Location: Kirkwall
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The 6 Best Historical & Heritage Tours in Kirkwall, Scotland
Kirkwall (Scottish Gaelic: Bàgh na h-Eaglaise) is the largest settlement and capital of Orkney, an archipelago in the north of Scotland, as well as the most populous island settlement in Scotland. The city is first mentioned in Orkneyinga saga in the year 1046 when it is recorded as the residence of Rögnvald Brusason the Earl of Orkney, who was killed by his uncle Thorfinn the Mighty. In 1486, King James III of Scotland elevated Kirkwall to the status of a royal burgh; modern roadsigns still indicate "The City and Royal Burgh of Kirkwall".
Restaurants in Kirkwall
1. Orkney Trike Tours of Orkney
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
Welcome to Orkney Trike Tours it's not where you end up on Orkney, but the journey there that is just as important. Orkney Trike Tours offers you an exclusive, exciting, unique and a fun way of exploring the beautiful islands of Orkney. Don’t be just a tourist in a car or a coach, stand out from the crowd and arrive in style. We promise a bit more than just a tour - we give you the “journey” across Orkney. Most but not all, of our tours usually last from 1/2 day to a full day. Tours are can be themed such as Neolithic Orkney, Spirits of Orkney, Orkney wildlife, Orkney at War or a tour tailored to your personal interests. Not sure what there is to see then take a scenic tours showing the wonderful variety of attractions that Orkney has to offer.
Inclusions: Scenic Trke Tours, Neolithic trike tours, Viking Orkney Trike Tours, Orkney at War Trike Tours, Hoy Trike Tours, Evening Trike tours, Splirits of Orkney Trike Tours
Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), Food and drinks, unless specified, Gratuities
Reviewed By briantc
What an amazng trip this is.... we spent nearly 3 hrs with John on his trike..... it was FUN, EXCITING and extermly knowlegable.... He was able to take us off the beaten track and showed us everything Orkney had to offer. John is such a lovely gent and adjusted the trip to suit exactly what we wanted to see.... If you do nothing else while on orkney - You must do this.....
2. 3-Day Orkney Explorer Small-Group Tour from Inverness
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 16 reviews
The archipelago of Orkney hides many treasures: and on our new three-day tour, your experienced driver-guide will ensure you find the best of them. You’ll unearth some of the most well-preserved prehistoric sites in Europe, examine a beautiful red sandstone coast, and discover the vibrant culture of remote island communities. All from the comfort of a luxury, 16 seat mini-coach. It’s an experience you’ll treasure for a lifetime.
Inclusions: Driver/guide, Transport by air-conditioned mini-coach, 2 nights overnight accommodation with private facilities in either a B&B or 3-star hotel
Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, Gratuities, Hotel pickup and drop-off
Reviewed By hiran10
Thank you Helen for making the tour so amazing! All stories narrated were fun and meaningful! That coupled with the beautiful views and scenery makes the tour very memorable! Highly recommend this tour to everyone who visits Scotland! And big shout out to Rabbie's and Helen to make this possible and delightful!
3. Orkney Day trip from Inverness
This tour is long, yes but it is one of the very few tours that will give you more than you want from an Orkney day tour!
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, services of a professional driver/guide, fuel, insurance
Exclusions:
Reviewed By 4SIGHT
Enjoyed an hour at Speyside. Knowledgable guide with a reasonable tasting ... wasn't my favorite whiskey but a nice experience.
4. Small Group Orkney - 7 Hour Tour - 9am Departure
Led by a local experienced, STGA accredited guide this seven hour tour offers an exceptional overview of Orkney’s natural and historic heritage, its places, its people and its ambitions for the future. We visit the Italian Chapel, the Jewel of Camp 60 built by the Italian POWs during World War II. We then begin to travel to the West side of Orkney there we visit three of the component parts of the ‘Heart of Neolithic Orkney’ UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy extended tours at the Standing Stones of Stenness, Ring of Brodgar and (later in the day) the 5000 year old village of Skara Brae. There is a short stop in Orkney’s beautiful energetic second town of Stromness where we take a break by the small, busy harbour. Heading north up the West coast of Orkney our route takes us to the magnificent, towering cliffs at Yesnaby - hewn out on Orkney’s wild Atlantic coast. From there it’s on to Skara Brae for a tour of both Skara Brae and Skaill House (optional), followed by some free time.
Inclusions: All Entrances, STGA Registered Guide
Exclusions: Lunch
Reviewed By Stay255492
Well organized tour around the mainland of Orkney. Michael gives me a lot informations about the historic sites and the wildlife in Orkney.
5. Kirkwall Private Walking Tour
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
Inclusions: St. Magnus Cathedral Ticket, Bishop´s and Earl´s Palace Ticket, Private Tour, Professional Local Guide
Exclusions: Gratuities
6. From Kirkwall - Orkney Mainland Private Tour
Get ready for an incredible tour around Orkney!! Orkney is unique because of its Neolithic monuments. The group of monuments constitutes a major prehistoric cultural landscape which depicts life in this remote archipelago 5000 years ago. We will drive through agricultural land to the shores of Scapa flow, a natural harbour located off the coast of Scotland Then we will stop at Cuween Hill Chambered Cairn (to reach this attraction you need to walk for about 20 minutes). A quick visit to The Stones of Stennes Ring of Brodgar is our next attraction to visit Skara Brae is one of the best-preserved stone-built Neolithic settlements. It is one of the most fascinating prehistoric villages We will also stop at Skaill House. Our last stop is an icon of Orkney’s rich archaeological heritage: Broch of Gurness (big coaches cannot reach this attraction so it will be replaced by Yesnaby). PLEASE NOTE: WALKING INVOLVED MISSING YOU ALREADY!!
Inclusions: Skara Brae and Skaill House Ticket included, Broch of Gurness Ticket Included, Private Tour, Professional Local Guide, Port or Hotel pick up and drop off
Exclusions: Gratuities
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