Maeshowe & Ring of Brodgar

by minibus/coach & on foot

Immerse yourself in the fascinating history of Orkney during this half-day experience.

Departing from the port, you will enjoy the passing scenery as your journey takes you along the North Sea coast to the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, which includes a series of Neolithic monuments.

Arriving at the Maeshowe Visitor Centre, you will change transport to be transferred to the site. Maeshowe is a Neolithic chambered tomb covered by a carpet of grass. At more than 5000 years old, it is considered one of the finest prehistoric works of architecture. Inside is the fascinating runic graffiti, left in the 12th century by the Viking warriors who used it as a shelter. With 30 inscriptions, Maeshowe boasts the largest collection in Europe. Following your visit, you will be transferred back to the Visitor Centre.

Your journey then continues with a drive past the Standing Stones of Stenness: the remains of one of the oldest stone circles in Britain, dating back more than 5000 years.

Finally, you will visit the Ring of Brodgar, the third largest monolithic stone circle in the British Isles. Likely an important burial place and religious site, archaeological studies suggest it was built before the more famous circle of Stonehenge. Only 27 stones remain of what is thought to have been a perfect circle of more than 60 stones that are over 4500 years old.

Following your visit, you will return to the port.