Take the opportunity to visit one of Orkneys smaller isles. 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. North Hanover Street Bus Stance, Glasgow, G1 2BP. Later return to Kirkwall where dinner is served in our hotel. Almost but not quite a separate island, Northmavine is joined to the rest of the Shetland Mainland at Mavis Grind where the relentless Atlantic Ocean has nearly cut through to the North Sea. The wild landscapes featureintricate coastlines marked by towering cliffs, deep caves and giant rock stacks which make for an inspiring backdrop for various activities such as walking and sea kayaking. Easy to download as a PDF, our trip notes provide detailed information for every holiday. All room types, other than twin rooms, are subject to availability. Scattered off Scotland's northeast coast, this wild windswept archipelago offers a far-from-it-all feel just a skip away from the mainland. Orkney and Shetland, being the nearest western land to Norway, would be first visited. In a land that's been largely tamed, they remain rare unspoiled outposts of rugged coastline and remote beauty. These stones have continued to mystify and amaze visitors with questions such as 'who built them?' Then trace . Overnight Orkney. Our latest all-balcony boutique ship launched in the summer of 2021. All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. A BSpoke Tour is all about being as restful or as adventurous as you desire. A holiday to the islands of Orkney and Shetland has it all. At 1,475 feet (450m) this is Shetlands highest peak. In each case, it is not necessarily added to the bill. Starts from: Edinburgh. We can book package holidays including flights from the UK, hotel accommodation and car hire. This 16th century lairds manor has bags of historic charm, as well as a roaring fireplace for chilly days, and a well-stocked whisky selection. In West Mainland, dont miss the hauntingly beautiful Heart of Neolithic Orkney UNESCO World Heritage Site. 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. The strong historical and cultural influence of Norway upon these islands is clear in their timber-framed and brightly coloured architecture. Available May 2023. This mysterious tomb was built from huge sandstone blocks over 5,000 years ago and aligns perfectly with the winter solstice testament to an advanced knowledge of astronomy by its architects. AccommodationThe price of this tour includes hotel accommodation/ferry cabin with en-suite bathroom. It was raided by Norsemen in the 12th Century. You will not be able to use this site without JavaScript. If you're looking to visit the islands north of Scotland, Orkney and Shetland are connected to the mainland and each other by NorthLink Ferries. In some cases, due to ferry or other travel connections, the tour may depart earlier or arrive later your tour director will advise you if this will be happening on your tour. Outer two berth cabins included on the Orkney to Shetland and Shetland to Aberdeen crossings. As well as having full board accommodation in your choice of cabin, the services of a professional crew and on-board entertainment are also included. The innovative Shetland Museum and Archives tells the fascinating story of these islands and is well worth visiting. Copyright 2016 - 2023 Scapa Travel. Wilderness Ireland take their clients to the most remote and beautiful regions of Ireland, all while staying at the most welcoming accommodations and delivering outstanding customer service. If you fancy some retail therapy, Kirkwall has a wealth of independent shops and craftworkers studios to be explored. See the landscapes of Shetland and Orkney; Visit Trshavn, with its Viking heritage; Itinerary From. We also offer a fly-drive holiday as an alternative way to visit Orkney & Shetland. Read 20 . More than a million birds breed in very large colonies. It's a similar story by rail, with trains available to both Aberdeen . 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. Today we bid farewell to island life and make the journey to St Margaret's Hope where the fast Pentland Ferries catamaran waits to transport us across the Pentland Firth. If you only require a specific response to this enquiry and have no interest in receiving occasional information, news or offers from McKinlay Kidd in future, please email unsubscribe at mckinlaykidd dot com. In 1919 the German Navy scuttled itself as a grand act of defiance and, in 1939, HMS Royal Oak was sunk here by a U-boat. Please contact us for more details. Explore archaeological wonders such as Skara Brae, Jarlshof, the Ring of Brodgar, and the Standing Stones of Stenness. The Shetland Islands are the UNBELIEVABLE Hidden Treasure of Scotland, the northernmost point of the United Kingdom and formerly part of Norway. We suggest an early start today - there's a lot to fit in! You will travel aboard a state of the art motorcoach with air-conditioning, reclining seats, oversized windows and emergency washroom. On Mainland, is the capital Kirkwall whose sights include St Magnus Cathedral, the Bishops and Earls palaces and the Orkney Museum. Uncover hidden gems and holiday inspiration from our team of travel specialists. Covid-19 Travel Requirements Covid-19 Travel Updates and FAQs Cruise Deals; Cruise Lines; . Its just six miles from Skara Brae and has an award-winning restaurant overlooking the loch, serving outstanding Scottish seafood and Aberdeen Angus beef. Meanwhile, the rich ancient history and numerous archaeological sites offer a fascinating glimpse into the past, with many details of life preserved. Let us know if we can tailor-make it for you to link with a self-drive tour of the Scottish Highlands. Fiercely independent and sprinkled with Scandinavian tradition, this pair of wild windswept archipelagos offer an island-hopping holiday that ticks-off squawking seabird colonies, staggering scenery, and some of the best-preserved Neolithic ruins in Europe. 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. All included in the price. Booking holidays since 1939, ATOL Protected. Written in the early 13 th century when Shetland and Orkney were Norse possessions it really centers on Orkney which was undoubtedly the richer and more important of the two island groups. Our newsletter features exciting new itineraries, blog posts from the team, and fabulous competitions. 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. Many coaches are equipped with WiFi too. Day 1 - Departing Inverness with a morning drive to the far North of Scotland and the ferry port of Scrabster, near Thurso. Honest and easy 2 minute travel guide including what makes Shetland Islands so special as well as map and highlights. Wildflowers bloom throughout the summer, covering the green cliffs with colour and the exquisite . To make it easier, heres a list of items you should consider packing. 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 . Watch for dolphins which sometimes play in the bow waves. Overnight: Busta House Hotel/Brae Hotel, Shetland (or similar). We arrive in Lerwick around 07:30 hrs. Please contact us for information on child prices. enquiries@absoluteescapes.com. 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. If you would like to spend an extra night or two on either Orkney or Shetland, wed be delighted to assist. 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. The largest town, Lerwick, is closer to Norway than to Edinburgh, and culturally and geographically they feel more Norse than Scottish. Take the ferry from Stromness to Scrabster on the Scottish mainland, where your self-drive tour of Orkney and Shetland will come to an end. Explore the islands' Norse heritage on a coach holiday, where the sound of fiddles can still be heard drifting through the fresh air. The island's attractions include . This iconic sea stack is only a few hundred years old. We will make it easy for you to opt-out of receiving communications, to check what data we hold on you or to request us to delete your data altogether. We have the application forms in our office at 11 Bridge Street.For more information see www.airdiscountscheme.com, Sign-up to our mailing list for Exclusive Offers. Your accommodation is great for the little personal touches. A collection of 3* B&Bs and Guest Houses offering comfortable accommodation close to local attractions. It is a wild and dramatic place. Although parts date back to the 1500s, most of the building was completed in the eighteenth century by a wealthy landowning family as their own home. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and breakfast. P&O took over the routes from the long-established North of Scotland, Orkney & Shetland Steam Navigation Company in 1971. 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. Overnight Orkney, Take the opportunity to visit one of Orkneys smaller isles. A short drive to the western side of the Shetland mainland brings us to the old fishing port of Scalloway, which sits overlooking a sheltered bay. We can book package holidays including flights from the UK, hotel . add an extra night or two on each island group to explore in depth? Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Revealed. Relaxing hotel-based holidays in the sun, with a Saga host on hand. With their northerly location, the best time to visit is between March and November, with the long days of summer a particularly appealing time. Only a short distance away is Sumburgh Head Nature Reserve with its famous lighthouse overlooking the cliffs. 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 expanse of water has played witness to some monumental events. Call for options 01904 521 936. Our journey continues through the fertile farmland of Angus to reach the granite city of Aberdeen by late afternoon. Experience a unique blend of Scandinavian and Scottish culture, as the Norse history and heritage still shapes these islands today. 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. Where Scotland meets Scandinavia, this wild and remote corner of northern Britain is truly remarkable. For group bookings of 10+ people click here. Many people have landed there before you . The card payment providers above are used for taking your payments by operators featured on our site. Language: EnglishCurrency: Pound SterlingTime Zone: GMTTipping: 10 to 12% is usual for hotels with 10 to 15% being usual for restaurants. Nearby sits the Bishop's Palace and Earl's Palace, which was reputedly built using forced labour. 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. Callanish Standing StonesLocated in the Outer Hebrides on the west coast of Lewis, the Callanish Standing Stones are a must-see attraction for all visitors to the Western Isles. The islands are a birdwatchers' paradise and one of the major seabird breeding and feeding areas in the North Atlantic. 01273 823 700 . 8 nights from. This trip is operated by our England team. Later we make the short drive to Sumburgh Head, where the waters of the North Sea meet the waves of the Atlantic Ocean. 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 . Our last visit of the day is to Skara Brae. 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. Book your holiday today with Planet Cruise! Arrive on Orkney and settle in to the Merkister Hotel. Includes 9 nights accommodation (2 of which will be on the ferry to and from Shetland) and ferry costs. Orkney played a vital role during both World Wars, and this afternoon we will travel to see Scapa Flow which provided a sheltered anchorage for the British naval fleet. [1] Youll be in good company if you choose to take dinner at your hotel, a popular destination for locals as well as visitors. This picturesque spring Orkney & Shetland Mini Cruise combines coastal scenery with fascinating history. Twin room - this is a room for two people sleeping in two separate beds. 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. Its a great way to make new friends! Each one is all inclusive, and youll have your own private balcony to enjoy every destination in style. Regional departures and/or connections to London, if available, can be requested. How does the Care Funding Advice Service work? The breadth of history to be discovered here is without parallel in Scotland and is sure to amaze you. We then rejoin our transport for the scenic transfer to Busta House. Wilderness Walking The Knoydart Peninsula, Wilderness Walking England Coast to Coast, Wilderness Walking Arran: Scotland in Miniature, Wilderness Walking Northumberland and TheLakeDistrict, Wilderness Walking Outer Hebrides: Uists, Barra & Mingulay, Wilderness Walking High Points of the OuterHebrides, Wilderness Walking Glencoe and the Highlands, Wilderness Walking High Points of the Lake District, Wilderness Walking The Coast of Cornwall, Wilderness Walking Outer Hebrides and Skye, Wilderness Walking Cairngorms National Park & Royal Deeside, Wilderness Walking Autumn in Perthshire, Road Cycling TheNorthCoast500: Highlights, Wildlife Adventures Autumn Wildlife Islay, Wildlife Adventures The Scottish Highlands, Wildlife Adventures Mull, Staffa & Iona, Wildlife Adventures A Rewilding Journey in the Cairngorms, Photography Skye and the West Highlands, Sailing and Walking Knoydart, Skye and TheSmallIsles, Self Catering Family Adventure Outer Hebrides, The Great Family Adventure Treasure Highlands, Self Guided + Cycling Skye and the Inner Hebrides, Self Guided+ Cycling The Outer Hebrides, Self Drive Collection Highland Perthshire, Self Drive Collection Ben Nevis & The West, Self Drive Winter Highland Explorations, Self-Drive Winter Highland CosyCairngorms, Low Carbon Adventure Scottish Highlands, Road Cycling TheNorthCoast500: Classic, Guided In The Footsteps of RabbieBurns, Guided Scottish Highlands Multi-Activity Adventure, On an Orkney holiday you will experience the. Please click below to find the trip notes for your departure date. , Duration: 9 Days / 8 Nights. 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. Overnight Shetland. Arrive in Aberdeen at 0700 and enjoy breakfast on board before disembarking and continuing your onward journey. The restaurant prides itself on local produce, prepared to make the most of the fresh flavours. FAQsPlease see the FAQ section for more information on this tour. ABTA and ABTA Members help holidaymakers to get the most from their travel and assist them when things do not go according to plan. All sorts of nature abound here, from seals and otters to ponies and hundreds of birds, making it a wildlife lover's paradise. 7 miles (12km) with 1,360 feet (420m) of ascent. If you are planning to bring alcohol, tobacco or souvenirs into the country, you need to be familiar with the UK's custom laws. Tour Departs: TBA hrs Outstanding scenery, exceptional wildlife, ancient history, traditional crafts and world-class diving. Wildlife watching here is superb. VAT Number 125 4899 87. All Rights Reserved. Your hotel is a short drive away from the ferry port, in the islands capital, Kirkwall. Clicking on the link below will redirect you to the Wilderness England website. Orkney and Shetland, off the north coast of Scotland. Your hotel is an historic building, complete with nooks and crannies, winding corridors, steep steps, creaky floorboards and supposedly a resident ghost. 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). 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. It makes everything so easy, especially when youre chauffeur driven from your own front door. Usually the coach will arrive at the overnight stop between 16:30 and 17:00 hrs each day. Does equity release affect inheritance tax. Discover their all-balcony cabins, huge choice of included speciality restaurants and bars, and an outdoor lido with a full wraparound deck. These unassuming islands have a truly magical quality, and civilisation has thrived here for millennia. Come explor. These are at additional expense and, if available, details will be provided with your tour documentation. 9 miles (14km) with 760 feet (230m) of ascent. Travel to the spectacular Eshaness Cliffs or hike up to the top of Ronas Hill, Shetlands highest peak, to experience breathtaking views of this dramatic scenery. Historic and Cultural Tours. You could visit the mighty Cathedral of St Mangus, which was begun in 1137. Everything's taken care of on a Saga escorted tour, so you can see and do more. The islands geographic location makes it a crossroad for wildlife. We use your data to prepare holiday proposals and to make bookings for you if you choose to go ahead. 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. All packages that include flights are ATOL protected. Later we travel to the dramatic sea cliffs at Eshaness which have been created by the constant pounding of the Atlantic waves. The UKs bestselling monthly subscription magazine. The services were taken over by NorthLink Orkney and Shetland Ferries in 2002. The Ski Solutions team are all skiing experts, and their wealth of knowledge and passion for the mountains will ensure you experience a truly memorable ski holiday. 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. 2,599. Shetland Isles wildlife holiday. Later this afternoon we travel to the port to join the ferry bound for the Orkney Islands. Our ships are smaller, but wonderfully spacious. See the Tall Ships in Lerwick. Spend some time exploring this fascinating seaport where you could visit. You do not have any pinned holidays. Scalloway CastleWhen visiting the Shetland Isles, why not visit Scalloway Castle? Here we will have some free time to explore this charming town with its stone-paved alleys, granite houses and independent shops. 895 per person for March, 945 per person for April & October, 985 per person for May & September and 1015 per person for June to August. 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. Please choose from one of our accommodation categories below. Shetland & Orkney Island Holidays . 3.91. Built in 1600, this castle was once the home of the Earl of Orkney. Weather permitting, enjoy a welcome drink on the small terrace, which overlooks the distinctive pagoda-roof of the neighbours: the Highland Park distillery. Known as the Churchill Barriers, we will use these causeways to reach the little island of Lamb Holm. For all their differences, these islands share a similar feel: weather-beaten archipelagos with more in common with the Faroes than mainland Scotland. Single cabins now available on 2023 winter cruises, Interest rates and costs of equity release. On many tours youll have the chance to personalise your touring experience by participating in some carefully planned optional excursions. Indulge in a delicious fish and chip lunch overlooking the sea in Brae. The UK has a famously unpredictable climate so it's best to be prepared for weather thats sunny one minute and raining the next. If you are happy with the details you have provided above then click Submit Form to send us your enquiry. This mysterious place of long days and colourful night skies is home to a wealth of sea life and sea birds, not . Scapa Travel sells travel services on behalf of Hays Travel Limited and benefits from Hays Travel's membership of ABTA with membership number P8418. Rated 4.88 out of 5 based on 5,609 reviews. 9 miles (15.5 km) with 1,280 feet (380m) of ascent. The islanders themselves feel a strong local identity and you can be guaranteed a warm island welcome and some fantastic local fresh food. Available from April to October. It also comprises larger 4* Hotels selected for their high standard of accommodation, exceptional service, and great location. Discover our last-minute, luxury, all-inclusive, and many other incredible cruise deals. Rooms are simple but homely and all come with TV and tea and coffee making facilities. Let Scapa Travel use their extensive local knowledge to create a memorable holiday, tailored specifically for you. A wonderful car tour of the stunning Shetland and Orkney Isles off the far north coast of Scotland, plus some of Scotland's finest castles and gardens on the way. Only a 20 minute drive from Lerwick, you can discover the ruins of Scalloway Castle, visit Scalloway Museum, or enjoy a stroll through the picturesque harbour. For some magnificent coastal drama of a different kind, take a trip to Eshaness and watch the waves crashing around the sea stacks and pounding the cliffs. Take in the breathtaking Old Man of Hoy a 450 foot sea stack and perhaps Orkneys most famous landmark. 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 . A holiday to the islands of Orkney and Shetland has it all. Take in the breathtaking Old Man of Hoy a 450 foot sea stack and perhaps Orkneys most famous landmark. Enjoy free time in Kirkwall this morning. Shetland: The northernmost part of the UK, Shetland is wild, rugged and beautiful. This is a customizable tour and can be tailor-made to your preference. Days 5-8 Orkney. During our time here will visit the RSPB reserve which is home to many species of seabirds including puffins, guillemots and razorbills. With a strong norse influence, these island groups provide a surprisingly contrasting cultural experience when compared to the Hebrides. Highlights of Orkney and Shetland6 day/5 night. Trade Login Contact 08444 937 531 Destinations UK & Channel Islands. Youll find pre-history at almost every turn across the Orkney islands: from neolithic chambered cairns, stone circles and standing stones through to the fascinating Stone Age village at Skara Brae. Orkney and Shetland Isles Holidays. They left carvings behind which are considered to be some of the finest examples of runic inscriptions in the World. Today visitors can see eight dwellings, each connected by a series of low passageways. Once your unforgettable excursion comes to an end, make your way to your next base. We strongly recommend that you have travel insurance in place for your trip to Scotland, especially if you are visiting from overseas. The holiday ideas on our website are just examples of the amazing trips we offer. We would also suggest checking your home policy or credit card contract as many suppliers include travel insurance as part of their offering. How do I get there? Tour Departs: TBA hrs Our smaller ships are the perfect choice if youre cruising solo. Buses and trains to Orkney. Tour Returns: TBA hrs, Outside Reception at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Edinburgh111 Glasgow Road Edinburgh EH12 8NF, Check-in: TBA hrs Continue to the rugged Shetland archipelago to visit Lerwick as it hosts the annual Tall Ships Races. Island hop the wild Scottish Northern Isles on this week's holiday to Orkney and Shetland From 895 to 1015 7 days ex flights. Our destination is Lerwick, the island's attractive capital. Overnight Orkney. Enjoy 3 days (3 nights) in Orkney. Jersey; Guernsey; Herm, Sark & Alderney; Isles of Scilly; Isle of Wight ; Isle of Man ; Shetland & Orkney Islands ; North America. Among the settlements on Mainland, the largest island, is Scalloway, a fishing port. Several of the prisoners have returned to Orkney over the years to assist with the restoration of the building. We only share data with business partners where it is necessary to fulfil our service. 10 Day Shetland & Orkney Car Tour. Orkney and Shetland Islands holidays set out for two of the most northerly outposts in Britain. Sailing Type - Mostly Coastal Day Sailing but the passage to Fair Isle is an open-water sea passage and there is a chance of an overnight passage on this voyage where you would be part of the watch system. Based on 1 salaries posted anonymously by Saga Group Mi Analyst employees in Seaham, England. We then have two full days to tour Shetland. Enjoy 4 days (3 nights) in Shetland. A chat with your warm and friendly hosts and fellow guests over breakfast will arm you with local knowledge and tips for the day ahead. Tour Returns: TBA hrs. 2 miles (3km) with 200 feet (60m) of ascent. Another day you might head for South Ronaldsay now connected by the famous Churchill Barriers to the Mainland. Please note: All fields marked * are required, Please select a date or 1-2 months if flexible. This morning you will enjoy a real treat a wildlife boat trip. Shes the beautiful sister to Spirit of Discovery, but has a whole host of surprises of her own, including exciting new restaurants. Soak up the history and imagine life in eras gone by! Over 4,000 years old, discoveries here include everything from Stone Age settlements and Bronze Age dwellings to Norse longhouses and medieval farms. Our first visits are to the Ring of Brodgar and the Standing Stones of Stenness. Saga Cruises; Disney Cruises; Cruise Ships. Judi Florence Self Guided - The West Highland Way Reviewed on 08/10/2018. Excellent, informative, enjoyable tour. Providing inspiring active experiences, immerse yourself in the unique landscapes, history, culture and wildlife on a Wilderness England adventure. Inspiring options. Both have featured recently on the BBC, yet in very contrasting ways: Orkney is hailed for its rich folklore, prehistoric sitesand abundance of wildlife, while Shetland owes its ever increasing popularity to thehit TV series Shetland based on Ann Cleeves gritty and fictional crime stories. Family room - this is a room for three people sleeping in one large bed (2 people) and one single bed (1 person). 18 Hours of Midsummer Sun. Keep an eye on everyone in your party and do not go off with people you do not know. UNESCO World Heritage Site. 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. Our local guide will help you to discover ancient civilisations, archaeological delights and bountiful wildlife from our base in the island capital of Kirkwall. An experienced tour manager will lead the tour and your coach will be expertly driven by a professional driver. The landscape is wild and remote and, outside of the . But there are two other, very distinctive, island groups off Scotland's north coast that are well worth the effort of reaching: Orkney and Shetland.