Orkney

A total Island experience. The Orkney archipelago, 70 remote and beautiful Islands, 59 degrees north off the North East of Scotland, is located on the same latitude as southern Greenland, the Gulfstream accounting for the Islands' temperate climate.

Orkney has fascinating discoveries around every corner, many of which ultimately pose more questions than they answer. To appreciate Orkney, visitors don't need a particular knowledge of history - just curiosity and a lively imagination!

Every day of a cruise is filled with adventure and wonder. When your ship calls into Orkney, rarely does a day go by without something ‘archaeological, meteorological or topological' stopping the visitor in their tracks.

The quality of the light, the ever changing weather, the magnificence of the archaeological sites and the awe-inspiring vistas and seascapes will take your breath away.

Orkney is justly world-famous for its monumental Neolithic and Iron-age archaeology. There are four World Heritage sites dating back to 3100BC including Skara Brae Stone Age Village (circa 3100BC), Maeshowe Chambered Cairn, The Ring of Brodgar (Orkney's own Stonehenge, circa 2000BC) and the Standing Stones of Stenness. 

It is equally famous and important as a habitat for birds and wildlife, with 19 highest level European Special Protection Areas or Special Areas of Conservation and one RAMSAR (International Wetlands) designation, set within around 750,000 acres of actively managed land as wildlife reserves.

But it is not just its history and wildlife that puts Orkney on the map; the island group is equally famous for the quality of food and beverage that it produces with international acclaim. Its 2 malt whisky award winning brands of Highland Park and Scapa, renowned Orkney Wine and Ales, its cheese herrings, ice cream and sweet fudge are all local delicacies that must be savoured. A meal of Orkney beef or local salmon is a ‘must have' that will be always remembered.

At the heart of Orkney is its culture of story telling and folk music, all of which provide, along with its 2 medal winning pipe bands, the centre stage for its Art and Folk Festivals throughout the long and temperate summer evenings.

Seafaring is in the blood of all Orcadians, this is why you are assured of the warmest and most hospitable of welcomes.