6 Day Independent Holiday Departing Tuesdays from Aberdeen.
Holiday Highlights
- Orkney’s Magnificent World Heritage
- Shetland’s Remarkable Archaeology and World-Class Wildlife
- Breathtaking Landscapes & Coastal Panoramas
- Warm Island Hospitality
- Taste of Orkney
- Discover Seven Magical Isles
- Cruise the North Sea
- Uncover the Ancient Ties that Bind these Islands of Contrast
Day One ~ Tuesday ~ Travel to Orkney
Travel to Orkney and check into your comfortable Kirkwall accommodation for two nights.
Day Two ~ Wednesday ~ Orkney's 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.
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 ~ Thursday ~ Orkney's West Mainland
Meet your 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.
Later, transfer to the ferry terminal, Kirkwall and embark on the overnight sailing to Lerwick, Shetland. Check into your comfortable cabin for the journey. (B)
Day Four ~ Friday ~ Shetland's South Mainland
Arrive Lerwick, receive a warm welcome from your Shetland guide and depart for your tour of Shetland’s scenic South Mainland, including a walk across the sand tombolo to the famous St. Ninian’s Isle for a visit to the medieval chapel where the ancient treasure was found. Continue to the fascinating Croft House Museum to learn about 19th century life on the island. Then, discover the first lighthouse in Shetland at spectacular Sumburgh Head, established by Robert Stevenson in 1821, and walk along the imposing cliffs of Sumburgh Head R.S.P.B. Nature Reserve, home to thousands of seabirds in the summer, including a thriving puffin colony. Make an optional stop at Jarlshof, described as one of the most remarkable archaeological sites ever excavated in the British Isles, and explore the ancient settlements spanning the late Bronze Age through to the Middle Ages.
Return to the Lerwick in the late afternoon and check into your comfortable accommodation for the night.
Day Five ~ Saturday ~ Shetland's North Mainland
Check out of your accommodation and meet your guide for your discovery of Northmavine, arguably the wildest and most beautiful parish in Shetland. Travel through the picturesque village of Voe then cross Shetland’s narrowest point Mavis Grind, which separates the North Sea from the Atlantic Ocean. Marvel at the superb views across Ronas Voe, a narrow fjord cutting deep into North Mainland, to the red granite cliffs and Shetland’s highest summit at Ronas Hill. Stop for photos of Da Drongs, dramatic stacks in St Magnus Bay, en route to the fascinating Tangwick Haa Museum, which is accommodated in a 17th century laird’s house (Haa) and illustrates the way of life in Northmavine through the ages. Then, visit the peninsula of Esha Ness where you will find the Esha Ness Lighthouse established by David A. and Charles Stevenson in 1929, and stunning coastal views of the cliffs and sea stacks.
Return to the ferry terminal and embark on the overnight sailing to Aberdeen. Check into your comfortable cabin for the journey. (B)
Day Six ~ Sunday ~ Arrive Aberdeen |
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