Scottish Island Holidays: Orkney

Itinerary Shet-2: Shetland experience from GBP 575 per person for 6nts

Our new holiday is designed to give you the chance to see the best of Shetland, but in a short holiday. This option is based on the comfortable overnight ferry services from Aberdeen, which let you have a full day on arrival and departure.

Day One

Ferry departs Aberdeen early evening, giving you a chance to enjoy dinner on borad before retiring to your cabin.

Day Two

Arrival at Shetland's capital, Lerwick at 730am, so plenty of time to start exploring today, before taking a short ferry ride to your first base.

You will stay for the next two nights in a unique and award winning guesthouse which is also Shetland’s first and only spa. Set on the small island of Bressay, the house is just a short and easily accessible 5 minute ferry ride from Lerwick. A modern house built in the traditional Shetland style, guests will appreciate the expansive views across the sound to the islands beyond, particularly enjoyable from the wooden deck. As you enter the guesthouse an air of calm relaxation pervades the Swedish- influenced interior, and the friendly owners have created a comfortable, almost soothing haven. The owners believe in a holistic approach to care and well-being, and this shines through everything they offer, from the seasonal, organic local produce and home made goodies they serve to the gentle lighting, candles, restful bedrooms – just four – and congenial dining arrangements. Should you decide to treat yourself, there is a tempting range of alternative therapies to choose from and the excellent spa facilities include a Hydro Spa, Infrared Detox Suana, Aromatherapy Hot Tub, Floatation Therapy Room, Turkish Steam Room, Sauna and Hot Hydro Pool. Perfect after a day spent enjoying the local Shetland countryside. A mini spa session is included in your stay. Please note the minimum age for guests is 18 years.

Day Three

A full day to relax or tour some of the highlights, with a trip by small ferry to the island of Mousa included, famous for its widlife and its 2000 year old broch - a prehistoric dwelling, one of the best preserved in Scotland.

Day Four

Your touring today will take you to the west of the islands, perhaps to the dramatic coastline of Eshaness and the newly establiched Geopark

Your second hotel is set on the edge of a village overlooking a peaceful bay. The original, historic building dates from the 1500’s and has benefited from many tasteful additions throughout the centuries. Low ceilings, winding corridors, steep steps and sloping floors all add to the characterful ambience of the place which, rumour has it, includes its very own ghost.    Guests comment on the friendly welcome and traditional service they have received here, and the hotel even has royal connections: the Queen of England once took afternoon tea in the library. Less regal guests can enjoy meals in the hotel bar or restaurant, both of which offer high quality, locally-sourced produce.   All the bedrooms are individually decorated and named after the surrounding isles, and have views of the bay or the gardens, complete with trees – a rare and welcome occurrence on Shetland. 

Day Five

We would recommend taking a day trip to the northern islands of Yell and Unst, the most northerly parts of the British mainland, using the regular ferry services. These contrasting islands are still vibrant communities: Yell has wonderful sandy beaches, while Unst has over a third of Shetland's pony population - watch out for them as they behave like sheep on the roads. To the north of Unst lies Muckle Flugga, with its famous lighthouse at the very far north of Great Britain.

Day Six

Another day to explore, with options including the beautiful St Ninian's Isle and its unusual "tombola" sandy beach, the ancient settlement of Jarlshof and Sumburgh head, a nesting place for puffins until early August.

Your ferry departs late afternoon or early evening for Aberdeen, arriving the next morning.

 

Prices and dates

This holiday can be arranged from late-March to end October 2010.

The price of is £575 per person in March, April, May, September & October, £595 per person for June, July & August. Prices based on 2 adults sharing a room, for 4 nights on a bed & breakfast basis in the hotels as described, return ferry travel for car and passengers from Aberdeen to Shetland, including accommodation in an outer two berth cabin in both directions. Meals on board are not included.

The holiday also includes a mini spa session at the first hotel and a trip to the Mousa broch.

All our Shetland 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.

 

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