Scotland: An Archaeologist's View of Orkney and Shetland25th Aug 2025
From:£1,995
Summary
The islands of Orkney and Shetland are littered with archaeological remains. People first came here over 5000 years ago and many of their remains survive. New archaeological sites are discovered every year. Some, such as Skara Brae, were buried under sand, only to be exposed by a winter storm thousands of years later; Skara Brae presents a fascinating glimpse of stone age life from the beds with their little shelves and cubby holes, to the remains of jewellery and medicine. The islands are therefore of enormous interest to anyone who enjoys first-hand contact with ancient settlements and buildings, and the people who once lived here.
During our time on Shetland we will visit the uninhabited island of Mousa with its 2000 year old full size broch; the prehistoric and Norse settlement of Jarlshof; St Ninian’s Isle with its 6th century church and the ruined castle of Scalloway. We then travel to Orkney where we visit the Italian Chapel; Maeshowe, the finest chambered tomb in Western Europe and Skara Brae & Skaill House. En route to Aberdeen, we will also stop for a photo opportunity at the dramatic ruins of Dunnottar Castle.
We will stay on both Orkney and Shetland, allowing more time to appreciate the special charm of these islands. We sail with Serco Northlink Ferries on their modern, purpose-built vessels from Aberdeen overnight to Lerwick. We then have two full days to tour Shetland. After rejoining the ship for an evening sailing to Kirkwall, we have a further two full days touring Orkney, before our short crossing back to the mainland.
Upgrade to an outside cabin (supplement £55.00pp) and enjoy sea views from the comfort of your cabin.
NC500: Please note that this itinerary features part of the North Coast 500, the highly scenic coastal route around the north of Scotland which begins and ends in Inverness.
AS THIS IS AN ARCHAEOLOGICAL TOUR AND WE WILL HAVE TO WALK TO REACH SOME OF THE SITES, A DEGREE OF FITNESS IS REQUIRED; WATERPROOF CLOTHING AND SUITABLE WALKING SHOES/BOOTS ARE ESSENTIAL.
What to Expect
- Mousa Broch – the best preserved Iron Age tower in existence
- 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
Departure Routes
| Location | Pickup Time | Dropoff Time |
|---|---|---|
| To be advised | 00:00 | 00:00 |
| Glasgow - Bus stop on North Hanover Street, opposite Queens Street Station | 10:45 | 21:00 |
| Edinburgh - outside reception of the Delta by Marriott Hotel, Glasgow Road | 12:00 | 19:50 |
| Dunfermline - Halbeath Park & Ride, Jct 3, M90 | 12:30 | 19:20 |
| Kinross - Moto Services on M90 | 13:30 | 19:00 |
| Perth - Broxden Park & Ride, A93 | 14:00 | 18:30 |
| Dundee - outside Discovery Point, Riverside Drive (OUTBOUND ONLY - No return to Dundee) | 14:30 | |
| Forfar - Bus stop off the A90, near McDonalds (OUTBOUND ONLY - No return to Forfar) | 14:50 | |
| Stonehaven - Market Square (OUTBOUND ONLY - No return to Stonehaven) | 16:30 | |
| Aberdeen - Northlink Ferry Terminal, Jamiesons Quay (OUTBOUND ONLY - No return to Aberdeen) | 17:00 | |
| 16:00 |
** Please note that all timings are approximate and subject to change. Final timings and pick-up points will be confirmed with your joining instructions approximately 10 days prior to departure. **
Day by Day Itinerary
We depart from your local pick-up point and travel north, stopping for lunch en-route (not included). Continuing north, we will stop for a photo opportunity at Dunnottar Castle, a dramatic ruined clifftop fortress which can trace its origins to a 3rd century Pictish fortress and was once the home of the Earls Marischal, one of the most powerful families in Scotland.
We then continue to Aberdeen where we board the Northlink Ferry ‘Hrossey’ (or her sister ship ‘Hjaltland’) for our overnight sailing to Lerwick (departs 19.00hrs).
Once on board we shall check-in to our comfortable cabins which all have en-suite facilities. The ship has a delightful restaurant where we will have dinner, thereafter you may wish to relax in the bar or lounges. There is also a well-stocked gift shop for souvenir shopping or essential items.
Meals includedDinner
