As the sun rises over the British Isles, the allure of a Scottish holiday aboard a luxury cruise ship becomes irresistible. When the sea breeze gently rustles your hair, as you gaze upon the ancient, mystic landscapes of Scotland’s Orkney Islands, you will find an experience unlike any other. The beauty of the rugged landscape combined with the rich cultural heritage creates an irresistible draw. Join us as we voyage through the exquisite isles of Orkney, a journey best experienced on the deck of a cruise ship.
Embarking on the Journey: Book Your Cruise
As you make the choice to visit the Orkney, the first step is finding the right cruise that will serve as your floating home and guide throughout the journey. A range of cruises dot the British Isles, offering different itineraries and experiences. While some of them merely sail past the Isles, others offer in-depth tours, allowing you to disembark, explore, and truly experience the rich cultural heritage of these ancient lands.
Cruise lines such as Cunard, P&O, and Princess Cruises offer itineraries that include stopovers at Kirkwall, the capital of Orkney. Here, you can disembark and soak in the culture and history of the islands at your own pace. More targeted cruises such as the Scottish Islands and Norwegian Fjords expedition offered by G Adventures takes you on a comprehensive journey, exploring the Orkney Islands in-depth over several days.
Delving into the Past: Exploring Orkney’s Archaeological Sites
Once you touch down on Orkney soil, the real adventure begins. Orkney is home to a wealth of archaeological sites, each with its own fascinating story to tell. Your first stop will likely be the UNESCO World Heritage site known as the Heart of Neolithic Orkney.
Here, you will discover the mysteries of Skara Brae, the best-preserved prehistoric village in Northern Europe. As you explore this site, you will find yourself transported back to a time before Stonehenge or the Great Pyramids of Giza. Nearby, you can marvel at the Ring of Brodgar, a mysterious stone circle that rivals Stonehenge in both size and magnificence.
The islands are also home to Maeshowe, a Neolithic chambered cairn and passage grave. You can even visit the Bishop’s and Earl’s Palaces in Kirkwall, a testament to the island’s rich and often turbulent past.
A Day at Sea: Experiencing Ship Life
As your cruise ship pulls away from the Orkney Islands, you might feel a pang of regret at leaving behind such a magical place. But fear not, for the journey continues on board the ship itself. A day at sea is not a day wasted, as you will quickly discover.
Cruise ships visiting Orkney are floating cities, offering a wealth of activities to keep you entertained. Enjoy a leisurely day soaking in the ship’s pool, explore the various on-board restaurants, or attend one of the many entertainment shows. If you’re on a more intimate expedition cruise, you may have the opportunity to attend lectures and workshops about Scottish history and culture, deepening your understanding of the places you’ve visited.
Beyond Orkney: Discover the Shetland Isles
While the Orkney Islands are a highlight of any Scottish cruise, you’ll find that Scotland has more to offer. If you’re lucky, your cruise itinerary will include a visit to the Shetland Isles. Further north than Orkney, the Shetlands offer their own unique cultural and natural attractions.
In the capital, Lerwick, you can explore the Shetland Museum and Archives, which provides a fascinating insight into the island’s history. Don’t miss the chance to visit the Jarlshof Prehistoric and Norse Settlement, one of the most important archaeological sites in Scotland. This site traces the history of human habitation in the Shetlands back 5000 years, from the Bronze Age, through the Iron Age, Pictish era, Viking Age, and up to the Middle Ages.
The Castle Tour: Unveiling Scotland’s Majestic Fortresses
No trip to Scotland, especially on a cruise, is complete without witnessing the grandeur of its numerous castles. As your ship sails around the Scottish coast, you will have the opportunity to marvel at these majestic fortresses from the sea, a sight that few get to enjoy.
Several cruise lines offer excursions that include castle tours. You may wish to visit the Edinburgh Castle, which dominates the city’s skyline from its perch on Castle Rock, or Stirling Castle, one of the largest and most important castles in Scotland. If your cruise takes you to the Hebrides, you will not want to miss Duart Castle, the ancestral home of Clan Maclean.
Remember, every journey, every cruise, every island, offers its own unique treasures, waiting to be discovered. As you explore the archaeological wonders of Orkney and beyond, you will not just be observing history, but living it.
The Joy of Small Ship Cruises: Journeying through the British Isles
One of the best ways to explore the archaeological sites of Orkney is aboard a small ship cruise. This personalised, intimate mode of travel is perfect for those who are looking to discover the untouched beauty of the British Isles at a comfortable pace. Itineraries typically include a combination of sea voyages, site visits and village visits, ensuring that you get the most out of your journey.
Small ship cruises offer a unique way to explore the famous and lesser-known archaeological sites of Orkney. They often dock at smaller ports, offering the chance for visitors to embark on guided tours of sites such as the ancient village of Skara Brae or the mystifying stone circle known as the Ring of Brodgar.
Onboard, you can expect to find an array of amenities and activities that cater to an array of interests. From lectures on local history and archaeology to Scottish culinary experiences, these cruises offer a perfect blend of relaxation and enrichment. What’s more, with fewer passengers on board, you can expect a higher level of personal service and a more immersive experience of the local culture.
One such cruise is the Sea Spirit Cruise which starts and ends in London Greenwich and offers a comprehensive 10-day itinerary that includes the archaeological delights of Orkney and the Shetland Islands.
The Perfect Balance: Tailoring Your Activity Level on Your Isles Cruise
One of the greatest advantages of embarking on a cruise to explore archaeological sites in Orkney is the ability to tailor your activity level based on personal preference. Whether you are an avid hiker or prefer a leisurely stroll, there is a cruise itinerary to suit your needs.
For those with a thirst for adventure, several cruise lines offer high-activity tours. These include guided hikes to remote archaeological sites, cycling tours of the islands, and even sea kayaking. On the other end of the spectrum, more leisurely options may involve gentle walks around the islands, informative bus tours, or the opportunity to explore the sites at your own pace.
Cruise details often include a breakdown of the activity level for each day, allowing passengers to plan their days accordingly. From gentle strolls through ancient village sites to thrilling hikes up rugged cliffs, these cruises offer a range of activities that ensure each passenger can make the most of their journey through the British Isles.
To conclude, a cruise through the British Isles, specifically the Orkney Islands, offers an unparalleled opportunity to delve into the rich archaeological history of the region. From the immersive experience of a small ship cruise to the flexibility of tailoring your activity level, every traveler can find an itinerary aboard a cruise that suits their preferences.
Whether your journey takes you to the prehistoric village of Skara Brae, the mysterious Ring of Brodgar, or the majestic fortresses dotting Scotland’s coast, you are guaranteed a memorable exploration. The opportunity to live history is unique, and the remarkable archaeological sites of Orkney are waiting to unveil their millennia-old secrets.
So why wait? Let the allure of the British Isles captivate your senses and embark on an unforgettable sea voyage to the archaeological wonders of Orkney. After all, history isn’t just something to be read about – it’s something to be experienced.