
An Archaeologist’s View of Orkney and Shetland
From
£1,306.25
£1,375
Summary
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 uninhabited island of Mousa with its 2000 year old full size broch; the prehistoric and Norse settlement of Jarlshof; St Ninian’s Isle with its 6th century church and the ruined castle of Scalloway. We then travel to Orkney where we visit the Italian Chapel; the Tomb of the Eagles, which offers a unique ‘hands-on’ experience - an opportunity to handle 5000 year old artefacts excavated from an extensive cliff-top site; Maeshowe, the finest chambered tomb in Western Europe and Skara Brae & Skaill House. En route to Aberdeen, we will also stop for a photo opportunity at the dramatic ruins of Dunnottar Castle.
We will stay on both Orkney and Shetland, allowing more time to appreciate the special charm of these islands. We sail with Serco Northlink Ferries on their modern, purpose-built vessels, the Hrossey and the Hjaltland, from Aberdeen overnight to Lerwick. We then have two full days to tour Shetland, staying overnight at the historic Busta House Hotel in Brae. After rejoining the ship for an evening sailing to Kirkwall, we have a further two full days touring Orkney, before our short crossing back to the mainland.
Tour highlights:
Book Now
Your Departure date
Full Price
£1,375
Today's Price
£1,306.25
Saving
£68.75
Benefit from one of these limited time offers:
- Save £68.75 if you pay your full balance today, just £1,306.25
- Pay a low deposit of £50, was £100.
Single supplement: £395
Keeping you safe on your next tour

Departure Points
Location | Depart | Return |
---|---|---|
Glasgow
Outside the Millennium Hotel |
10.45 | 21.15 |
Edinburgh
Outside Marriott Hotel Glasgow Road |
12.00 | 20.00 |
Dunfermline
Halbeath Park & Ride, Jct 3, M90 |
12.30 | 19.30 |
Kinross
Moto Services on M90 |
13.30 | 18.30 |
Perth
Broxden Park & Ride, A93 |
14.00 | 18.00 |
Dundee
Outside Discovery Point (no return to Dundee) |
14.30 | (does not return to Dundee) |
Aberdeen
Northlink Ferry Terminal (no return to Aberdeen) |
17.00 | (does not return to Aberdeen) |
Inverness
To be advised |
N/A | 15.30 |
Please note all timings are approximate and may be changed. They will be confirmed when the joining instructions are sent out, approximately ten days prior to departure.
Tour dates & prices
Included in your cost:
- Accommodation
- Services of an archaeological expert as tour manager
- Comfortable coach travel throughout
- Meals - as per the itinerary
- Ferry crossings
Tour Departure | Tour ID | Departure date | Return Date | Guided by | Price | Deposit | Single supplement | Offer | Availability |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
31 May 2021 | BOSA210531 | 31 May 2021 (Monday) | 5 June 2021 (Saturday) | £1,245 (ex. flights) |
£50 |
£375 | Book Now | ||
12 July 2021 | BOSA210712 | 12 July 2021 (Monday) | 17 July 2021 (Saturday) | £1,445 (ex. flights) |
£50 |
£375 |
£1,372.75 save £72.25 |
Call for availability | |
23 August 2021 | BOSA210823 | 23 August 2021 (Monday) | 28 August 2021 (Saturday) | Peter Yeoman | £1,445 (ex. flights) |
£50 |
£375 |
£1,372.75 save £72.25 |
Book Now |
25 April 2022 | BOSA220425 | 25 April 2022 (Monday) | 30 April 2022 (Saturday) | £1,295 (ex. flights) |
£50 |
£395 |
£1,230.25 save £64.75 |
Book Now | |
11 July 2022 | BOSA220711 | 11 July 2022 (Monday) | 16 July 2022 (Saturday) | £1,375 (ex. flights) |
£50 |
£395 |
£1,306.25 save £68.75 |
Book Now |