Leisurely North Coastal Drive

Depart the pier by comfortable motorcoach for a panoramic drive along the coastline of Scapa Flow, best known as the chief naval base of the United Kingdom during the two World Wars. Along the way, your knowledgeable guide imparts the dramatic wartime stories that make this one of the most historic stretches of water in the world. Heading inland, you'll discover the heart of Neolithic Orkney as you pass the Standing Stones of Stenness. This monument of antiquity was one of the earliest stone circles in Britain and is a component of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney UNESCO World Heritage Site. From there, you're off to the beach at sandy Birsay Bay for views of the commanding cliffs at Marwick Head -- perhaps the best sea bird cliffs in Orkney. Across the bay lies the Brough of Birsay, a small tidal island around which Orkney's political and religious power was centered for centuries. The Brough of Birsay Lighthouse stands here, and seals are often spotted in the bay. Drive past the great ceremonial stone circle known as the Ring of Brodgar en route back to Kirkwall and the ship.