Excursion Itinerary

Designed exclusively for cruise passengers docking in the Orkney Islands, this premium small-group shore excursion showcases the very best of Orkney in one unforgettable day. Discover a landscape shaped by over 5,000 years of history, accompanied by an expert local guide and equipped with a personal wireless audio system, allowing you to hear your guide clearly while exploring Orkney's remarkable historic sites.

Your journey begins with convenient pick-up directly from your cruise ship before a scenic drive across the Orkney Mainland to Skara Brae, Europe's best-preserved Neolithic village. With admission included, explore this extraordinary 5,000-year-old settlement alongside your guide, hearing its fascinating story through your personal audio receiver as you move around the site. You'll also have time for refreshments or a comfort break at the visitor centre.

Next, travel into the UNESCO-listed Heart of Neolithic Orkney to visit the magnificent Ring of Brodgar. Surrounded by dramatic lochs and open countryside, your guide will bring this extraordinary prehistoric landscape to life as you explore the ancient stone circle. A short drive then brings you to the nearby Standing Stones of Stenness, one of the oldest stone circles in the British Isles, where you'll discover more about the significance of this remarkable ceremonial landscape.

Leaving Orkney's prehistoric past behind, the tour continues south through the beautiful scenery surrounding Scapa Flow, one of the world's great natural harbours and home to an important chapter of twentieth-century history. At the Italian Chapel, lovingly created by Italian prisoners of war during the Second World War, your guide will share the remarkable story behind one of Orkney's most cherished landmarks. A brief stop in the nearby village of Holm provides an opportunity for a comfort break.

Your final stop is Kirkwall, Orkney's historic island capital. Explore the magnificent St Magnus Cathedral with your guide and discover its fascinating connection to Orkney's Norse and Viking heritage. Afterwards, enjoy free time to browse the town's independent shops, pick up locally made gifts, or relax in one of the cafés.

At the end of your visit, you're welcome to return to your cruise ship with the group or, if you'd like to spend longer exploring Kirkwall, simply let your guide know. You can then return to the ship later using the complimentary cruise shuttle service.

Combining expert local guiding, personal audio technology and small-group touring with ancient history, spectacular scenery and wartime heritage, this Orkney Islands shore excursion offers an immersive way to discover one of Scotland's most fascinating destinations.