Top Kirkwall Cultural Tours

For this tour you need to take the shuttle bus from the pier to the city centre. Kirkwall is the largest town in Orkney, an archipelago in the north of mainland Scotland. What to expect – your local guide will take you around Kirkwall, the largest town in Orkney, which is situated on the northern coast of mainland Orkney We will explore St. Magnus Cathedral founded in 1137 by the Viking, Earl Rognvald, in honour of his uncle St Magnus. Then we will visit two buildings full of history in the heart of Kirkwall: Bishop´s and Earl´s Palace. Bishop’s Palace is one of the best - preserved buildings from medieval times. Once this visit is finished, we will head to Albert Street. Your local guide will meet you up at the meeting point and take you back to the ship. PLEASE NOTE: WALKING INVOLVED MISSING YOU ALREADY!! Included: Bishop´s and Earl´s Palace

See the historical and natural highlights of the Orkney Mainland all in one day, on this private tour from Kirkwall. Meet your guide at your preferred address, hop aboard your vehicle, and set off. You’ll admire the wild and rugged beauty of locations like Scapa Flow (a natural harbor) before encountering Neolithic cairns and villages, ancient stone circles, Bronze and Iron Age settlements, and other striking landmarks.

Orkney is home to some of the oldest and best-preserved Neolithic sites in Europe, but they are spread around the island. This cruise excursion from Kirkwall ensures you spend less time waiting for infrequent buses and more time exploring such landmarks as the Stones of Stenness, Ring of Brodgar, Broch of Gurness, the Italian Chapel, and St. Magnus Cathedral.

A private half-day tour reveals Orkney’s Historic heritage through the Ancient landscapes surrounding Kirkwall. Travel across a region where Archaeological treasures and Cultural traditions preserve one of Europe’s oldest civilizations. How did these remarkable islands shape thousands of years of human history? Discover Historic landmarks, Medieval sites, and Architectural monuments that reflect Norse influence and enduring island heritage. Your knowledgeable guide brings the region’s Classical legacy, cultural identity, and remarkable past to life through engaging historical insights. This premium experience combines breathtaking scenery with UNESCO Heritage sites, timeless architecture, and the enduring legacy of one of Scotland’s most extraordinary historic destinations. Please note: The program and attractions may vary based on booking date/time and crowd conditions, ensuring each visit is a unique experience.

These tours, which include sites like the Italian Chapel, Yesnaby Cliffs, Skara Brae, Ring of Brodgar, Standing Stones of Stenness, and the Unstan Burial Tomb are unique for several reasons. These sites collectively offer a blend of historical, archaeological, natural, and cultural significance. The Italian Chapel is a remarkable example of resilience and creativity. Built by Italian prisoners of war (War II). Yesnaby Cliffs are famous for their dramatic sea cliffs and rugged coastline. Skara Brae is one of the most complete and well-preserved prehistoric villages in Europe, dating back over 5,000 years. The Ring of Brodgar is a Neolithic stone circle and part of the UNESCO-listed Heart of Neolithic Orkney. The Standing Stones of Stenness are part of an ancient ritual complex and are among the oldest stone circles in Britain, dating back to around 3,000 BCE. The Unstan Burial Tomb is a Neolithic chambered cairn and one of several burial sites found on Orkney and the oldest of all.

Enjoy a private, exclusive tour with your own local guide. Embark on “Orkney Spirits” a tour blending Orkney’s ancient historical sites with its proud whiskey heritage. Start in the bustling town of Kirkwall, exploring its Viking past and magnificent cathedral. Journey through time at the Neolithic sites of Stenness and the Ring of Brodgar, then visit Skara Brae to connect with the island’s Stone Age inhabitants. Traverse the Churchill Barriers, poignant reminders of wartime resilience, and visit the Italian Chapel, a testament to human spirit and artistry. Conclude your tour with a visit to Scapa distillery, where traditional whiskey-making comes to life. This tour offers a unique blend of history and flavor. Please note: The availability and accessibility of attractions may vary based on time of day and crowd conditions, ensuring each visit is a unique experience. Additionally, if the Scapa Distillery is closed, we will make an effort to arrange a visit to another distillery.