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Peregrine Travel Centre

Scotland’s Shetland and Orkney Islands

Scotland’s Shetland and Orkney Islands

From $ 4,495 AUD

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Description

Encounter the many charms of Scotland’s northern reaches on this seven-day adventure. Take in vistas of dramatic coastlines and towering sea cliffs, see wildlife like seals and otters and settle into cosy pubs in the towns of Lerwick and Kirkwall. Meet Shetland ponies, visit the prehistoric Jarlshof settlement and hike along the rugged landscapes of Eshaness. Take a ferry over to the Orkney Islands where an impressive collection of Neolithic monuments, the historically rich island of Hoy and an evening of traditional Orkney folklore and music await. And, you’ll do it all with a local by your side to point you in all the right directions.

Trip Name
Scotland's Shetland and Orkney Islands
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
7
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Explore two remarkable Scottish archipelagos – Shetland, with its staggering sea cliffs and historic sites dating back to the Iron Age, and Orkney, full of Neolithic ruins and British naval history.
  • Visit Shetland for its vast landscapes, rich wildlife and exciting blend of Norse heritage. Settle in the charming capital of Lerwick, with its narrow, winding streets and picturesque harbour.
  • Uncover the ancient ruins of Jarlshof, which date back to the Iron Age. Then, head to Bigton Wick to walk along St Ninian’s Beach and take in views of sea stacks, towering cliffs and the rugged coastline.
  • Spend a morning exploring the island of Hoy and the renowned Scapa Flow Museum – home to rare artefacts and exhibits that tell the story of the anchorage that was once the heart of the British naval fleet during both World Wars.
  • Discover the Shetland and Orkney Islands’ shared Norse culture and learn what makes each archipelago unique. Enjoy traditional Orkney folklore storytelling by the fire and maybe even meet some Shetland ponies.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns. , OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk., MUSEUM VISITS & OPENING TIMES Many sites, attractions and museums are closed on Mondays (and sometimes Tuesdays). We recommend checking the opening times of anywhere you're interested to visit and making reservations where required/possible.

Day 1 - Shetland
Welcome to Scotland! Your adventure begins in Brae, a welcoming coastal community in the heart of Shetland's North Mainland, surrounded by breathtaking sea views and unspoilt island landscapes. It's the perfect base for exploring Shetland's unique wildlife, rich heritage, and rugged natural beauty. You’ll have a welcome meeting with your leader and fellow travellers at 6 pm at your accommodation. After, perhaps head out for dinner, and maybe end your first day at the local pub, soaking up the atmosphere.
Day 2 - Shetland
Have breakfast, then take a private vehicle to visit the prehistoric Jarlshof settlement. This site is rich in archaeological ruins dating back to the Iron Age. Learn about the ancient settlers who once called this land home and see fascinating examples of architectural styles from various points in history including oval-shaped homes from the Bronze Age, Iron Age wheelhouses, a medieval farmstead, a 16th-century laird’s house and Norse long houses. Next, drive to the small village of Sumburgh to visit the Sumburgh Head Lighthouse, where you'll learn about the area’s maritime history, from the early Iron Age inhabitants to the lighthouse keepers who protected sailors for centuries. Continue to the Hoswick Visitor Centre to learn about Hoswick’s fishing and textile history, browse local crafts and maybe grab some lunch, then drive to Bigton Wick to set out on a walk along St Ninian’s Beach. Take in views of sea stacks, towering cliffs and the windswept shoreline. Return to your hotel in the late afternoon. Your evening is free – you might like to take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront.
Day 3 - Shetland
This morning, travel to Eshaness via private vehicle for a scenic hike. Eshaness is a rugged, coastal area known for its dramatic sea cliffs and abundant wildlife. As you walk, keep an eye out for seals and otters that inhabit the area. It's believed that Eshaness was formed by ancient volcanic activity. Take in the rocky landscapes as you walk, maybe catching a glimpse of some Shetland ponies along the way. Return to your hotel by private vehicle in the late afternoon.
Day 4 - Orkney
Check out after breakfast and transfer to Lerwick for the day. Join your leader for a walk to see Lerwick's most notable sights. As the capital of Shetland, Lerwick grew rapidly during the herring boom of the 1800s, becoming a bustling port. Over time, it’s developed into a vibrant town with a distinct blend of Scottish and Norse influences. Walk the narrow streets lined with historic buildings and get a sense of the rich local maritime history. The rest of the day is free for you to explore Lerwick at your own pace. Maybe visit a local distillery, where you can learn about how Lerwick’s northerly climate makes it particularly well-suited for Scotch maturation and sample some single malt Scotch for yourself. Or you could take a boat tour to Noss Head – a 19th-century lighthouse sits at the tip of this headland overlooking Sinclair’s Bay, where sea stacks rise dramatically from the water. Later in the afternoon, you’ll take a ferry to Kirkwall. Disembark in the evening and transfer to your hotel via private vehicle.
Day 5 - Orkney
Spend today immersed in Orkney’s history on a daytrip to some of the archipelago’s most iconic sites. Start by visiting the iconic Ring of Brodgar – a ceremonial site with a stone circle, believed to have been built around 2500 to 2000 BC. Next, head to the prehistoric village of Skara Brae. See the nine surviving Neolithic dwellings and step into a replica of a Neolithic home to get a sense of what life was like for the fisherman and farmers who lived here 5000 years ago. Your next stop is the Italian Chapel, which was built by Italian prisoners of war during WWII using scraps from Nissen huts. Then, cross the Churchill Barriers. Built during the war to defend Scapa Flow from U-boat attacks, you can still see several shipwrecks rising above the water’s surface. Later tonight, sit down to an evening of traditional Orkney folklore storytelling, music and dance by the warmth of a peat fire.
Day 6 - Orkney
Travel to Houton to catch a ferry to the island of Hoy, the second largest island in Orkney. Hoy was the main naval base for the British fleet during both World Wars. Make a stop at the grave of Betty Corrigall and hear the tragic story of the young woman who was laid to rest here. Next, visit Dwarfie Stane – the only prehistoric rock-cut chambered tomb in the UK, dating back to 3500 BC. Head to the Cra'as Nest Heritage Museum to explore the collection of restored 18th-century buildings, then visit tranquil Rackwick Beach. You’ll also visit the Scapa Flow Museum to browse the impressive collection of British naval artefacts and the Longhope Lifeboat Museum. Return to Kirkwall in the late afternoon where you have a free evening to relax or explore at your leisure. Tonight, why not gather your fellow travellers at a local pub and toast to a trip well-travelled.
Day 7 - End
With no further activities planned, your adventure comes to an end after breakfast. If you'd like to extend your stay, and it’s highly recommended you do, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
25-04-202701-05-2027AUD $ 4,495-
23-05-202729-05-2027AUD $ 4,495-
06-06-202712-06-2027AUD $ 4,495-
27-06-202703-07-2027AUD $ 4,495-
18-07-202724-07-2027AUD $ 4,495-
01-08-202707-08-2027AUD $ 4,495-
29-08-202704-09-2027AUD $ 4,495-
12-09-202718-09-2027AUD $ 4,495-
19-09-202725-09-2027AUD $ 4,495-
26-09-202702-10-2027AUD $ 4,495-
10-10-202716-10-2027AUD $ 4,495-
16-04-202822-04-2028AUD $ 4,720-
23-04-202829-04-2028AUD $ 4,720-
07-05-202813-05-2028AUD $ 4,720-
21-05-202827-05-2028AUD $ 4,720-
04-06-202810-06-2028AUD $ 4,720-
25-06-202801-07-2028AUD $ 4,720-
09-07-202815-07-2028AUD $ 4,720-
16-07-202822-07-2028AUD $ 4,720-
30-07-202805-08-2028AUD $ 4,720-
06-08-202812-08-2028AUD $ 4,720-
27-08-202802-09-2028AUD $ 4,720-
10-09-202816-09-2028AUD $ 4,720-
17-09-202823-09-2028AUD $ 4,720-
24-09-202830-09-2028AUD $ 4,720-
01-10-202807-10-2028AUD $ 4,720-
08-10-202814-10-2028AUD $ 4,720-
15-10-202821-10-2028AUD $ 4,720-

Accommodation

Hotel (6 nights)

Transport

Private vehicle, Taxi, Ferry

Map

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