Magical Orkney Isles - September 1st - 9th 2010
These mystical islands off the north coast of Scotland, the Orkneys, are so diverse in nature- from rugged coastlines to golden sandy beaches, and windswept moorland to fertile pastures. The sea is never far off and the land holds a special gentle beauty. Within these landscapes are many treasures from the past - impressive cairns, standing stones, brochs and ancient villages. The abundance of these sacred and ancient monuments, some which date back over 5000 years, has left a strong blueprint on the land and the people who live there; we will have an amazing time discovering this for ourselves. And, before we embark on our Orkney adventure, we’ll enjoy a trip to visit the Findhorn Foundation, and on our way back, explore some special sites on the mainland.
Wednesday September 1st - Meet at Inverness Airport at prearranged time late morning. Take a short trip to the Clava Cairns and then on to Findhorn spiritual community and Ecovillage to have a look around the site where the Caddy’s had their astonishing experiences many years ago and what it has grown into. Spend the night at our B&B in Inverness after our “Welcome Dinner” together.
Thursday September 2nd – After breakfast, make our way north, visiting The Great U of Stemster - 36 stones standing besides a small loch. Then catch the early afternoon ferry to the Magical Orkney Isles. After arriving at Stromness, make our way to our small hotel, which prides itself with idyllic surroundings on 12 acres of grounds, with bay and bluebell woodland, and will be ideal to spend a relaxing afternoon after our travels. Dinner provided tonight.
Friday September 3rd - After a leisurely breakfast, visit the impressive Ring of Brodgar –originally 60 stones in a vast circle between the Stenness and Harray Lochs, 27 of which remain standing. Close by are the Standing Stones of Stenness, Unstan chambered cairn, Barnhouse Village, the tomb of Maeshowe which we will explore.
Saturday September 4th - Today we will visit Sandwick, where the incredibly well preserved village of Skara Brae on the shore at Skaill. On our travels around the islands we’ll follow signs along the “Craft Trail” which lead us to local galleries and craft workshops, full of unique and wonderful items to view or buy. After dinner provided at the hotel, we will go an evening sojourn to visit an ancient broch on the coast nearby.
Sunday September 5th – Boat trip to see other islands, especially Rousay, where we will visit Midhowe Broch and stalled cairn, and Taversoe Tuick chambered tomb. After dinner, we’ll go to an Evening of Storytelling which combines the legends and tales of Orkney with music, song and dance.
Monday September 6th – After breakfast set off for a day of diverse explorations. First stop, The Fairy Knowe, a most delicate Neolithic mound with five chambers. En route to Kirkwall, visit the fascinating Italian Chapel which was decorated by Italian prisoners of war. Stop in Kirkwall for lunch and a look around – it has a beautiful cathedral. After lunch head east to the Mull Head Reserve, home to thousands of sea birds on its 300 acres of heath and grasslands and where there remain ruins of Norse chapel and village. Dinner provided tonight.
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Tuesday September 7th –Today we will take a long walk up to Wideford Hill where a chambered cairn sits on a pre-levelled ground on a steep hillside overlooking broad fertile views of Wide Firth. Then travel on to South Ronaldsay to the far cliffs and the amazing Tomb of the Eagles, which nestles into the shore. Discovered only 50 years ago by the farmer who owns the land, many cherished finds from the tombs still remain there for us to see. This is our last night on the island, so we’ll see if we can find a Ceilidh to go to.
Wednesday Sept 8th – Say goodbye to the Orkneys and make our way south, paying a visit to Grey Cairns of Camster and Hill O’Many Stanes en route to Inverness, where we spend our last night and enjoy a “Farewell Dinner” together.
Click to enlarge images above
Thursday September 9th – After breakfast, it’s time to say our goodbyes and onward home.
Price - £1755* which includes:
- Pick up and set down at Inverness Airport * (contact Denni to find out travel options)
- All accommodation, breakfasts and 5 dinners
- All land transportation and ferry fares
- All entry fees
- A multitude of ancient and heritage sites in stunning locations
A deposit of £300 will secure your place.
*Cost is based on 2 people sharing. Single rooms may be available at extra cost. Please contact Denni for availability and price.
You can pay for the deposit of the tour or the total amount using a debit or credit card using Paypal. However PLEASE check availability with Denni first either by phoning on 44 (0)1631 564 750 or filling in the online enquiry form.
Cancellation Policy
91+ days £50
61 – 90 days £300
46 – 60 50% of tour price
31 – 35 days 75% of tour price
0 – 30 days 100% of tour price
"The trip couldn't have been more enlightening for me. In fact, everything was perfect, from the accommodations, the small and friendly group, to the pace. I'm already planning my next trip with Denni."
Mary Lou, Watsonville, CA
"It is so hard to come home after having such a wonderful trip with you. I do hope you realize how special you make the tour. Thank you so much for all you did to make it wonderful."
Elizabeth, Nashua, NH