Kirkwall: all 13 tours and excursions for your cruise

Depart from Hatston pier on the shuttle bus to the town. Harbour Walk Your tour begins with a guided walk along Kirkwall’s picturesque Harbour front, a hub of activity for centuries. Learn about the importance of Orkney’s food traditions, ingredients, food history and provenance as you stroll into the heart of the town where you will find local food shops selling Orkney produce. The Grinal and Oatcakes Return to the harbour front at The Grinal, a 17th century building where you get...

Depart by coach to the Deerness Peninsula, an area of outstanding beauty surrounded by the atmospheric North Sea. Admire the stunning views across to the uninhabited island of Copinsay, a designated SPA (Special Protection Area) for breeding seabirds and home to a seal colony.    Arrive at the multi-award winning Deerness Distillery, lovingly built by Stuart and Adelle on their land next to their family home.  Deerness Distillery is the first new distillery in Orkney for over 130 years and...

Bere is an ancient six-row barley and is probably Britain’s oldest cereal still in use today.  It has a short growing season, tolerates low temperatures and requires long hours of daylight, making it a perfect cereal to grow during the Orkney summer.  Historically bere was an important source of grain used for flour, malt, roofing material and bedding for livestock.  Today it continues to be grown in Orkney and is traditionally processed by Barony Mill, a 19th century watermill in...

Depart along the coast of Scapa Flow to the smaller South Isles. Drive over the first of the Churchill Barriers commissioned during the Second World War to protect Scapa Flow from enemy invasion.  Visit the beautiful, hand-painted Italian Chapel resourcefully built by Italian prisoners of war out of scavenged construction material. The chapel is a memorial to peace but also to the resilience, ingenuity and skill of the prisoners. Depart for Kirkwall to visit St Magnus Cathedral, built by the...

Explore the archaeological wonders of Orkney during this half-day excursion to the ancient sites of West Mainland guided by a local archaeologist. The Ring of BrodgarDepart the pier for the approximate 30-minute drive into the interior of the West Mainland.  Upon arrival at the narrow neck of land between the Harray and Stenness lochs, your first stop is at the Ring of Brodgar, a splendid reminder of the Stone Age.  Here, see 27 of the original 60 stones set in a precise circle and six degrees...

Experience the South of Orkney with little walking during this relaxing, half-day sightseeing drive. Scapa FlowDepart along the coast of Scapa Flow to the smaller South Isles. Drive over the first of the Churchill Barriers commissioned during the Second World War to protect Scapa Flow from enemy invasion.   Italian ChapelVisit the beautiful, hand-painted Italian Chapel resourcefully built by Italian prisoners of war out of scavenged construction material. The chapel is a memorial to peace but...

Depart Kirkwall and head into the west of Mainland, Orkney's largest island. Pass through the gentle rolling landscape and into the Neolithic Heartland of Orkney; an area designated as a World Heritage Site due to its wealth of pre-historic archaeology. Pass the Standing Stones of Stenness and stop at the Ring of Brodgar; a huge ceremonial circle of stones dating back almost 5000 years. Continue to the 5000-year-old village of Skara Brae, beautifully interpreted in the visitor centre. See...

Depart along the coast of Scapa Flow to the smaller South Isles. Drive over the first of the Churchill Barriers commissioned during the Second World War to protect Scapa Flow from enemy invasion. Visit the beautiful, hand-painted Italian Chapel resourcefully built by Italian prisoners of war out of scavenged construction material. Continue south across two further Churchill Barriers to the island of South Ronaldsay and on to the pretty village of St. Margaret's Hope. Local legend has it that...

Depart Kirkwall on a scenic coach transfer through Orkney's rolling countryside to Warbeth Bay in Stromness. Take a coastal path along the seafront, passing spectacular views of the formidable hills of Hoy, plant and sea life as well as derelict gun batteries from the world wars.Meander along the picturesque harbor through the pretty flag-stoned streets of Stromness. Admire the town's quirky architectural character and learn about its Herring and Hudson's Bay heritage, art and literary history. Continue...

Depart from Kirkwall passing through the Viking town and past the magnificent St Magnus Cathedral before heading out into the rural landscape of Orkney's East Mainland.After a scenic drive arrive at 'The Gloup', a geological feature where a sea cave has collapsed leaving a dramatic chasm. Embark on a scenic walk along the cliff tops. The walk will pass 'The Gloup' before continuing to the natural promontory of the Brough of Deerness. This rocky outcrop was once a clifftop settlement. Continue a...

Visit the Broch of Gurness, an Iron Age settlement featuring a massive broch tower surrounded by a well-preserved village. See homes with hearths, cupboards, and sleeping areas, all arranged around the tower, giving a glimpse into Iron Age life. Discover the grave of a Viking woman, buried with intriguing artifacts such as a sickle blade and tortoise brooches, shedding light on the mix of cultures that inhabited the area. The natural beauty of Eynhallow Sound adds to the experience, with its...

Explore the rugged beauty and landmarks of North of Mainland Orkney during this scenic, half-day sightseeing excursion. Orkney, Neolithic Heartland, Ring of Brodgar, Standing Stones of Stenness Journey through the Neolithic Heartland of Orkney; an area designated as a World Heritage Site due to its wealth of pre-historic archaeology and stop at the Ring of Brodgar, a 5000-year-old stone circle.  Carry on a short distance on the coach to the Standing Stones of Stenness, a smaller but no less...

This exclusive experience offers a memorable journey into the world of Highland Park whisky, starting with a pick-up from the pier by the Highland Park Vehicle and expert guide. Guests will visit Hobbister Moor where they will have the opportunity to learn about the traditional methods of peat cutting and the important role it plays in the whisky-making process. The guide will provide detailed insights into how the local peat contributes to the unique characteristics of Highland Park whisky....