Kirkwall and the prehistoric wonders of the Orkneys
Shore excursion , United Kingdom
- Duration Check duration
- Activity level medium
What you'll do
Welcome to the Orkney Islands! A Scottish archipelago where the wind whispers stories from over 5,000 years ago. Here, among landscapes of green hills and cliffs bathed by the Atlantic, lies one of the most fascinating archaeological sites in Europe: the Neolithic Heart of Orkney, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Get ready for an itinerary that will transport you to prehistory, with stops at places that defy time.
We will begin our tour at Skara Brae. This site, considered the “Scottish Pompeii,” will allow us to walk among stone houses, original furniture, and drainage systems dating back 5,000 years, at a time when the Egyptian pyramids had not yet been built. We will feel the daily life of our ancestors right on the shore of Skaill Bay, where the sea and wind have been silent witnesses to their history.
A few minutes from Skara Brae awaits the Ring of Brodgar, a cromlech that, with its circle of standing stones, seems to defy the passage of time. This monument, similar to Stonehenge but more intimate, is surrounded by a dreamlike landscape: a natural amphitheater where the sun and moon appear to align with millennial precision. Here, imagination soars as we explore a place that may have been an astronomical calendar or a place of worship, shrouded in the mystery of civilizations that no longer exist but whose mark endures.
Near the Ring of Brodgar, we will stop in front of the Standing Stones of Stenness, a circle of stones rising like guardians of a distant past. These megaliths, smaller but equally imposing, are part of a ritual complex by Stenness Lake. Their name reflects their majestic presence, and here, amid wind and time, we can feel the energy of a place where past and present meet in every stone.
Our final stop will be in Kirkwall, the capital of Orkney, where we will have free time. You can enjoy strolling through its cobbled streets, breathe in the Viking and medieval air still felt in every corner, and admire the imposing St. Magnus Cathedral, for example, built in the 12th century in honor of the Viking martyr. It will be a moment to savor the essence of this archipelago.
At the end of the excursion, return to the port for farewell.
We hope you have enjoyed this unique experience in the heart of the Orkney Islands!
Details
- DURATION: BUS AVAILABLE FOR UP TO 3.5 HOURS
- Entrance to SKARA BRAE
- ADULTS: €20.00, CHILDREN 7 TO 12 YEARS: €10.00, CHILDREN UNDER 7 YEARS: FREE
- This rate is from SHORE2SHORE and includes our management fees as well as bank charges and exchange fees. No claims will be accepted after visiting the center.
- Easy/Panoramic level
- Comfortable footwear is recommended.
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THE ORDER OF THE PLACES TO VISIT MAY BE CHANGED BY THE ORGANIZATION OR THE GUIDE DUE TO TRAFFIC CONDITIONS AND/OR OTHER CIRCUMSTANCES.
- This excursion is NOT SUITABLE for people with reduced mobility, those who require the use of a wheelchair, or those traveling with baby strollers, due to uneven terrain.