Orkney & Shetland 2024

Shetland

A place of wild, dramatic landscapes, Shetland is known for its Scandinavian history and rich Viking heritage. Located where the Atlantic Ocean and North Sea meet, Shetland forms the very tip of the British Isles. Made up of a hundred or so islands and located 50 miles northeast of Orkney, just 15 of Shetland's islands are inhabited. Neolithic remains which were uncovered in coastal sands tell the story of how people lived and survived on these isles. Jarlshof, a prehistoric and nnorse settlement tracks human life for over 4000 years.

 

 

 

Orkney

With over 70 islands, thousands of birds and more archaeological sites than anywhere in Europe, Orkney offers a wonderful mix of history, wildlife and coastline. Home to one of the UK's oldest World Heritage sites, is a collection of ancient and extremely well preserved sites offering a glimpse of island life over 5000 years.

 

Day 1

We depart on our journey northwards, stopping en route and arrive later to the Ben Nevis Hotel, Fort William. Dinner in the hotel

 

 

The Ben Nevis Hotel is set on a leafy property with views of Ben Nevis mountain, this relaxed hotel is a mile from Fort William railway station and a 10-minute walk from the 13th-century ruins of Old Inverlochy Castle. Spanning 2 buildings, the cosy rooms provide TVs, and tea and coffee-making facilities.

 

Day 2

We travel through the glorious scenery of the Scottish Highlands, stopping in the Highland’s capital of Inverness. Continue to Thurso on Scotland’s northern coast.

 

 

The St Clair Hotel is based in the heart of Thurso, close to the Town Centre. A small 33 room, family run hotel boasts good food, good company and a warm friendly atmosphere.

 

 

The Station Hotel

Very close to Thurso Train Station, this hotel has free Wi-Fi, free public parking and comfortable rooms with Freeview TV. Station Hotel serves fine Scottish meat cooked in a traditional style. There is a good selection of drinks including several whiskeys. Full English breakfast is included in your room rate. The hotel is well located for Scrabster Harbour, and has welcoming, friendly staff.

 

Day 3  A free day in Thurso (driver’s day off).

 

Day 4   A visit to  John O’Groats 

 

Day 5 We take a 90 minute crossing to Stromness on Orkney.

www.northlinkferries.co.uk

 

 

 

 

 

We meet a local guide who will take us on a tour. We visit Skara Brae, an amazing Neolithic village that lay buried by sand for 4000 years; the stone Ring of Brodgar, the delightful chapel built by Italian POWs and the remains of battleships scuppered at Scapa Flow.

 

Tonight's dinner will be in a hotel in Kirkwall (Orkney).

 

Board the ship for overnight crossing to Lerwick, the Shetlands’ capital. Accommodation will be in 2 berth cabins

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Day 6   Breakfast on the ship then depart on a guided excursion of Shetland’s scenic mainland with a visit to Jarlshof Viking Settlement and Scalloway Castle & Museum.

 

There will be free time in Lerwick before re-boarding the ship for an overnight cruise to Aberdeen. Dinner on board.

 

Day 7  Early breakfast on board before arriving in Aberdeen.

 

Travel along beautiful Royal Deeside, passing the Balmoral Estate before stopping in Braemar, home of one of the most famous Highland Games. Continue through the breathtaking scenery of Glenshee then to a final overnight stop in Strathpeffer.

 

 

Ben Wyvis Hotel

Placed in the heart of the stunning Victorian spa town of Strathpeffer, the Ben Wyvis Hotel has an imposing façade yet indoors a warm and friendly welcome awaits you. The Ben Wyvis Hotel is a grand Victorian hotel full of character and charm and is complemented by the nature and adventure that sits on its doorstep. The hotel is surrounded by five acres of woodlands and landscaped mature gardens with stunning views of Ben Wyvis itself.

 

Day 8   We head for home, stopping on the way for a delicious high tea 

 

 

 

Breakfasts, Dinners & Friday High Tea

 

Coach travel throughout -  Departure from Pudsey, Calverley, Farsley, Rodley, Horsforth, Leeds, Bradford, Wetherby, Ainley Top

 

Escorted by Hanson Exclusives’ Tour Manager

 

Images copyright Visit Scotland Images. Northlink Ferries. Strathmore Hotels. New Lanark Mill Village & hotel