OVERVIEW

Travel across Orkney’s largest Island on an exploratory journey that uncovers landmarks made by ancient man and wild nature. Your panoramic drive takes you along Mainland island’s west coast, passing through gently rolling countryside with the Northern Isles dotting the horizon in the distance. Passing dramatic Eynnhallow Sound, a stretch of water where the Atlantic meets the North Sea, you’ll pause for spectacular vistas and photo ops as the flat-topped tidal island known as the Brough of Birsay comes into view. Next, you'll visit the Heart of Neolithic Orkney – a UNESCO World Heritage site recognized for some ancient archaeological thrills of its own. Your visit to one of them, the Standing Stones of Stenness, will leave you wondering who raised these tall Neolithic slabs 5,000 years ago, and how they did it. The return drive to Kirkwall traces the north shore of Scapa Flow; your guide will share stories of the ancient Vikings and 20th-century Germans who have made this one of the world’s best-known stretches of water.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Visit the 5,000-year-old Standing Stones of Stenness and imagine how they came to be.
• Travel into the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, a UNESCO-listed region rich with archeological treasures.
• Drive through rolling Mainland Island scenery to catch breathtaking photo ops at Brough of Birsay.
• Drive along the coast of Scapa Flow, whose calm waters have tumultuous tales to tell.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear warm, weather-appropriate clothing; bring a light raincoat or umbrella.
• Flat, sturdy walking shoes are recommended.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.

OVERVIEW

Enjoy a leisurely walk-through Kirkwall, a Scottish town with a Viking heritage and strong Norwegian influences. As you meander along the narrow flagstone streets, you can’t help but be taken by the beautiful historical buildings, especially along the waterfront. The highlight may well be the Romanesque-style St Magnus Cathedral, a red-and-yellow sandstone icon that dominates the skyline. Although founded in 1137, it wasn’t completed until 300 years later. While browsing the interior, you might climb the spiral stone staircases to the tower, which affords the ultimate view of Kirkwall. Nearby, you will find the ruins of the Bishop’s Palace, which was constructed around the same time as the cathedral, and the Earl’s Palace, an early 17th-century residence built by the infamously decadent and tyrannical Earl of Orkney, who was eventually executed for treason. Free time follows at the Tankerness House gardens, a tranquil oasis with an adjoining museum.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Walk along the historical streets of Kirkwall, the diminutive capital of the Orkney Islands.
• Behold the glorious interior of St Magnus, a cathedral founded in 1137.
• See the ruins of the Bishop’s and Earl’s palaces, which offer candid glimpses into the past.
• Admire the serene gardens of Tankerness House and browse its on-site museum.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Savor a tasting of Highland Park scotch whisky at the historical Kirkwall Hotel as a prelude to an enlightening walk through town. This acclaimed single malt whisky has been distilled in Kirkwall since 1798, and it beautifully reflects the wild, storm-lashed environment of the Orkney Islands. During the sampling, the whisky aficionado host will explain the distilling process, which includes complexities such as infusing the barley with heathery aromatic smoke from burning peat hand-cut from a 9,000-year-old bog. No compromises are ever made when creating this extraordinary whisky as you will discover with the first sip. The drams offered will be aged over different periods of time in oak casks that once held Spanish sherry, which impart them with a distinct flavor and natural color. Following the tasting, you will have the opportunity to shop in the Highland Park store in downtown Kirkwall and explore St Magnus, the most northerly cathedral in the United Kingdom.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Sample a selection of Highland Park single malt scotch whiskies at the Kirkwall Hotel.
• Discover the complexities of the distilling process that influence the whiskies’ flavors.
• Walk through historical Kirkwall and shop at the Highland Park store if you wish.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Experience the beauty of a drive through Orkney’s southern islands, stopping at sites with wartime history and a village where the shopping is peaceful. You’ll depart Kirkwall to the south, hugging the coast along Scapa Flow as you learn why action seen here during World Wars I and II make this one of the world’s best-known stretches of water. Heading across the Churchill Barriers, a series of four rock causeways that link Orkney’s main island to smaller south islands previously only reachable by ferry, you’ll first arrive at Lamb Holm. While uninhabited, this tiny islet is home to the Italian Chapel – converted from a raw corrugated metal hut into a place of hand-painted beauty by Italian prisoners during World War II. You’ll be touched by your visit here, as are the “Camp 60” ex-prisoners and their descendants who still come to visit. Further south is the island of South Ronaldsay and its pretty village of St. Margaret’s Hope. Stopping here for a while, you’ll learn more about the people behind that name and have some time to meander streets lined with handsome stone cottages or perhaps do a little impromptu shopping at the excellent craft workshop.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Head south hugging the coast of Scapa Flow, whose waters have famous tales to tell.
• Cross to the southern islands via the Churchill Barriers, causeways built to block enemy access to the Scapa Flow.
• Visit a beautiful Italian Chapel built on an uninhabited islet by Italian prisoners during WWII.
• Spend awhile wandering or craft shopping in the charming stone village of St. Margaret’s Hope.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear warm, weather-appropriate clothing; bring a light raincoat or umbrella.
• Flat, sturdy walking shoes are recommended.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.

OVERVIEW

Discover Orkney’s remarkable ancient heritage on this journey into the past, beginning with a visit to the Broch of Gurness, one of the most impressive Iron Age settlements in Scotland. Dating back to around 200 BC, this remarkably well-preserved site features a towering broch, defensive ramparts and the remains of a once-thriving village. As you explore with your knowledgeable guide, gain insight into daily life during the Iron Age, when up to forty families lived within the surrounding stone dwellings, each equipped with hearths and simple furnishings. Continuing through Orkney’s scenic countryside, you will visit the Standing Stones of Stenness, one of Britain’s oldest and most iconic stone circles. These striking Neolithic monuments, which have stood for more than 5,000 years, form part of the UNESCO-listed Heart of Neolithic Orkney and are set within a dramatic natural landscape. After time to admire the site and capture photographs, relax on the return drive to Kirkwall, where the tour concludes.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Explore the Broch of Gurness, a well-preserved Iron Age settlement dating to 200 BC.
• Learn about ancient daily life from an expert guide.
• Visit the Standing Stones of Stenness, one of Britain’s earliest stone circles.
• Enjoy views of Orkney’s scenic countryside and dramatic landscapes.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Experience the local flavors and heritage of Orkney on this relaxed walking excursion through Kirkwall. A short stroll from the pier brings you to the Orkney Distillery, where the award-winning Kirkjuvagr gin is crafted. During this exclusive visit, you will learn what makes this small-batch gin so distinctive, from the use of local botanicals to the meticulous distillation process. You will sample three varieties of Kirkjuvagr gin and enjoy a classic gin and tonic while gaining insight into the craft behind this celebrated spirit. Following your tasting experience, continue on a leisurely guided walk through Kirkwall’s historic Old Town, once the Viking capital of Orkney. Along the way, discover its charming streets and rich heritage before arriving at St. Magnus Cathedral. Built in the 12th century from striking red sandstone, the cathedral is widely considered the finest medieval building in northern Scotland. After visiting the cathedral, you may choose to remain in town to explore independently or return to the ship at your leisure.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Visit the Orkney Distillery and learn how Kirkjuvagr gin is produced.
• Sample three varieties of local gin and enjoy a gin and tonic.
• Walk through Kirkwall’s historic Old Town with Viking roots.
• Visit St. Magnus Cathedral, a remarkable 12th-century landmark.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.