 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Tour Scotland's Wild North: Shetland and Orkney Isles
14 days - contact us for dates and pricing
Highlights of a truly once-in-a-lifetime tour of the Shetland and Orkney Islands appear below. Even though the islands are remote, windswept, and to some eyes barren, they have a remarkably bustling history. One writer characterizes the isles as “shrouded in generations of mystery and intrigue.”
Edinburgh, historic capital of Scotland and the Lothians, provides bookends for our 10-day adventure in Orkney and Shetland. Upon arrival, we travel to the city centre where we will take a bus tour of city highlights. A brisk walk along the Royal Mile or down Princes Street in New Town will be a welcome treat after the transatlantic flight.
On our second day, we fly to Kirkwall, capital of the Orkney Islands. For the next four days we will travel back in time. Highlights of our stay in Orkney include visits to several world-heritage archaeological sites, including Maeshowe, a Neolithic chamber tomb. Other significant sites include the Standing Stones of Stennes and the prehistoric farming village of Skara Brae. More modern monuments, such as St. Magnus Cathedral and the Bishop’s Palace in Kirkwall, will remind us of Orkney’s history as a crossroads between Norse and Scottish cultures. Twentieth-century history is reflected in the remarkable Italian Chapel, a relic of World War II, built by prisoners of war held on the island. Man’s impact on the islands is overshadowed by the remarkable natural wonders of wildlife, flora, and geologic formations. To experience a taste of local culture, an evening of folk tales and traditional music ends our visit to Orkney.
Our adventure continues as we travel to the Shetland Islands. For three days we will explore the natural and manmade wonders of these islands. One highlight will be a visit to view the descendants of the original Shetland pony herd. A tour of Jarlshof, a remarkable settlement which shows continuous habitation from the Bronze Age to the mediaeval period, is one highlight of this adventure. Robert Louis Stevenson spent much time in Shetland. Some believe that Unst, northernmost of the Shetland Islands, is the model for Treasure Island. Castles, museums, lighthouses, fortresses and a former seat of the Norse parliament are but a few of our stops in Shetland.
Leaving Shetland and Orkney behind us, we return to Edinburgh for visits to the Castle and Holyrood House on our last day before returning home.
Rising Road Tours
828-648-8893 (Tel) ~ 888-648-8893 (Toll-free) ~ 888-371-8895 (fax)
sam@risingroadtours.com
P.O.Box 9322, Moscow, ID 83843 USA
Home | About Us | Custom Tours | Testimonials | Articles | Links | Booking & Pricing | Contact Us
TOUR DETAILS: A Taste of Ireland | A Taste of Scotland | Celtic Sampler | Ireland North and South | Ireland's Rings | Donegal Southwest by Northeast | Historic Ireland | Saints and Giants | Into the West | Christmas in Ireland | Highland Hill Walking | In The Steps of St. Columba | Birthplaces of Golf | Scotland's Wild North: Shetland and Orkney Isles