Hidden Heights & Viking Vibes

Get ready to scale spiral stairs, soak in Viking history, and stroll through Kirkwall’s treasures — this journey is packed with surprises!

Explore the hidden wonders of St. Magnus Cathedral, the UK’s northernmost and Scotland’s oldest. Climb spiral stone staircases to the upper levels to find galleries, historic artifacts, a clock mechanism, and towering bells. Stroll through Kirkwall’s Old Town to uncover Viking roots, visit the Bishop’s Palace with views from the "Moosie Toor," and admire the Renaissance elegance of the Earl’s Palace. Finish at Tankerness House Gardens, where blooms surround the pirate-linked ‘Groatie Hoose.’

Shore Thing Highlights

Explore Tankerness Gardens’ colorful blooms and uncover pirate lore at the quirky ‘Groatie Hoose’
Uncover Viking tales and Renaissance beauty in Kirkwall’s Old Town, Bishop’s Palace, and Earl’s Palace
Brave the winding staircases of St. Magnus Cathedral to reach its hidden heights

Need to know

This Shore Thing is not wheelchair accessible
Sailors should expect to climb narrow, spiral stone staircases
Sailors should expect to walk approximately 3 kilometers, including some uneven terrain
Comfortable walking shoes with non-slip soles are strongly recommended
Sailors should consider their physical fitness level and medical history when determining whether this Shore Thing is appropriate
Sailors are requested to wear appropriate attire for visiting a religious site

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Shore Things are fully refundable to the original form of payment. However, please note that Shore Things are only fully refundable if they are canceled within 48 hours prior to the booked Shore Thing taking place, unless stated otherwise in a specific Shore Thing 'Need to Know' section. If you fail to either (a) cancel within 48 hours of the booked Shore Thing (or alternative time period as may be stated in a specific Shore Thing 'Need to Know' section), or (b) show up for a booked Shore Thing, you will be charged for 100% of the Shore Thing price.

If you make a cancellation prior to the first day of your voyage and within 48 hours (unless otherwise stated in the tour details) of your Shore Thing, you will be refunded to the original form of payment after midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the day of cancellation.

If you make another purchase prior to midnight EST, after canceling a booking eligible for a refund, the credit from the canceled booking will be applied to your new booking. Therefore, you’ll only be charged for the price difference between the canceled and new experience. If you have remaining temporary credit left on your account after you’ve made another experience purchase, the remaining credit will be refunded to your original form of payment after midnight EST.

If you cancel a Shore Thing during your voyage and are eligible for a refund, a credit will be applied to your folio and not to your original form of payment.

Shore Things departure times and/or meeting locations are subject to change. We will make every effort to notify Sailors in advance via the Sailor App of any tour departure and/or meeting changes.

Hidden Heights & Viking Vibes

Get ready to scale spiral stairs, soak in Viking history, and stroll through Kirkwall’s treasures — this journey is packed with surprises!

Shore Thing Highlights

Need to know

Experience shores the Virgin way

Our Shore Things Policies