An ideal introduction to this this magical group of islands, suitable either as a shortbreak in its own right as an add-on to longer stay in Scotland.

The open landscape and good roads make Orkney easy to explore, with a number of the islands joined by causeways, others easily accessible by ferry or local plane. Wildlife flourishes here. Seals bask amongst the rocks and birdwatching is popular. In the summer the roadside verges are covered with wild flowers, including orchids.

The main island (Mainland) boasts a UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE which includes the ancient Standing Stones of Stenness and the Neolithic Ring of Brodgar. The 5,000 year old houses at Skara Brae remain remarkably intact, and the Viking runes at Maeshowe prove that graffiti isn’t just 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. Your short break will surely fly by!

Your hotel

The owners have put tremendous effort into transforming this hotel, located on the outskirts of Kirkwall. A genuine feel pervades the hotel, which 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.

Price: from £269 per person for holidays in March 2008, from £279 for April and October and from £289 per person for holidays between May and September 2008, based on 2 people sharing a double room ensuite for 3 nights on a bed & breakfast basis. Some suites also available.

Ferry travel from Scrabster (near Thurso on the north coast of Scotland) 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.