Neolithic Orkney
Orkney’s largest settlement, and also its administrative centre, is Kirkwall. The islands have been inhabited for at least 8,500 years, originally occupied by Mesolithic and Neolithic tribes and then by the Picts.
Orkney was colonized and later annexed by the Kingdom of Norway in 875 and settled by the Norsemen. In 1472, the Parliament of Scotland absorbed the Earldom of Orkney into the Kingdom of Scotland, following failure to pay a dowry promised to James III of Scotland by the family of his bride, Margaret of Denmark.
We will explore the Standing Stones of Stenness, the Ring of Brodgar, Maeshowe and the original neolithic village of Skara Brae by the shores of Skaill bay.
DATES & PROGRAMS:
• September 13-19 Seven Spaces available
Price for trip: $2,100 This trip is now full. If you are interested please sign up on the waiting list.
TO REGISTER: Register Now →
A $500 per-person non-refundable deposit is due upon registration.
No-smoking Policy: Because considerable time is spent in an eight-passenger van, the Orkney Knitting Tour is a no-smoking trip. Smokers carry odors in their clothing and hair that can make other passengers uncomfortable. If you smoke, please do not register for this trip.
Questions? Contact .
LOCATION: Orkney, Scotland, UK
Orkney
THE EXPERIENCE: Join a small group of knitters and fiber lovers for a guided tour of Orkney with a focus on the rich historical and contemporary textile and knitting culture, including visiting neolithic site tours workshop and textile and yarn shops.
LODGING: Orkney Hotel
HEALTH & FITNESS: While we do relax often, we also walk to sites for meals and tours. Details under The Experience.
PRICING: includes lodging, meals, knitting classes, local transportation, and site admissions. Details under Pricing.
TRAVEL: You make your own round trip flight arrangements to Orkney. Details under Travel.
TIPS FOR TRAVELERS: Read the Trips for Knitters Responsibility/Disclaimer Statement.
What to Expect
Orkney
We expect this to be an experience like no other, from the moment arrive in Orkney and make your way to the Orkney Hotel will relax, unwind and refresh.
This trip includes a visit to historic Kirkwall and then touring on to the various neolithic site that make up Orkney . Also included is a visit to Orkney Clothing Co and Orkney Tweed. Enjoy exploring and discovering the beauty of these rugged Isles.
Fly into Aberdeen. You want to arrive before 12:00 pm local time. We will meet in the Aberdeen airport at 12:30 local time. We will fly to Kirkwall on the 14:40 flight through Logan Air. You make your own flight reservation on Logan Air from Aberdeen to Kirkwall Orkney. We will then travel on to the Orkney Hotel.
Participants are responsible for arranging airfare to Kirkwall. Once we arrive in Kirkwall we will have transportation to the Orkney Hotel.
QUESTIONS? Contact
The Orkney Hotel originally dates back to 1670 when local merchant John Richan built it as a family home. John’s family made their fortune from a long history of sea life, land ownership and litstering (dyeing).
Ideally situated in the town centre, the hotel is minutes from the magnificent St. Magnus Cathedral, Bishop’s and Earl’s Palaces and award-winning local jewellery shops. The infamous UNESCO World Heritage Site of Skara Brae, and Maeshowe and the Ring of Brodgar are an easy 25 minutes drive away. We are ten minutes drive from Kirkwall Airport.
Subject to change.
Day 1: Arrive in Kirkwall
Day 2: Visit the famous UNESCO World Heritage Site of Skara Brae, and Maeshowe and the Ring of Brodgar
Day 3: Workshop with Arayedknot
Day 4: We explore the town of Kirkwall and various sites
Day 5: Textile Tour of the area
Day 6: Shopping and work on project
Day 7: Depart
Health & Fitness: Orkney Islands
While we do relax often and have a coach to transport us around the islands, we also walk to sites for meals and on tours. We recommend being able to walk at least a couple of miles. If you doubt your ability to tolerate this much walking, please contact us prior to booking the trip to discuss what accommodations are available.
Fly into Aberdeen. You want to arrive before 12:00 pm local time. We will meet in the Aberdeen airport at 12:30 local time. We will fly to Kirkwall on the 14:40 flight through Logan Air. You make your own flight reservation on Logan Air from Aberdeen to Kirkwall Orkney. We will then travel on to the Orkney Hotel.
Price for trip: $2,100: This trip is now full. If you are interested please sign up on the waiting list.
Cancellation policy
• The $500 per-person non-refundable deposit is just that: non-refundable.
• All cancellations must be in writing. Email is acceptable.
• Cancellation does not necessarily result in a partial refund.
• Cancellations within 60 days of start date of event may result in a partial refund only if the space is filled.
• There is no refund for cancellations less than 30 days prior to the start date of event.
• If a participant is reimbursed through insurance, Trips for Knitters will not process an additional refund.
We strongly urge participants to purchase travel insurance to cover airfare and event expense in the event of cancellation. Please read our Tips for Travel Insurance.
Read the Trips for Knitters Responsibility/Disclaimer Statement
How much does this trip cost?
Pricing is based on room choice (except for Buffalo WY) and whether you choose private or shared. All prices are per person. See Pricing. We recommend reserving your space with the non-refundable deposit as soon as possible as the spaces will go quickly.
When is payment due?
After making your non-refundable deposit, your payment for the trip will be due April 30. An invoice will be sent to you two weeks prior to due date. See Pricing.
What will my expenses be?
The cost does not include airfare, transportation to/from airport or from another city, alcohol, personal items, and any optional activities. For Buffalo WY, lodging is arranged directly with the hotel and is at the participant’s expense.
I’m not a really experienced knitter so will I be able to do the project?
We plan projects that are accessible by knitters at various levels of experience, complexity in knitting, and interest. For those not as confident in their knitting, this can be a great time to move past some of your apprehension with experts to help you along. We also believe that it’s your knitting and if you choose not to do the project or to do it a different way, that’s fine. We want you to make the most of your knitting in your way, and it’s different for all of us. You still get the project yarn, whether you knit it or not!
What is the schedule like?
At Trips for Knitters, we provide a balance of activities, knitting time, workshops and special events. Count on time during each day for relaxation as well as social time, great meals, and interesting local exploration. We never leave our lodging early in the morning and we never miss a meal! Specific trip schedules are listed in The Experience.
How do I get specific questions answered?
How do I register?
View the types of rooms in Lodging and contact us to ensure we can accommodate your room preference. Contact Trips for Knitters by email or phone to check availability and to register for the event.
Can I bring my husband, friend, family member who is not a knitter?
For these events, we charge everyone the same, so that person sharing your room will pay the same amount as you, but you will each pay the shared room rate, which is less than the private room rate. Please read our Notes for Non-Knitters, which pertains to any non-knitters traveling with you. Non-knitters participate in all activities as they choose, including day trips, meals and tours.
How do I connect with other participating knitters?
We’ll put everyone in touch electronically, facilitating email communication.
What should I bring?
We recommend traveling light. Once you have registered, you’ll have access to Tips for Travelers, which includes a packing list.
I am on a specific diet. Can my dietary needs be met?
Most likely, but contact us to discuss. We can accommodate most diet issues with advance notice. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets are generally not a problem.
Do we have to assist in meal preparation or clean up?
You do not have to prepare meals or clean up. You do not have to make your bed! It really is a relaxation trip with a light schedule and lots of time for knitting, connecting with others, learning and doing what you want.
What are the physical requirements of the trip?
We want every knitter to enjoy their trip and make every effort to ensure Trips for Knitters are accessible to as many people as possible. For specific trip details, see The Experience, above.
Some of the trips are more physically demanding and may not be suitable for everyone. Contact us if you have questions or wish to discuss the amount of walking, stair climbing or other physical demands, especially if you have back, knee, or hip issues.
To gauge your level of fitness, we suggest you honestly assess your ability to walk 1–5 miles at a reasonable pace. If you become short of breath, experience cramping or spasms, or find that this exacerbates a medical condition, you may not want to register for the trip. Contact us if you have questions about the physical demands of any trip.
While age is just a number, we need to screen participants over 75 years old to discuss the physical and mental demands of the trip. Send an email and a good time to call and discuss. We hope you’ll qualify without hesitation, but we want to be sure you are up to the trip before you register, pay, and embark on travel.
Please let us know if you have any mobility or medical issues which may affect your ability to fully undertake the event as described. We accept no liability for mobility or medical issues that we are not told about prior to the trip. Advise us of any changes after registering and before the trip takes place.
Any questions or concerns, we’re here to discuss in confidentiality. We want the best outcome and enjoyment for every participant of Trips for Knitters events.
I have physical limitations and wonder if I’ll be able to manage this trip?
Feel free to contact us to discuss whether this trip is appropriate for your limitations.
What if I need to cancel for some reason?
• The $500 per person non-refundable deposit is just that: non-refundable.
• All cancellations must be in writing. Email is acceptable.
• Cancellation does not necessarily result in a partial refund.
• Cancellations within 60 days of start date of event may result in a partial refund only if the space is filled.
• There is no refund for cancellations less than 30 days prior to the start date of event.
• If a participant is reimbursed through insurance, Trips for Knitters will not process an additional refund.
• We strongly urge participants to purchase travel insurance to cover airfare and event expense in the event of cancellation. Please read our Travel Insurance Tip.
Read the Trips for Knitters Responsibility/Disclaimer Statement
We want every knitter to enjoy their trip — we make every effort to ensure Trips for Knitters are accessible to as many people as possible. Some of the trips are more physically demanding and may not be suitable for everyone. Contact us if you have questions or wish to discuss the amount of walking, stair climbing or other physical demands, especially if you have back, knee or hip issues.
Please let us know if you have any mobility or medical issues which may affect your ability to fully undertake the event as described. We accept no liability for mobility or medical issues that we are not told about prior to the trip. Advise us of any changes after registering and before the trip takes place.
To gauge your level of fitness, we suggest you honestly assess your ability to walk 1-5 miles at a reasonable pace. If you become short of breath, experience cramping or spasms, or find that this exacerbates a medical condition, you may not want to register for the trip. Contact us if you have questions about the physical demands of any trip.
While age is just a number, we need to screen participants over 75 to discuss the physical and mental demands of the trip. Send an email and a good time to call and discuss. We hope you’ll qualify without hesitation, but we want to be sure you are up to the trip before you register, pay and embark on travel.
Any questions or concerns, we’re here to discuss in confidentiality. We want the best outcome and enjoyment for every participant of Trips for Knitters events.