Nicholas Cope (RCA)

Sacred Orkney Tour

July 7th - July 13th 2017

Maeshowe

The Ring of Brodgar

Maeshowe passage

Six nights away exploring beautiful Orkney - visiting many of its world famous heritage sites such as The Ness of Brodgar, Skara Brae, Maeshowe, and much more. Culminating in a two day visit to one of the most Northerly and remote islands, Papa Westray. Here lies the remarkably preserved five and a half thousand year old Knap of Howar, one of the oldest 'houses' in Europe and one of the most ancient 'dwellings' in the world.

Hosted by Nicholas Cope, co-author of
'The Knap of Howar and the Origins of Geometry'

To register your interest please contact
Nicholas Cope by email nick@ncope.co.uk
or call on 0778 997 1916 to discuss further.

Terms and conditions can then be forwarded,
returned with the deposit of £700 towards total cost. The balance is payable 30 days before tour departure.

Tour costs - 7 days (Orkney Mainland

& Papa Westray) £1,700

Inclusive of return flights from Southampton to Kirkwall airport, return flights from Kirkwall to Papa Westray, all accommodation (based on shared occupancy) and entrance fees to the sites visited, where applicable.

Kirkwall Airport

Proposed itinerary

Day 1 - Friday July 7th: Arrival on Orkney

12.00 pm: Meet with the group at Southampton airport (Eastleigh).

1.30 pm: Flight departs to Kirkwall airport Orkney, including a stop off at Edinburgh.

7.15 pm: Arrival at Kirkwall airport, Orkney Mainland, in time for dinner at The Sands Hotel where we spend three nights.

Maeshowe

Maeshowe chamber

The Stones of Stenness

Day 2 - Saturday July 8th: First full day on Orkney Mainland

After breakfast we will travel by mini-bus to visit the 'UNESCO World Heritage' sites in the 'Heart of Neolithic Orkney'. This includes: The Ness of Brodgar, The Ring of Brodgar, The Stones of Stenness and Maeshowe chambered tomb.

During this full days activities we can have lunch in the vibrant Orkney capital of Kirkwall and visit the Orkney museum to see the fascinating displays of finds from the archaeological sites we are visiting during our trip.

Evening meal at The Sands Hotel.

Wideford Cairn

Skara Brae

Day 3 - Sunday July 9th: Second full day on Orkney Mainland

The morning we will visit Skara Brae ancient 'village'.

Lunch either in Stromness, Orkneys centre of the arts or Kirkwall where we can visit the 12th century
St Magnus Cathedral.

In the afternoon we shall visit Wideford Hill chambered tomb, this entails a short walk and includes breathtaking views of the bay. We can also explore the five thousand year old Cuween Hill chambered tomb, where entrance is gained by crawling through the original low and narrow passage way.

Dinner at The Sands Hotel where we shall review the day's events and discuss the next day's itinerary.

The Knap of Howar

Papa Westray

Day 4 - Monday July 10th: Early morning flight to Papa Westray

8.40 am: flight departs from Kirkwall aiport - twenty three minutes later we arrive on Papa Westray, known as Papay to the islanders.

Settle in at Beltane House hostel followed by an initial walk to familiarise ourselves with this beautiful small island, which is just four miles long and a mile wide and has a population of around 80 people. This will include the cliffs of the North coast, St Boniface church and the beautiful beaches of the East coast.

During our stay on the island of Papay we will not be relying on vehicles to get around and our time will not be governed by opening hours. So it will be possible to have some personal space either to explore the island alone or in a smaller group, or to spend time in contemplation and meditation.

Today is our first opportunity to visit the Neolithic 'dwelling' of the Knap of Howar, the main focus of the trip to Papa Westray. We shall be on the island for more than two days enabling us to become fully acquainted with this five and a half thousand year old 'dwelling'. There will be an opportunity to take part in some original studies at the site and explore some of the hidden properties of the architecture of the structure.

The Knap of Howar's entrances

The Knap of Howar

Day 5 - Tuesday July 11th: Full day on Papa Westray

There will be an opportunity to return to the Knap of Howar during the morning. It may be possible to take a boat trip, weather permitting, to visit the chambered tombs on the Holm of Papa Westray or to remain to further explore the beautiful island of Papay.

After an early supper, Nicholas will give a presentation on his book entitled: 'The Knap of Howar - an interpretation of a Neolithic dwelling' to be held at Beltane House 7.3o pm.
Visitors and islanders are invited, free entry.

Passageway between the two structures at Knap of Howar

Day 6 - Wednesday July 12th return to Kirkwall

We will have most of the day on Papa Westray, departing on a 4.51 pm flight to Kirkwall, where we will spend the last night at Kirkwall Youth Hostel on Orkney mainland.

Dinner in Kirkwall, when we can discuss and assess the tour before returning home the following day.

Day 7 - Thursday July 13th: return flight from Orkney to Southampton

10.20 am: Depart from Kirkwall airport via Glasgow (stop off) and return to Southampton airport at 4.40 pm in time for ongoing travel.