An Archaeologist’s View of Orkney & Shetland

Departing: April 2027 - August 2027

The islands of Orkney and Shetland are rich with archaeological remains. People first settled here over 5,000 years ago, leaving behind traces of their lives that endure to this day. New archaeological sites are discovered annually. Some, like Skara Brae, were hidden beneath sand until uncovered by a winter storm thousands of years later. Skara Brae offers a captivating glimpse into Stone Age life, showcasing beds with small shelves and cubby holes, along with remnants of jewellery and medicine. These islands are a treasure trove for anyone fascinated by ancient settlements, buildings and the stories of their inhabitants.

During our visit to Shetland, we explore the uninhabited island of Mousa, home to a 2,000-year-old fully intact broch, along with the prehistoric and Norse settlement of Jarlshof, St Ninian’s Isle with its 6th-century church plus the ruined castle of Scalloway. In Orkney, we visit the Italian Chapel, Maeshowe – the finest chambered tomb in Western Europe – and Skara Brae alongside Skaill House. On our journey to Aberdeen, we also pause for a photo opportunity at the striking ruins of Dunnottar Castle.

Included

Explore Mousa Broch & Jarlshof, with entrance fees included
All other visits as outlined in the itinerary
Professional Tour Manager
1 night at the Scalloway Hotel, Shetland & 3 nights at the Albert Hotel/Kirkwall Hotel
5 breakfasts & 5 dinners
All ferry crossings, including overnight accommodation in 2-berth cabins on Serco Northlink Ferries MV Hrossey/Hjaltland on the outward sailing
Private air-conditioned coach travel

*April at the Kirkwall Hotel & August at the Albert Hotel

Highlights

Mousa Broch, the best preserved Iron Age tower in existence
The multi-period settlement of Jarlshof
Neolithic Orkney, a UNESCO World Heritage Centre
Handling 5,000-year-old artefacts at the Tomb of the Eagles
The Churchill Barriers and Italian Chapel, poignant reminders of more recent history

Carol Knott

Peter Yeoman

Worked as an Archaeologist throughout the UK for 50 years. Directed major excavation projects, while also writing a number of books. He was the Head of Cultural Heritage and then Principal Heritage Researcher at Historic Scotland and also took the lead in managing World Heritage Sites.

Tour Itinerary

We leave our pick-up point and head north, stopping for lunch (not included). En route, we pause for photos at Dunnottar Castle, a dramatic clifftop fortress with origins in a 3rd-century Pictish stronghold and former home of the powerful Earls Marischal. In Aberdeen, we board the Northlink Ferry for an overnight sail to Lerwick, with dinner served on board.

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: Serco overnight Northlink ferry

Day 1 An Archaeologist’s View of Orkney & Shetland

After breakfast, we leave the ship to tour Shetland, passing through Gulberwick and Cunningsburgh. At Sandwick, we take a ferry to the island of Mousa* to visit the 2000-year-old Iron Age broch, which impressively remains at its original height of 13m. After returning to the mainland, we will stop at Hoswick Visitor Centre for lunch (not included).
Lastly, we visit the remarkable Prehistoric and Norse Settlement of Jarlshof and then head to the cliffs at Sumburgh Head, where the North Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean.

*Please note: the trail on Mousa is uneven, steep and boggy in places. It may not be suitable for those visitors requiring extra mobility assistance or those who are not sure-footed. Walking boots and waterproof clothing are recommended. There are no toilets, seating or shelter on the island. If, for any reason, the excursion is cancelled (weather or boat problems – sadly, it can happen), we will visit Scatness Broch on Mainland Shetland.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Shetland Hotel, Shetland

Day 2 An Archaeologist’s View of Orkney & Shetland

This morning, we head south to visit St Ninian’s Isle and its 6th-century church, marking Christianity’s arrival in Shetland. Next, we explore Scalloway, Shetland’s former capital, and its ruined castle from 1600, built by Earl Patrick Stewart.

After lunch (not included), we pass through Tingwall Valley, site of the old Norse parliament, before returning to Lerwick to explore the historic town. Later, we board our ship for Orkney, enjoy dinner onboard, and transfer to our accommodation in Kirkwall upon arrival.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Sumburgh Hotel, Shetland

Day 3 An Archaeologist’s View of Orkney & Shetland

After breakfast, we tour southern mainland Orkney, crossing the Churchill Barriers, built after the HMS Royal Oak sank in October 1939. These causeways, made of massive concrete blocks, connect Burray and South Ronaldsay to the Orkney mainland.

We visit the beautiful Italian Chapel, built on a former prisoner-of-war camp site. Then, we return to Kirkwall, Orkney’s capital, for free time to explore. Highlights include St. Magnus Cathedral, a stunning 861-year-old sandstone masterpiece; the Earl’s Palace, the Bishop’s Palace, and the Orkney Museum.
Dinner is at our hotel tonight.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accomodation: Sumburgh Hotel, Shetland

Day 4 An Archaeologist’s View of Orkney & Shetland

After breakfast, we explore the west mainland of Orkney, visiting the Heart of Neolithic Orkney. We start at Skara Brae, with its visitor centre showcasing the history of this iconic site and Skaill House nearby.
Next, we visit the Ness of Brodgar excavation site. In the afternoon, we 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.
Dinner is served in our hotel this evening.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Sumburgh Hotel, Shetland

Day 5 An Archaeologist’s View of Orkney & Shetland

After breakfast, we transfer to Stromness to board the mid-morning Northlink ferry to Scrabster. Upon arrival, we commence our journey back to the original pick-up points.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6 An Archaeologist’s View of Orkney & Shetland

Accommodation

Travel between Aberdeen and Shetland aboard Serco NorthLink’s overnight ferries, with comfortable two-berth en-suite cabins. Enjoy dinner and breakfast on board, with restaurants, bars and lounges providing plenty of space to relax as you sail between mainland Scotland and the islands.

Set in the heart of Kirkwall, the Albert Hotel is a comfortable base for discovering Orkney’s capital and surrounding islands. All en-suite rooms include TV, free Wi-Fi, hairdryer and tea and coffee-making facilities. The hotel also has a restaurant and bar, providing a welcoming place to relax after a day exploring.

Situated in almost the exact centre of the Mainland, Kirkwall looks out across the bay to the North Isles beyond. First recorded in the Orkneyinga Saga by its original name Kirkjuvagar (meaning Church by the Bay) Kirkwall was once at the heart of a seafaring empire covering Scandinavia, Iceland, Shetland and the Western Isles, Ireland and the Isle of Man. The town dates from at least the 11th century and alongside the wonderful cathedral and remains of the Bishop’s Palace, is full of independent shops including abundant locally made arts, crafts and textiles and makes an excellent base for our tour to the islands. The Kirkwall Hotel has a total of 54 bedrooms over 2 buildings, The Kirkwall and The Shore. The Kirkwall rooms are over 3 floors and a lift serves all 3 floors. The Shore has no lift and is in a separate building along the Kikrwall. All rooms are en-suite and have a phone, free Wi-Fi, hair dryer, iron, ironing board, complimentary toiletries and tea & coffee making facilities.

Overlooking the waterfront in the island capital of Lerwick, the Shetland Hotel enjoys a convenient location close to the town centre, harbour and many of Shetland’s key attractions. Its setting offers wonderful views across the sea and provides an excellent base for exploring the islands’ dramatic landscapes, rich wildlife and fascinating Norse heritage. The hotel offers comfortable, well-appointed guestrooms designed with modern amenities.

Located at the southern tip of mainland Shetland, the Sumburgh Hotel enjoys a spectacular setting overlooking the sea and surrounding countryside. Close to Sumburgh Head, one of Shetland’s most famous landmarks, the hotel is ideally placed for exploring the islands’ dramatic coastline, abundant wildlife and rich archaeological heritage

Availability & Booking

2027

10th April from $2,095

Call to Book

23rd August from $3,075

Call to Book

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