• Overview
  • Trip Includes
  • Itinerary
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Explore Orkney’s stunning archaeology, wildlife, and landscapes on this wonderful trip to the Northern Isles. Nowhere in northern Europe is there such a dramatic concentration of spectacular archaeological sites. Stone circles, burial mounds, a stone age village, iron age forts…almost everywhere you turn there are more traces of our early ancestors. We visit Skara Brae, the best-preserved Neolithic settlement in Western Europe, Broch of Gurness, an Iron Age broch village and the stunning Italian Chapel. We also visit the unique island of Hoy, with its vertical cliffs, vast swathes of wilderness and abundance of wildlife. Join as us we explore this magical place.

Your Holiday Package Includes:

6 nights dinner, bed, and breakfast

Services of experienced tour driver

Luxury coach with onboard toilet & facilities

Ferry travel

Services of a local guide for 2½ days

EXCURSIONS – entry to Italian Chapel, Broch of Gurness & Skara Brae

Your Holiday Accommodation:

The **** BEST WESTERN PALACE HOTEL & SPA is situated on the banks of the River Ness opposite Inverness Castle. There is a Leisure Club & Spa. All bedrooms are en suite with TV, radio, telephone, tea making facilities, hairdryer, and Wi-Fi. There is a lift in the main house.

The *** HIGHLANDER HOTEL is situated right in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, and you can be sure of a true Scottish welcome. All bedrooms are en suite with TV, telephone, tea making facilities, hairdryer, and Wi-Fi. There is a restaurant and well stocked bar. The hotel does not have a lift, but most bedrooms are on the ground and first floor.

The *** AYRE HOTEL is situated overlooking Kirkwall harbour, where the ferries to the North Isles dock. All bedrooms are en suite with TV, telephone, tea making facilities, hairdryer, and Wi-Fi. There is a lift to all floors.

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Itineraries

Sunday

Date : May 12, 2024

Depart for Inverness

We journey north via main roads and motorways to Inverness for overnight half board accommodation at the Best Western Palace Hotel.

Monday

Date : May 13, 2024

Depart for Orkney Ferry Crossing

We travel north to Gills Bay for our early afternoon ferry sailing to St Margaret’s Hope on Orkney (sailing time approximately 1hr). We disembark and include a visit to the interesting Italian Chapel, a beautiful Roman Catholic chapel in Lamb Holm which was constructed by Italian POW’s during the Second World War. Later we transfer to Kirkwall and check in for 4 nights half board accommodation at the Ayre Hotel.

Tuesday

Date : May 14, 2024

Isle of Hoy

Today we visit the Island of Hoy. We take the ferry from Houton to Lyness, where we are joined by a qualified guide who will bring this fascinating island to life. Hoy is unique, and very different from the Orkney mainland and other isles. The vertical cliffs are the highest in the British Isles, there are vast swathes of wilderness, an abundance of wildlife, with a history stretching from the Neolithic era to modern day. At approximately 16.40 hrs we board the return ferry.

Wednesday

Date : May 15, 2024

Guided Tour of Orkney

Once again we are joined by a local guide who will take us on a ‘Heart of Neolithic Orkney Tour’. In the afternoon he will bring to life the ‘Scenic South Isles Tour’.

Thursday

Date : May 16, 2024

Free Morning & Guided Walking Tour of Kirkwall

A free morning to enjoy your base of Kirkwall, the principal town of Orkney. A visit to the stunning cathedral of St Magnus is a must for those who wish to. Early afternoon we will be joined by a local guide who will take us on a walking tour of Kirkwall, exploring the old town, telling tales about the people, customs and events that shaped the towns history.

Friday

Date : May 17, 2024

Depart for Ferry Crossing & Newtonmore

We make the short journey to St Margaret's Hope for our late morning ferry crossing to Gill's Bay (sailing time 1hr). We disembark and journey south to Newtonmore for overnight half board accommodation at the Highlander Hotel.

Saturday

Date : May 18, 2024

Depart for home

After breakfast we journey home making suitable stops along the way, arriving back into our local area early evening.

Supplements

Single supplement – £315.00

Deposit

£60.00 per person

Coach Seating Plan