Tailor-made holidays in Orkney

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Scottish Island Holidays: Orkney

Itinerary Ork-1: The Orkney Experience from GBP 399 per person for 4nts

Go north and discover Scotland's Viking and prehistoric past on these unique and wonderful islands. See mysterious stone circles, experience the atmosphere of dwellings from 5,000 years ago, or simply enjoy this stunning landscape. While you're here, why not take in the world's shortest scheduled flight? Don't blink - you could miss it!

Our Orkney Experience holiday includes maps, suggested routes, and tips and advice on what to see and do with 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.

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 must pop round to see the neighbours – the world famous Highland Park distillery is right next door.

Prices & Dates

This holiday can be arranged from mid-March to mid-October.

From £399 per person for holidays in March & October, £429 for holidays in April, £445 for May, June, July & August , £435 per person for September, based on 2 people sharing a double room ensuite for 4 nights on a bed & breakfast basis.
Some suites also available.

Prices include the day return flight to Papa Westray and day return trip by ferry to Rousay for car and passengers. Ferry travel from Scrabster, near Thurso, to Stromness is also 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 £8 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.