South Panorama & Highland Park Distillery
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Port
Kirkwall, Scotland, United Kingdom
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Activity Level
Moderate
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Excursion Type
Local Sightseeing,All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$139.95
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 4 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
Head south from Kirkwall along the coast near the First and Second World War Naval Base of Scapa Flow, crossing the Churchill Barriers that were constructed by Italian POWs.
You'll see the Italian Chapel, created out of Nissen huts by the prisoners in their spare time. It is a true statement of faith, with delicate wrought-iron tracery and frescoes whose artist, Dominico Chiocchetti, returned in later years to restore the original work.
At a local hotel, enjoy your first glass of Highland Park whisky. You'll learn that many people believe the unique character of Highland Park 12-year-old single malt whisky comes from the local peat beds. An audio-visual presentation introduces you to the northernmost Scotch whisky distillery in the world. Try three more wee drams of Highland Park.
Enjoy some free time to enjoy the pretty town of Kirkwall, dominated by the magnificent 12th-century red sandstone St Magnus Cathedral. Known locally as the Light of the North, it is the finest medieval building in northern Scotland. The many narrow, winding streets and lanes in town have changed very little over the centuries.
At the conclusion of your visit, return to the pier and your waiting ship.
Notes:
Guests on ships calling at Kirkwall between mid-June and mid-August are advised that your call coincides with the 'silent season' at the Highland Park Distillery (exact dates to be confirmed). The silent season occurs once a year and lasts three weeks. This is the period when whisky production ceases, most employees take a well-earned vacation, and routine maintenance is carried out. Tours are still offered during this time, as it is still a great experience, and you will learn all about the whisky-making process, but the tour is slightly different from when the distillery is in full production mode.