Standing Stones of Stenness

Architecture

Participate in a semi-private tour (maximum of 8 guests) that takes you to some of the most fabulous spots on the West Mainland of Orkney. Start your tour at the Kirkwall Travel Centre in the centre of Kirkwall and take a scenic drive looking at the magnificent Scapa Flow, which was the main British naval base during both World Wars. Your guide will tell you about some of the major events that happened in the waters of Scapa Flow. Then stop by the Unstan Tomb, a 5,300-year-old burial chamber situated on the edge of Stenness Loch. Next, grab the opportunity to take some photos at the wild Cliffs of Yesnaby, some of the most stunning coastal scenery on the Orkney Islands. Feel the fresh air on your cheeks and capture some memories. Take a guided tour of Skara Brae, discovered in 1850. Learn more about what is considered the best-preserved Neolithic Village in Northern Europe. Your guide will tell you all about this magnificent 5000-year-old village. After the guided tour, enjoy some free time and have a look at the 400-year-old Skaill House or take a look around the Skara Brae visitor centre before heading to the Ring of Brodgar. A spectacular henge monument dating back 4500 years, this stone circle has been an iconic part of the Orkney landscape for thousands of years. Finally, stop at the Standing Stones of Stenness, which is believed to be the oldest stone circle in the UK. Experience the history and mystery of this site. Finish your tour at the Kirkwall Travel Centre, or get dropped off at the cruise port if required.

Day 1: From here, you drive along the northeast Highland coastline, travelling into some of Scotland's most dramatic scenery. Onwards through Scotland's most northerly mainland village, John o' Groats, and then to Gills Bay, where you board the ferry, and cross the Pentland Firth into the Orkney Archipelago. It’s a short drive to the famous Italian Chapel where you stop for a visit before continuing to the Viking stronghold of Kirkwall, capital of Orkney. Here you can visit Kirkwall's magnificent Viking Cathedral and enjoy its historic winding streets in the evening. Day 2: Today is your chance to explore the modern and ancient wonders of this fantastic island; a land of contrasts, where fertile green pastures are fringed by shores of golden sands washed by waters of the North Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. You visit the 5,000-year-old village of Skara Brae, the mystical prehistoric stone circle at Brodgar and the Druidic standing stones of Stenness. Then you explore the cairn of Maeshowe, where in the 12th century the Vikings left one of the largest collections of Norse runic inscriptions. Then it’s back to Kirkwall for your second night after what is sure to be a memorable day. Day 3: You'll have your last chance to grab some gifts for friends and family, and visit the local cathedral in Kirkwall. And after a ferry back to the mainland, you travel through the history-soaked regions of Caithness and Sutherland. You’ll find out about the Highland clearances, a world-changing period in Scotland’s dark history, and get a glimpse of some of Scotland’s most remote fishing villages. We arrive back in Inverness early evening.

I will pick up to 4 people up from either a central location In Kirkwall or at a place of your choosing within a 10km radius of Orkneys capital. We will then pass by or stop at many sites around Orkney, the duration and number of sites is totally up to You! I run my base tour at 4 hours but I would be more than happy to extend this on the day at an additional cost. I do not offer site guiding but I will provide local knowledge from a lifetime of experience and information on Orkney history for the duration of the tour. Below is an example itinerary of My standard 4 hour tour leaving at 0900 hrs (Assumed start time unless informed otherwise) 0900 - Leave pickup location and pass by The Iconic St Magnus Cathedral and the Bishops Palace 0910 - Drive past the HMS Royal Oak memorial and Scapa Flow 0920 - Drive over Scorradale road for a fantastic photo opportunity 0930 - Arrive at Unstan Tomb with time to explore the site (20 mins) 1000 - Arrive at the cliffs of Yesnaby for another photo opportunity (20 mins) 1030 - Arrive at Scara Brae prehistoric village and Skaill House with variable time to explore at your leisure (60 minutes). There is a cafe on site and toilets. 1140 - Arrive at the ring of brodgar for a chance to explore one of the great monuments on foot (20 mins) 1200 - Pass by the Standing stones of Stenness and the iconic Maes Howe 1230 - Arrive at the Italian Chapel via the Churchill barriers for a chance to explore and get more photos (20 mins) 1300 - Tour end I do not enforce strict timings or set routes on my tours to allow visitors the time and freedom to explore sights at their own pace but I will always be around to assist in the event of an issue. Please ensure at the time of booking there is a pickup location and start time filled in or alternatively contact me to let me know what cruise ship/flight you are booked on and an estimated tour start time. If any further information is required please contact Me on Whatsapp or via email on calum@historicorkney.com. I am having difficulty replying to customers who contact me through the getyourguide message platform (updated 17/02/24)

Day 1 We begin our journey north, passing through the stunning scenery of the Black Isle on our way to Orkney. There will be a short stop in Golspie where you will have the opportunity to buy some lunch to have on the ferry. After this, we will have a short stop at the Helmsdale Clearance to take photos of the Emigrants Statue. We continue to Gills Bay to catch the ferry to Orkney before arriving at St Margaret's Hope shortly after. We head to our first landmark on the islands, the Italian Chapel, here you can choose to enter for a small fee, or simply enjoy it as a photo stop. From there, and before your arrival at Kirkwall, we could enjoy a couple of different activities depending on weather and time available. We could head onwards to Inganess Beach, marked by the wreck of the Juniata, a World War 2 blockship, or visit St Magnus Cathedral and have a short tour of Kirkwall. There could also be the opportunity for a visit to Scapa Distillery for a tour and tasting*. After this, we will arrive in Kirkwall where you will check in to your accommodation for the evening. Kirkwall is the capital of Orkney where you will stay for both nights of our tour. Orkney has a fascinating Viking history which you will learn about from your Driver-Guide throughout the tour! Day 2 After an island breakfast, we will depart Kirkwall and head to the Cuween Hill Chambered Cairn, a Neolithic tomb that gives us a glimpse into the lives of some of Scotland's earliest agricultural communities. From there, we continue on to Skara Brae, Europe's best-preserved Neolithic village. After this, we head to the seaside town of Stromness for a lunch stop, where you can enjoy views over the marina, before we begin our journey to the Stones of Stenness, four standing stones that are potentially some of the oldest in the country. They, along with Skara Brae, are part of the "Heart of Neolithic Orkney" and have World Heritage Site status. We get an insightful glimpse at Orkney's military history at our next stop, the HMS Tern, an airfield set up by the Royal Navy during WWII. After this, we journey towards the Broch of Gurness, an amazingly preserved "broch" village from the Iron Age. We then return to Kirkwall for your second night stay. Day 3 We get ready to leave Kirkwall and head back to St Margaret's Hope for the short crossing to Gills Bay. We head to John O'Groats for lunch, the most northerly point on mainland Britain. A range of wildlife can usually be seen here such as Atlantic puffins, seals, a variety of birds and possibly even an orca! Take photos of the iconic sign post and the colourful buildings before we continue to Castle Sinclair Girnigoe dramatically situated on a cliff's edge. Should the weather not be on our side, we will instead continue onwards to Wick. After this, we will start our homeward journey back to Inverness, with comfort stops at Dunbeath Harbour and Golspie on the way.

The 5-day tour from Edinburgh takes you on a discovery of the Scottish Highlands and the Orkney Islands. Heading north from Scotland’s capital city, you can admire the breathtaking scenery of the Scottish Highlands and explore the history of the Orkney Islands. On day 1, travel north to Loch Ness. The spectacular tour starts by heading west through the beautiful scenery of Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. The route then takes you through the haunting landscape of Glen Coe, the scene of the terrible massacre of the MacDonald Clan, and on through Fort William and the Great Glen to arrive at the fabled shores of Loch Ness. Stay overnight in Inverness. On day 2, head north via Inverness and the spectacular coastal scenery of the Moray and Cromarty Firths. Then, board the ferry for a memorable trip to the mysterious and magical Orkney Islands. Once you arrive, take in the stunning scenery and start exploring. Visit the beautiful Italian Chapel, which was built by Italian prisoners of war, as well as the famous Churchill Barriers – causeways that were constructed to protect the British naval fleet from submarines. Stay overnight at Kirkwall. On day 3, explore the ancient history of the islands. From your base in Kirkwall, which boasts many craft and gift shops to explore, spend the whole day exploring the islands. This is a land full of ancient history and you will be able to take in prehistoric marvels such as the Maeshowe chambered cairn, the world-famous Neolithic village of Skara Brae, and the brooding stone circles of Stenness and the Ring of Brodgar. The day will finish with a visit to the beautiful St Magnus Cathedral. Stay overnight at Kirkwall. On day 4, start with a ferry ride back to the mainland. Then you will get the chance to take in Inverness, the capital of the Highlands. Stay overnight in Inverness. On day 5, head back to Edinburgh. On the way, visit the battlefield of Culloden, the site of the defeat of the Jacobite forces. You will also pass the stunning Cairngorm Mountains and explore the picturesque town of Pitlochry.

On day 1, travel through the Trossachs to Oban. This wide-ranging Highland and Islands tour starts by heading west through the beautiful scenery of Loch, Lomond and the Trossachs National Park to Kilmartin Glen. Explore Scotland’s ancient past; with over 5,000 years of history laid out before you, you’ll be able to walk in the footsteps of the first Scots at Dunadd Hill Fort and the Temple Wood Stone Circle. Then stay overnight in Oban. On day 2, enjoy a day of high hills and history. Discover the haunting landscape of Glen Coe, past Ben Nevis - Britain’s tallest peak, and make a stop at Fort William. You will board the Jacobite Train from Fort William to Mallaig, to enjoy a spectacular railway journey. Crossing over the sea to the Isle of Skye by ferry for your second night, staying overnight in Skye. On day 3, enjoy a whole day to explore Skye’s beautiful landscape. Here the mountains and beaches beckon, so lose yourself amongst the spectacular scenery of the Cuillin Mountains, the slanting hills of Quiraing, and the incredible Trotternish peninsula. Stay overnight in Skye. On day 4, discover castles and mountains and then head to Loch Ness. Once you leave Skye the first stop is a visit to the idyllic Eilean Donan Castle. You will then continue onwards to the fabled shores of Loch Ness, where you have the option (extra cost) to visit Urquhart Castle and take a cruise on the loch. Enjoy an overnight stay in Inverness. On day 5, head over the sea to the Orkney Isles. Travel north via Inverness and the spectacular coastal scenery of the Moray and Cromarty Firths. Then board the ferry for the memorable trip to the mysterious and magical Orkney Isles. Once you arrive, you can take in the stunning scenery and start exploring. Visit the beautiful Italian Chapel, which was built by Italian prisoners of war. You’ll also see the famous Churchill Barriers – causeways that were constructed to protect the British naval fleet from submarines. Stay overnight in Kirkwall. On day 6, explore the ancient history of the Isles. From your base in Kirkwall, which boasts many craft and gift shops to enjoy, you’ll spend the whole of day six exploring the islands. This is a land full of ancient history and you’ll be able to take in prehistoric marvels such as the Maeshowe chambered cairn, the world-famous Neolithic village of Skara Brae and the brooding stone circles of Stenness and the Ring o’Brodgar. The day will finish with a visit to the beautiful St Magnus Cathedral. Stay overnight in Kirkwall. On day 7, head back to the mainland again and start your journey south. You will be treated to some fantastic scenery, and may have the chance to visit Dunrobin Castle as you make your way back to Inverness. Stay overnight in Inverness. On day 8, as you head home, you’ll be able to visit the battlefield of Culloden, the site of the defeat of the Jacobite forces. You’ll also pass the stunning Cairngorm mountains and explore the picturesque town of Pitlochry.

Explore the ancient wonders of Orkney on a captivating half-day private tour from Kirkwall. The journey will take you to the dramatic coastal cliffs of Yesnaby, where you’ll witness breathtaking views of the rugged coastline and sea stacks. Continue to the Neolithic village of Skara Brae, one of Europe’s best-preserved Stone Age settlements, and delve into the mysteries of its history. Next, visit the Ring of Brodgar, an impressive stone circle set amidst the stunning Orkney landscape. Learn about its significance as a prehistoric ceremonial site before heading to the Standing Stones of Stenness, another enigmatic stone circle steeped in ancient lore. Throughout the tour, you’ll have the convenience of private transportation and the expertise of a local guide to uncover the rich history and natural beauty of Orkney.

Orkney Trike Tours offers you this complete and exhilarating sensory experience. You will arrive in style, and be the envy of the other travellers. At Orkney Trike Tours we put you at the centre of our tour and try to entertain, educate and just make your day memorable as we transport you across Orkney. so you can get the most from us during your time with us. To this end please don't hesitate to ask questions before and whilst you are with us, we might not know all the answers but can point you to some one who might. Orkney has, for centuries, been a crossroads for travellers. Its rich Neolithic history shows that even 6500 years ago it was probably a centre of influence for Britain. There has been continuous human habitation through to the present day. With some of the inhabitants leaving more of a mark than others. This tour concentrates visit the Orkney's Neolithic World Heritage Sites. As you drive across Orkney, on the back of the trike, you are looking at a landscape which Neolithic Farmers helped create. It is easy to believe that Neolithic inhabitants only lived at or near the sites we visit. The truth is they inhabited all of Mainland Orkney and most of the other islands as well. They have left us with many ten's if not hundreds of chambers, standing stones and remains of settlements. With many more sites allegedly going unreported by the landowners who want to keep their secrets to themselves. wWen you are with us you can visit Skara Brae, the Stone circles, Maeshowe depending upon time and availability. As well as perhaps one of the smaller chambers that are open to the public. You can learn about the "Temple complex" at the Ness Of Brodgar which is featured in many documentaries about Orkney's past and if the excavation is open call in and see for yourself. So by booking this tour you get both the pleasure of visiting some of the Neolithic sites of Orkney, and at the same time as you experiencing the thrill of riding On a motorbike, but in complete safety driven by an experienced Advanced driver. so its really two tours for the price of One.

I will pick up to 4 people up from either a central location In Kirkwall or at a place of your choosing within a 10km radius of Orkneys capital. We will then pass by or stop at many sites around Orkney, the duration and number of sites is totally up to You! I run my base tour at 4 hours but I would be more than happy to extend this on the day at an additional cost. I do not offer site guiding but I will provide local knowledge from a lifetime of experience and information on Orkney history for the duration of the tour. Below is an example itinerary of My standard 4 hour tour leaving at 0900 hrs (Assumed start time unless informed otherwise) 0900 - Leave pickup location and pass by The Iconic St Magnus Cathedral and the Bishops Palace 0910 - Drive past the HMS Royal Oak memorial and Scapa Flow 0920 - Drive over Scorradale road for a fantastic photo opportunity 0930 - Arrive at Unstan Tomb with time to explore the site (20 mins) 1000 - Arrive at the cliffs of Yesnaby for another photo opportunity (20 mins) 1030 - Arrive at Scara Brae prehistoric village and Skaill House with variable time to explore at your leisure (60 minutes). There is a cafe on site and toilets. 1140 - Arrive at the ring of brodgar for a chance to explore one of the great monuments on foot (20 mins) 1200 - Pass by the Standing stones of Stenness and the iconic Maes Howe 1230 - Arrive at the Italian Chapel via the Churchill barriers for a chance to explore and get more photos (20 mins) 1300 - Tour end I do not enforce strict timings or set routes on my tours to allow visitors the time and freedom to explore sights at their own pace but I will always be around to assist in the event of an issue. Please ensure at the time of booking there is a pickup location and start time filled in or alternatively contact me to let me know what cruise ship/flight you are booked on and an estimated tour start time. If any further information is required please contact Me on Whatsapp or via email on calum@historicorkney.com. I am having difficulty replying to customers who contact me through the getyourguide message platform (updated 17/02/24)

Discover the charm of Orkney in an intimate setting with our small group tour, limited to just 6 individuals. Experience the allure of The Italian Chapel, a poignant symbol of history crafted by Italian prisoners of war during World War II. Nestled on a once-desolate island, these prisoners left behind a remarkable legacy while constructing the Churchill Barriers near Scapa Flow. Join us for an exclusive journey through time and heritage. Next we embark on a journey of engineering marvels with the Churchill Barriers – a series of four causeways spanning the picturesque Orkney Islands. Stretching over 2.3 kilometers in total, these barriers seamlessly connect the Orkney Mainland in the north to the serene South Ronaldsay, weaving through the islands of Burray, Lamb Holm, and Glimps Holm. Experience the ingenuity of human craftsmanship as you traverse these historic links, immersing yourself in the breathtaking landscapes of Orkney. Indulge your senses in the captivating beauty of the Scapa Flow area on our tour. Marvel at the dramatic coastlines, adorned with rugged cliffs and the tranquil expanse of scattered islands. Behold the picturesque slopes of lush farmland, adorned with vibrant green grasslands. A remarkable highlight of your journey: The Ring of Brodgar. Nestled approximately 6 miles northeast of Stromness on Mainland, the largest island in Orkney, this Neolithic henge and stone circle awaits your discovery. Immerse yourself in the ancient allure of this iconic site as you explore its intriguing history and marvel at its enduring presence amidst Orkney's timeless landscape. Prepare to be transported back in time to the Neolithic era as you encounter the Standing Stones of Stenness, a historic monument located five miles northeast of Stromness on the mainland of Orkney, Scotland. Widely believed to be one of the oldest henge sites in the British Isles, this sacred site offers a profound glimpse into ancient civilization and the mysteries of prehistoric culture. Join us on a journey to uncover the secrets of this remarkable archaeological wonder. Discover the awe-inspiring Skara Brae, hailed as the best-preserved Neolithic settlement in Western Europe. Situated within the UNESCO-designated Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site, Skara Brae offers a captivating window into ancient history. Immerse yourself in the mysteries of this remarkable archaeological site as you explore its well-preserved dwellings and unravel the secrets of Neolithic life. Step into the grandeur of Skaill House, Orkney's premier mansion commanding a stunning vista over the picturesque Bay of Skaill. With a rich heritage spanning 400 years, this historic landmark invites you to embark on a journey through time. Experience the essence of Orkney's aristocratic legacy in the splendor of Skaill House. Welcome to a timeless treasure awaiting your discovery.