History, Heritage, Heirs and Earls

Even a Norse Farmstead

Explore spectacular sights of some of the finest examples of Scottish architecture. View magnificent St. Magnus cathedral, palaces of Earls and bishops in Orkney. They highlight Orkney's close Norse and ecclesiastical links. Visit the Orkney museum which tells the story of Orkney from the Stone Age through to the Pics and the Vikings to the present day.

Leaving Kirkwall at 9am, we travel to the St Magnus Centre which features a wealth of information and video documentary about St Magnus and the St Magnus Cathedral. A short walk down the path takes us to the Cathedral, one of the finest and best preserved medieval Cathedrals in Scotland.

Time to enjoy a coffee and comfort break.

Refreshed we move on to The Bishops Palace and The Earls Palace just opposite the Cathedral. There is a magnificent monumental fireplace in the great hall of The Earls Palace which was built about 1600. The palace is probably the finest example of French Renaissance architecture in Scotland.

Another short walk takes us to The Orkney Museum where you can enjoy the story of Orkney, from the Stone Age through the Picts and Vikings to the present day.

Time for lunch; we will take you to a restaurant where you can enjoy a delicious homemade lunch using local Orkney produce.

After lunch we visit The Orkneyinga Saga Centre and Round Church in Orphir. On route to this ancient site, you will be able to enjoy fantastic views of Scapa Flow one of Britains most historic stretches of water which has played an important role in travel, trade and conflict throughout the centuries. Enjoy a visit to The Orkneyinga Saga Centre where it recounts the life and times as told in the saga.

Also there is the Earl's Bu which is the remains of a Norse farmstead at one time home to some of the Norse Earls who were so important to Orkney's history and finally visit the Round Kirk which is part of the Norse settlement at the Bu, this is Scotlands only mediaeval church dating from the early 12th centuary.

Fascinating!

Time to head back to your accommodation and enjoy the scenery on route.

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

Features Summary

This trip makes a fascinating day to learn of the life and times of our forebears; it will bring out the historian in you.

Ten places of interest

• St. Magnus Centre
• Magnificent St. Magnus cathedral
• Orkney museum
• The Bishops Palace
• The Earls Palace
• The Orkney Museum
• Scapa Flow
• The Orkneyinga Saga Centre
• Earl's Bu
• The Round Kirk

For booking information click here