Pre-historic Orkney And Beyond Tour
Pre-historic Orkney And Beyond Tour
7 Days Starting and ending in Inverness, Scotland
Visiting: Inverness, Kirkwall, Orkney
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
12 - 23
Age range:
18-99
Special diets catered:
Please advise requests
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating journey through time with the "Pre-historic Orkney And Beyond Tour," guided by the esteemed Dr. David Saunders. This immersive experience takes you to some of Orkney's most significant Neolithic and Iron Age sites, including the Skara Brae Neolithic Village, the Standing Stones of Stenness, and Maeshowe, the finest chambered tomb in Western Europe. Enjoy daily commentary and two evening lectures from Dr. Saunders, enhancing your understanding of these ancient marvels. Stay in comfort at the Best Western Palace Hotel and Spa in Inverness and the Albert Hotel in Kirkwall, with amenities to ensure a relaxing retreat after days filled with exploration. This tour promises a unique blend of history, culture, and scenic beauty, making it an unforgettable adventure.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1:
Location: Inverness
Accommodation Name: Best Western Palace Hotel & Spa
Meals Included: Dinner
Arrive independently at the Best Western Palace Hotel & Spa in Inverness. Evening welcome drink, lecture , ‘Prehistoric Orkney’ with Dr David Saunders and dinner with wine.
Day 2: Travel From Inverness To Kirkwall. Dinner At The Hotel.
Location: Kirkwall
Accommodation Name: Albert Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Travel by coach from Inverness to Scrabster for the foot passenger crossing to Orkney with Northlink Ferries, which takes about 90 minutes, so time for a leisurely lunch on board (at own expense). On arrival transfer to Orkney’s largest town, Kirkwall for check in to our hotel for four nights in the heart of town. This afternoon a short orientation walk around the town (time permitting) will give your bearings – Kirkwall is a bustling town, with an historic centre full of character, focussed on its magnificent St Magnus Cathedral. This evening we will have dinner with wine at the hotel.
Day 3: Full Day Skara Brae, Skaill House And The Broch Of Gurness.
Location: Orkney
Accommodation Name: Albert Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Our foray into pre-history starts with the Neolithic village of Skara Brae, which lies on the southern shore of the Bay o' Skaill, in the West Mainland parish of Sandwick. It is one of Orkney's most-visited ancient sites and regarded by many as the most remarkable pre-historic monument in Europe. In the winter of 1850, when yet another storm battered Orkney, the combination of wind and extremely high tides stripped the grass from a large mound, then known as "Skerrabra" which revealed the outline of numerous stone buildings. The local laird, William Watt, of Skaill, was intrigued and embarked on an excavation of the site, unearthing the remains of four ancient houses in 1868. However, the settlement was to then remain undisturbed until 1925, when another storm damaged some of the previously excavated structures. Further excavations followed between 1928 and 1930, when the dwellings we see today were revealed from their protective cocoons. The settlement has been dated to the late Neolithic period and appears to have been inhabited for approximately 600 years, between 3200BC and 2200BC. Today eight of the dwellings, which are linked together by a series of low, covered passages survive at Skara Brae as it has become known. The sand that covered the settlement for over 4,000 years, also preserved both the buildings and their contents. Not only are the walls of the structures still standing, but the alleyways are still roofed with their original stone slabs where the interior fittings of each house give a glimpse of life in Neolithic Orkney. But the elements that exposed Skara Brae to the world are also its greatest threat. The village remains under constant threat by coastal erosion and the onslaught of both sand and sea, but for now it is undoubtedly one of the key sights on Orkney. Leaping forward some 5,000 years, our next visit is to Skaill House, the finest 17th Century mansion in Orkney, overlooking the spectacular Bay of Skaill. It was the home of William Graham Watt, the 7th Laird of Breckness, who unearthed the World-famous Neolithic village of Skara Brae in 1850. Originally built by Bishop George Graham in 1620, it has been added to by successive generations over the centuries, by 12 successive related Lairds, who have each added their contribution to the house and its fascinating contents – from Neolithic and Iron Age finds, to Captain Cook’s dinner service, the Bishop’s bed, and Stanley Cursiter paintings. Our last visit of the day is to the Broch of Gurness one of the most outstanding surviving examples of an Iron Age settlement that is unique to northern Scotland. Archaeological excavations in the early 20th century date the village to about 500-200BC and comprises an entrance causeway, a circular broch tower and a settlement of small stone houses, with attached yards and sheds. Sometime after AD 100 the broch appears to have been abandoned where the site thereafter continues as a single farmstead until around the 8th century.
Day 4: Full Day Stones Of Stenness, The Ring Of Brodgar, The Ness Of Brodgar And Maeshowe. Evening Lecture And Dinner At The Hotel.
Location: Orkney
Accommodation Name: Albert Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Our first visit today is to the mysterious Stones of Stenness. Thought to date to at least 3100BC, the complex is one of the earliest stone circles throughout Britain, reaching a maximum height of six metres. Although only four of the ring's stones remain standing, the scale of the megaliths ensures the monument is visible for miles around. From here we head to the Ring of Brodgar, dating to 2000-2500 BC, where 36 stones remain of the original 60 stones that formed a perfect circle 104 metres in diameter. Nearby excavation since 2002 revealed a complex of Neolithic buildings on the thin strip of land – the Ness of Brodgar – that separates the lochs of Harray and Stenness. We will visit the dig site and have a guided tour with Dr David Saunders (please note direct access to the excavation is not possible). 2024 will be the final season of excavation at the Ness of Brodgar. Finally, to Maeshowe, a chambered tomb that was built sometime before 2700BC. It is recognised as one of the most spectacular Neolithic buildings throughout Britain and one of the finest chambered tombs in Europe. During the Winter Solstice, the setting sun shines down the entrance passage (12m long) illuminating the central chamber. It also reveals the largest collection of runic inscriptions anywhere in the world, having been raided by Vikings in the mid-12th Century, who left their mark forever. Evening lecture ‘Living in Neolithic Orkney’ with Dr David Saunders and dinner with wine at the hotel.
Day 5: Scapa Flow, Italian Chapel And Kirkwall.
Location: Orkney
Accommodation Name: Albert Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Moving away from the pre-historic today, we travel along the defences of Scapa Flow that Winston Churchill approved through the building of ‘causeways’ to link the southern isles to Mainland Orkney, thereby closing off the eastern approaches to enemy submarines. This relatively recent historic route takes us to visit the Italian Chapel, a beautiful Roman Catholic chapel in Lamb Holm, which was constructed by Italian POWs during the Second World War. We return to the charming town of Kirkwall, where time is free for a farewell lunch (at own expense) and free time to explore – options include the Orkney Museum, Cathedral or the Bishop’s and Earl’s Palace.
Day 6: Ferry And Travel Back To Inverness.
Location: Inverness
Accommodation Name: The Kingsmills Hotel
Meals Included: Lunch
Alas, it is time to head back to the mainland, transferring first to the pretty town of Stromness where we will board as foot passengers on the Northlink ferry to Scrabster. On arrival we will enjoy a farewell lunch at a local restaurant, before continuing to Inverness for overnight stay. This evening is at leisure for dinner at own expense.
Day 7:
Location: Inverness
Meals Included: Breakfast
Depart at leisure after breakfast. Exact order of excursions may vary according to local conditions and tour managers discretion Please note this tour has been classed as ‘Demanding’. This is due to the amount of walking at the sites visited, drop off points of the coach to the entrances and the uneven ground at the sites included on the tour.
What's Included
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Return ferry from Scrabster to Stromness as foot passengers
The tour includes a return ferry trip from Scrabster to Stromness for foot passengers.
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Two nights’ accommodation at the Palace Hotel & Spa, Inverness on bed and breakfast basis, based on shared occupancy of a twin room
Enjoy two nights' stay at the Palace Hotel & Spa in Inverness with breakfast included, based on shared occupancy of a twin room.
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Four nights’ at the Albert Hotel Kirkwall, on bed and breakfast basis, based on shared occupancy of a twin room
Stay for four nights at the Albert Hotel in Kirkwall with breakfast included, based on shared occupancy of a twin room.
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Three dinners at the hotels
Three dinners are included at the hotels during the tour.
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One lunch on day 6
A lunch is provided on day 6 of the tour.
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Transfers, tours and entrance fees as detailed
All transfers, tours, and entrance fees as detailed in the itinerary are included.
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David Saunders and tour manager throughout
The tour will be accompanied by Dr. David Saunders and a tour manager throughout.
What's Not Included
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Transport to the hotel is not included
Transport to the starting hotel is not included in the tour package.
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Hotel Car Parking
Car parking at the hotel is not included and must be arranged separately.
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Twin room and double for sole use supplements
Supplements for twin rooms and double rooms for sole use are not included.
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Extra nights on bed and breakfast basis
Any extra nights on a bed and breakfast basis are not included.
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Holiday insurance
Holiday insurance is not included and must be purchased separately.
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Meals other than those stated
Meals other than those specifically stated in the inclusions are not included.
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Items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls etc
Personal expenses such as drinks, laundry, and telephone calls are not included.
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Porterage and gratuities
Porterage and gratuities are not included in the tour package.
Mode of Transport
Travel includes a coach journey from Inverness to Scrabster, a 90-minute ferry crossing to Orkney, and local transfers. Return to Inverness via ferry and coach, with a farewell lunch en route.
Accommodation
Stay at the recently renovated Best Western Palace Hotel and Spa in Inverness for 2 nights, featuring a restaurant, bar, spa, and indoor swimming pool. Enjoy 4 nights at the boutique-style Albert Hotel in Kirkwall, and finish with a night at the historic Kingsmills Hotel in Inverness, all offering modern amenities and comfortable rooms.
MORE INFO
Your Lecturer - David SaundersDavid has an interest in all areas pre-historic. He undertakes archaeological excavations at Stonehenge and Marden Henge and has lectured throughout the UK. He has just published a book on animal movement across the Stonehenge landscape, “The Cursus Enigma.” He has led several tours for Travel Editions in recent years which have been extremely well received.Please note that all our UK tours start and finish at the relevant hotel. You can normally check in from 3pm onwards but hotels will always be happy to store your luggage if you arrive earlier in the day.
For full details of how to get to the hotel, directions and the nearest train station, please click on the hotel website or call our office for details. These will also be sent automatically with your confirmation.
The welcome reception and first evening dinner / talk will commence at about 7pm - full details will be sent with your joining instructions about 10 days prior to the arrival date.
Difficulty
Please note this tour has been classed as ‘Demanding’. This is due to the amount of walking at the sites visited, drop off points of the coach to the entrances and the uneven ground at the sites included on the tour. Please note that the Maeshowe visit involves a walk of over 30 feet at a height of just 4 feet. Those not wanting to enter can spend time at the Maeshowe Visitor Centre or spend more time at Brodgar.
Check out our Q&As
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Who will be accompanying us throughout the tour?
Dr. David Saunders will be accompanying the tour throughout, providing daily commentary and two evening lectures.
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What kind of accommodation can we expect during the tour?
You will stay at the Best Western Palace Hotel and Spa in Inverness for 2 nights, the Albert Hotel in Kirkwall for 4 nights, and the Kingsmills Hotel in Inverness for 1 night. All hotels are four-star with modern amenities including en-suite bathrooms, TV, telephone, free Wi-Fi, hairdryer, and tea/coffee making facilities.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour includes breakfast at the hotels, three dinners, and one lunch on day 6. Meals other than those stated are not included.
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What are some of the key sites we will visit during the tour?
Key sites include Skara Brae Neolithic Village, the Standing Stones of Stenness, Maeshowe, the Ring and Ness of Brodgar, Skaill House, the Broch of Gurness, Scapa Flow, and the Italian Chapel.
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Is transportation to the hotel included in the tour package?
No, transport to the hotel is not included in the tour package.
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What should I know about the walking conditions on this tour?
The tour has been classed as 'Demanding' due to the amount of walking at the sites visited, drop-off points of the coach to the entrances, and the uneven ground at the sites included on the tour.
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What is the policy for car parking at the hotels?
The Best Western Palace Hotel and Spa in Inverness does not have car parking space for the duration of the tour. It is recommended to park at the Cathedral Car Park, which offers long stay parking from £5 per 24 hours, payable directly at the car park.
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What time does the welcome reception and first evening dinner start?
The welcome reception and first evening dinner/talk will commence at about 7pm. Full details will be sent with your joining instructions about 10 days prior to the arrival date.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Final joining instructions and documentation will be despatched approximately 10 days before travel.
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Do I need any Visas or Vaccinations for my holidays?
Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change. Please check with your local doctor/GP about the current Vaccination requirements of the country you are visiting. For Visa enquiries, please contact the Embassy of the country you are visiting.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Generally, single and double rooms carry the same price, which means that single supplements for certain itineraries can seem high. We would be pleased to arrange for clients travelling alone to share with another client, however this is subject to somebody in the same situation booking on the tour. If you would be interested in this option, please let us know at the time of enquiry/booking.
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Where does the tour manager meet us?
In most cases the tour manager will travel out with the tour group from the UK. However, this is not always the case and the tour manager may meet you at the destination station / airport. The exact details specific to your tour will be given to you in your final documentation, 10 days prior to departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of travel editions charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 45% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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