We have carefully designed this unique holiday in this magical group of islands to allow you time to experience the rich diversity of attractions for yourself.

Our Orkney Experience holiday includes maps, suggested routes and tips and advice on what to see and do and suggestions of places to visit, as well as two memorable day trips. First, by air,  to Papa Westray on the shortest scheduled flight in the world (you will even get a certificate to prove that you have taken the two minute journey!) and second a day trip to the island of Rousay - one of the most distinctive in the group, with its own rich history, including atmospheric Midhowe Broch and its adjacent chambered cairn.

It is this history that makes the Orkney Islands very special. The main island (Mainland) hosts a UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE which includes the breathtaking Standing Stones of Stenness, some up to 6 metres high. The nearby Neolithic Ring of Brodgar is particularly magical in the evening light (and gained contemporary notoriety when Billy Connolly danced naked through the stones on his "World Tour of Scotland"!) Remaining remarkably intact, the 5,000 year old houses at Skara Brae offer a real insight into pre-historic village life. For more local insights take a look at the Viking runes at Maeshowe which prove that graffiti isn’t a 20th century invention!

In more recent times evocative Scapa Flow contains the melancholy relics of two world wars, and on its banks the beautifully ornate Italian Chapel constructed by Italian Prisoners of War over 50 years ago is well worth a visit.

The open landscape and good roads make Orkney easy to explore, and a number of the islands are joined by causeways. Others are accessible by small plane or ferry and include the tiny island of Papa Westray which has the oldest stone houses in northern Europe, Shapinsay with its wonderful castle and Rousay with its tremendous archaeological diversity.

Wildlife flourishes here. Birdwatching is popular and there are plenty of fabulous seal-watching spots - and if you are lucky minke whales, dolphins, porpoise and occasionally the odd Orca whale are seen playing in the island waters. On dry ground you will be tempted by the deliciously fresh food, (do try the squid), and the local crafts including fabulous silversmiths and highly covetable knitwear.

Your Hotel

This recently extensively modernised hotel, located on the outskirts of Kirkwall has an authentic atmosphere and is traditionally furnished, offering you the chance to find out just how comfortable Orkney chairs really are. Fast building a reputation as a destination for locals, the restaurant boasts menus packed with local produce: your chance to try lamb with its distinctive flavour due to the seaweed diet of North Ronaldsay sheep, or to sample local seafood including mouth-watering prawns, succulent salmon and delicious stir-fried squid. And you just must pop round to see the neighbours – the world famous Highland Park distillery is right next door.

Optional Upgrade: Stay in an island castle

Why not stay one or two nights in a castle? We can also offer the following hotel.
All your dreams collide as the ferry nears the tiny island of Shapinsay, and you see the looming silhouette of turrets and towers awaiting you. Just minutes after stepping off the ferry, you will enter the grandeur of a baronial castle, complete with oak-panelling, exotic antiques, family heirlooms, and Victoriana at every turn. Yet for all its imposing grandeur, there is a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. No-one stands on ceremony: the honesty bar in the library is just one example of the trustworthy rapport between guests and hosts. Take an afternoon stroll around the castle’s grounds and visit the extensive walled-gardens for a sneak preview of the fresh fruit and vegetables that are likely to accompany your dinner at the impressive Laird’s table. You could easily grow accustomed to such a life of leisure and luxury. (For supplements see below.)

Prices: From £379 per person for holidays in March, £389 for holidays in April, May & June 2008 and from £399 per person for holidays in July, August & September 2008, based on 2 people sharing a double room ensuite for 4 nights on a bed & breakfast basis.
Some suites also available.

Supplement for nights in the castle hotel on Shapinsay:
If you would like to swap a night in Kirkwall, to stay in the castle the supplement is £95 per person.
If you would like to add a night or two in the castle, the supplement is £145  per person per night on a dinner, bed & breakfast basis. This includes return ferries to/from the island of Shapinsay for a car and passengers.

Ferry travel from Scrabster, near Thurso, to Stromness is included for a car and passengers. The longer evening or overnight sailing from/to Aberdeen can also be arranged at an additional cost, which may suit if you prefer to travel by train to Aberdeen then take the ferry. We can then arrange car hire from Kirkwall.

All our Orkney holidays include a map of the islands with recommended routes from your specified starting point, suggestions on places to see and visit depending on your personal interests and our expertise to help you get the most from your holiday.

All itineraries and room types are presented subject to availability at specific hotels.

The McKinlay Kidd Guarantee

All our holiday prices include a service charge of £7 per person per night towards the costs we incur in researching, planning and designing your holiday.

We guarantee to refund this service charge if you believe that arranging your holiday through McKinlay Kidd has not met your expectations for value. All we ask is that you write to us within 7 days of your return and explain your reason for claiming the refund. This will ensure that we can improve the experience for all our future guests.