margord Posted October 7, 2013 #1 Share Posted October 7, 2013 We are going to Kirkwall, Orkney Islands on our British Isles cruise. Can anyone give me an idea of what to do there and does anyone know of a good tour? Thanks, Marilee Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rsquare Posted October 7, 2013 #2 Share Posted October 7, 2013 If you're lucky, you will be able to book a private tour with Caz Mamwell of Orkney Archeology Tours and if you do, you will find as we did that Kirkwall will be the port that most stands out in the memory of your round-Britain cruise. There are rich pre-historic relics, including several Stonehenge-like stone circles, a barrow tomb with Viking graffiti, a quonset hut masquerading as an Italian Cathedral, a country house to visit.... an amazing number of sights for such a small set of islands. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cole Posted October 7, 2013 #3 Share Posted October 7, 2013 We are going to Kirkwall, Orkney Islands on our British Isles cruise. Can anyone give me an idea of what to do there and does anyone know of a good tour? Thanks, Marilee We didn't have anything planned at this port, and went to the visitor's bureau to ask for suggestions and the lady said that they provided busses that would take people around the island and she would recommend it. When we boarded the bus the driver said "I am not a tour guide, but will try to point out interesting things about our island." Boy was he wrong! He was excellent. He didn't have a microphone, but would pull over and give us the history of where we were and point out things of interest. He took us to all of the interesting places and gave us plenty of time to visit them, take photos, etc. I am sure all of the drivers did the same and if you just want to wing it - try the local tour bus that leaves from the visitor's bureau. Cole Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gkkapp Posted October 7, 2013 #4 Share Posted October 7, 2013 In 2012 we used Explore Orkney http://www.exploreorkney.com/index.php We took the "Megaliths & Mysteries" tour and it was super!! This is a family run company. In 2012 they did not require payment up front or a down payment. You do not have to "organize" a group but if you are traveling with others (we were with another couple) if you let them know they will assign you to the same van. On our tour lunch was included and it was simple but excellent. The weather was cold, windy but clear and the hot soup, sandwiches and tea/coffee were just perfect. Communication with them before the tour was great and they even helped us pick which tour based on what we wanted to see. Can't go wrong with them!!! <<<Karen>>> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LHT28 Posted October 7, 2013 #5 Share Posted October 7, 2013 I found the Italian chapel painted by the the POW's very interesting & how the locals still keep it in good repair I would look for an island tour that stops there Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
margord Posted October 8, 2013 Author #6 Share Posted October 8, 2013 Thank you all so much. You have given me so much to think about and look into. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
calmac Posted October 8, 2013 #7 Share Posted October 8, 2013 You might want to look around the Visit Scotland site for ideas on what you would most like to see or do http://www.visitscotland.com/destinations-maps/orkney/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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