Discover Orkney Small-Group Tour – 3 Days
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- Duration
- 3 days
- Guiding Style
- Fully Guided
- Hotel Rating
- B&B Ensuite
- Start / End
- Inverness → Inverness
- Group Size
- Min 1 / Max 16
- Physical Rating
- Easy Travelers can expect some light physical activities
Highlights
The Orkney archipelago is brimming with hidden treasures — and on this three-day journey, your knowledgeable driver-guide will ensure you discover the very best of them. You'll explore some of Europe's most remarkable prehistoric sites, marvel at the striking red sandstone shores, and delve into the vibrant culture of these far-flung island communities.
It's an unforgettable experience you'll treasure for a lifetime.
- Travel the dramatic north-east Highland coast from Inverness past the fairy-tale spires of Dunrobin Castle and the northernmost village on mainland Scotland at John o' Groats
- Cross the Pentland Firth by ferry to the Orkney Islands and visit the moving Italian Chapel, built by World War II prisoners of war from two Nissen huts and remarkable artistry
- Walk through Skara Brae — admission included — a 5,000-year-old village with stone houses and built-in furniture that brings prehistoric life vividly to life
- Stand among the towering Stones of Stenness and explore Maeshowe — admission included — a 5,000-year-old chambered tomb housing one of the richest collections of Viking runic carvings ever found
- Spend two evenings in Kirkwall, Orkney's Viking capital, exploring its impressive medieval cathedral and historic winding streets before the scenic return to Inverness through Caithness and Sutherland
3-Day Discover Orkney Tour Itinerary
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Day 1
Highland Coastlines to Orkney
We start early, departing from the 'Capital of the Highlands', travelling across the Black Isle and passing by Dunrobin Castle. From there, we trace the north-east coast, taking in some of the Highlands' most striking scenery. Next, we pass through John o' Groats — the northernmost village on mainland Scotland — and continue to Gills Bay, where we catch the ferry across the Pentland Firth to Orkney.
A short drive brings us to the iconic Italian Chapel, followed by our arrival in Kirkwall, Orkney's Viking capital. Here, you can explore Kirkwall's impressive Viking Cathedral and stroll its historic winding streets in the evening.
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Day 2
Skara Brae & Maeshowe
Today is your chance to discover an island where ancient history meets modern life. This is a land of striking contrasts — lush green fields stretch to golden beaches, all surrounded by the North Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. We continue our journey into the past at Skara Brae. Walk through this 5,000-year-old village, where stone houses, built-in furniture, and a hidden chamber bring the lives of its former inhabitants vividly to life.
Next, visit the Stones of Stenness. Stand among these towering monuments, feel their ancient presence, and imagine the rituals held here more than five millennia ago. You'll also explore Maeshowe, where Vikings in the 12th century left behind one of the richest collections of Norse runic carvings ever discovered.
In the early evening, we return to Kirkwall, where you'll have time to enjoy the rest of the day as you choose.
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Day 3
Caithness and Sutherland
Before leaving Orkney, there's time for a final stroll through Kirkwall's striking cathedral and an opportunity to pick up gifts for friends and family. We bid farewell to Kirkwall and travel across Orkney's wild, open landscape, passing the quiet waters of Scapa Flow on the way to St Margaret's Hope and the ferry terminal.
As we head south, your driver-guide will explain the Highland Clearances — a tragic chapter in Scotland's past — and point out hidden highlights along the route. As the road winds toward Inverness, take in the layers of history and the stunning scenery that define this remarkable region. We return to Inverness by early evening.
What's Included
Accommodation
- 2 nights en-suite accommodation with breakfast
What should I expect from a B&B?
B&Bs are traditionally small family owned and run properties offering a handful of guest rooms. They are usually residential properties, so they tend to be located on the outskirts of towns and you should be prepared for a 20–30 minute walk to local facilities like pubs and restaurants.
It's unusual for a B&B to offer any additional services like concierge, porterage, evening meals or room-service. Wi-fi is usually, but not always available and it's worth bearing in mind that access can be unreliable in more remote locations.
If you have difficulty with stairs, please request a ground-floor room (subject to availability, upon request only) as lifts will not be available in this type of property.
Guide & Admissions
- English-speaking driver-guide throughout
- Maeshowe – admission included
- Skara Brae – admission included
Meals
- 2 breakfasts
Transport
- 16-seat mini-coach throughout
- Passengers are entitled to 1 piece of checked luggage (14 kg / 31 lbs) & 1 small carry-on bag (4.5 kg / 10 lbs). Checked luggage will be stowed in the luggage compartment and is not accessible until drop-off.
Not Included
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Arrival & departure transfers
- Food and drinks
- Entry fees to visitor attractions unless specified
- Other activities and services not listed under Included
Additional Information
- You will receive an e-ticket for this tour.
- This tour operates year-round, subject to availability.
- Tour reference code: 318314
Dates & Availability
Frequently Asked Questions
The tour includes 2 nights en-suite B&B accommodation in Kirkwall with daily breakfast, admission to Maeshowe and Skara Brae, and transportation by 16-seat mini-coach with an English-speaking driver-guide throughout.
The tour starts and ends in Inverness. You depart from Inverness on Day 1 and return to Inverness in the early evening of Day 3 after travelling through Caithness and Sutherland.
You stay in Kirkwall — Orkney's Viking capital — for both nights, with B&B en-suite accommodation and daily breakfast included. B&Bs are traditionally small, family-owned properties usually located on the outskirts of towns, so guests should be prepared for a short walk to local facilities. Lifts are not available; if you have difficulty with stairs, please request a ground-floor room in advance (subject to availability).
On Day 1 the tour travels to Gills Bay near John o' Groats and boards a ferry across the Pentland Firth to Orkney. The return crossing takes place on Day 3 from St Margaret's Hope back to the mainland.
Yes. Admission to both Skara Brae and Maeshowe is included in the tour price. You visit both on Day 2 as part of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Italian Chapel is a remarkable small church built during World War II by Italian prisoners of war held on Orkney to work on the Churchill Barriers. Fashioned from two Nissen huts and decorated with extraordinary artistry using salvaged materials, it is one of Orkney's most moving and memorable sights. You stop here on Day 1 shortly after arriving on the island.
The Stones of Stenness are a group of towering prehistoric standing stones on Orkney dating back more than five millennia, making them among the oldest stone monuments in Britain. They are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Heart of Neolithic Orkney and are visited on Day 2 alongside Skara Brae and Maeshowe.
The tour starts from US $781 per person, reduced from the standard price of US $1,220 — a saving of 36%. Price may vary by departure date.