Highlights
My tours, including sites like the Skara Brae, Italian Chapel, Scapa Flow, Broch of Gurness, Brough of Birsay, Marwick Head, Yesnaby Cliffs, Ring of Brodgar, Standing Stones of Stenness, and many more are unique for several reasons: Skara Brae is Europe's best-preserved prehistoric village, dating back over 5,000 years. Italian Chapel was built by Italian POWs during World War II, making it a symbol of hope and resilience. Maeshowe is a Neolithic chambered cairn, known for its winter solstice alignment and its Viking graffiti. Ring of Brodgar and Standing Stones of Stenness are both part of a UNESCO World Heritage site known as the Heart of Neolithic Orkney. Yesnaby Cliffs and Marwick Head are known for their dramatic sea cliffs, offering breath taking coastal views. Overall, these tours are unique because they offer a fascinating blend of ancient history, dramatic natural beauty, and wartime significance, all while experiencing Orkney’s exceptional landscape and wildlife.
About This Deal
Departure Point
- Go the back of the information centre which is also the bus station and look for bus station stand 5
Return Details
- Go the back of the information centre which is also the bus station and look for bus station stand 5
Duration
6 hours - 8 hours
Languages Available
- Audio guide - English
- Human tour guide - English
Points of Interest
Stop At: Skara Brae
Stromness
Over 5000 years old Neolithic Village. It is one of the best-preserved Neolithic sites in Europe and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dating back to around 3100 BCE, Skara Brae provides a remarkable glimpse into the daily life of early humans during the Neolithic period, long before the construction of the Egyptian pyramids or Stonehenge. The site is often compared to a prehistoric version of a modern suburb, highlighting its significance in understanding human history and settlement patterns during the Stone Age.
Duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Stop At: Yesnaby Cliffs
Yesnaby Rd, Stromness
Geology of Orkney Dated back to about 380-400 millions years old. These dramatic cliffs offer some of the most breath taking coastal views in the Orkney archipelago. The area is renowned for its geological features, including impressive rock formations and sea stacks that have been shaped by centuries of erosion. The cliffs are composed mainly of sandstone and are home to a variety of seabird species, making it a popular spot for birdwatching. Puffins, guillemots, and kittiwakes are often seen nesting along the cliffs in the summer months. The site offers a sense of wilderness and isolation, making it a must-see for visitors to Orkney who appreciate natural beauty and dramatic landscapes.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Brough Of Birsay
Birsay
The Brough of Birsay has been inhabited for thousands of years, with evidence of both Pictish and Norse settlements. It was once a thriving centre of power for the Norse in Orkney, particularly during the Viking Age (around 8th to 12th centuries). The site features remains of a Norse settlement, including longhouses, a church, and other structures. Excavations have revealed artefacts such as pottery, tools, and items used in daily life, providing insight into Norse culture and religion. One of the most notable features on the island is the remains of a Norse cathedral-like church. It was likely built around the 11th century, and parts of the structure are still visible, showcasing the importance of Christianity in the area. The island is also known for its rich wildlife, including seabirds and seals, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and birdwatchers. The surrounding waters are home to various marine species.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Broch of Gurness
Evie
The Broch of Gurness is a well-preserved Iron Age site located on the northern coast of the Orkney Islands, Scotland. It is a "broch", a type of ancient stone structure unique to Scotland, built around 2,000 years ago (approximately 500 BCE to 200 CE). The Broch of Gurness is one of the best examples of a broch in Orkney and offers a fascinating insight into prehistoric life in the region. he Broch of Gurness is thought to have been built during the Iron Age as part of a larger cultural and economic network in Orkney. It reflects the wealth and importance of the Orkney Islands during this period, which had active trade with the mainland of Scotland, Scandinavia, and beyond. Today, the Broch of Gurness is a popular archaeological site and a remarkable example of prehistoric architecture, offering visitors a glimpse into life in Iron Age Orkney.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Unstan Chambered Cairn
Unstan Tomb is a chambered cairn, a type of tomb constructed from large stones and covered with a mound of earth. Unstan Tomb is a prehistoric burial site located on the Orkney Islands, Scotland, and is part of the rich archaeological landscape that makes up the Heart of Neolithic Orkney UNESCO World Heritage Site. The tomb is located on the island of Stenness and dates to around 2500 BCE, during the late Neolithic period.
Duration: 25 minutes
Stop At: Ring of Brodgar
Brodgar B9055, Stromness
4600 years Stone henge. it is one of the most impressive and significant archaeological sites in Europe, dating back to the late Neolithic period, around 2500 BCE to 2000 BCE. This ancient monument is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the Heart of Neolithic Orkney.
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Standing Stones of Stenness
, , Stenness
This site is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, which also includes other ancient sites such as Skara Brae, the Ring of Brodgar, and Maeshowe. The Standing Stones of Stenness date back to around 3000 BCE, making them older than Stonehenge in England.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: The Italian Chapel
Lamb Holm, , St. Mary's
Miracle of camp 60, built by Italian prisoners of war. The Italian Chapel is not only a piece of art but also a symbol of hope and resilience. During the war, the chapel provided the Italian POWs with a place of solace and spiritual refuge. Despite the harsh conditions of captivity, they poured their heart and soul into building the chapel
Duration: 15 minutes
Additional Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Booster seats can be provided
- Maeshowe, Bishop and Earls Palaces, Fee of £51.500 will be added on to the basic price
- Italian Chapel Entry Fee
- Guide/Driver
- Knee pads into the Chambered Tombs
- Skara Brae Entry Fee
Traveler Pickup Information
Behind kirkwall information centre, bus station stand 5, Look out for a White, Black and orange minivan with inscription of Experience Orkney on it.
Voucher Info
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
The tour identified in this promotion is made available through Viator. Groupon is not affiliated with or sponsored by the Experience Orkney in connection with this deal. Please contact Groupon customer service for all inquiries related to this offer. Inquiries placed to Viator will be directed back to Groupon.
This offer is not eligible for promo codes.
Fine Print
14-day cancellation rights do not apply; no refunds or exchanges permitted. Voucher valid only for date and time listed; may not be exchanged or redeemed for other dates. Purchaser name and phone number must be provided at checkout; this information will be shared with Viator and the tour operator for purposes of order fulfillment. Groupon promo codes may not be used for this offer. Groupon voucher Terms of Sale do not apply. See the tour operator's terms and conditions for this offer here.
Offer is not eligible for our promo codes or other discounts.