RELICS, TRACES OF WAR AND WHISKY

In a nutshell

This tour is a great combination of the sacred and profane. We will visit the most northerly whisky distillery in Scotland, some fascinating relics from the First and Second World Wars and places where ancient and modern cultures have sculpted the region's history.

Main stops

• Highland Park Distillery * Scapa Flow bay
  
• Churchill Barriers
• Island of Lamb Holm and the Italian Chapel
• Centre of Kirkwall and St. Magnus Cathedral

The programme

• Leaving the port of Kirkwall we will head towards the outskirts of the city, home to the Highland Park Distillery, the most northerly Scotch whisky production centre in Scotland, founded in 1798.
  
• Originally an illegal distillation site in a geographically remote location, Highland Park has made a great deal of progress over its two-century history, earning international recognition for its 18-year-old single malt whisky, two-time winner of the 'Best spirit in the world' award.
• We will visit this unique distillery, hoping to unearth a few secrets, and we will attend a short introductory film along with a traditional performance.
• Our excursion will continue along the coast and the historic Scapa Flow, the British naval fleet's base during the First and Second World Wars. Along the way, we will hear dramatic stories of wars that have made this stretch of water one of the most famous in the world.
• Then we will cross the first of the four Churchill Barriers. These causeways were built during the Second World War to protect the eastern access to Scapa Flow and to link the South Orkney Islands and the Mainland.
• We will then reach the island of Lamb Holm, where we will visit the beautiful, hand-painted Italian Chapel. Built by Italian prisoners during the Second World War, the chapel has been preserved as a symbol of hope and peace in times of conflict and a symbol of the lasting friendship between the Orkney Islands and the Italian soldiers.  
• Then we will return to Kirkwall where we will have some free time to explore the ancient capital of the Orkney Islands.
• A visit to the wonderful St. Magnus Cathedral dating back to the 12th century is a must. See why the 'Light in the north' is considered one of the most beautiful medieval buildings in the north of Scotland.

Good to know

• We recommend that you book early because only a limited number of places are available.
  
• Between the beginning of July and mid-August, it is 'silent season' in Highland Park. During that time, the distillery is open for visits but no whisky is produced.
  
• Minimum age: 18 years.