Orkney

Orkney's Archaeological Wonders – Duration 4 hours

We visit one of the world's most famous archaeological sites, the 5,000 year-old village of Skara Brae, beautifully interpreted in the award-winning visitor centre. Nearby is Orkney's finest manor, Skaill House, built in 1600 on top of an ancient graveyard.

We continue to the great ceremonial stone circles of Stenness and Brodgar, and then follow the coast of Scapa Flow, where we hear some of the wartime stories which make this one of the best-known stretches of water in the world.

Kirkwall, the Viking Capital – Duration 2 ½ hours

We meet at the pier and stroll together through the historical Old Town to the "Light of the North" - the beautiful 12th Century sandstone St Magnus Cathedral. At the nearby ruined Bishop's and Earl's Palaces we hear the colourful history of the tyrannical Stewart Earls.

We end our walk in the forecourt of Tankerness House, the 16th Century townhouse of a wealthy Orkney family; now Orkney's leading museum, its exhibitions illustrate history from the Stone Age to the present day. Guests are then at leisure to explore the Museum and Orkney's speciality shopping on their return to the ship.

Light of the North – Duration 3 ½ hours

This tour encompasses the ’ Miracle of Camp 60’ the beautiful hand painted Italian Chapel built by Italian POWs during the construction of the Churchill Barriers in the Second World War to protect Scapa Flow.
You will be captivated by stories of the German High Seas Fleet, Lt Gunther Prien and the sinking of HMS Royal Oak, making this one of the best-known stretches of water in the world.

Water is one of the five keystones in making “The Best Spirit in the world”, Highland Park Whisky Distillery tour, the distillery has an excellent audiovisual display with an enchanting shop. The rich, succulent, complexity of this exceptional single malt inspires passion in single malt enthusiasts everywhere. Continue on to the magnificent
12th century sandstone St. Magnus Cathedral. Britain’s most northerly cathedral was built for the Bishops of Orkney when the islands were ruled by the Norse Earls of Orkney.