UNESCO Neolithic Orkney: Skara Brae & Standing Stones
UNESCO Neolithic Orkney: Skara Brae & Standing Stones
Depart Kirkwall and travel west across Mainland, the largest island of Orkney, passing through a gently rolling landscape before entering the Neolithic Heartland of Orkney, a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized for its concentration of prehistoric monuments. Stop at the Standing Stones of Stenness, one of the earliest henge monuments in the British Isles, where a small circle of towering slabs stands beside the lochs of Stenness and Harray. Continue by coach to the Ring of Brodgar, a vast ceremonial stone circle constructed nearly 5,000 years ago, where a wide ring of megaliths rises from the surrounding moorland.
Proceed onward to Skara Brae, a remarkably preserved Neolithic village revealed beneath sand dunes after storms uncovered the site approximately 150 years ago. Visit the interpretation centre before exploring the stone-built dwellings that illustrate daily life in Orkney around five millennia ago. A short walk leads to nearby Skaill House, built in 1620 by Bishop George Graham on land believed to have been occupied since the Norse period. Explore the historic manor, whose twelve successive lairds have remained within the same family, before rejoining your coach for a scenic return to Kirkwall along the shoreline of Scapa Flow, once a major British naval base during both World Wars.
Notes: This tour involves a moderate level of activity, with a total walking distance of approximately 1.2 km (0.75 miles). Guests will encounter flights of stairs in Skaill House and within the surrounding grounds. Most sites visited during the tour are not wheelchair accessible, and wheelchair users must be accompanied by a companion who can provide assistance throughout the tour. Archaeological sites visited are protected heritage areas; guests are required to remain on designated paths and follow site guidelines to preserve the monuments. The order of visits may be adjusted to avoid congestion. Warm, waterproof clothing and good walking shoes are advised.
A minimum number of participants is required to operate all Yachting Land Adventures, and some may have limited capacity. Please book on the Seadream.com website, or onboard, early to avoid disappointment. All adventures in the SeaDream Yachting Land Adventures program are subject to change. Final departure times will be published on board.
Port: Kirkwall, Orkney, Scotland
Duration: 4.25 hours
Current Price: 259 USD
Voyages where this land adventure may be found: