NEW! British Isles & Viking Shores

  • From $19,499
  • |
  • 22 Days
  • |
  • 17 Guided Tours
  • |
  • 8 Countries

Orkney Islands (Kirkwall), Scotland

  • Ancient stone circle at sunset

The history of the Scottish Orkney Islands dates back millennia. Neolithic remains, including the ancient site of Brodgar, predate Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids. The 13th-century Norse Orkneyinga Saga told of Vikings who ruled here. Later, the earls took over, and the French Renaissance palace that remains is a legacy to their grandeur. Another castle, Balfour, stands regally in a stark landscape. While the northern Europeans greatly influenced this hauntingly beautiful archipelago, consider the Italian Chapel, built by the hands of Italian prisoners during wartime.

Shore Excursions

Shore excursions vary by each itinerary and are subject to change.

Ancient standing stones in scenic landscape

Highlights of Historic Orkney

Pass through gentle rolling landscapes into the Heart of Neolithic Orkney and visit a charming seaside village.

Included
Historic stone house with rustic setting

Orkney’s Stone Age

Witness untold centuries of human settlement during visits to Orkney’s Neolithic and Viking sites.

Historic cathedral with cemetery under blue sky

Heart of Neolithic Orkney & St. Magnus Cathedral

Step back in time, exploring the Heart of Neolithic Orkney and visit a Viking-era cathedral.

Ornate chapel interior with painted ceiling

Sites of the South Isles with a Taste of Orkney

View wartime historic sites, sample delicious local cuisine and explore local geology at a fossil museum.

Hands crafting fishing net outdoors

Viking History & Ancient Pastimes

Walk in the footsteps of Vikings as you explore a region once ruled by these fearsome warriors of Northern Europe.

Cyclists on scenic mountain trail

Highlights of Orkney by E-Bike

Pedal with ease on an electric bike to visit some of Orkney’s most fascinating landmarks.

Scenic coastal village with boats and church

Stromness Shoreline Walk

Discover the quaint beauty of Stromness as you take a scenic stroll along its shores.

Historic concrete building in rural landscape

Orkney’s Wartime Legacy

Uncover the wartime history of Orkney, starting with the Churchill Barriers, built to protect Scapa Flow.

Assorted gin cocktails with fresh garnishes

Deerness Distillery

Enjoy a tasting of spirits and local bites during a visit to an award-winning distillery.

Rustic stone farmhouse by a stream

Barony Mill & Kirbuster Farm Museum

Uncover Orkney’s rich heritage during visits to a 19th-century watermill and Kirbuster Farm Museum.

Whiskey tasting room with wooden barrel

Highland Park Distillery & Tasting

Gain insight into the production of Highland Park whisky and sample some of their award-winning range.

Shore excursions vary by itinerary and are subject to change.