Italian Chapel & Orkney Discovery

Kirkwall, Orkney Isles

Shopping time included

by coach & on foot

This experience combines a visit to one of Orkney’s ‘must see’ attractions – the Italian Chapel – with a scenic drive and some free time in the town of Stromness.

Departing from the pier, your journey will take you through the centre of Kirkwall. After an approximately 20-minute drive, you will arrive at the Italian Chapel, having crossed one of the Churchill Barriers to Lamb Holm. The Italian Chapel was built and decorated by Italian prisoners of war during World War II whilst they constructed the Churchill Barriers to the east of Scapa Flow. The Italian Chapel consists of two Nissen huts transformed into a beautiful chapel by Domenico Chiocchetti and his colleagues.

Crossing back over the barrier to Orkney’s Mainland, your journey will take you alongside historic Scapa Flow, the chief base of the British naval fleet during the First and Second World Wars. You will then enjoy the scenic views as your journey crosses Mainland to the town of Stromness on the west coast.

Stromness is a place shaped by the sea: a safe haven in Viking times, a herring fishing port and a ferry gateway to Scotland. It has also long been a centre for the arts, providing plenty of inspiration for its creative community. You will enjoy some free time to explore the town’s tumbling network of flagstone streets, lanes, piers and slipways.

Following this, your return drive to Kirkwall will take you to the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. A short stop for photos will be made at the Standing Stones of Stenness. Dating back more than 5000 years, this archaeological treasure is one of the earliest stone circles in Britain. The remains consist of 4 upright stones up to 6m (19.5ft) in height in a circle that originally had 12 stones.

Following your visit, you will return to Kirkwall.

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