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Discover Kirkwall on Your Private Walking Tour

You’ll take the shuttle bus from the pier to the city centre of Kirkwall, the largest town in the Orkney archipelago off Scotland, where your local guide will lead you on a compact, informative walking tour-please note walking is involved. Expect to explore the celebrated St. Magnus Cathedral, founded in 1137 by the Viking Earl Rognvald in honour of his uncle St Magnus, then wander between two historic landmarks in the heart of Kirkwall: the well-preserved medieval Bishop’s Palace and the adjacent Earl’s Palace, both included in your visit. After soaking in the palaces’ history you'll head to Albert Street before your guide reunites the group at the meeting point and escorts you back to the ship, making this a convenient cultural stop on the northern coast of mainland Orkney.

About this activity in Kirkwall

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

Highlights

  • Explore St. Magnus Cathedral, a 12th-century Viking-era landmark founded by Earl Rognvald - a must-see in Kirkwall, Orkney.
  • Visit the medieval Bishop’s and Earl’s Palace, two remarkably well-preserved historic buildings in the heart of town.
  • Stroll along Albert Street and soak up local atmosphere, shops and traditional Orkney architecture after your guided tour.
  • Enjoy a private tour led by a professional local guide who brings Kirkwall’s history and stories to life.

Important Information

  • You’ll take a shuttle bus from the pier to the city centre to begin this guided walking tour of Kirkwall.
  • The tour includes entrance to St. Magnus Cathedral and Bishop’s and Earl’s Palace; gratuities are not included.
  • Walking is involved throughout the itinerary, so you should have at least a moderate level of fitness to fully enjoy the experience.
  • You are covered by a full refund if you cancel at least 30 days before arrival; confirm your meeting details with Varoom before your visit.

Meeting Point

Meet your local guide at the shuttle drop-off in Kirkwall city centre (near the pier). Your guide will be waiting at the designated meeting point and will escort you back to the ship at the tour’s end.

Includes

  • St. Magnus Cathedral ticket included - visit the iconic cathedral in Kirkwall as part of your booking
  • Bishop's and Earl's Palace ticket included - access both historic palace sites in the area during your visit
  • Private tour with a professional local guide - enjoy a focused, expert-led experience in Kirkwall
  • Full refund guaranteed if you cancel this reservation 30 days prior to the arrival date

Excludes

  • Gratuities are not included - please plan to tip your guide if you wish to acknowledge exceptional service

Other

  • You should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness to take part in this experience in Kirkwall

Customer Reviews

10/10
Based on 2 Reviews
christopherj602
May 28, 2024 11:37:56 AM
Summary: Michael gave us a thorough and enthusiastic walk and talk through the history of Kirkwall. A highlight was the visit to Saint Magnus Cathedral. Michael was full of stories about the place and really brought it alive for us. I wondered how a walk-through this relatively small town could be made interesting over a four hour period but the time flew past, albeit with a brief stop in a cafe on the way. Thoroughly recommend it!
the-crimson-cosmos
Mar 5, 2023 03:48:27 PM
Summary: Helen was very patient and introduced every important historical location in town with great details. Lots of old stories about local customs, language and archaeology were told. Really appreciate the whole tour!

Explore Kirkwall, Scotland's historic sites, coastal tours

Book memorable Events and activities in Kirkwall, Scotland where you can join guided tours and sightseeing, explore local art and culture, and enjoy Outdoor & Nature and Water-Based experiences that suit families, couples, and groups. Whether you’re planning workshops and learning sessions, food and drink tastings, or multi-day full-day adventures, the area makes it simple to find and book experiences that match your interests. Use Varoom to discover and reserve the best Events here, connecting your stay with the top tours, cultural attractions, and active outdoor options in the destination.

Know more about Kirkwall

You need to take the shuttle bus from the pier to the city centre before the tour. Your local guide will meet you at the arranged meeting point in the centre and take you around Kirkwall.
Walking is involved on this tour, and travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness to comfortably explore the cathedral, the palaces, and Albert Street with your guide.
Yes. The guided walking tour around Kirkwall’s main sights is suitable for Group-Friendly and family-focused sightseeing, as it covers iconic cultural and historical attractions in a compact town centre.
You will explore St. Magnus Cathedral, founded in 1137, then visit two historic buildings in the heart of town: Bishop’s Palace and Earl’s Palace. The tour finishes with a walk along Albert Street before you are taken back to the ship.
The tour includes tickets to St. Magnus Cathedral and Bishop’s and Earl’s Palace, a private tour with a professional local guide, and guided transport from the meeting point back to the ship.
The tour starts after you arrive by shuttle bus at the city centre meeting point where your local guide meets you. After visiting St. Magnus Cathedral, Bishop’s Palace, and Earl’s Palace, the guide leads you to Albert Street and then takes you back to the ship.