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Shetland and Orkney: The Northern Isles

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Dates
30 Aug
7 Sep
2026

Travel to the northernmost reaches of the UK through spectacular landscapes. Discover history that encompasses Neolithic times, the Bronze and Iron Ages, the Picts and the Vikings, and continues into the modern day.

The tour gives a superb overview of these far-flung island neighbours, which share connections and history but retain distinctive characters. Proceed at a relaxed pace with local guides in each island to discover history, archaeology, geography, geology and culture and enjoy the unique wildlife of the area, from puffins to Shetland ponies.

This tour is a wonderful opportunity to unite the magnificent islands of Shetland and Orkney.

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Price (room to yourself)
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Reference:
GBR0926-1
At a glance
What you need to know
Type of tour
Cultural
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Nights
8
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Countries
1
Tour grade
Gentle
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Remaining places
0
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Dates and places

Itinerary at a glance

1
Shetland
Sunday
,
30
August
Arrive Sumburgh and transfer to the charming Sumburgh Hotel, time at leisure to explore the dramatic local scenery. 
2
Shetland
Monday
,
31
August
Drive to Sumburgh Head Lighthouse and an RSPB nature reserve high on the cliffs with spectacular views. Visit the Sumburgh Head Visitor Centre and lunch at the café at Hoswick in Sandwick. Visit Rerwick Beach to spot seals and onto St Ninian’s Isle before returning to the hotel. 
3
Shetland
Tuesday
,
1
September
Drive to Lerwick and visit the well preserved Clickimin Broch, a late Bronze Age/early Iron Age farmstead and fort. Visit Shetland Museum and Archives, then to the scenic Hay’s Dock of Lerwick with its traditional boat building shed and hall. Tour Shetland Textile Museum before continuing to Scalloway Museum to learn of the WWII undercover Shetland Bus Operation. Depart via Tingwall Valley.
4
Shetland
Wednesday
,
2
September
Travel north-west to see the iconic Eshaness cliffs and lighthouse. Visit Tangwick Haa, a small museum inside an old hall containing information on Shetland’s unique and complex geology. Drive for lunch at the lovely Busta House Hotel before continuing to Sumburgh via Shetland’s only tree plantation. 
5
Orkney
Thursday
,
3
September
Depart Shetland and fly to Orkney, an archipelago comprising approximately 70 islands with a rich Norse heritage. Transfer to the Ayre Hotel for afternoon at leisure.
6
Orkney
Friday
,
4
September
Visit the famous Italian Chapel, constructed by Italian POWs in WWII, who were brought to Orkney in 1942 to build the Churchill Barriers. Visit the Burray Fossil and Heritage Centre and St Magnus Cathedral, see the Earl’s Palace and the Orkney Museum. Explore Kirkwall with the option to visit the quirky Orkney Wireless Museum. 
7
Orkney
Saturday
,
5
September
Visit Skara Brae, Skaill House, the Ring of Brodgar and Maeshowe to see a breathtaking landscape of several ceremonial stone circles, a tomb and a prehistoric village. Visiting the Standing Stones of Stenness and return to Kirkwall. 
8
Orkney
Sunday
,
6
September
Visit the Stromness Museum and the Pier Arts Centre, with work by artists such as Barbara Hepworth and Ben Nicholson. Scenic drive along the Scapa Flow, the home of the British fleet in both world wars. Tour of the Highland Park Distillery, the world’s most northern whisky distillery. Farewell dinner.
9
Orkney
Monday
,
7
September
Depart Orkney after breakfast.
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Tour map

Plot your journey

This tour takes you to two of the farthest Scottish Isles, both dramatically beautiful and rich in history and culture, allowing you to experience both Shetland and Orkney in just over a week.

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What to expect

Tour highlights

Shetland's history
Shetland

Hear of its history from the Bronze age to the Shetland Bus operation in World War Two.

Specialist talks and vists
Orkney

Specialist talks and vists in Orkney cover geology, aracheology, art and conflict

Italian Chapel
Orkney

Visit the famous Italian Chapel, constructed by Italian POWs in WWII, who were brought to Orkney in 1942.

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Beautiful landscapes

Tour gallery

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Tour exertion grading

Is this tour right for me?

Gentle
Level 2

Easy walking at a mostly leisurely pace. Slightly more sightseeing and travel.

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Your expert companions

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Ask us anything

If you have some questions about this particular tour, you can contact the Jon Baines Tours team by phone or email.

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02072239485
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