Kirkwall (Orkney Is.), Ujedinjeno Kraljevstvo

Enjoying the fresh sea air, we’ll then head west along Bloomfield Road and admire the splendid views over Orkney’s countryside. Wideford Hill is visible in the distance. There’s an optional stop at a local artisan jeweller before cycling onwards through the drystone walled fields. Following the main road back into Kirkwall, we’ll arrive at the bike path and follow it along the harbour and through town.

This cycling tour from Kirkwall takes you to Scapa Beach and through the lovely Orcadian countryside.

Our guide meets us off the ship and we take the shuttle bus to the centre of Kirkwall where, after a short walk, we are fitted for our bikes before setting out on our countryside adventure. We depart the bike shop and head south, passing through the outskirts of Kirkwall town. After a short ride while we’ll begin to enjoy the pastoral Orcadian landscape as we head to the Scapa Flow. We stop at Scapa Beach to enjoy the delightful setting and visit the Royal Oak Memorial Garden, built to honour the men who perished when HMS Royal Oak was torpedoed in by a German submarine in 1939.

Enjoying the fresh sea air, we’ll then head west along Bloomfield Road and admire the splendid views over Orkney’s countryside. Wideford Hill is visible in the distance. There’s an optional stop at a local artisan jeweller before cycling onwards through the drystone walled fields. Following the main road back into Kirkwall, we’ll arrive at the bike path and follow it along the harbour and through town.

• Good level of fitness required or should be regular cyclist
• Distance: 9 mi. / 2 hr ride
• Elevation: Ascend to max 322 ft. / Descend 322 ft.
• This tour will only be cancelled in case of extreme weather conditions
• Guide will meet at port. The guide is also a mechanic.
• Back-up vehicle available.
• Min age is 14 yrs old
• Helmets supplied.
• Bike sizes available: S, XS, M, L, XL

Discovering the traces left by ancient prehistoric civilisations amidst the evocative landscapes on the Orkney Islands, which reveal their Neolithic heart with important prehistoric remains.

• North Sea Coast
• Heart of Neolithic Orkney
• Ring of Brodgar
• Standing Stones of Stennes (from the bus)
• Maeshowe

• We leave the port for a panoramic coach trip along the North Sea coast to the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, nominated as a Unesco World Heritage site in 1999, that includes a series of Neolithic monuments found in this area.
• Our first visit is to the Ring of Brodgar, the third largest monolithic stone circle in the British Isles. Probably an important burial place and religious site, archaeological studies suggest that it was built before the more famous circle of Stonehenge. Only 27 stones remain today of what is thought to have been a perfect circle of more than 60 stones that are over 4,500 years old.
• A few miles away, we pass by the Standing Stones of Stennes. Dating back more than 5,000 years, this archaeological treasure is one of the oldest stone circles in Great Britain.
• It is time to make our way to Maeshowe, a Neolithic chambered tomb covered by a carpet of grass. At more than 5,000 years old, it is considered one of the finest prehistoric works of architecture. Inside is the fascinating runic graffiti, left in the 12th century by the Viking warriors who used it as a shelter. With 30 inscriptions, Maeshowe boasts the largest collection in Europe.
• At the end of our visit we return to the ship.

• Space is limited, so please reserve early.
• Photography is not permitted inside Maeshowe. 
• Entrance passage to Maeshowe is 0.91 m high and 11 m long, requiring visitors to stoop or crawl into the central chamber. Once inside, they can stand at full height. Visit not appropriate for guests who are uneasy in small spaces. 

Marwick Head & Orkney Brewery is a kind of experience that combines spectacular cliff-top views, the sound of the wind and outstanding artisan beer The excursion starts off with neolithic stones and bird colonies that seem to have come straight from a BBC documentary, to reach a cliff-top that will amaze, and finish in a brewery where the foam on the beer has practically the same importance as UNESCO sites. A tour ranging from geological wonders to tasty treats, without batting an eyelid.

• Standing Stones of Stenness: ancient, imposing and with more history than any manual
• Ring of Brodgar: a UNESCO site that looks like a set from a fantasy film
• Marwick Head: puffins, guillemots and cliffs compete with the wind
• Visit to the Orkney Brewery and tasting of craft beers
• Possible sighting of the very rare pintail on the return journey

The tour starts from Kirkwall, impressive from the outset: the Standing Stones of Stenness await, with their five-thousand-year-old history and natural setting. A little further on, the Ring of Brodgar completes the picture a ceremonial ring, 4,500 years' old, which needs no presentation.

The western coast beckons Marwick Head. The wind is the protagonist here, and the sky teems with puffins, guillemots and razor bills, like an airport that is crowded yet far more fun. An easy stroll will take you to a panoramic point with one of the most attractive views of the Orkneys, with the island of Hoy on the horizon.

After so much nature, it's time for the 'tastier' part: the Orkney Brewery. With its fermenters and tales from the master beer makers, you'll discover the essence and stories of this place before enjoying some much-deserved beer tasting.

On the way back, past Loons and the Loch of Banks, you may even sight a pintail duck - the day's 'ornithological' cherry on the cake.

You'll return to the ship with the feeling that you experienced history, nature and tradition... all on the same tour.
Simple, spectacular, irresistible

• This tour is not recommended for guests with mobility problems.
• Guests are recommend to wear suitable shoes for walking on unpaved surfaces and a waterproof jacket for the walk on the cliffs.
• Minimum age for alcohol consumption: 18 years.
• Sightings of animals in their natural habitat cannot be guaranteed.

This excursion leads us to an interesting exploration of the habitats found on the islands, which are home to some spectacular wild life.

• Standing Stones of Stenness
• RSPB Brodgar Reserve
• Loch of Stenness
• Loch of Harray
• Marwick Head Nature Reserve
• Ring of Brodgar
• Seabird City
• Large variety of birds and birds of prey
• Loons and Loch of Banks

• Departing Kirkwall,  we head west towards the RSPB Brodgar Reserve, parking at the Standing Stones of Stenness situated between the Lochs of Stenness and Harray, both Sites of Special Scientific Interest.
• Loch of Stenness with its Brackish water is often a place to watch seals and otters near the Brodgar Bridge, whilst the Loch of Harray, being the largest Loch of Mainland Orkney, has three species of nationally scarce pondweed, a very rare caddis fly and you might even spot the Theodoxus fluviatilis, the only known site in Scotland, for this small snail, which would commonly be found in English rivers.  This location is a beautiful place to spot various wildfowl and waders; you will find curlews, drumming snipe, lapwings and oystercatchers here.
• On our drive to Marwick Head  we will pass by the 4,500 year old ceremonial Ring of Brodgar, the third largest monolithic stone circle in the British Isles. Probably an important burial place and religious site, archaeological studies suggest that it was built before the more famous circle of Stonehenge. Only 27 stones remain today of what is thought to have been a perfect circle of more than 60 stones that are over 4,500 years old, look out for short-eared owls and hen harriers which are so often spotted in this beautiful wilderness.
  Continuing to the west coast, we arrive at Marwick Head’s RSPB nature reserve.  Following a 1 kilometre walk to a cliff-top observation point, we arrive at “Seabird City”.  From here we can admire the Atlantic Ocean and hear the deafening noise of the guillemots, seagulls, petrels, razorbills, and colonies of puffins on the 60 metre-high cliff top.
• Finally, we return to our ship in Kirkwall, passing by the Loons and Loch of Banks,a wide expanse of marsh with areas of water and plentiful cover for breeding visiting wildfowl, one of only a few places where you may spot the rare Pintail.

• To reach the cliff top there will be a 1 km walk over grassy terrain.
• Due to the distance, the path and safety conditions, the excursion is not recommended for families with young children.

This tour is the perfect choice for anyone who loves to walk, stepping back in time and discovering the legends of an ancient city; plus, we get the chance to visit some of the most fascinating architectural sites in the Orkney Islands.

• Kirkwall old town
• St. Magnus Cathedral
• The Bishop's Palace and Moosie Toor
• Earl's Palace
• Tankerness House gardens and Orkney Museum

• A small boat will take us to Kirkwall where we will begin our walk through the old part of the city, the Viking capital of the Orkney Islands.
• Our first stop will be the wonderful St. Magnus Cathedral, which dates back to the 12th century and is built from red sandstone blocks. See why the "Light in the north" is considered one of the most beautiful medieval buildings in the north of Scotland.
• Walking between the houses, we will feel like we have stepped back in time whilst the sound of ancient tales still echoes around the walls.
• Our walk will continue through the heart of Kirkwall where we will come across the ruins of the Bishop's Palace, founded in the mid-12th century and later restored. The top of Moosie Toor, the biggest circular tower in the north-west of the palace, enjoys wonderful views of the city.
• A short distance away, we will admire the Earl's Palace, once home to the Orkney Islands' aristocracy. Considered the tallest example of French Renaissance in Scotland with its splendid architecture, it bore witness to many dark episodes during the tyrannical reign of the Stewart dynasty.
• At the end of our excursion we can visit Tankerness House gardens, now home to the Orkney Museum, which reveals the history of the Orkney Islands from the Stone Age to the modern day. We will have some free time here to explore the museum or stroll around before getting back on board the ship.

• Comfortable shoes are recommended.
• We recommend that you book early because only a limited number of places are available.
• This excursion is not recommended for guests with mobility problems.

This panoramic tour will take us to explore the western region of the island of Mainland - from the marvels of the Neolithic past to the charming town of Stromness down to the remains of the First and Second World Wars. Discover an island with a wealth of breathtaking views, interesting stories and treasures from the past.

• Scenic coastal road
• Views on the islands of Rousay and Eynhallow
• Birsay Bay and Brough of Birsay
• Stromness
• Ring of Brodgar and Standing Stones of Stennes
• Scapa Flow bay

• We set off from Kirkwall and drive along the scenic coastal road taking us to the north of the island of Mainland.
• On our way there, we can admire picture postcard views stretching as far as the nearby island of Rousay and including the spectacular rapids generated by tidal waters on both sides of the mysterious island of Eynhallow, where the North Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean.
• Upon reaching the northern tip of the island, we head West towards Birsay Bay, from where we can glimpse the sandy dunes of Marwick Head, a natural reserve populated by numerous species of sea birds.
• The Brough of Birsay is located just off the bay. It is a tidal island close to the north-western tip of Mainland with the outline of the white lighthouse built in 1925 standing out in the distance. * Keep your eyes peeled while we pass by, as seals are often spotted nearby.
• We proceed towards Stromness, the second largest city in the Orkney Islands overlooking the bay of Hoy Sound, the main naval base of the British Navy during the First and Second World Wars. We stop for some photos and free time in the charming harbour and continue on our tour.
• We cross the countryside headed towards the so-called Heart of Neolithic Orkney, i.e. a group of monuments dating back to the Stone Age declared a Unesco World Heritage Site.
• We visit the Ring of Brodgar, the third largest monolithic ring complex of the British Isles which was probably built even before the more famous Stonehenge.
• We then continue on our tour and will spot the Standing Stones of Stennes from our windows. Dating back more than 5,000 years, this archaeological treasure is one of the oldest stone circles in Great Britain.
• Finally, we ride along the historic bay of Scapa Flow while our tour guide tells us the dramatic war stories which make this natural port one of the most well-known in the world. * We return to our ship moored in Kirkwall.

• We recommend that you book early because only a limited number of places are available.
• This excursion is conducted in English.

Our panoramic tour will take us to discover the natural wonders of the Orkney Islands. From views of rugged cliff tops to ancient stone circles rising out of the peaceful countryside, these incredible treasures of the island are unforgettable.

• Mainland
• Bay of Skail
• Hole o' Rowe
• Heart of Neolithic Orkney
• Ring of Brodgar
• Standing stones of Stennes

• Departing from Kirkwall Harbour, we enjoy the beautiful countryside in the western part of the Mainland, the largest island in the Orkney archipelago, until we reach the Bay of Skail for dramatic views of the rugged coastline and the pounding, rolling waves of the Atlantic Ocean. View the Hole o’Rowe -a natural worn hole in the headland that the sea explodes through on a wild and windy day.
• We move on towards the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, a Unesco World Heritage site since 1999 that includes a series of Neolithic monuments found in this area.
• Our next visit is to one of these monuments, the Ring of Brodgar, the third largest monolithic stone circle in the British Isles. Close by is probably an important burial place and religious site, archaeological studies suggest that the stones were built before the more famous circle of Stonehenge. Only 27 stones remain today of what is thought to have been a perfect circle of more than 60 stones that are over 4,500 years old.
• At the end of the tour, our coach takes us back to the ship. During the journey, we are able to admire the imposing site of the Standing stones of Stennes, one of the oldest stone circles in Great Britain, dating back 5,000 years.

• Space is limited, so please reserve early.

This panoramic tour will enable you to explore the Orkneys with ease, from the relics of the First and Second World Wars on the South Isles, to the stunning West Mainland, a World Heritage Site. You will discover an island with a wealth of breathtaking views, interesting stories and treasures from the past.

• East Mainland
• Scapa Bay
• Churchill Barriers
• Lamb Holm Island
• West Mainland
• Heart of Neolithic Orkney
• Standing Stones of Stennes
• Scapa Flow

• From Kirkwall harbour, we travel through the beautiful countryside of the East Mainland of Orkney and along the south-eastern coast of historic Scapa Flow, the main naval base of the British Navy during the First and Second World Wars.
• Then we cross the first of the four Churchill Barriers, causeways constructed during the Second World War to protect the eastern access to Scapa Flow and to connect the South Orkney Islands to the Mainland.
• This takes us to Lamb Holm Island, where we visit the hand-painted Italian Chapel. Built by Italian prisoners during the Second World War, the Chapel has been preserved as a symbol of hope and peace in times of conflict and a symbol of the lasting friendship between the Orkney Islands and the Italian soldiers.
• We move on towards West Mainland and the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, a Unesco World Heritage site since 1999 that includes a series of Neolithic monuments found in this area.
• We will pass by the site of the Standing Stones of Stennes. Dating back more than 5,000 years, this archaeological treasure is one of the oldest stone circles in Great Britain.
• Finally, we board our coach to continue along the north-west coast of the historic Scapa Flow. We can take photos of the impressive landscapes, while our tour guide tells us the dramatic war stories which make this natural port one of the most well-known in the world.
• We return to our ship moored in Kirkwall.

• Due to the recent deterioration of the coach parking of Stenness, the photo stop at the Standing Stones will be substituted with a slow drive past of the stones and a stop in Stromness which is a pleasant Harbour town.
  

During our panoramic tour, we will explore the West Mainland of the Orkney Islands, the location of one of the largest concentrations of prehistoric sites in Great Britain and a World Heritage site.

• Skara Brae
• Heart of Neolithic Orkney
• Visitor Centre
• Skaill House

• We leave Kirkwall harbour and head forSkara Brae, one of the most fascinating and best preserved Neolithic villages in Northern Europe. It is part of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, a site selected by Unesco as a World Heritage Site in 1999. Situated next to the half-moon, sandy Bay of Skaill, this Neolithic settlement was completely covered by sand for thousands of years, until it suddenly came to light during a violent storm in 1850. Looking at the village, you have clear idea of its structure centuries ago and if we look closely at the houses, we have a unique vision of how our ancestors lived.
• Next to the archaeological site lies a very interesting Visitor Centre, which houses the artefacts found during the excavations: work tools, beads, pottery, and objects made of whalebone, dating back to a period of approximately 600 years of occupation, based on a maritime economy.
• Only a few steps away stands the most beautiful manor house in the Orkney Islands, Skaill House, built in 1620 by a powerful bishop. Today, it is one of Orkney's major attractions, housing numerous interesting artefacts.
• We return inland, across fertile, agricultural land and hills, and pass in front of the Ring of Brodgar, the third largest monolithic stone circle in the British Isles.
• We will pass by the Standing Stones of Stennes. Dating back more than 5,000 years, this archaeological treasure is one of the oldest stone circles in Great Britain.
• At the end of our excursion, we make our way back to our ship, moored at the Port of Kirkwall.

• From the coach to Skara Brae village and from Skaill House to the coach park is an easy walk of approximately 800 metres, but it can be exposed in bad weather.
• Due to the recent deterioration of the coach parking of Stenness, the photo stop at the Standing Stones will be subtsituted with a slow drive past of the stones