Orkney & Shetland by Air

Departing: May 2027 - August 2027

Wild landscapes, extraordinary wildlife and thousands of years of history come together across the remote islands of Orkney and Shetland. Travelling by air allows us to uncover these remarkable archipelagos without the long road and sea journey, leaving more time to experience their distinctive character. On Shetland, encounter the towering Iron Age Mousa Broch, follow 3,000 years of settlement at Jarlshof and watch seabirds wheel above the dramatic cliffs of Sumburgh Head and Eshaness. In Orkney, discover the UNESCO World Heritage landscape of Neolithic Orkney, explore the poignant Churchill Barriers and visit the Italian Chapel, reminders of a very different chapter in the islands’ history. With wide skies, dramatic coastlines and a fascinating human story stretching back millennia, this is a chance to see some of Britain’s most extraordinary islands from a different perspective.

Included

Explore Mousa Broch & Jarlshof, with entrance fees included
All other visits as outlined in the itinerary
Professional Tour Manager
2 nights at the Busta House Hotel, Shetland & 2 nights at the Kirkwall or Shore Hotel, Orkney (or similar)
4 breakfasts & 4 dinners
Flights from Aberdeen to Sumburgh, Sumburgh to Kirkwall & Kirkwall to Aberdeen (Edinburgh flight supplement £225pp)
Private air-conditioned coach travel

Highlights

Mousa Broch – the best-preserved Iron Age tower in existence
Spectacular sea cliffs at Eshaness
Multitudes of seabirds at Sumburgh Head
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

David Maclennan

David is an experienced Tour Manager and Guide Lecturer, leading tours throughout the UK and Europe since retiring from full-time employment. With extensive knowledge of gardens and horticulture, he brings each destination to life with enthusiasm and expertise. You may even see him in his kilt!

Tour Itinerary

We fly from Aberdeen or Edinburgh to Sumburgh and begin our Shetland adventure at Sumburgh Head, where dramatic cliffs meet the North Sea and Atlantic and rich birdlife fills the surrounding RSPB reserve. We then visit Jarlshof, where 3,000 years of prehistoric and Norse settlement can be seen, before continuing to Scalloway Castle and the spectacular cliffs of Eshaness, passing the famous ‘Otters Crossing’ sign at Mavis Grind.

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: Busta House Hotel

After breakfast, we head to the island’s capital town of Lerwick, where we enjoy some free time. Later, we travel through small local communities until we reach Sandwick, where we cross as foot passengers on the ferry over to the little island of Mousa, to visit the 2000-year-old Iron Age broch.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Busta House Hotel

This morning, we fly from Sumburgh to Kirkwall and begin our exploration of southern Mainland Orkney. We cross the Churchill Barriers, built following the sinking of HMS Royal Oak in 1939, before visiting the beautiful Italian Chapel, created by Italian prisoners of war. We then return to Kirkwall, where there is free time to explore the historic capital at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Kirkwall or Shore Hotel, Orkney

Today, we explore the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, a UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing some of Europe’s most remarkable prehistoric remains. We visit Maeshowe, the chambered tomb dating from before 2700 BC and famed for its Viking runic inscriptions, before seeing the Standing Stones of Stenness and nearby Neolithic village of Barnhouse. At Skara Brae, explore the remarkably preserved settlement and visitor centre, with time to visit nearby Skaill House, an architectural gem beside the ancient village.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Kirkwall or Shore Hotel, Orkney

After breakfast, we transfer to Kirkwall Airport for our flight back to Aberdeen or Edinburgh, bringing our journey through the remarkable islands of Orkney and Shetland to a close.

Meals included: Breakfast

Accommodation

Set beside the sheltered waters of Busta Voe in North Mainland Shetland, Busta House Hotel is a characterful historic property dating back to the 16th century. All en-suite rooms are individually designed and include free Wi-Fi, television, tea and coffee-making facilities, hairdryer and eco-friendly toiletries. The hotel also has a restaurant, bar and attractive ground

Overlooking Kirkwall’s historic waterfront on Shore Street, The Shore offers a convenient base for exploring Orkney’s capital. All en-suite rooms include TV, free Wi-Fi, hairdryer, complimentary toiletries and tea and coffee-making facilities. Guests can also make use of the lounge bar, while breakfast and evening meals are available at the neighbouring Kirkwall Hotel.

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.

Availability & Booking

2027

11th May from $3,355

Call to Book

10th August from $3,355

Call to Book

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