SCOTLAND
I DY L L I C I S L A N D S
H
OME TO UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES, some older than the Pyramids, traces of Viking legacies, Neolithic sites, haunting wartime remains, and beaches and seascapes to rival the very best in the world, this has to be one of the must-do trips of a lifetime. Dream Escape, a leading luxury destination specialist to England, Scotland and Ireland has masterfully crafted a week-long itinerary to capture the spirit of these islands, journeying through their mysterious lands. The Orkney Islands hold some of the finest examples of Neolithic craftsmanship and earliest stone circles in Britain, dating back to at least 3100BC. Known as the “Big Four”, these riveting displays of an ancient time are treasured at the Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site where our journey begins. Most impressive and striking is the settlement known as Skara Brae, Europe’s most complete Neolithic village, with its eight clustered houses dating back to a time before Stonehenge was built. Thanks to Dream Escape, the trip allows for a very special, private twilight tour of the settlement as well as the rare chance to enter one of the delicate houses, not ordinarily open to the public. A truly enthralling experience, this is a special moment to reflect upon its inhabitants whilst listening to its haunting stories from an expert guide. From an ancient past to more recent history, we visit Scapa Flow, a great natural harbour that was a vital naval base during both World Wars. From here, it’s on to the uninhabited island of Lamb Holm, with its remarkable Italian Chapel, built by Italian prisoners of war during World War II. The chapel was lovingly restored in 1960 by the artist Domenico Chiocchetti, who was responsible for the original design, and it remains a touching token of the triumph of the human spirit over adversity. Orkney’s capital – Kirkwall – is another fascinating stop and home to Britain’s most northerly Cathedral, dating from the 12th century. It has a violent Viking past, and still houses some wonderful ancient buildings including the Bishop’s Palace, which was built around the same time as the Cathedral, and the Earl’s Palace, built around 1600 for Earl Robert Stewart, an illegitimate son of King James V of Scotland. à
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BritishTravelJournal.com
Picture Credit: Sunset over the Neist Point Lighthouse, Isle of Skye, Scotland © Istockphoto/Marcello Land
Shrouded in legend and mystery, Orkney and the Outer and Inner Hebrides are remarkable parts of Scotland, with breathtaking landscapes and a rich abundance of history
