Highlights
- Day trip from John O’Groats to the Orkney Islands
- Cross the Churchill Barriers
- Ferry boat ride across Pentland Firth
- Watch for seals and whales
- Visit the villages of Storminess and Skara Brae
Useful Information
St Magnus Cathedral, Scotland
Island hop across the Churchill Barriers which thread together five islands to form the Eastern boundary of Scapa Flow. Visit the capital town, Kirkwall, home to the magnificent Viking cathedral of St Magnus, and the lovely little village of Storminess, last port of call for sailing ships on their way to the Americas. Then step back 3,000 years as you enter the Neolithic village of Skara Brae. This Village was hidden under sand dunes, perfectly preserved, until uncovered 150 years ago during a winter storm.
On your way back to the ferry in the evening there will be a stop at the Italian Chapel. Beautifully constructed inside two "nissen" huts using only basic raw materials, the beauty of the Chapel must be seen to be appreciated.
Reviewed by Raymond R, October 2012
Excellent day out, made extra special by a full day of blue skies and sunshine showing of the Orkney landscape. Everything went to schedule made special with the ferry to start and finish with. On the island a polite and very helpful coach driver giving us a continuous fully informed commentary and just significant time at each venue to appreciate the key items. Highly recommended way of catching the main flavour of the Islands in a day.
Reviewed by Virginia F, October 2012
We were really worried that the tour might be cancelled as it had been the day before due to stormy weather and the forecast for the Sunday was not good, however we woke up to glorious sunshine and total calm. The day lived up to all our expectations. Stuart, our guide was knowledgeable and his stories about the local history were humorous. I have already recommended this tour to numerous friends as it was the highlight of our two weeks stay in Scotland.
