6 Day Independent Holiday Departing Saturdays from Aberdeen, Scrabster and Inverness.
Holiday Highlights
- Orkney’s Magnificent World Heritage
- Breathtaking Landscapes & Coastal Panoramas
- Warm Island Hospitality
- Taste of Orkney
- Discover Seven Magical Isles
- Explore Orkney’s Rich Tapestry of Archaeology, History, Wildlife, Culture, Folklore and Spirituality
Day One ~ Saturday ~ Travel to Orkney
Travel to Orkney and check into your comfortable Kirkwall accommodation for two nights.
Day Two ~ Sunday ~ West Mainland
Meet your Orkney guide and spend the day exploring the wonders of Orkney’s West Mainland. Allow your imagination to soar as you are transported 5,000 years back in time with visits to the remarkable World Heritage sites of Orkney’s Neolithic Heartland, including Maeshowe, a Neolithic chambered tomb considered to be one of the finest architectural achievements of prehistoric Europe; the Standing Stones of Stenness, one of the earliest stone circles in Britain, dating back to 3,000 BC; the ceremonial Ring of Brodgar, a magnificent circle of originally sixty stones erected more than 4,500 years ago; and Skara Brae, truly awe-inspiring and the best-preserved prehistoric village in northern Europe. Pass over the peat hills of Birsay Moors to the astonishing settlement at Gurness, including the Iron Age Broch of Gurness with its battlements and a surrounding village, as well as the Shamrock, a later Pictish farmstead.
For your evening meal, we will reserve a table at a delightful restaurant where you can sample a true Taste of Orkney. Enjoy our delicious local cuisine, including Orkney’s renowned cheese, beef, lamb, fish and seafood as well as fresh produce, delectable ice cream, and award-winning whisky. (B)
Day Three ~ Monday ~ Island of Westray
Board the morning ferry departing Kirkwall for its journey along the old Viking sea route to the North Isle of Westray. Upon arrival, receive a warm welcome from your personal guide. Take a break for refreshments before departing on your full day leisurely exploration of the Queen o’ the Orkney Isles. Enjoy breathtaking seascapes at Noup Head R.S.P.B. nature reserve where the dramatic cliffs, teeming with breeding seabirds, extend five miles. The reserve is home to Puffins, Guillemots, Razorbills, Fulmar and Kittiwakes. Discover Noup Head Lighthouse, constructed by David A. Stevenson in 1898 to warn ships off the North Shoal and the first lighthouse to use a system of mercury flotation in the revolving carriage. Then, stop at the fascinating 16th century Noltland Castle, built by Gilbert Balfour who was appointed Sheriff of Orkney by Mary Queen of Scots; Aikerness Craigs, a brilliant location to capture photos of the spectacular cliff scenery and to find the rare Primula Scotica in May and July; the ruined St. Mary's Church, also known as Lady Kirk and one of the two remaining Middle Ages kirks on the island; and Quoygrew, a multi-period rural settlement spanning the Norse, medieval and post-medieval ages.
In the late afternoon, check into your comfortable accommodation for the night. After dinner, depart for your evening puffin excursion (available 1 May to 31 July). (B, L, R, D)
Day Four ~ Tuesday ~ Island of Papa Westray
After breakfast, board the morning ferry to the tiny isle of Papay. Upon arrival, meet your local guide for a tour including visits to the seal colony at Wheelie’s Taing; and the oldest standing buildings in Northern Europe at the Knap of Howar, which predate Skara Brae. Then, accept a special invitation to the home of a local author and raconteur for morning coffee and homebakes. Continue to St Boniface Kirk, one of the oldest and most important ecclesiastic sites in the north of Scotland; the settlement at Munkerhoose, believed to be a monastic community during the Middle Ages; and John o’Holland’s Bothy Museum which depicts 19th century life on Holland Farm, arguably the most extensive traditional steading in Orkney.
Later, board the afternoon flight departing for Kirkwall via Westray (Papay to Westray leg is the shortest scheduled flight in the world). Upon arrival, transfer to your comfortable accommodation for the next two nights. (B, L, R)
Day Five ~ Wednesday ~ South Isles & East Mainland
Meet your Orkney guide for your discovery of the delights of Orkney’s South Isles and East Mainland. Begin with a leisurely drive through the scenic landscape of the East Mainland to Mull Head R.S.P.B. nature reserve and enjoy a short walk to the Gloup, a dramatic sea cave.
Travel along historic Scapa Flow, one of the largest natural harbours in the world and the British Navy’s main base during World War I and World War II, and across the first of the four Churchill Barriers, a series of causeways linking five Orkney Islands together, to the tiny Island of Lambholm where you will find the exquisite Italian Chapel. Built by Italian prisoners during World War II, it stands today as a symbol of peace and is Orkney's most visited site. Then, see the wrecks of the World War I merchant blockships as you travel across the remaining three Churchill Barriers to the picturesque village of St Margaret’s Hope on the Island of South Ronaldsay. Take time to visit the Smiddy Museum and discover the village blacksmith’s role in rural communities or to find stunning local arts and crafts at the Workshop & Loft Gallery.
Continue to Windwick Bay for views of the seastack and seal colony, and then pause at Olad Brae and enjoy outstanding panoramic views of the Pentland Firth and some smaller Orkney Isles. Finally, spend a few calming moments at the sand dunes of Water Sound Bay before returning to Kirkwall. (B)
Day Six ~ Thursday ~ Depart Orkney (B) |
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