The islands of Orkney and Shetland are littered with archaeological remains. People first came here over 5000 years ago and many of their remains survive. New archaeological sites are discovered every year. Some, such as Skara Brae, were buried under sand, only to be exposed by a winter storm thousands of years later; Skara Brae presents a fascinating glimpse of stone age life from the beds with their little shelves and cubby holes, to the remains of jewellery and medicine. Research is ongoing here and elsewhere excavation by archaeologists continues to uncover new information. The islands are therefore of enormous interest to anyone who enjoys first-hand contact with ancient settlements and buildings, and the people who once lived here. 

During our time on Shetland we will visit the the prehistoric and Norse settlement of Jarlshof; St Ninian’s Isle with its 6^th century church and the ruined castle of Scalloway. We then travel to Orkney where we visit the Italian Chapel; Maeshowe, the finest chambered tomb in Western Europe and Skara Brae & Skaill House.

We will stay on both Orkney and Shetland, allowing more time to appreciate the special charm of these islands. Flying from Aberdeen to Sumburgh, we have two full days to tour Shetland, staying at the historic Busta House Hotel in Brae. After flying to Kirkwall, we have a further two full days touring Orkney, before our flight back to Aberdeen.

(Return flights from Edinburgh are available at a supplement of £200 per person).