Kerkwall, Scotland

St Magnus Cathedral

One of the main attractions in the pearl of the Orkney Islands is St Magnus Cathedral, the northernmost cathedral in the UK. The building, which dates back to the 12th century, is considered an example of Romanesque architecture. In the construction of the cathedral, ancient builders used red sandstone quarried on the Mainland island and yellow stone from Eday. The multicolored stones laid in a checkerboard pattern give the structure a special beauty. There are no similar buildings anywhere else in Great Britain. It’s worth noting not only the church’s outward beauty, but also its unique feature. It was the only church in Britain whose undercroft included a prison for those who had offended against the church. A gentle, smooth descent led into the cathedral’s undercroft. Once the prisoners slid down it, they had no hope of rising back up.

The Earl’s Palace

The building was constructed in 1606 by Patrick Stewart, the grandson of King James V. Patrick became the Earl of Orkney and Shetland in 1600 and decided to build a magnificent palace for himself. And in 1608 Bishop James Low took the palace for himself, using his influence and connections. A couple of years later the earl was executed for treason against the crown, and the palace remained an episcopal one. Once, it was incredibly large and striking in its power. Inside the palace walls there was even its own brewery.

Skara Brae

Skara Brae is the best-preserved European Neolithic settlement. It consists of 8 houses that were inhabited during the period approximately 3100-2500 BC. According to archaeologists, at one time these structures made of silty sandstone were covered with wooden roofs. Around the houses, earthen mounds were built, serving as natural protection and support for the homes. At the same time, the houses were constructed on pre-existing heaps of refuse, which provided the homes with some stability and served as insulation against the harsh Orkney climate. The settlement had a complex sewage system, and each dwelling even had something like a toilet. In one of the houses, the historical setting has been recreated exceptionally well.

Ring of Brodgar

Ring (Brogar Ring) - a Neolithic Age stone circle, the third largest on the British Isles. It is located on a narrow isthmus between Loch of Stenness and Loch of Harray, sometimes called the “Bridge of Brogar.” The monument is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The Brogar Ring was likely built between 2500 and 2000 BC, but the exact age of this large-scale megalithic structure is unknown. In the past, 60 megaliths stood within the ring’s site, which had a diameter of 104 m. Only 27 have survived to this day. According to a collection of legends, this megalithic monument was called the Temple of the Sun. It was where the male (second) part of a three-stage marriage-joining ritual took place.

Orkney Islands Museum

This museum is dedicated to the history of the Orkney Islands, located off the northern coast of Scotland. A journey through time that begins in the Stone Age, moves through the eras of the Picts and Vikings, and ends in our own days. The museum features a wide collection of photographs and interactive exhibits that will captivate the youngest visitors as well.

Highland Park distillery

Highland Park - the brand of one of the well-known Scottish single malt whiskies, produced at the eponymous distillery. The distillery itself was built in 1798. The Highland Park whisky production process has a number of distinctive features. One fifth of all barley used in the production of Highland Park is malted and dried on its own, while the imported one is subject to a condition - the malt must not be peated with peat. To do this, Highland Park use only local peat, collected on shores covered with heather. Highland Park is one of the distilleries where part of the malt is dried in an ancient way. Today, tours are held here regularly, during which you can see the entire whisky-making process, taste it, and purchase it.

Stromness

Stromness is the second largest and popular town among tourists on the mainland. Until the mid-18th century, Stromness had only 13 houses and became a small town in 1670, when Hudson’s Bay opened a port here, from which ships set off for Canada. Today, Stromness is a small street stretching along the shore, from which into the interior small, typically Scottish lanes branch off, lined with the same cozy Scottish houses that you can admire endlessly.

Island sightseeing tour

During an excursion to the island of Mainland, where Kirkwall is located, you will see not only beautiful landscapes, but also amazing historical sights: the Ring of Brodgar and the settlement of Skara Brae. Skara Brae is the most well-preserved European Neolithic settlement. It consists of 8 houses, arranged in blocks, that were inhabited during the period roughly 3100-2500 BC. In one of the houses, the historical setting has been wonderfully recreated. Near the settlement there is Skaill House, whose owner began the first excavations of the settlement in 1850. The Ring of Brodgar is a Neolithic stone circle, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

You can find a more detailed list of excursions and their prices after booking your cruise in your “Client Personal Account”.