Orkney Islands (Kirkwall), Scotland
Just north of Scotland lay the Orkney Islands. Washed by the furthest reach of the Gulf Stream, this chain of over 70 islands offers dramatic landscapes that range from sea cliffs rearing 1,000 feet above the waves to sweeping white sand beaches. Bird watchers flock to the Orkney Islands, drawn by the multitudes of sea birds. Divers explore the wrecks lying in the clear waters of Scapa Flow, the Royal Navy's fleet anchorage in two world wars. And most fascinating of all, the Orkney Islands boast the greatest concentration of prehistoric sites in all Europe, including the mysterious Ring of Brodgar and 5,000-year-old Skara Brae.
Vikings - Norsemen - ruled the Orkney Islands from the 9th to 13th centuries, leaving in their wake such monuments as St. Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall. This hint of Scandinavian influence can be heard in the lilting accent with which Orcadians speak.
Points of Interest
- Skara Brae
- Italian Chapel
- Scapa Flow
- St. Magnus Cathedral
- Ring of Brodgar
- Maeshowe
- Distillery
- Balfour Castle
Nature Reserve Walk
Bird watchers and nature lovers will thrill to a day spent in the vast beauty of the peaceful Orkney countryside. Visit two superlative nature reserves and enjoy a guided walks in search of wildlife. Additionally, you will see the Ring of Brodgar, an ancient stone World Heritage monument. Don't forget your camera!
Moderate Activity
$69.95
West Mainland Sightseeing
- Scapa Flow
- Ring of Brodgar
Discover the historic landmarks of Orkney with little walking required when you venture into the vast panoramas of the West Mainland. Gaze upon rugged coastlines, big skies and highlights such as Scapa Flow and the Standing Stones of Stenness. Bring your camera; you'll stop to photograph the Ring of Brodgar, Birsay Bay and Stromness Town.
Moderate Activity
$69.95
St. Magnus Cathedral & Earl's Palace Walk
- St. Magnus Cathedral
Explore Kirkwall on a guided walking tour through the town. Visit St. Magnus Cathedral and view the ruins of the Earl's Palace and the Bishop's Palace on this approximately 3-hour tour.
Strenuous Activity
$69.95
Ancient Standing Stones
- Ring of Brodgar
This compact adventure deep into the heart of Neolithic Orkney is studded with natural wonders and World Heritage Sites. A panoramic overview of the area includes a guided tour of the Ring of Brodgar, an opportunity to photograph the Cliffs of Yesnaby and a glimpse of the imposing Standing Stones of Stenness.
Moderate Activity
$69.95
Orkney Island Drive
- Scapa Flow
- Italian Chapel
This tour is designed for passengers who prefer to see some sights from the motorcoach with little or no walking involved. Take in the sights on a leisurely drive. Drive by the Standing Stones of Stenness, a Neolithic circular stone henge that's part of a UNESCO World Heritage site. Travel along Scapa Flow and visit the Italian Chapel, built by Italian prisoners during World War II.
Wheelchair Accessible, Easy Activity
$79.95
Orkney's Local Delicacies
Savor the flavors of Orkney during a culinary and cultural journey across the Isles. Enjoy the sounds of Orcadian music while you sample authentic recipes such as herring and oatcakes, partan toes and farmhouse cheese all served with ale and single malt whiskies
Easy Activity, Includes meal
$99.95
Ring of Brodgar, Skara Brae & Skaill House
- Scapa Flow
- Skara Brae
- Ring of Brodgar
The archaeological wonders of the past are on full display when you journey into the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, the islands' UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your thrilling adventure includes the Ring of Brodgar and the Standing Stones of Stenness, the stone-age settlement of Skara Brae and Skaill House
Shopping Opportunities, Moderate Activity
$119.95
Local Connections: Gin Tasting & Kirkwall Walking Tour
- St. Magnus Cathedral
- Distillery
Tour Orkney Distillery, where award-winning Kirkjuvagr gin is produced, with the founder and master distiller Stephen Kemp, then sample several varieties of gin during a tasting. Next, a stroll introduces the historic Old Town of Kirkwall, featuring the Cathedral of St. Magnus, the ruins of Bishop's and Earl's Palaces, and Tankerness House museum.
Moderate Activity
$159.95
Ring of Brodgar & Maeshowe
- Ring of Brodgar
- Maeshowe
Encounter Orkney's mysterious past at two of the finest Neolithic sites in Northern Europe in a small-group outing (maximum 16 privileged guests). Built circa 2800 B.C., Maeshowe Tomb is a chambered, stone burial cairn some 115 feet in diameter and the nearby Ring of Brodgar is a circular henge of standing stones.
Moderate Activity
$169.95
A Discovery Exclusive - Ultimate Orkney
- Scapa Flow
- Skara Brae
- Italian Chapel
- Ring of Brodgar
- Distillery
A fully immersive experience into the history, culture and natural splendor of Orkney awaits on this Discovery Exclusive adventure. Visit the Italian Chapel, tour a famed Scottish distillery with an expert tasting, then journey into the heart of Neolithic Orkney and view its important ritualistic landmarks set within remote natural landscapes.
Moderate Activity, Includes meal
$259.95