5 Night Orkney and Shetland Odyssey

Visit the furthest North part of the UK. You will see all types of wildlife on this trip - the journey begins on a overnight trip on the ferry. On waking up in Lerwick, start your exploration of Shetland before moving on to Orkney.

- The Itinerary - Exclusions - Inclusions

The Itinerary Day 1

After a full day touring Royal Deeside or Speyside check into your private cabin on the ferry to Lerwick. Relax in one of the well stocked bars and enjoy a delicious dinner in the restaurant.

Overnight on the ferry Day 2

On waking up in Lerwick, start your exploration of Shetland by travelling south where you will find the main tourist attractions. Visit Mousa Broch, the finest surviving Iron Age broch tower on its own little island. Step into the life of a Shetland crofter at the Shetland Croft House Museum and, one of the highlights of Shetland, explore the Jarlshof Prehistoric and Norse Settlement. Back in Lerwick learn some of the history of the islanders at the Shetland Museum, or drink some of the local ale in one of the pubs.

Overnight on Shetland Day 3

A trip to Shetland would not be complete without looking at the wildlife. Its dramatic cliffs, sculpted by the sea are a perfect breeding ground for migrating birds, the most popular with the tourists being the Puffin. Seals are also plentiful and easily seen lazing on the rocks or the white sandy beaches, and a must is the famous Shetland pony, which always provide a good photo opportunity. Shetland is also known for its jewellery, which has a strong Viking influence, and you can visit the workshops and see the items being hand made. Late in the afternoon it will be time to board the ferry again for the 4� hour journey to Orkney.

Overnight on Orkney Day 4

Today you will have the opportunity to tour much of Main Island and visit the key prehistoric sites of the Ring of Brodgar, Stones of Stenness, Maeshowe, and Skara Brae. Standing within the circle of the Stones of Stenness preferably on an early spring day it is easy to imagine prehistoric people gathering here. A few yards away at Barnhouse neolithic village, the entrance to the largest building was aligned to the setting of the midsummer day sun. One mile distant the burial chamber of Maeshowe is directly illuminated only at midwinter solstice and the Ring of Brodgar also part of this great ceremonial centre may have been used to track the movements of the moon, such is the magic of this place. Travelling to Skara Brae on the west of Main island you step back 5,000 years. Here, preserved for millennia under sand dunes, the prehistoric village of Skara Brae remained undisturbed until 1850 where a great storm revealed the village for the first time. What is so surprising are the parallels with modern man, there are box beds, stone seats, dressers and cupboards and damp proofing. Departing Skara Brae you return to the 21st Century continue onto your accommodation for overnight on Orkney.

Day 5

Today you will have the opportunity to visit St. Magnus Cathedral, the best example of Norman Architecture that has survived in Scotland. The cathedral dominates the town but only yards away are buildings of comparable significance in the ruins of the Bishop's Palace and the Earl's Palace. The Earl's Palace has been described as the most mature and accomplished piece of Renaissance architecture left in Scotland. After visiting the historical sites in the centre of Kirkwall you can then enjoy a walk along the winding flagstoned main street which is lined with houses dating from the 16th century. In this bustling thoroughfare you can shop for jewellery, pottery, amber, traditional knitwear, and a vast variety of Orkney food. Before departing Kirkwall no visit to the Orkneys would be complete without a visit to the island's only whisky distillery, Highland Park, which was established over two hundred years ago and still uses the same traditional methods. Enjoy a tour of the distillery with a tasting of one of Scotland's finest malt whiskies. Among the many attractions on Orkney is Scapa Flow, the scene of momentous events during both world wars. Visit the series of causeways known as the Churchill Barriers. Winston Churchill was responsible for the construction of the causeways between the islands and here the wrecks of a number of block ships can be seen as well as what is known as the The miracle of Camp 60, The Italian Chapel. Among those who worked on the Churchill Barriers were Italian prisoners of war. Far from home, unhappy with the climate, they found religious consolation through the unlikely form of two Nissan huts. These were lined with plasterboard then painted with a beautiful fresco. With further embellishments the chapel became a moving monument to those lost in war.

Late afternoon you reboard your ferry for the final leg of this extension back to Aberdeen. Overnight on ferry

Day 6

You will wake up back in Aberdeen, refreshed and ready to carry on with your itinerary.

Exclusions

  • Car Hire
  • Entrances detailed in itinerary
  • Evening meals
  • Lunches
  • Personal Expenses

Inclusions

  • 3 nights accommodation in the a choice of either B&B or hotel accommodation sharing a twin/double room with facilities inclusive of Scottish breakfast.
  • 2 nights accommodation in a 4 berth inner cabin
  • Ferries as per itinerary, based on 1/2/3 people & 1 car
  • Welcome Pack
  • Service & VAT
  • Child Policy:
    • 0-4 years free
    • 5-12 years 50% of adult price
    • 13years and above Invoiced as an adult
    • The above assumes that the child is sharing with two adults

    How to Book Click on the 'Make Booking' button to make your reservation. Enter your dates and requirements and complete the booking. We will confirm availability to you immediately or very soon thereafter. Rest assured: you will not be charged any deposit until we have confirmed the booking with you.

    Days Of Operation: Mon
    Sat
    Wed
    Normally available for departures on Saturday and Monday only, but Wednesday is possible at an extra charge for an extra night on Orkney.

    Airport Distance: 10 METRES
    You can pick a hire car up at Glasgow or Edinburgh.

    Departure Time: 00:00
    Saturdays and Mondays normally, but Wednesdays is possible at an extra charge.

     

    Code: Tour (Per Person )
    Date Notes Type
    Tour
    (B&B)    		 Tour
    (Hotels)
    July and August 2006 (3)
    01-Jul-06 - 31-Aug-06    		 Note1 437.00 534.00
    April-June, Sept-Oct 2006 (2)
    01-Apr-06 - 30-Jun-06
    01-Sep-06 - 31-Oct-06    		 Note1 391.00 493.00

    Note1

    • Each Tour is for TWO people
    • An extra charge is levied for single rooms
    • Any booking is subject to our Booking Terms.
    • Limited availability : advanced booking required.
    • Prices are quoted per person per tour
    • Infants are up to 4 years, Children are 5-12 years old