Scotland: An Archaeologist's View of Orkney and Shetland 765
Scotland: An Archaeologist's View of Orkney and Shetland 765
Scotland: An Archaeologist's View of Orkney and Shetland 765
6 Days Starting in Stonehaven, Scotland and ending in Gills Bay, United Kingdom
Visiting: Aberdeen, Lerwick, Orkney, Stromness
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BOSA
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
6 - 25
Age range:
1-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans, Meat, Please contact Brightwater with any specific dietary requirements
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Cultural, Gardens & Nature Tours, History, Ruins-Archaeology, Wildlife Tours
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating journey through Scotland's Orkney and Shetland Islands with "Scotland: An Archaeologist's View of Orkney and Shetland 765." This tour offers a unique exploration of ancient and modern history, guided by an archaeological expert. Discover the best-preserved Iron Age tower at Mousa Broch, and delve into the multi-period settlement of Jarlshof. Experience the UNESCO World Heritage site of Neolithic Orkney, and reflect on the poignant history of the Churchill Barriers and Italian Chapel. Enjoy comfortable accommodations and coach travel, with ferry crossings included. This immersive experience promises a deep dive into Scotland's rich archaeological heritage, with opportunities to explore stunning landscapes and vibrant wildlife. Whether you're a history enthusiast or simply seeking a unique adventure, this tour offers an unforgettable exploration of Scotland's past and present.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1
Location: Aberdeen
Accommodation Name: Northlink Ferry
Meals Included: Dinner
We depart from your local pick-up point and travel north, stopping for lunch en-route (not included). Continuing north, we will stop for a photo opportunity at Dunnottar Castle, a dramatic ruined clifftop fortress which can trace its origins to a 3rd century Pictish fortress and was once the home of the Earls Marischal, one of the most powerful families in Scotland.
We then continue to Aberdeen where we board the Northlink Ferry ‘Hrossey’ (or her sister ship ‘Hjaltland’) for our overnight sailing to Lerwick (departs 19.00hrs).
Once on board we shall check-in to our comfortable cabins which all have en-suite facilities. The ship has a delightful restaurant where we will have dinner, thereafter you may wish to relax in the bar or lounges. There is also a well-stocked gift shop for souvenir shopping or essential items.
Day 2
Location: Lerwick
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Scalloway Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Our ship is due to arrive in Lerwick at 07.30hrs. After breakfast on board (available from 07.15hrs) we will leave the ship and commence our tour of Shetland travelling through small communities such as Gulberwick and Cunningsburgh. At Sandwick we transfer to a small ferry to cross as foot passengers over to the fascinating little island of Mousa, where we will visit the 2000 year old iron age broch. Remarkably the broch of Mousa still stands to its original height of 13m. The island is also a nature reserve and is rich in wildlife. Storm petrels, Arctic terns and Skuas nest here, and harbour seals lounge on the shore. Keep a sharp eye on Mousa Sound and you may also spot porpoises and the odd killer whale. If for any reason (such as bad weather) we cannot visit Mousa, an alternative visit will be provided, usually Scatness Broch on Mainland Shetland.
On returning to the mainland we will stop at Hoswick Visitor Centre for lunch (not included). Later we will travel the short distance to the outstanding Prehistoric and Norse Settlement of Jarlshof, with over 3 acres of remains, spanning 3000 years since the days of the Stone Age, including oval shaped bronze age houses, an iron age broch and wheel houses, Viking long houses and medieval farmhouses.
We then visit the nearby cliffs at Sumburgh Head, where the North Sea on the east meets the Atlantic Ocean on the west. The cliffs here are quite spectacular and there is also an RSPB reserve which is home to thousands of seabirds, including puffins, guillemots and razorbills.
Later we transfer to our accommodation at the Scalloway Hotel. Dinner will be served in the evening
Day 3
Location: Orkney
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Ayre Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning after breakfast we travel northwards, stopping first at St Ninian’s Isle and its church dating from the 6th century when Christianity first came to Shetland. It is also famous for its treasure of 9th century silverware found by a young schoolboy in 1958 which was believed to have been hidden to prevent Viking raiders removing them.
We travel to Scalloway, the former capital of Shetland where we visit the ruined castle built in 1600 by the infamous Earl Patrick Stewart. After time for lunch in Scalloway (not included) we continue through Tingwall Valley, the site of the old Norse parliament (Ting) before returning back to Lerwick with time to explore the historic town before we board our ship for Orkney. Dinner is served on board.
On arrival in Orkney (expected at 23.00hrs) we will transfer the short distance to Kirkwall to our accommodation Ayre Hotel. All rooms have en-suite facilities.
Day 4
Location: Orkney
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Ayre Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning following breakfast we will depart on a tour of the south end of mainland Orkney, crossing the Churchill Barriers which were built after the sinking of the HMS Royal Oak in October 1939. The causeways are built of 5 and 10 ton concrete blocks and have good roads on the top connecting Burray and South Ronaldsay to the Orkney mainland. We also stop off at the beautiful Italian Chapel, built on the site of a former prisoner of war camp. Several hundred Italians, captured during the North African campaign of World War II were sent here to work on the Causeways and converted two huts into a chapel. The marvellous paintings in the interior were done by Domenico Chiocchetti, one of the prisoners who has returned several times to restore and repaint parts of the building.
We then return to Kirkwall, the capital of Orkney, where have free time to explore its environs at leisure. Places of interest include St. Magnus Cathedral – one of Europe’s greatest architectural masterpieces, its red and yellow sandstone still vibrant after 861 years; the Earl’s Palace and the Bishop’s Palace and The Orkney Museum, where it is hoped we may see some of the artefacts from the now-closed Tomb of the Eagles.
Dinner will be served at the Ayre Hotel in the evening.
Day 5
Location: Orkney
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Ayre Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning after breakfast, we have an all day excursion of west mainland Orkney visiting the Heart of Neolithic Orkney. We will begin with a visit to Skara Brae, with its new visitor centre depicting the history of this world-famous monument, and Skaill House, a fascinating architectural medley to the side of Skara Brae.
We will then enjoy a talk from Nick Card, who leads the archaeological dig at Ness of Brodgar. Although the dig is not currently active we will see the site and some of the fascinating artefacts that have been discovered.
We shall also visit the Standing Stones of Stenness and Brodgar, with the adjacent Neolithic village of Barnhouse, before continuing to Maeshowe, the finest chambered tomb in Western Europe. Built before 2700 B.C. Maeshowe was raided by Vikings in the 12th Century. It thus houses the largest collection of runic inscriptions to be found in any one place in the world.
Later we will return to the Ayre hotel, where dinner will be served in the evening.
Day 6
Location: Stromness
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast today we check out of the hotel and transfer to Stromness where we will board the late morning Northlink ferry to Scrabster. On arrival we will then begin our journey back to our original pick-up points, where we expect to arrive in the late afternoon-early evening.
(please note Aberdeen and Dundee are not available as drop-off points).
What's Included
-
Accommodation
Accommodation is included throughout the tour.
-
Services of an archaeological expert as tour manager
The tour includes the services of an archaeological expert as the tour manager.
-
Comfortable coach travel throughout
Comfortable coach travel is provided throughout the tour.
-
Meals as per the itinerary
Meals are included as per the itinerary.
-
All visits as outlined in the itinerary
All visits outlined in the itinerary are included.
-
Ferry crossings
Ferry crossings are included in the tour.
What's Not Included
-
Tipping and Gratuities
Tipping and gratuities are not included in the tour.
-
Lunch on Day 1, Day 2, and Day 3
Lunch is not included on Day 1, Day 2, and Day 3.
-
Drop-off at Aberdeen and Dundee
Drop-off at Aberdeen and Dundee is not available.
Mode of Transport
Travel in comfort with coach travel throughout the tour, including ferry crossings to the Shetland and Orkney Islands. Enjoy the convenience of small ferry transfers and explore the islands as foot passengers.
Accommodation
Enjoy comfortable stays at the Scalloway Hotel and The Ayre Hotel, both offering en-suite facilities. Experience a night on the Northlink Ferry with cozy cabins and a delightful onboard restaurant.
Check out our Q&As
-
What happens if the weather prevents us from visiting Mousa Island?
If the weather prevents a visit to Mousa Island, an alternative visit will be provided, usually to Scatness Broch on Mainland Shetland.
-
What kind of wildlife might we see on Mousa Island?
On Mousa Island, you might see storm petrels, Arctic terns, skuas, and harbour seals. There is also a chance to spot porpoises and the occasional killer whale in Mousa Sound.
-
Who will be leading the tour?
The tour will be led by an archaeological expert who will serve as the tour manager.
-
What is the significance of the Churchill Barriers?
The Churchill Barriers were built after the sinking of the HMS Royal Oak in October 1939. They are causeways made of large concrete blocks that connect Burray and South Ronaldsay to the Orkney mainland.
-
What can we expect to see at the Italian Chapel?
The Italian Chapel was built on the site of a former prisoner of war camp by Italian prisoners during World War II. It features marvellous interior paintings by Domenico Chiocchetti, one of the prisoners, who returned several times to restore and repaint parts of the building.
-
What is unique about Maeshowe?
Maeshowe is the finest chambered tomb in Western Europe, built before 2700 B.C. It was raided by Vikings in the 12th Century and contains the largest collection of runic inscriptions found in any one place in the world.
-
What is the historical significance of St Ninian’s Isle?
St Ninian’s Isle is known for its church dating from the 6th century and for the treasure of 9th century silverware found there, believed to have been hidden to prevent Viking raiders from taking them.
-
Will I receive more details of the holiday before I travel?
You will receive detailed joining instructions around 10 days prior to you departure, but you are of course welcome to contact us at any time should you have any queries.
-
What facilities do your coaches have?
Generally, our coaches have reclining seats, air-conditioning and toilets, however this cannot always be guaranteed as sometimes we have to use smaller vehicles. Toilets are recommended for emergency use only and regular comfort stops will be made throughout your holiday while travelling around.
-
Do I have to go on the included excursions?
Absolutely not. You are more than welcome to spend the day at your hotel or exploring independently should you wish. All we ask is that you inform your Tour Manager, so they are not left waiting for you to join the group.
-
Is there time to relax?
Although our itineraries may seem jam-packed, boasting access to some of the most exclusive sites across the UK and beyond, a Brightwater Holiday is just that: a holiday. Each trip will counter in more than enough free-time for you to explore places at your own leisure. And with most nights and the majority of meals being included in our tour prices, you can relax in hand-picked accommodation.
-
Do I need to be an expert?
Absolutely not! Although some of our tours are specifically focused on one thing, all you need to enjoy a Brightwater holiday is interest and bags of enthusiasm! Even on our most specialist tours, we take travellers from all skill levels, from experts to beginners.
-
How fit or active do I need to be for one of your holidays?
You need to be able to get on and off the coach unassisted, and most – but not all – coaches have a kneel facility that lowers the front step for ease of boarding
-
Do you have self-drive holidays?
Yes, we do – tailored to your exact requirements!
-
What’s the luggage allowance on your coaches?
There’s no fixed limit, but we generally say one large suitcase to go in the luggage compartment and a smaller bag that you can take onto the coach with you. For flight-inclusive holidays, we include a luggage allowance of at least 20kg.
-
Where are your departure points?
UK garden holidays generally depart from London, with additional pick-ups depending on the route of the coach, while holidays to Scotland depart from Glasgow, Edinburgh and Perth, with Dundee, Inverness and Aberdeen sometimes included. All Eurostar holidays depart from London St. Pancras and flight-inclusive holidays depart from one or more of the main London airports, with regional flights .
-
What about the company that will be kept?
For single travellers, those with a companion or even those travelling in a larger group, you'll find that the signature of any Brightwater Holiday is the company. You won't ever be travelling with a group of strangers, instead, you'll find yourself surrounded by like-minded people with a strong shared interest who will soon become your firm friends.
-
What is a Brightwater Holiday?
Bursting with enthralling, educational and enlightening itineraries, a Brightwater Holiday, by its very nature, is packed with bucket-list-worthy destinations, behind the scenes passes and expert-led experiences. From creating bespoke quality garden and special interest tours for groups and individuals alike, we have made it our business to make our guests' travel dreams come true.
-
Why is there a single supplement?
Unfortunately, single room supplements are charges that are often imposed on us as a company when we book rooms for group holidays. However, most hotels do charge less for single occupancy, and we always pass this saving on to our solo travellers in the form of a modest single supplement.
-
How much are your optional excursions?
Prices start from as little as £20, but please contact our friendly team for questions about specific itineraries or excursions.
-
Can I pre-book my coach seats?
Yes, you can. In the case of front seats, guests with limited mobility are given priority. Please get in touch with our friendly team to discuss any requirements you may have.
-
How to get there? Easy!
With a Brightwater Holiday, the journey is just as important as the destination and we make getting you to your tour start point easy. From organising group flights and individual travel plans, to offering accessible local departure and pick-up points, we go out of our way to ensure that your journey is as convenient and hassle-free as it can be.
-
Do I need to have travel insurance?
Travel insurance is required for all overseas holidays and is also strongly recommended for UK holidays – primarily to protect yourself against cancellation charges should you be unable to travel.
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
Monday - Saturday
Apr 14, 2025 - Apr 19, 2025Monday - Saturday
Aug 25, 2025 - Aug 30, 2025Book with Confidence
-
Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Brightwater Holidays allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform brightwater holidays, 25 days before departure.
-
Low Deposit
Brightwater Holidays requires a minimum deposit of 15% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of brightwater holidays charges.
At 40 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Enquire for huge savings
Rated 5* on Trust Pilot & ABTA Protected.