NOW BOOKING FOR 2023 + 2024
Group size 20 max
Contact Jóna:Experience an exclusive discovery tour to these fascinating Scottish islands. This exceptional, informative and comprehensive, all-inclusive, 11 days, island hopping tour conducted by Maggie McLeod will give you a remarkable insight into these beautiful islands. You will discover their history, archaeology, bird and plant life along with their customs and traditions. There will also be plenty of opportunities to enjoy the wonderful landscapes and coastal vistas.
The Shetland Isles are located in the North Atlantic, as close to Norway as to Aberdeen. Shetland consists of a group of 100 islands with approximately 900 miles of coastline and a population of around 23,000. The Orkney Islands are located six miles north of the Scottish mainland. There are about 70 islands within the Orkney archipelago, 17 of which are inhabited.
Both Orkney and Shetland are unique and unlike any other part of Great Britain. They have managed to retain many of their original, unique customs and traditions resulting from their long and eventful history. Fair Isle in Shetland gave its name to the unique, multi-coloured knitting designs on the islands famous woollen sweaters. It is claimed that these designs were copied from the clothing worn by shipwrecked Spanish sailors from the Armada. These men landed on the shore when their ship El Gran Grifon ran onto the rocks below the cliffs at Stronshellier in 1588.
The first night’s stay is at Ardoe House Hotel set in 30 acres. It is a 19th century baronial mansion.
Shetland and Orkney had a pivotal role to play during wartime. At Scapa Flow a local wartime historian shares incredible stories of WWI and WWII during our visit and we will hear of the daring exploits of the Shetland bus. We will drive over the Churchill Barriers and marvel at the Italian Chapel beautifully crafted out of 2 Nissan huts by WWII prisoners.
On Shetland we visit Sumburgh Head where the North Sea meets the Atlantic. Jarlshof with over 4,000 years of settlement and discover the undisturbed time capsule of Old Scatness
We visit the Heart of Neolithic Orkey, Maes Howe, Ness of Brodgar, Ring of Brodgar, Stenness Standing Stones, Barnhouse Village and Skara Brae.
Jona’s Tours are fully guided by an expert and offer a unique blend of exploration, education, adventure, enjoyment and congenial company. All meals included.
2023 £3,524 per person (no price increase from 2022)
Single Supplement: £485
2024 £3,655 per person
Single Supplement: £485
Flights to Aberdeen.
An internal flight to Sumburgh on Shetland.
Ferry from Lerwick to Kirkwall. Dinner on board.
An internal flight from Kirkwall to Aberdeen.
Private airport transfers
Accommodation in 4 star hotels:
First night at Ardoe House Hotel.
Day 2, 3 and 4 at Busta House Hotel on Shetland.
Day 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 at Kirkwall Hotel on Orkney.
Last night at Ardoe House Hotel.
Full board, 10 breakfasts, 10 lunches and 10 three course dinners.
Private coach and driver.
Private guide, Maggie McLeod or John White for the whole tour.
Included in the tour price are all excursions, visits and entrance fees:
Plus Ferries to: Kirkwall, Orkney, Island of Hoy, return ferry trip, Tingwall, Yell and Unst.
A selection of photos from previous Jóna Tours of Scotland.
