• The Old Man of Hoy - The Old Man of Hoy is a renowned natural landmark in Scotland, featuring a dramatic sea stack that rises from the Atlantic Ocean off the west coast of Hoy island. This towering vertical pillar of red sandstone stands approximately 137 meters (449 feet) tall, with sheer, almost perfectly straight sides that give it a striking, isolated appearance. Often surrounded by crashing waves and seabirds, it exudes a wild, rugged atmosphere. The stack was formed through coastal erosion, originally part of the mainland cliffs of Hoy. Over thousands of years, wind and powerful Atlantic waves carved out caves and arches, eventually leading to the collapse of the arch and leaving behind this freestanding column. Interestingly, it is relatively young in geological terms, first recorded as a stack in the 18th century.

• Scapa Flow Museum - The Scapa Flow Museum is a significant historical attraction in Orkney, highlighting the islands’ central role in both World Wars. Located at Lyness on the island of Hoy, this war museum is housed in a former Royal Navy oil pumphouse from the 1930s. It focuses on the history of Scapa Flow, once Britain’s main naval base. The site itself is historic, having been a major naval hub during wartime. The museum features over 250 artifacts and objects from World War I and II, with stories of major events like the Battle of Jutland, the sinking of HMS Royal Oak, and the scuttling of the German High Seas Fleet. Exhibits showcase daily life for thousands of servicemen stationed in Orkney, with modern features like interactive displays, VR, and digital exhibits. It not only covers battles but also illustrates how the war transformed life in Orkney. Originally a fuel pumping station supplying ships in the harbor, it was part of the naval base known as HMS Proserpine. Recently restored and expanded, it reopened in 2022.

• Scapa Flow - Scapa Flow is one of the largest sheltered natural harbors in the Orkney Islands, located just south of Kirkwall. It is one of the most historically significant naval anchorages globally. This large, enclosed body of water is surrounded by islands such as Mainland, Orkney, Hoy, and South Ronaldsay, covering about 312 square kilometers (120 sq. mi). Naturally protected from the Atlantic by surrounding land, it is ideal for ships. During World War I, it served as the base of the British Grand Fleet. In 1919, it was the site of the Scuttling of the German High Seas Fleet, where German crews deliberately sank 57 warships to prevent them from being seized by the Allies. Many wrecks still lie on the seabed today. In World War II, it was again used as a key Royal Navy base. In 1939, a German U-boat sank the battleship HMS Royal Oak, resulting in the loss of over 800 sailors. This incident led to the construction of the Churchill Barriers, causeways linking islands to block submarine access. Scapa Flow is now one of the top wreck-diving sites in the world.

• Churchill Barriers - The Churchill Barriers are a series of four stone causeways that connect the Orkney mainland to several smaller islands, stretching across the eastern side of Scapa Flow. These four connected road causeways were built between 1940 and 1944, linking Mainland, Orkney to Lamb Holm, Glimps Holm, Burray, and South Ronaldsay. They carry the modern A961 road, making them both historic and practical. Constructed during World War II after a major security breach in 1939, when a German submarine infiltrated Scapa Flow and sank the battleship HMS Royal Oak, killing over 800 sailors. Winston Churchill ordered permanent barriers to block eastern entrances to the harbor. Built using concrete blocks, rock, and rubble, much of the labor was carried out by Italian prisoners of war under harsh conditions, especially in winter. A remarkable legacy of the workers is the nearby Italian Chapel, a beautifully decorated place of worship they constructed from two Nissen huts.

• The Italian Chapel - The Italian Chapel is one of Orkney’s most moving and beautiful landmarks, a small but richly decorated chapel built by Italian prisoners of war during World War II. This tiny Roman Catholic chapel on the island of Lamb Holm was constructed between 1943 and 1945 from two Nissen huts joined together, located right beside the Churchill Barriers. Built by Italian POWs captured in North Africa and brought to Orkney, the men were working on the Churchill Barriers and desired a place of worship, which they were permitted to build. The chapel was designed and decorated by Domenico Chiocchetti, a talented artist and craftsman. Despite its humble materials, the interior is stunning, painted to resemble stone, brick, and marble, with a beautifully detailed altar and sanctuary. An ornate metalwork screen made from scrap adds to its charm. Everything was created using limited wartime materials, yet it resembles a traditional Italian church. It stands as a symbol of hope, faith, and creativity in challenging conditions.

• Private transportation
• Bottled water
• Minimum of 4 people per booking
• Entrance fees
• Driver Guide

• Breakfast
• Alcoholic beverages
• Dinner
• Lunch

Explore the fascinating history of Orkney with expertly guided tours that transport you back in time. The Orkney Islands are a treasure chest of Neolithic marvels, featuring some of the world’s best-preserved archaeological sites and wartime history. From the ancient settlement of Skara Brae to the impressive Ring of Brodgar, these tours provide a unique chance to follow in the footsteps of those who shaped history millennia ago. Uncover the mysteries of Orkney’s ancient landscape and learn the stories behind these extraordinary sites. Additionally, discover the significant role Scapa Flow played in both world wars and the incredible “Miracle of Camp 60,” the Italian Chapel, among many others.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.