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Meet your private guide and embark on a full-day trip to explore four of Orkney’s pre-history sites included in the UNESCO list.

The first place you visit today is a Maeshowe which is the finest and largest chambered cairn (tomb). Here you witness the most amazing Viking graffiti and learn about burial traditions of Neolithic people. Continue to Standing Stones of Stenness still raising many questions about its purpose. Together you drive to Watchstone, situated on the Bridge of Brodgar, and pass the Ness of Brodgar. Since a Geophysical survey in 2003 this place revealed up to twelve possible archeological structures. 

Travel to Ring of Brodgar one of the finest stone circles and head for the last of the four World Heritage Sites - Skara Brae. It is a remarkably well preserved Neolithic village which was only revealed following a fierce storm back in 1850 when the sand dune that covered it was partially washed away. 

The last site on your trip today is a Skaill House, situated next door to Skara Brae. Here you visit the with a museum displaying finds from Skara Brae of jewelry, tools and earthenware.

Full Day Private UNESCO Heritage Tour

Meet your private guide-driver and start the exploration of Orkney island which is full of archeological sites. This island was inhabited for over 5000 years ago and today you visit Stone Age to Iron Age sites like subterranean earth house or souterrain, The Cuween Cairn is a 5000-year-old chambered tomb, the 3100BC Standing Stones, the Ring of Brodgar and Skara Brae, which is a remarkably well preserved Neolithic village.

Together with the guide-driver, you take a trip to Rousay island named the ‘Eygpt of the North’ because of the number of pre-history sites there, which went on to be used by the Picts and then the Vikings.

Full Day Private Pre-history Tour of Orkney

Meet your private driver-guide and start a full day Scapa Flow Tour. The name is based on a natural deep anchorage surrounded by islands, used and named by the Vikings (Skalpieid Floi) then through the Napoleonic war, the first and second world wars. 

Today you pass WW2 military airfields and arrive at the first Churchill Barriers, built to defend the naval fleet. After you travel to the Italian chapel, which is a most wonderfully atmospheric legacy to faith and hope created by Italian Prisoners of War during the austere years of 1942 and 1945. Today you also witness remains of the WW1 block ships used as defense prior to the barrier construction, a former twin 6-pounder batter, and the RAF Netherbutton Radar Station. Heading back to Kirkwall you have a stop to visit St Magnus Cathedral, Scapa Beach where you visit Royal Oak Memorial and have time to visit the Stromness Museum.

Full Day Private Scapa Flow Tour

Meet your private driver-guide and start a full day trip to explore the high-quality drinks and try the best local specialties. 
Start with a visit to the most northerly placed distillery in the world - Highland Park Distillery. Here you have a guided tour and finish it with a tasting of two selected drams. Continue to ‘The Garden of Orkney’ and the only working watermill. Today you also visit a farm museum where you learn more about the way life was in Orkney during the 19th and 20th centuries. Inside the Orkney Brewery, you have a 40-minute tour and ale sampling. Following a lunch break, you visit a Neolithic site situated between two lochs and where ‘Brown Trout’ is regularly fished by locals and arrive at a newly established Gin Distillery to have a 1-hour tour and sample the drink. Upon arrival in Kirkwall, you visit St Magnus Cathedral and return to the hotel.

*Note: the tour is not available on Sunday.

Full Day Private Distilleries Tour

Highland Parkisit the Highland Park Distillery for an amazing tour and flavorful tastings. Dating back to the 18th-century, the malt-whisky distillery is set on the mind-boggling Orkney Islands in Scotland. Producing top-of-the-line single malt Scotch whiskey and boasting scenic surroundings, Highland Park Distillery is the northernmost distillery of such sort in the world.

The Highlandpark Distillery

English

Skara Brae

St. Magnus Cathedral

Bishop's and Earl's Palaces

Stones of Stenness

Highland Park Distillery

Kirkwall Harbor

Orkney Museum

Ring of Brodgar

Have you ever dreamt about visiting Scotland? This country steals your heart and leaves you awed while admiring the most breathtaking views, such as cliffs, fields, and towns. Kirkwall is exactly the place you feel special and a bit like a sand grain, standing on one of the Orkney's lighthouses. Having more than 15 years of experience, we've managed to create fully comprehensive programs for Scotland, carefully planned every single detail: transfers, comfortable accommodations, unique city tours with local guides. If you are just planning your trip and need some inspiration, feel free to browse our templates. Our experienced destination specialist also can create the itinerary based on your wishes and interests, including places from your bucket list. Sounds great? Let's plan your future adventure!

Kirkwall Trips

Treasures of Shetland and Orkney Islands 

History: Founded around the 11th century, Kirkwall has deep Norse roots due to the Viking influence on the Orkney Islands. The town's name itself has Norse origins, derived from the Old Norse name 'Kirkjuvágr', which means "church bay."

St. Magnus Cathedral: Fondly referred to as the 'Light of the North,' this red and yellow sandstone cathedral dominates the skyline of Kirkwall. It's the most northerly cathedral in the UK and was founded in honor of Saint Magnus Erlendsson, Earl of Orkney.

Orkneyinga Saga: This historical narrative, written in the 13th century but recounting tales from earlier centuries, tells the story of the Orkney Islands, including significant events in Kirkwall. The saga provides insight into the Norse rule of the islands and the history of the earls of Orkney.

Bishop's and Earl's Palaces: These are two ruinous yet iconic structures situated close to the St. Magnus Cathedral. They offer a glimpse into the architectural and historical journey of Kirkwall.

Festivals: One of the most famous annual events in Kirkwall is the Ba Game, a mass football match that is played on Christmas Day and New Year's Day between two teams, the Uppies and the Doonies. It's a historic and deeply rooted tradition in the town.

Orkney Museum: Situated in the town center, this museum provides deep insights into the history of Orkney from prehistoric times to the present day.

Harbor: Kirkwall has a bustling harbor that serves both fishing and ferry traffic. It's a gateway for many visitors to the Orkney Islands.

Crafts and Jewelry: The Orkney Islands, including Kirkwall, are famous for arts and crafts, particularly jewelry designs inspired by the region's Viking and prehistoric heritage.

Neolithic Sites: While not directly in Kirkwall, the town is a gateway to the larger Orkney archipelago, which hosts several UNESCO World Heritage sites, such as the Ring of Brodgar, Skara Brae, and the Stones of Stenness.

Local Spirits: The Orkney Islands are known for their whiskey distilleries, and Kirkwall is home to the renowned Highland Park Distillery. It offers tours, allowing visitors to delve into the art of whiskey-making and taste the local brews.

Arrival In Kirkwall&nbsp; Upon arrival in Kirkwall, you have a check-in at the hotel and the rest of the day at leisure.

UNESCO Heritage Tour&nbsp; Following breakfast, you meet your private guide and embark on a full-day trip to explore four of Orkney’s pre-history sites included in the UNESCO list. The first place you visit today is a Maeshowe which is the finest and largest chambered cairn (tomb). Here you witness the most amazing Viking graffiti and learn about burial traditions of Neolithic people. Continue to Standing Stones of Stenness still raising many questions about its purpose. Together you drive to Watchstone, situated on the Bridge of Brodgar, and pass the Ness of Brodgar. Since a Geophysical survey in 2003 this place revealed up to twelve possible archeological structures. Travel to Ring of Brodgar one of the finest stone circles and head for the last of the four World Heritage Sites - Skara Brae. It is a remarkably well preserved Neolithic village which was only revealed following a fierce storm back in 1850 when the sand dune that covered it was partially washed away. The last site on your trip today is a Skaill House, situated next door to Skara Brae. Here you visit the with a museum displaying finds from Skara Brae of jewelry, tools and earthenware. After the tour you return to the hotel.

Departure&nbsp; Following breakfast in the hotel and check-out, you depart from Kirkawall.

Kirkwall

Kirkwall's most important travel experiences and tour collections. Plan a Perfect Trip to Kirkwall 

Kirkwall Trip Planner

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