Scotland meets Scandinavia. 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 nature reserve is the perfect place to spot seabirds such as puffins, guillemots and kittiwakes. Scotland's Northern Isles by Motorhome. [1] This trip is operated by our England team. With a maximum of 15 passengers per group, you can be sure of . Departing by Coach. Available from April to October. The Orkney Islands constitute a council area and belong to the historic county of Orkney. Includes 9 nights accommodation (2 of which will be on the ferry to and from Shetland) and ferry costs. Copyright 2016 - 2023 Scapa Travel. Rated 4.88 out of 5 based on 5,609 reviews. 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. Outstanding scenery, exceptional wildlife, ancient history, traditional crafts and world-class diving. Then trace . The islands are also blessed with an extraordinary natural beauty. 7 miles (12km) with 1,360 feet (420m) of ascent. Accept. The Ring of Brodgar in the Heart of Neolithic Orkney. Soak up the history and imagine life in eras gone by! Enjoy a relaxing break over the May Day Bank Holiday; Join ORCA on deck of Bolette to spot whales ; In West Mainland, dont miss the hauntingly beautiful Heart of Neolithic Orkney UNESCO World Heritage Site. 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). Stretching off Scotlands north coast are Shetland and Orkney, two very special archipelagos where Scotland meets Scandinavia. 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. This morning you will enjoy a real treat a wildlife boat trip. Warner Bros. During our time here will visit the RSPB reserve which is home to many species of seabirds including puffins, guillemots and razorbills. Uncover hidden gems and holiday inspiration from our team of travel specialists. Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Revealed. 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. Orkney and Shetland Islands holidays set out for two of the most northerly outposts in Britain. The islanders themselves feel a strong local identity and you can be guaranteed a warm island welcome and some fantastic local fresh food. Wilderness England creates incredible journeys to the wild and magical outdoor spaces across Yorkshire, the Lake District, Northumberland, the Cotswolds and the Peak District. The Ayre Hotel. Are you sure you would like to continue with this room size? 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. Please choose from one of our accommodation categories below. Other Shetland highlights include Unst, boasting a plethora of fabulous walks and golden beaches; Foula, designated as a Special Protection Area for birds; Fetlar, known as the Garden of Shetland while beguiling Whalsay inspired some of Hugh McDiarmids poetry. 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. Orphir has a Viking museum, the Orkneyinga Saga Centre, and the remains of Scotland's only . Registered office: Gilbridge House, Keel Square, Sunderland SR1 3HA. Booking holidays since 1939, ATOL Protected. This holiday can be arranged from March to October. A quick introduction. Their warm hospitality is sure to be a highlight of your Scottish experience. 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. Written around AD 1200 by an unnamed Icelandic author, the Orkneyinga Saga is an intriguing fusion of myth, legend and history. Later return to Kirkwall where dinner is served in our hotel. Explore archaeological wonders such as Skara Brae, Jarlshof, the Ring of Brodgar, and the Standing Stones of Stenness. 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. Clicking on the link below will redirect you to the Wilderness England website. 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. 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. Last month I was in Orkney for the first time. View our Full Privacy Notice, Read independent reviews from ourcustomers. We would also suggest checking your home policy or credit card contract as many suppliers include travel insurance as part of their offering. The card payment providers above are used for taking your payments by operators featured on our site. For anyone easily seduced by big skies, sea views, and wide-open spaces, Orkney is always a good idea. 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. Registered in England, number 5713R. 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. HF Holidays LimitedUnit 1, First FloorImperial PlaceMaxwell RoadBorehamwoodHertfordshire WD6 1JNUnited Kingdom, Monday to Friday: 9.00am - 5.30pmSaturday: 9.00am - 1.00pmSunday: ClosedBank Holidays: 9.00am - 1.00pm. Today you'll be heading south to experience remarkable heritage sites. It is a wild and dramatic place. Continue to the rugged Shetland archipelago to visit Lerwick as it hosts the annual Tall Ships Races. While most tour operators use hotels around the capital, Lerwick, we choose to stay somewhere you can really appreciate Shetlands remote beauty. Take the strain off holiday planning with a bespoke package holiday or group trip to Shetland. P&O took over the routes from the long-established North of Scotland, Orkney & Shetland Steam Navigation Company in 1971. Inspiring options. Beautiful beaches, stunning cliffs, ancient settlements and wonderful wildlife-spotting opportunities - Shetland has a lot to offer. Spend two days exploring some of the many island treasures, including Scalloway Castle and Jarlshof, an outstanding example of a prehistoric and Norse settlement. This amazingly well-preserved village was built 5,000 years ago. All sorts of nature abound here, from seals and otters to ponies and hundreds of birds, making it a wildlife lover's paradise. Book your tailor-made holiday to Offers with Premier Holidays. The services were taken over by NorthLink Orkney and Shetland Ferries in 2002. If you go above this allowance you may have to pay tax or duty. 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. Our smaller ships are the perfect choice if youre cruising solo. We will hold your data securely within our organisation, McKinlay Kidd Limited. Ayre Road, Kirkwall, Scotland, KW15 1QX. The Orkney Islands were the Orcades of ancient classical literature. Our first walk on Orkney follows a clifftop coastal path from Marwick Bay to the Brough of Birsay, overlooking RSPB Marwick Head reserve. Where Scotland meets Scandinavia, this wild and remote corner of northern Britain is truly remarkable. These cliffs are bursting with an extraordinary range of wildlife, such as seals, puffins, gannets and whales. Nearby sits the Bishop's Palace and Earl's Palace, which was reputedly built using forced labour. 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. This expanse of water has played witness to some monumental events. The sea route from the coast of Norway due west to the remotest parts of the British Isles is a classic offshore voyage of around 200 miles. Honest and easy 2 minute travel guide including what makes Shetland Islands so special as well as map and highlights. These stones have continued to mystify and amaze visitors with questions such as 'who built them?' 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. 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. Read more, Need something more tailored? If you would like to spend an extra night or two on either Orkney or Shetland, wed be delighted to assist. 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. Known as the Churchill Barriers, we will use these causeways to reach the little island of Lamb Holm. Double room - this is a room for two people sharing one large bed. Stay at this 3-star hotel in Kirkwall. See the Tall Ships in Lerwick. Do take a walk in the gardens which stretch down to the water. Topped by a prehistoric chambered burial cairn, the summit offers a breathtaking panorama across this ice-carved landscape.

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