Overview
Take a trip to Orkneys and Shetlands on your Scotland Vacation
The Orkneys are a group of 70 islands; 20 inhabited, situated 16 kilometres/10 miles off the extreme north of Scotland. The landscape is fairly flat but enchanting. There is much folklore associated with the Orkneys. It has been invaded by the Norse and the Vikings centuries ago who have left their legacy. There are mystical stone circles and monuments dating back thousands of years. The best-known sites are the Ring of Brodgar—built around 2500-2000 BC and covering an area of almost 8,500 square metres/9,200 square feet—site of ancient rituals and ceremonies, and Skara Brae—a prehistoric village, older than the pyramids and Stonehenge. As for wildlife, everywhere you go in the Orkneys you will see birds and animals, which include seals, puffins and many other seabirds; plus off-shore, there are whales and dolphins.
The Shetlands are further north, 80 kilometres/50 miles from the Orkneys. Probably best known for its knitwear and ponies, the 100 islands, 16 inhabited, are also an overall nature reserve. There are deep glens and steep hills allowing for scenic walks. Numerous seabird colonies exist which include puffins, storm petrels and more rarely, albatross, and snow geese. You can see dolphins, seals, porpoises, and killer whales and purchase locally made, quality glassware, jewellery, and knitwear.
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Island Hopping in Scotland
The Hebrides, Scottish Highlands, Orkneys and Shetlands, Scottish Lowlands, Edinburgh, and Edinburgh CastleExperience Scotland’s rugged soul on this small group adventure through the Highlands, islands, and Outer Hebrides, rich in myth, history, and wild beauty.
15 days
From US$5,530/p.p.
Request a Quote
Orkney & Scotland's North Coast
Scottish Lowlands, Edinburgh, Edinburgh Castle, Scottish Highlands, and Orkneys and ShetlandsDiscover wild beauty and ancient wonders on this small group tour through Scotland and the Orkney Islands, rich in history, myth, and rugged highland charm.
7 days
From US$2,382/p.p.
Request a Quote
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perfect trip idea?
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Turn your travel dreams into reality with Goway. Our customized vacations take travellers to all corners of the world.
Island Hopping in Scotland
The Hebrides, Scottish Highlands, Orkneys and Shetlands, Scottish Lowlands, Edinburgh, and Edinburgh CastleExperience Scotland’s rugged soul on this small group adventure through the Highlands, islands, and Outer Hebrides, rich in myth, history, and wild beauty.
15 days
From US$5,530/p.p.
Request a Quote
Orkney & Scotland's North Coast
Scottish Lowlands, Edinburgh, Edinburgh Castle, Scottish Highlands, and Orkneys and ShetlandsDiscover wild beauty and ancient wonders on this small group tour through Scotland and the Orkney Islands, rich in history, myth, and rugged highland charm.
7 days
From US$2,382/p.p.
Request a Quote
Don't see the
perfect trip idea?
Request a custom quote.
Turn your travel dreams into reality with Goway. Our customized vacations take travellers to all corners of the world.
What do the experts say?
For somewhere a little lesser known, make sure to visit Dunfermline, the old capital of Scotland. Rich in history, it’s home to the impressive Dunfermline Abbey where many Scottish kings and queens are buried, including Robert the Bruce.
Many tourists don’t realize how diverse Scotland’s regions are, each area has its own distinct culture, accents, and traditions. For example, the Outer Hebrides have a strong Gaelic heritage that’s still thriving.. Also, Scotland has some of the most beautiful white sand beaches in Europe, especially on the west coast and islands.
Scotland hosts two amazing events - Edinburgh Tattoo in August, and Hogmanay (New Year’s Eve). Edinburgh hosts one of the world’s biggest and most iconic New Year’s celebrations!
The best times to visit Scotland are late spring (May to June) and early autumn (September to October). During these months, the weather is generally milder, and the landscapes are especially beautiful
Escape the city life by enjoying the slower pac...
Enjoy the safe haven of Stromness, an isle shap...
Shetland islands, Scotland
Explore the beauty and history of the Orkney Is...
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ExcellentBased on 5,307 ReviewsWe recently worked with Jacqueline to plan our trip to Greece and had a wonderful experience. We made several revisions to our itinerary and Jacqueline was patient, understanding and prompt in responding to our needs. In addition to the specific tours she booked, she provided extra options and local suggestions for each place we visited in Greece. Her attention to detail and responsiveness made our trip incredibly memorable. Mark MendellWe have used Goway several times to plan simple & more complicated trips. The last 2 trips we worked with Brooke Theron who is extremely customer focused. She listens well & is alway flexible to look at alternatives. We will continue using this representative & Goway.
Our only criticism is that they do not break down the various costs of a trip which makes tipping very awkward. It can also create a sense of " mistrust" when all the costs are not transparent. Cheryl HayesOur trip to Switzerland was an amazing experience. Our travel agent at GoWay, Bo was so helpful in helping my husband Louie plan just what we wanted to do on this trip. Taking the trains thru the county was easy by the many hours Louie and Bo worked on this. Also our helicopter ride in Zermatt on my birthday was just unbelievable. Flying around the Matterhorn and the Alps is one flight we will never forget. Thanks Bo for setting this up. The trip was one incredible adventure that we will never forget. Thanks again Bo, Lynn Gerber. Lynn GerberWe booked a Goway tour to Botswana and Zimbabwe and it was excellent. We worked with Brooke, the Goway represntative, to set up the tour and she was an outstanding agent who answered any questions we had very quickly and completely. Her hotel recommendation for the additional night we stayed was pefect.
Goway hires a local tour group, Jenman Safaris, to lead the safari in the 2 countries. The tour itself was amazing...the lodges that we stayed at were very nice and the food was great (except for one lodge's food). The Goway itinerary was slightly different than the actual Jenman Safari itinerary but most of the sites that we went to were the same as listed on the Goway itinerary. I would use Goway again because their choice of a local tour group was very good...nice lodges/camps and good food and knowledgeable tour guides.Ma FaOur GoWay tour representative, Michael Keon, was on top of all of our concerns and questions in a professional manner and we look forward to working with him in the future. Michael was very easy to work with and treated us like family.ThomasMatthew handled my honeymoon couple's very specific African itinerary like a pro! My clients went to four different travel agents who only wanted to send them on safaris. My clients had already done safaris and were specific on what they wanted to do and see. Matthew hit the nail on the head! Highly recommend!Amanda SchottSeamless prompt excellent communication from our first query about a possible destination to follow-up after the trip ended. Shalini’s knowledge, advice and enthusiasm were invaluable. JaneJacqueline Fagioli from Goaway Travel is excellent and very helpful and supportive. VenessaOur travel agent, Melissa Moses, created the perfect itinerary for our recent holiday to Portugal. Melissa had also planned our previous trip to England/Scotland. We have a great deal of confidence in her ability as she really listens to what we are looking for and she caters the plans according to our comfort levels and interests. customerJacqueline F. made our trip exceptional. Everything she planned or reserved worked out as it was supposed to. Croatia was amazing and I feel we were able to explore a lot of it because of Jacqueline.Allen
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