Faith, Fossils and Fascinating Tombs

Be Inspired!

Explore incredible sites of interest, cross over the famous Churchill Barriers, be inspired by the Italian Chapel and take a spiritual step back to the Iron Age at Minehowe.

Leaving at 9am, we drive to the south isles you can view Scapa Flow, one of Britains most historic stretches of water. Scapa Flow has played a very important role in travel, trade and conflict throughout the centuries because of its sheltered harbours and deep waters. It was classed as a safe haven.

Our first stop is The Churchill Barriers; they were built as a defence to close the narrow passages between the five islands. Sunken ships proved to be ineffective, as a U-boat slipped past at high tide and torpedoed HMS Royal Oak with the loss of 833 crew.

Close to the first barrier is the modern day wonder of the beautiful the Italian Chapel. It was built by the prisoners of war who worked on the Winston Churchill grand scheme of sea Barriers.

With minimal materials, patience, faith and courage the prisoners of Camp 60 produced this incredible place to worship, which is a truly remarkable human endeavour.

We take time to understand this inspiring example of mans hope in the face of adversity.

We continue our tour across the Churchill Barriers though wonderful views of farmland surrounded by sea as we head to The Tomb of the Eagles.

Tomb of the Eagles is a chambered tomb thought to be from around 3000BC. Inside this tomb, thirty ancient human skulls and seventy talons from white tailed sea eagles were discovered: a remarkable insight into Stone Age life and death.

You can view and enjoy a guided tour of the site.

Coffee break and comfort break.

We journey to The Fossil and Heritage Centre where you can marvel over the displays of fascinating locally found fossils, some of which are 350 million years old.

Time for lunch at a nearby restaurant where you can sample delicious Orkney food.

After lunch we head of to Minehowe - this is an Iron Age site 2000 years old of dry-stone construction techniques. The body of a woman was found buried in the floor of the metal working structure outside Minehowe's circular ditch. Minehowe is a chambered site with a series of steps leading down into the chamber.

In sharp contrast, we visit Sheila Fleets Jewellery. The epitome of modern day design and craftsmanship that forms a contemporary pinnacle Orkney islands rich heritage of artisan skills. You can enjoy looking around the workshop to see how the fine jewellery is hand crafted and browse in her shop. You may find out what inspires her designs.

Enjoy breathtaking scenery as we make our way back .

This concludes the tour and we will take you back to your accommodation or you may have time for a spot of shopping at the many quality craft and local stores.

Tour fees include all admission fees to sites of interest and lunch.

Features Summary

This is a thought provoking tour covering fascinating facts, acts of faith, courage and patience.

Inspirational Visits

• Views of Scapa Flow
• The Churchill Barriers
• The Italian Chapel
• The Tomb of the Eagles
• The Fossil and Heritage Centre
• Sheila Fleets Jewellery
• Lunch included
• All site admission fees included

For booking information click here