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Shetland and Orkney - The Northern Isles

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Tour leader
Jo Durrant
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Dates
1 Sep
9 Sep
2024

Travel to the northernmost reaches of the UK through spectacular landscapes. Discover history that encompasses Neolithic times, the Bronze and Iron Ages, the Picts and the Vikings, and continues into the modern day.

Led by Jo Durrant, the tour gives a superb overview of these far-flung island neighbours, which share connections and history but retain distinctive characters. Proceed at a relaxed pace with local guides in each island to discover history, archaeology, geography, geology and culture and enjoy the unique wildlife of the area, from puffins to Shetland ponies.

This tour is a wonderful opportunity to unite the magnificent islands of Shetland and Orkney. It coincides with the International Orkney Science Festival (5 – 11 September), which includes a range of talks, art, film screenings, live music and walks. There is the opportunity to extend, subject to availability.

Price (sharing a room)
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per person
Price (room to yourself)
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Reference:
GBR0924-1
At a glance
What you need to know
Type of tour
Cultural
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Nights
8
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Countries
1
Tour grade
Gentle
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Remaining places
10
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Dates and places

Itinerary at a glance

1
Sumburgh (Shetland)
Sunday
,
1
September
Arrive Sumburgh and transfer to the Sumburgh Hotel, a former Laird's house. Depending on your arrival, there will be the opportunity to walk and explore the dramatic local scenery. Welcome dinner at the hotel.
2
Sumburgh
Monday
,
2
September
Walk to Jarlshof, one of Europe's most important archaeological sites. Drive to Sumburgh Head Lighthouse, built in 1821. Visit Sumburgh Head Visitor Centre and learn of Shetland's maritime history, the WW2 Radar Hut and local wildlife. Drive to the visitor centre and café at Hoswick in Sandwick. Visit Rerwick Beach to spot seals and on to St Ninian's Isle.
3
Sumburgh
Tuesday
,
3
September
Drive to Lerwick, the capital of Shetland. Visit the Shetland Museum and Archives for an overview followed by time to explore. Visit the well preserved Clickkimin Broch, incorporating a late Bronze Age / early Iron Age farmstead and Iron Age fort. Explore Lerwick on a guided tour Continue to Scalloway, the former capital of Shetland.
4
Sumburgh
Wednesday
,
4
September
Travel up to the north-west corner of Shetland and see the iconic Eshaness cliffs and lighthouse. Visit the Tangwick Haa. This small museum is located inside an old Haa (hall) which was the home of the Laird. The hall also contains information on Shetland's unique and complex geology. Drive to Busta House Hotel for lunch before continuing the tour back towards Sumburgh.
5
Sumburgh / Kirkwall (Orkney)
Thursday
,
5
September
At leisure with a late morning transfer to Sumburgh Airport. Fly to Kirkwall Orkney, an archipelago comprising approximately 70 islands with a rich Norse heritage. Arrive in Kirkwall and transfer to the Ayre Hotel. The afternoon is at leisure to explore Kirkwall.
6
Kirkwall
Friday
,
6
September
Visit the famous Italian Chapel, a beautiful building constructed by Italian POWs in WWII, brought to Orkney in 1942 to build a giant causeway - today known as the Churchill Barriers. Visit Burray Fossil and Heritage Centre. Visit St Magnus Cathedral, see the Earls Palace and the Orkney Museum paintings by Orcadian artist Stanley Cursiter, who was the Queen's Painter and Limner.
7
Kirkwall
Saturday
,
7
September
Orkney's human history stretches back 10,000 years to its Neolithic origins. Explore this extraordinary heritage with a visit to Skara Brae, Skaill House, the Ring of Brodgar and Maeshowe. After lunch at the Standing Stones Hotel visit the Standing Stones of Stenness. Return to Kirkwall.
8
Kirkwall
Sunday
,
8
September
Spend the morning in Stromness, visiting the Stromness Museum. Visit the Pier Arts Centre with work by Barbara Hepworth, Ben Nicholson. Visit Orkney Brewery for lunch. Take a scenic drive along the north coast of Scapa Flow. Take a tour of the Highland Park Distillery, the world’s most northern whisky distillery. Farewell dinner in the evening.
9
Kirkwall
Monday
,
9
September
Morning at leisure and depart Orkney after breakfast.
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Tour map

Plot your journey

This tour takes you to two of the farthest Scottish Isles, both dramatically beautiful and rich in history and culture, allowing you to experience both Shetland and Orkney in just over a week.

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What to expect

Tour highlights

Shetland's history
Shetland

Hear of its history from the Bronze age to the Shetland Bus operation in World War Two.

Specialist talks and vists
Orkney

Specialist talks and vists in Orkney cover geology, aracheology, art and conflict

Orkney Science Festival
Orkney

Take part in the Orkney Science Festival including talks, art, film screenings, live music and walks.

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Beautiful landscapes

Tour gallery

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Tour exertion grading

Is this tour right for me?

Gentle
Level 2

Easy walking at a mostly leisurely pace. Slightly more sightseeing and travel.

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Your expert companions

Tour leaders

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Accommodation

Hotels

We like charm, comfort, convenience in location, and of course, excellence in service.

Shetland

Sumburgh Hotel

Orkney

Ayre Hotel

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Ask us anything

If you have some questions about this particular tour, you can contact the Jon Baines Tours team by phone or email.

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02072239485
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