Kirkwall, Orkaney Islands Port

Just north of Scotland lie the Orkney Islands, a chain of dramatic landscapes with white sand beaches and towering cliffs. Kirkwall is one of the largest of these islands, and it is from here where you can explore some of the fascinating landmarks that the Orkneys are famous for. Chief among these is the St Magnus Cathedral, built by the ruling Vikings in the 12^th Century and still standing tall to this day. There’s also the much more recent Italian Chapel, built during the Second World War by Italian prisoners, including an artist who even stayed once the war was over to finish the chapel.

The Orkneys are also famous as the home of some of the finest examples of prehistoric history in the modern world. Skara Brae is a preserved village from 5,000 years ago, where you can still see the preserved beds and dressers in the houses. Maeshowe is a chambered tomb that was then later used by the Vikings, while the Ring of Brodgar is a perfect circle of standing stones, believed to have been used as a way to study the stars. Each offers a fascinating insight into the incredible heritage of these picturesque islands.