Scotland: Highlights of Orkney and Shetland 543

Scotland: Highlights of Orkney and Shetland 543

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6 Days From

$2585

Scotland: Highlights of Orkney and Shetland 543

6 Days Starting in Aberdeen, Scotland and ending in Scrabster, Scotland

Visiting: Aberdeen, Lerwick, Shetland, Orkney, Kirkwall, Stromness

Tour operator:

Brightwater Holidays

Tour code:

BOSH

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

6 - 25

Physical rating:

Moderate

Age range:

1-99

Special diets catered:

Please contact Brightwater with any specific dietary requirements

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Sightseeing

From: $2585

NB: Prices correct on 25-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the enchanting landscapes of Orkney and Shetland with our "Scotland: Highlights of Orkney and Shetland 543" tour. Discover the dramatic sea cliffs of Eshaness and the bustling seabird colonies at Sumburgh Head. Delve into history at the multi-period settlement of Jarlshof and explore the Neolithic wonders of Orkney, a UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Experience poignant moments at the Churchill Barriers and the Italian Chapel, reminders of more recent history. Enjoy comfortable accommodations, professional tour management, and seamless travel, including ferry crossings. This special interest tour offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue, perfect for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike. Join us for an enriching adventure through Scotland's northern isles, where every moment is steeped in wonder and discovery.

Highlights

  • Spectacular sea cliffs at Eshaness

  • Multitudes of seabirds at Sumburgh Head (May-July)

  • The multi-period settlement of Jarlshof

  • Neolithic Orkney – a UNESCO World Heritage Centre

  • The Churchill Barriers and Italian Chapel, poignant reminders of more recent history

  • Explore the island's capital town of Lerwick

  • Visit the great stone circles of Brodgar and Stenness in Orkney

Places You'll See

Scotland: Highlights Of Orkney And Shetland 543

Scotland: Highlights Of Orkney And Shetland 543

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1

Location: Aberdeen

Accommodation Name: Ferry

Meals Included: Dinner

We depart from our designated departure points and travel to Aberdeen where we board the Serco NorthLink Ferry (Hrossey or Hjaltland) overnight sailing to Lerwick (departs 19.00hrs). Once on board we shall check in to our comfortable, twin-berth cabins which all have en-suite facilities. The ship has a delightful restaurant, where dinner is served this evening, together with a bar and lounges where you can relax. There is also a well-stocked gift shop for souvenir shopping or essential items.

Day 2

Location: Lerwick

Accommodation Name: Brae 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. Our first stop is in Scalloway, the former capital of Shetland, where we visit the ruined castle built in 1600 by the infamous Earl Patrick Stewart. As we continue north towards the spectacular cliffs of Eshaness, look out for the ‘Otters Crossing’ sign at the narrow isthmus known as Mavis Grind, where it is said to be possible to throw a stone from the North Sea to the Atlantic. Later we will transfer to our comfortable accommodation where dinner will be served in the evening.

Day 3

Location: Shetland

Accommodation Name: Kirkwall Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today we will start with a visit to the outstanding Prehistoric and Norse Settlement of Jarlshof, with over three acres of remains, spanning 3,000 years since the days of the Stone Age, including oval-shaped Bronze Age houses, Iron Age broch and wheel houses, Viking long houses and medieval farmhouses. From there we travel to the southern tip of mainland Shetland, Sumburgh Head, where the North Sea on the east meets the Atlantic Ocean on the west. Here we visit the RSPB Reserve, which is home to thousands of seabirds, including puffins, guillemots and razorbills. In the afternoon we travel through small communities such as Gulberwick and Cunningsburgh before we explore the island’s capital town of Lerwick, where we have some free time and an opportunity to visit the state of the art Shetland Museum for more detail on this special set of islands. We will rejoin our ship, which sails at 17.30 hours for Orkney. Dinner is served on board. On arrival in Orkney (expected 23.00hrs) we will transfer the short distance to Kirkwall to our accommodation at the Kirkwall Hotel.

Day 4

Location: Orkney

Accommodation Name: Kirkwall Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast today we have an all-day excursion of mainland Orkney visiting the many archaeological sites including the great stone circles of Brodgar and Stenness, which lie to the north side of the Orphir Hills. To this day the monuments’ ages remain uncertain, however they are generally thought to have been erected between 2500 BC & 2000 BC. We continue to Maeshowe, the finest chambered tomb in Western Europe. Built before 2700 BC, Maeshowe was raided by Vikings in the 12th century. It houses the largest collection of runic inscriptions to be found in any one place in the world. A visit to Skara Brae is also included, with its new visitor’s centre depicting the history of this world-famous monument. Dinner will be served at the hotel in the evening.

Day 5

Location: Kirkwall

Accommodation Name: Kirkwall Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today we will have some free time to explore Kirkwall and 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 886 years, and the adjacent Bishop’s Palace. Spend some time shopping and enjoy lunch (not included). In the afternoon, we will depart on a tour of the south end of mainland Orkney, crossing the Churchill Barriers which were built after the sinking of HMS Royal Oak in October 1939. The causeways are built of five and ten 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 returned several times to restore and repaint parts of the building. We return to our hotel, where dinner is served this 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.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation is included throughout the tour.

  • Services of a professional tour manager

    The services of a professional tour manager are included.

  • 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

  • International Travel

    International travel is not included in the tour package.

  • Tipping and Gratuities

    Tipping and gratuities are not included and are at the discretion of the traveler.

Mode of Transport

Travel in comfort with coach travel throughout the tour, including ferry crossings on the Serco NorthLink Ferry. Experience the scenic beauty of Scotland as you journey between destinations, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable travel experience.

Accommodation

Enjoy comfortable stays at the Brae Hotel and Kirkwall Hotel, offering cozy accommodations with en-suite facilities. Relax in well-appointed rooms after a day of exploring the stunning landscapes and historical sites of Orkney and Shetland.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    The tour provides comfortable twin-berth cabins with en-suite facilities on the ferry, and hotel accommodations at the Brae Hotel and Kirkwall Hotel during the stay in Shetland and Orkney.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    Yes, meals are included as per the itinerary. Dinner is served on the ferry on the first night, and breakfast and dinner are provided at the hotels during the stay in Shetland and Orkney.

  • What are some of the key historical sites visited on this tour?

    The tour visits several key historical sites including the ruined castle in Scalloway, the Prehistoric and Norse Settlement of Jarlshof, the stone circles of Brodgar and Stenness, Maeshowe, and Skara Brae. Additionally, the Churchill Barriers and the Italian Chapel are also visited.

  • What wildlife can be expected to be seen during the tour?

    At Sumburgh Head, visitors can expect to see thousands of seabirds, including puffins, guillemots, and razorbills, especially during the breeding season from May to July.

  • Is there any free time during the tour for personal exploration?

    Yes, there is some free time allocated on Day 5 to explore Kirkwall and its environs at leisure, allowing for personal exploration and shopping.

  • 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

Trusted Customer  

Brightwater Holidays offers great value

28-Nov-2019

I would highly recommend Brightwater Holidays. It offers excellent service and value for money. This was my first tour as I normally arrange holidays myself, but this tour - which was to the gardens of Kent and Sussex - was a very pleasant change of pace.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Brightwater Holidays Customer  

My experience with Brightwater Holidays

08-Aug-2019

The tour was well managed, the sites visited were all interesting and linked to the theme of the Picts and their place in history, the hotel was comfortable and the coach journeys were well paced. I have been with Brightwater before and will certainly travel with them again

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Alan Hawkes (Google Reviewer)  

We were on the Tour...

28-Aug-2022

We were on the Tour of the Outer Hebrides. We had a great experience, in no small part due to the excellence of the tour manager and driver.

Brightwater Holidays Custome  

Wonderful experience with brilliant information

31-Jul-2019

The most important factor was an amazing guide in Alastair Walker whose knowledge and care for clients was fantastic. The whole trips are superbly organised

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Eric Webb (Google Reviewer)  

Recent (September 2023) Scottish holiday...

07-Oct-2023

Recent (September 2023) Scottish holiday not so good. Various 'issues' to do with scheduling and organisation. I'm happy to report however that - after an interval - a letter expressing disappointment brought a full response - including a generous refund. So - with fingers slightly crossed - we'll be booking with Brightwater again in due course.

John G R (Google Reviewer)  

Now, this is a wee...

08-Nov-2024

Now, this is a wee family run holiday that is run from a bedroom. Outrageous prices for a holiday in scotland.👍

Kevin Barrett (Google Reviewer)  

The recent tour in Northumberland...

30-Sep-2023

The recent tour in Northumberland turned out to be a shambles. Our South London driver took us to Newcastle, but no guide to meet us. Next day still no guide and the bus driver attempted to salvage the tour the best he could despite having no knowledge of the attractions. Fortunately one of the passengers Googled the tides for Holy Island. No holiday guide ever showed up. Coach and hotel were fine. Do these people only offer self guided tours? Take Shearings next time.

ALEXANDRA MCQUEEN (Google Reviewer)  

Been trying to get a...

17-Oct-2023

Been trying to get a reply from them for over a week. Booked Xmas tour, confirmation said pick up subject to numbers, they never said anything when booking and theyve been paid in full. Would not recommend!

Dp Green (Google Reviewer)  

I had heard this company...

20-Feb-2024

I had heard this company was a nightmare to deal with, but thought I'd give it a go. Signed up for a tour, then emailed them about how to pay off the balance. No response to 3 emails. I've never encountered a tour company that ignored questions on how to pay off a balance. Looked into other reviews and found many complaints about cancelled tours and refusals to refund deposits.

Kieran Thompson (Google Reviewer)  

Two of your tour busses...

26-Jul-2021

Two of your tour busses used the A814 from Garelochhead to Arrochar on 24th July 2021. This route is not suitable for large vehicles and your drivers should not have taken the huge coaches that way. There are clear signs at both ends of the road indicating it is not suitable for HGV's. Our car had to go off into the soft verge to allow your coaches to pass. Please amend your routes to avoid this road in future.

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Monday - Saturday

May 12, 2025 - May 17, 2025
$2725

Monday - Saturday

May 26, 2025 - May 31, 2025
$2725

Wednesday - Monday

Aug 20, 2025 - Aug 25, 2025
$2655

Wednesday - Monday

Sep 03, 2025 - Sep 08, 2025
$2585

Monday - Saturday

Sep 29, 2025 - Oct 04, 2025
$2585
Prices last published on 24-Dec-2024

Book 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.

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