Scottish Islands Tour 2024
The Orkneys and Shetlands
Please email us at seymourtravels@europe.com if you would like to book a place on one of these unique small group tours
Scottish Islands Tour 2024
Aug 17 - Aug 30th
Day 1 - This afternoon we will meet in our Orkney Island hotel, in Burray, for a tour briefing and get together, before heading out for a group dinner and a proper chance to get to know one another.
Day 2 - Feeling rested?… good! After a hearty breakfast we’re heading out to see one of the iconic sites on Orkney....The Ring of Brodgar. We’’ll start the discussion about the ancient history of the British Isles as we wander amongst the stones. Onwards next to an amazing place. It’s called Skara Brae and is the most complete Neolithic village in Europe, as well as being a part of a UNESCO World Heritage site. A picnic lunch will be provided. Today we’ll also meet an archaeological park ranger who will lend his expertise to our expedition.
Day 3 - This morning we’ll drive up to the Brough Of Birsay. Birsay is a tidal island and we’ll time todays activities to enable us to get onto the island and examine the Pictish fortress that sits boldly upon it. Who were the Picts?…. who were the Vikings who eventually landed here and also made it home? After a picnic lunch we all have a chance to whale watch from the islands shores. Tonight you are free to enjoy dinner in Kirkwall.
Day 4 - Today is a walking day so dress comfortably. We’ll provide a picnic lunch because we are going to enjoy the island for what it is… a gorgeous landscape and seascape! We’ll head up to the coastline of Yesnaby. From here we shall take a walk…. up to three hours in total. We’re going to follow the coastal footpath to view several geological features….. stacks, caves, gorges and even a broch ( you can do as much of this as you wish). This is a lovely section of coastline and its surrounded by bird and marine life. After our intrepid adventure, we head back to Kirkwall.
Day 5 - In the 1940’s, some great naval barriers were built to prevent German submarine from raiding British shipping. These are still used to connect some of Orkneys islands to each other as road causeways The Churchill Barriers are their name, and this morning we will take a look. They were in part constructed by Italian prisoners of war, 1200 of whom lived in three different camps. Their endeavours were also responsible for the construction of an ornate Italian chapel. Our mission today is to explore the chapel, the islands of Ronaldsay, Lamb Holm and Burray and to look out over some of the waterways of Scapa Flow. We’ll also provide a whiskey tasting at the local distillery. Hairy Coos !!….yes we’re going to meet some…. and perhaps brush them !
Day 6 - The Broch of Gurnes is an ancient fortress that sits on the Westray Firth. Strategically situated it also served the community well. Today is our chance to learn more about the inhabitants of these far flung islands and how they lived. We’ll return to our beautiful hotel early enough to give you a chance to pack your bags, as tomorrow we head to the Shetland Isles.
Day 7 - We’ll catch the first plane available to us and fly to the main island of Shetland. From here we will pick up our new vehicles and drive on to our remote waterfront hotel location. Lets explore our location!. Dinner will be enjoyed together in the hotel and served up by our wonderful hosts.
Day 8 - Its been an adventure packed week, so far. Today you’ll have a chance to rest and relax. We will provide an orientation after breakfast that should give you the tools you need to wind down and enjoy a vacation from the vacation. Perhaps a beach walk, sea otter watching or a visit to a local village. We’ll provide the transport. (The hotel has been selected because of its beautiful and remote location).
Day 9 - A busy day today, starts after another hearty breakfast. We’re going to drive South and visit the Crofthouse Museum in order to gain an insight into a past way of life. We then head to Sumburgh to visit the most famous Archaeological site in the Shetlands….the Jarlshoff Village. With remains dating back to 2500BC this village is a must for us! A short distance away lies the Scatness Broch. If you’re not yet sure what a Broch is…imagine a tower like fortress! This one is thousands of years old and sits on a commanding position on the Southernmost point of Shetland. You’ll be free to enjoy dinner in Lerwick, this evening.
Day 10 - Once again we will watch the tides. This morning we are going to visit the small tidal island of St Ninians on the SW corner of Shetland. We’ll visit the small and ancient chapel and then put on our walking boots, prior to hiking around the island. The geology, the sandy beaches and seascape is amazing and well worth the effort of a gentle stroll around the island. A picnic will be provided and you’ll be free for dinner in Lerwick again tonight.
Day 11 - The history of the islands and the Stewarts are inextricably entwined, and today we’re going to visit Scalloway Castle/Tower and Museum to investigate Scottish royalty and why this historic place was built and what were the consequences. We’ll also visit a local heritage museum where more of Shetlands story will be told…. and we’ll have dinner with the curator who will regale us with tales of the woollen industry, whaling, and the local people.
Day 12 - Today we have another opportunity to discover a little more about the people who have lived in the islands over the centuries and the marine life. We’re going to head out in a small boat!! Islands surround us so why not have the aid of more local expertise and enjoy an extraordinary boat trip around the Island of Noss. You’re free for dinner in Lerwick tonight.
Day 13 - Today is a tour guides logistical nightmare….. but fear not! It starts as we cross by ferry to the Northern island of Unst. The vikings settled and farmed these islands. They also used them as a base from which to raid and explore other regions of the world. In the Unst Heritage Centre is curator of a viking longship called the Gokstad Ship. We’ll visit it and learn about it and reconstruction of a longhouse (perhaps a good picnic location) …of course ! After an exploration of the island, we head back by ferry to Lerwick and our final evening meal together.
Day 14 - Your tour ends this morning. We will be available to you in order to precipitate your departures or advise you as you head out for more adventures of your own.