- Guided tour at the Ness of Brodgar, Orkney
- Guided Tours
- Plan Your Trip
- Getting Here
- Journey Planner
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- Itineraries
- Visitor Guides & Downloads
Orkney might be a relatively small place but there is still so much to see. For the first-time visitor, planning your itinerary can be a bit daunting.
Luckily, we have some of the finest tour guides to be found anywhere. Friendly and knowledgeable, they’ll take good care of you during your time touring our sites and make sure your visit is unforgettable.
Many are also proficient in different languages and lots are highly experienced experts in their fields, whether that’s archaeology , wildlife or wartime history .
A number of sites and attractions have set tour times that you can join, or you can speak to one of Orkney’s private guides to tailor a trip that’s perfect for you. If you decide to travel with a guide, you’ll be able to plan your schedule in advance and get all the hints and tips you need prior to setting off.
They’ll get you around our unmissable sights safely, you’ll learn a huge amount along the way, and you’ll get a real insight into Orkney life too.
Browse our listings below for more info:
Scheduled tours, private tours.
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GoOrkney Highlights Tours – Small Group Tours
Goorkney has created a small group ’ orkney highlights ’ tour to cater for guests who wish to see the best of orkney in a day. ideal for those visiting orkney on a cruise ship requiring a more personal shore excursion , on a day trip, or looking for that last minute booking..
- Personalised service – up to 15 guests
- Fully inclusive price – no extras
- Highlights Tours – up to 4.5 hrs or 6 hrs
- Professional Local Guide . Scottish Tourist Guide Association Approved Guide
- THE HIGHLIGHTS TOUR
- AVAILABILITY & BOOKING
- BOOKING INFO & FAQS
Our ‘ Orkney Highlights Tour’ takes you on a journey through time, giving you a real sense of life ‘on the edge’, from experiencing how our Neolithic ancestors lived and survived over 5000 years ago, through the ‘invasion’ of the Vikings, documented in the 13 th Century Orkneyinga Sagas and how they still influence Orkney’s culture today to the global importance played by Scapa Flow during two World Wars, the moving stories of which tell of innovation and tragedy and are forever preserved in the fabric of our amazing Islands and their people.
Orkney Highlights Tour
Depending on the date of your visit, you will be offered either a reduced rate 4.5hrs or a standard rate 6hrs tour, all of which are scheduled to ensure cruise ship guests can maximise their time in Orkney. You will be met and welcomed by your GoOrkney Guide at the ship’s arrival point. From here, the tour will start and head west, hugging the coastline of Scapa Flow where you will hear about the Royal Oak Tragedy, learn about the ‘Scuttling’ of the German fleet in 1919 and how Scapa Flow remains economically important for Orkney today.
On to ‘Yesnaby’, to view our stunning Atlantic coastline with stunning cliffs, geology, wildlife and fauna and where you may, if you’re lucky find the rare ‘Primula Scotica’. On a clear day you may also catch a glimpse of ‘The Old Man of Hoy’ and Britain’s highest vertical cliffs.
Step back 5000 years now as we enter the ‘Heart of Neolithic Orkney’ and our UNESCO World Heritage Sites, home to some of the best-preserved Neolithic structures in the world. You will visit Skara Brae, a world-renowned Neolithic village dating to 3100bc, buried and preserved in sand for thousands of years before being uncovered by a storm in 1850. You will be amazed at the condition of the houses that make up this completely original village with stone furniture, beds and implements exactly as they were left. A nearby modern visitor centre and replica Neolithic house adds to the experience and enables you to fully immerse yourself in our Neolithic history.
Your Neolithic experience continues as we take a short drive to our next stop where you will be guided around two stunning henge monuments, the Ring of Brodgar and the Standing Stones of Stenness, set in a natural amphitheatre and amongst the oldest in Europe. Our 4.5hrs tour allows for a drive past visit and photo stop at the Ring of Brodgar.
We now travel south, passing other Neolithic sites and learning about our Viking heritage and Wartime history. We will take in panoramic views of Scapa Flow and visit the World War 2 sea defences, the ‘Churchill Barriers’, an incredible engineering achievement, built by Italian prisoners of war in response to the tragic sinking of HMS Royal Oak in 1939. We then visit and marvel at the splendour of the ‘Italian Chapel’, where you will not fail to be moved by this masterpiece built and beautifully decorated by the Italian prisoners and affectionately named ‘The Miracle of Camp 60’.
Then back to our Capital City and Royal Burgh of Kirkwall where our 4.5hrs tour ends outside St Magnus Cathedral. On our 6hrs tour you will be guided around the stunning red and yellow sandstone St Magnus Cathedral. Known as ‘The light of the North’ and built in the 12 th Century, this magnificent monument honouring our Viking Earl, St Magnus has been beautifully preserved and is still in use today.
It will then be time for us to bid you all farewell. We can either return you to the Travel Centre where we started the tour, to your ship or you can take a leisurely stroll through the historic streets of Kirkwall and enjoy the unique abundance of shops and businesses selling local food, drink, garments and of course stunning jewellery.
Searching Availability…
The tour and the services of a professional driver-guide.
Meals, drinks and refreshments, apart from chilled bottled water, are not included in your ticket price. We believe in giving you the choice to suit your budget. Alternatively feel free to bring your own packed lunch for day tours.
With the luxury of a Bespoke Tour, we can include coffee and/or lunch stops in your itinerary, but this would be at your own cost.
We operate Bespoke tours and our Corporate service all year round.
Our Highlights Tours are only available on specific days from May to September. Please check the availability calendar.
Please contact us directly if you have an unusual or complicated agenda, we will try to accommodate your request if we can.
For cruise ship customers, we provide a pier side pickup and drop off service. Your GoOrkney guide or driver will be at the Pier to greet you and holding a GoOrkney name board. At the time of booking, please let us know which ship you are arriving on.
Kirkwall Pier (Anchorage): After you disembark from the tender boat, your guide/driver will meet you as you come up the pier and take you to your vehicle. If you miss each other, the Meet & Greet Staff on the pier will help and direct you to us. Please allow sufficient time for tendering.
Hatston Pier: On arrival to the pier, after you disembark from the ship, please let the Meet & Greet Staff on the pier know you are on a private GoOrkney tour. Your Guide will be called onto the pier to pick you up.
On request, we also provide a pick up service from the Travel Centre, West Castle St, Kirkwall, KW15 1GU. At the time of booking, please let us know if you require pick up from the Travel Centre. Map details are available on the following link: https://www.bing.com/local?lid=YN1029x11914293144776059141&id=YN1029x11914293144776059141&q=Visit+Scotland&name=Visit+Scotland&cp=58.98310470581055%7e-2.96174693107605&ppois=58.98310470581055_-2.96174693107605_Visit+Scotland
Yes. We offer personal pick-ups for all our Bespoke tours. If you require to change your pick-up point after booking please contact us directly and we will be happy to help you.
Our ‘Highlights Tour’ is offered on a book now, per seat basis and on dates where Cruise Ships are visiting Orkney. These tours are not exclusive to Cruise Ship passengers and can be booked online up 12 hours before the tour. Please contact us directly to confirm last minute availability
Yes, Bespoke Tours can be arranged on any day where the calendar shows availability, including ‘Highlights Tours’ dates (where no ‘Highlights Tour’ bookings have been taken). As we offer the ‘Highlights Tour’ on a per seat basis, please contact us for latest availability.
Sorry, no. All seats are allocated on a first come, first served basis. Please be assured that all seats have ample leg room and visibility.
We want you to enjoy the very best Orkney has to offer and we believe the best way to do this is to get you off the bus as often as we can. We ensure this with a mixture of photo stops and comfort breaks.
The tour have been timed to ensure you maximise your time in Orkney and see as much as possible in the given time. As such, there is no lunch stop however you can pick up on-the-go refreshments, payable at the time
The weather in Orkney is changeable, even in summer. Please wear sensible footwear as the ground we visit is often uneven and may be slippery. Layering of clothes is recommended and another sensible precaution is to carry light waterproof clothing. If prepared, you will have a great time, no matter the weather.
We do not offer refunds due to bad weather.
Highlights tour: limited to one small rucksack or bag per person.
Bespoke and Corporate: additional luggage can be facilitated by prior arrangement. Please advise at time of booking.
Unfortunately our vehicles are not equipped for wheelchair users who require to remain seated in their wheelchair when boarding, alighting from or travelling in the vehicle.
Our small group Highlights Tours are usually run using a 15 seater vehicle which has no additional storage space, so we are generally unable to accommodate mobility aids. If you are a wheelchair user, have limited mobility or require assistance in any way, please contact us prior to booking to discuss.
Our 7 seater vehicles, mainly used for bespoke tours, are equipped with wide side access doors, can accommodate a folding wheelchair and may be accessible for wheelchair users who, with minimal assistance are able to transfer themselves to and from a vehicle seat.
GoOrkney maintains insurance meeting all statutory requirements, we strongly recommend that passengers hold comprehensive and suitable travel, medical and cancellation insurance to cover their period of travel.
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Orkney Islands Tours & Trips
Located just above Scotland 's mainland, the Orkney Islands are a feast for the eye and offer a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle of the mainland. Apart from seal colonies and tall cliffs, scattered all over the islands, one can see plenty of sites dating back to the Neolithic era. Kirkwall is the capital city of the archipelago and also the largest settlement.
43 Orkney Islands tour packages with 937 reviews
- In-depth Cultural
- Coach / Bus
3-Day Orkney Explorer Small-Group Small-Group Tour from Inverness
Excellent- lovely place with a fascinating history, accommodation was good and welcoming, tour guide very helpful
Scotland's Orkney Islands
Fabulous holiday with lovely walks boat trips and visits to historic places. Also swam at a beautiful beach (with a wet suit). Our guide was knowledgeable and flexible and the group got on really well. Highly recommend this trip.
5-Day Orkney & Scotland's Northern Coast Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh
Absolutely amazing experience. ? Jim Divine, our tour guide, was extremely knowledgable and informative as well as possessing a dry sense of humour. We were fortunate to be a part of a small tour group travelling from Edinburgh to the Orkney’s. Bed and Breakfast hosts were very welcoming, the bus was modern and comfortable and the history and sights were thought provoking and intriguing. Tour was well planned and presented - Now we are planning our next tour with Rabbies!
Country Roads of Scotland (Classic, 9 Days)
Well done. I would recommend the trip to one and all.
Orkney & The Far North
Eddy was very knowledgeable and considerate of all passengers needs
- 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.
North Scotland, Loch Ness & Orkney - 5 days
I had 2 issues: 1- the tour states that 4nights accomodation were included, however when I got to the last night of accomodation at Lochview Guest House, the manager made me pay £120. She would not provide a receipt since she said that would go to Rabbies Tour group. I will need £120 reimbursement. 2- my emails stated that the operator was “on the go” but my tour operator was actually Rabbies. This made it confusing when I was waiting for the bus initially.
Country Roads of Scotland (Small Groups, 9 Days)
Highland Trail inspired by Outlander (13 Days)
Excellent tour and guide.
- €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.
North Scotland, Loch Ness & Orkney (Hotel) - 5 days
Scotland's North Coast & Islands
Scottish Highlands & Islands
Guide Margerie and Driver Allister excellent. The tour occasionally strenuous; bus rides whole day. Bus quite confortable; Wi-Fi appreciated. Expected more meals included. Big Tour group - 44 Pax - a bit too many for my taste. When I inquired I was told max will be 35.....for me more acceptable. Hotel's fine except Isle of Skye: "Dunollie"- I had a claustrophobic room; no idea where to put my suitcase. After all the add. single room supplement is not little. Itinerary very interesting.
- Sightseeing
Scotland's Highlands Islands and Cities (13 Days)
Scottish Highland Fling
I met a lot of great people! Both the tour director, Peter, and the driver, Vincent, were awesome! This was my first group tour like this. I didn’t like the fact it was very scheduled and regimented.
Scenic Scotia
THROUGH THE NORTH ATLANTIC - ARCTIC 2024- OCEAN ALBATROS
What people love about orkney islands tours.
Seana, faced with having to tell us the Orkney Tour was cancelled while in progress, managed our disappointment, sorted things out for the 2 wishing to leave, and then proceeded to guide us on an incredible 3 day replacement North Coast 500 (538!) tour, backwards :) She was passionate and impressive with her intimate and widespread knowledge and love for every inch of the tour, places, geography, history, tales, music - and magical with it's delivery throughout the tour. Professional yet fun, delightful smiling eyes, expert driver! We thoroughly enjoyed the tour, and would travel with Seana again and again :) Thank you Seana!
Intrepid needs to tighten up this tour. Two free afternoons is too much when one has only three days on the island. Either make the tour two full days or two full days with one full day free to make plans to go to Hoy or Rousay. Give people guidance on what to do on the free day.
Jim our driver made our tour the best we could ever wish for, he was very informative and answered any questions we had. I can highly recommend .
- Scotland Travel Guide | All You Need to Know
- Best 7 Day Scotland Itineraries 2024/2025 (with Reviews)
International Versions
- Deutsch: Orkneyinseln Rundreisen
- Français: Circuits et voyages au Îles Orcades
- Español: Circuitos y viajes por Islas Orcadas
- Nederlands: Orkney-eilanden Rondreizen
Top Tours in Orkney Islands, Scotland
Orkney islands tours.
- Ports of Call Tours
- Historical & Heritage Tours
- Sightseeing Tours
- Private Tours
- Cultural Tours
- Archaeology Tours
- Multi-day Tours
- Walking Tours
- Up to 1 hour
- 1 to 4 hours
- 4 hours to 1 day
- 5.0 of 5 bubbles
- 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
- 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
- 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
- Likely to Sell Out
- The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.
1. Semi Private Tour - Orkney and Kirkwall
2. From Kirkwall - Orkney Mainland Private Tour
3. Orkney West Mainland Tour
4. Orkney Travel Classic Tour - 5-6 hours
5. Half-Day Trip in Orkney
6. Historic Orkney 4 Hour tour by a Local
7. Private Tour Discover Orkney with Pick-Up
8. Orkney Trike Tours of Orkney
9. 3-Day Orkney Explorer Small-Group Tour from Inverness
10. Orkney Mainland Private Tour
11. Orkney Islands & Highlands from Inverness - 3 Day Tour from Inverness
12. Kirkwall Private Walking Tour
13. Treasures of Orkney: Private Half-Day Tour from Kirkwall
14. Godfather Tour
15. 3-Day Orkney Islands Tour from Inverness
16. 3 Day Orkney Islands Tour from Inverness
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What travellers are saying.
- Semi Private Tour - Orkney and Kirkwall
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Orkney Highlights Tours
Explore the beautiful archipelago of Orkney and the mysterious Northern Highlands of Scotland with Orkney Highlights Tours.
Great tours. better memories..
My biography - Chris Matthews
I’m a Green Badge Guide, qualified as a regional specialist for both Orkney and the North Highlands of Scotland by the Scottish Tourist Guide Association. I am a member of the Orkney Tourist Guide Association and the Highlands of Scotland Tour Guide Association.
I have lived in Orkney for over 40 years getting very involved in many aspects of community life whilst and bringing up my four children here. I worked in environmental protection before changing direction and deciding to become a guide. I’m ideally placed to offer you tours of our beautiful and historic islands.
I own my own fully licenced and insured car, which comfortably seats four adults and two children. During your tour I’ll regale you with tales and anecdotes from the islands, giving you an insight into Orkney’s history and culture. You’ll see our stunning landscape and wildlife along the way and we may also sample the local cuisine. I’m happy to join you in your own car or coach if that’s your preference.
Let me share my love of the islands with you.
Tour Packages
I have many flexible packages to suit your personal requirements. Be you a lone traveller looking to soak up the peace and grab that perfect Insta' photo, a budding archaeologist or a boisterous family I can build you a tour to suits all your needs. We will discuss and tweak your itinerary until you are happy. If you wish I can book all tickets and food stops in advance so you really have nothing to worry about. Whichever option you choose you'll be sure to explore the highlights with me and have some fun along the way!
Experience Special - Full or Half Day
Tours can include Skara Brae, the Ring of Brodgar, the Standing Stones of Stenness, a Neolithic burial chamber, Scapa Flow the Italian Chapel including the Churchill Barriers and of course many scenic views around Orkney.
Orkney Highlights Tours can include
Neolithic World Heritage Sites
Orkney at War
Handcrafted Highlights
Local Food and Drink
Best of Viking and Iron Age
Heavenly Highlights
Tours made just for you.
Further information can be found on my facebook page.
Orkney Explained
Orkney tourist board.
www.orkney.com
St Magnus Festival
www.stmagnusfestival.com
Orkney Cuisine
www.orkneyfoodanddrink.com
I thoroughly enjoyed my tour of Kirkwall with Chris. His ability to weave his local knowledge into a tale of entertainment is refreshing. Stephen Hoskins, Visitor 2019
We had the privilege of having a fab tour guide. chris matthews, very knowledgeable and friendly. highly recommended to look him up if you're thinking of a trip to orkney fiona s paterson, visitor 2021, chris brought the island and its history alive with his informative and entertaining tour. he held everyone’s attention despite the four seasons in a day weather we experienced. so thank you chris for a comprehensive day tour of the island, packed with sagas cleverly woven into the ancient historical context. mike morrison, visitor 2022.
Please Get in Touch
+44(0)7747 627666
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Tailor-made orkney tours, our google reviews , ‘the perfect orkney tour’.
Orkney’s Ancient Echoes:
The neolithic tour.
Journey back in time and immerse yourself in the ancient wonders of Orkney. Our Neolithic Tour offers a curated experience, unveiling the mysteries and stories of a bygone era. As you traverse the iconic landscapes, you’ll encounter remnants of a civilization that once thrived on these shores, leaving behind awe-inspiring structures that stand as a testament to their ingenuity and spirit.
Orkney’s Norse Legacy: The Viking Tour
Step into the world of the Norsemen and uncover the Viking heritage that has left an indelible mark on Orkney’s cultural and historical landscape. Our Viking Tour offers a captivating journey through time, retracing the steps of the seafaring warriors and settlers who once called these islands home. As you explore, you’ll encounter tales of conquest, settlement, and integration, revealing how the Vikings have shaped Orkney’s identity.
Orkney’s Echoes of War: The Wartime Tour
Orkney, with its strategic location, has been a silent witness to many pivotal moments in wartime history. Our Wartime Tour offers a poignant journey through these echoes of the past, revealing the stories, sacrifices, and resilience of the people who lived through these turbulent times. As you traverse the islands, you’ll encounter remnants of wartime Orkney, from the Churchill Barriers to the touching Italian Chapel, each site a testament to human spirit and ingenuity.
Orkney’s Coastal Chronicles: The Cruise Day Tour
Orkney, a tapestry of history and natural beauty, beckons travellers from all corners of the world. For those arriving on the shores of Orkney via cruise, our Cruise Day Tour promises a whirlwind journey through time and landscape. With the limited hours a cruise stopover provides, we’ve meticulously crafted a tour that encapsulates the essence of Orkney, ensuring you leave with memories to cherish for a lifetime.
Orkney’s Culinary Journey: Food & Drink Tours
Orkney’s green revolution: renewable energy tour.
Dive deep into Orkney’s commitment to a sustainable future with our bespoke Renewable Energy Tour. This curated journey, spanning either a day or an entire week, offers an insightful exploration of the island’s significant renewable energy landmarks. Travel in style and with a clear conscience in our all-electric, eco-friendly Mercedes Evito.
We’re accredited by the Scottish Tourist Guides Association, so you’re in for an enlightening experience that showcases Orkney’s pioneering efforts in the realm of renewable energy.
More about our tours
Our luxury Mercedes tour vehicle seats eight passengers. It is fully electric, so not only is it comfortable, it is quiet and environmentally friendly. It is fully licensed, has lots of luggage space and phone charging facilities.
As all our tours are tailor made, prices are on request. All prices are for the vehicle and guide, and include pick-ups and drop-offs for up to eight passengers. Lunches and entrance fees are extra. We use online payment methods and can accept payment from any credit card, PayPal, bank transfer and payment by phone.
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- Isle of Skye
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Orkney – Two Day Tour – Neolithic Orkney & Skara Brae
Enjoy the Private Group Heart of Neolithic Orkney and Skara Brae Two Day Tour. We leave from Inverness and stay in ancient Kirkwall. The Inverness Tour Guides share local knowledge while you travel in style and comfort in our air conditioned vehicles. Tours priced for up to 7 passengers. See FAQ tab for info on supplementary fares for ferry and guide lodgings.
Visit the UNESCO World Heritage sites; Stones of Stenness, Maeshowe, the Ring of Brodgar, Skara Brae and many other interesting places besides.
Collection from within 16 miles of Inverness included in the price.
Book now! Get instant confirmation of your calendar appointment.
£ 1,160.00 2 days
Scroll calendar to select your date & time or pick a guide to check their availability. — No Preference — Hugh Ian Dave Scott Laura Jenni Graeme
- Description
Why Choose Us
Orkney – two day tour – neolithic orkney & skara brae – itinerary.
Our Orkney Two Day Tour, Neolithic Orkney & Skara Brae – begins with the stunning coastal drive north from Inverness. We make a lunchtime crossing on the Orkney ferry and as a result have the afternoon to enjoy Orkney. We drive round the beautiful body of water, Scapa Flow, and have time to visit to several places of interest. Kirkwall is our overnight base, and day two takes us to the Heart of Neolithic Orkney. We visit all of the core sites of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Finally, we cross back to the mainland and return to Inverness.
Our Neolithic Orkney Tour takes you to many amazing places including the Stones of Stenness, Maes Howe and Skara Brae. We describe these sites more fully below. We may shuffle the order in which we visit attractions, or which ferries we recommend using, because of weather and other factors.
Scapa Flow and the Churchill Barriers
Many of the Orkney Islands, together, nearly encircle an area of sea called Scapa Flow. It was the home of the British Navy in both World Wars, and has a chequered history. Scapa is one of the most popular cold water diving centres in the world because of the scuttling of 52 ships of the German High Seas Fleet in 1919. The sinking of the Royal Oak in WWII led Winston Churchill to question the security of Scapa Flow, and the Churchill Barriers were built as a result.
The Italian Chapel
Winston Churchill tasked Italian prisoners of war with building the Churchill Barriers in 1942. These causeways between the islands protected Scapa from attack, but also resulted in improved communications. Those prisoners created the Italian Chapel as a place of worship within their camp. Given what they managed to build from two Nissan huts and the everyday materials they had to hand is truly amazing. As a result, locals often refer to the chapel as “the miracle of Camp 60.
Kirkwall (meaning Church Bay) is Orkney’s main settlement. This small but attractive city has many attractions, including an award-winning library and great museum. The main street has many 16 th century buildings and a range of attractive local shops. The bustling harbour, too, is a great place to spend time.
The Bishop’s and Earl’s Palaces
The Bishop’s and Earl’s Palaces are a complex of ruined historical buildings in the centre of Kirkwall. The Vikings built the Bishop’s Palace in the 1100’s. Patrick, known as “Wicked Earl of Orkney” was the tyrant responsible for building the Earl’s Palace in the 1600’s. It surprises us that despite his tyranny and cruelty, Patrick was responsible for the building of “possibly the most mature and accomplished piece of Renaissance architecture left in Scotland”
St Magnus Cathedral
The Vikings began the mammoth rask of constructing St Magnus Cathedral in 1137. It is a stunning building, containing many items of interest and a wealth of stories. It belongs to the people of Kirkwall and Orkney and so has played host (even in modern times) to the services of different denominations as required.
The Stones of Stenness
The Stones of Stenness (at about 5,200 years old) is thought to be the oldest stone circle in the country (1,000 years older than Stonehenge). This was an ancient ceremonial site which originally had a circle of 12 stones. Only 4 still remain upright, but the tallest still stands over 16 feet tall.
Maeshowe Chambered Cairn
Maeshowe (around 4,800 years old) is the largest of Orkney’s chambered cairns and is aligned on the midwinter setting sun. The passage to the central chamber is nearly 50 feet long. That chamber has the largest collection of Viking runes outside of Scandinavia due to the carving skills of some bored and snowbound Vikings in 1153.
The Ring of Brodgar
The Ring of Brodgar (around 4,500 years old) is a massive stone circle, about 340 feet across. Originally having 60 stones, 36 now survive (along with over a dozen prehistoric burial mounds). Although mystery still surrounds its original purpose, there is no denying the significance of its location, on a rise surrounded by land and water, under big skies and an ever-changing island light.
Skara Brae has been called Western Europe’s most complete Neolithic village. Preserved beneath the sands of a large sand dune for millennia, until uncovered by a storm in 1850, this cluster of 5,000 year old houses is remarkable. The village street, the drains, the furniture and even the artifacts of everyday life are all there, thus helping us understand how our distant ancestors lived.
The Broch of Gurness
The Broch of Gurness is one of about 100 brochs in Orkney. You may have time to visit it depending on which ferry choice has been made for your return. Brochs are iron-age round towers unique to Scotland. Gurness is a fine example, where it is easy to make out the remnants of the large central tower and also the detail of the surrounding settlement. This location, inhabited from Pictish and Norse times is also a good place from which to see seals, otters, seabirds and even occasional orcas.
Orkney – Two Day Tour- Heart of Neolithic Orkney and Skara Brae – Price
£1160 for the tour. Ferry tickets are separate online purchases for you. The ferry tickets price may vary slightly as a result of the number of people in your party, and there will be a guide lodgings supplement of £150 for 2024
Orkney – Two Day Tour- Heart of Neolithic Orkney and Skara Brae – Departure
Collection from anywhere within 16 Miles of Inverness included in price.
Orkney – Three Day Tour – History, Culture and Wildlife
Can each person in the party pay for the tour separately?
Driver/Guide licencing in Scotland will only allow us to take one payment per tour, so if people in a party wish to split the cost then they arrange that amongst themselves and make one tour payment to us.
What is the supplementary charge for our party if the guide requires an overnight?
Our guide lodgings fee is £150 per night away from home on the islands. This tour requires 1 night away from home. This supplement is payable directly to the guide at the time the tour takes place.
Do I need to book any items in advance?
You will need to book the ferries and a visit to Maeshowe in advance, but we are happy to advise and assist you with this.
Are entries to the various visitor attractions or ferry fares included?
We don’t include entry to the attractions – and that way we leave the day as flexible as possible for you. Ferry fares vary dependent upon your party size so we cannot include them in a single set price. We have, however, given you a price indication below.
How much will we have to pay for the ferries on this tour?
The 2024 peak-season total cost for the van to travel return, with driver = £188.80. There will then be a charge per person in your group of £40. (Your guide will advise you how to pay this, once you have booked your tour with us.
Can you book my accommodation for me?
Travel Industry regulations in the UK preclude us from “booking” your accommodation, but we are always more than happy to help and advise. We also have an accommodation page here, with some B & B and hotel ideas.
What will we be doing for lunch?
You are responsible for paying for your own food & drink during your tour. Lunch could be in a café, pub, restaurant or even a picnic at a beauty spot. Your guide can discuss and advise on options when you meet them.
Find all of our other FAQ’s here
Why Choose Inverness Tour Guides?
Our Inverness Tour Guides are a hand-picked team. As well as being accredited members of the Highlands of Scotland Tour Guide Association, they are all well-recognised as being at the top of their fields. They were chosen because they are great storytellers, are fun to be with, and are uniquely qualified to do what they do well. We are convinced that there is no better team of guides to be found. See their individual profiles here
Performance
Here at Inverness Tours we continually monitor performance. As a result we are confident that we offer long experience and expertise in providing quality, value and enjoyment.
Our Vehicles
Our vehicles are spacious and air conditioned, easily accommodating up to seven passengers. The reclining seats and tinted windows ensure touring in comfort and style.
Our Track Record
Inverness Tours has been taking visitors on world-class tours for more than fifteen years and has been striving to make its exclusive tour business the finest of its kind available in Scotland.
Our Customer Care
The Inverness Tours admin team are frequently complimented on responsiveness, flexibility and care.
Our Environment
Inverness Tours have offset the impact of visitor footfall in the Highlands by contributing financially to environmental and community projects.
Our Precautions
Our COVID19 precautions – Inverness Tours has always carried bacteriological and virucidal disinfectant sprays, disposable gloves and the necessary wipes etc. The vehicles are cleaned on a daily basis. We are investigating and instituting further measures to keep you safe at this current time and into the future.
Our Reviews
All the above contribute to our fabulous back-catalogue of reviews. Check out the TripAdvisor reviews here . You will find that over 98% of our reviews are five-star and as a result we have achieved TripAdvisor’s annual Certificate of Excellence and placement in their Hall of Fame!
What’s included?
The 7-passenger vehicle together with qualified driver/guide is included.
Summary terms and conditions:-
- All tours are exclusive and the same price for between one and seven people. Your booking is considered confirmed once we send out your confirmation.
- While Inverness Tours shall do everything reasonably possible to provide your tour itinerary and/or services as planned, we reserve the right to alter itineraries, guide, transport or accommodation if circumstances require us to do so. If we have to cancel a tour you receive a full refund of the amount paid and that is the extent of our obligation.
- Our normal Cancellation Terms as outlined in the point below have been temporarily relaxed. The relaxation is in relation to any booking which requires to cancel due to COVID-19. Our COVID-19 cancellation terms are outlined here .
- If you wish to change any part of your confirmed booking you should inform us in writing as soon as possible. We will do our best to assist you, but cannot guarantee that we will be able to meet your request. If you cancel a booking up to 30 days in advance you receive a 75% refund of the total paid. Cancellations between 30 and 10 days before the tour receive a 50% refund. There is no refund if you cancel within 10 days of the tour or are not at the organised departure or pick-up point.
- We are happy for you to enjoy bottled water and hard candies while we travel. Other types of food and drink have proved previously to be quite hazardous (on Highland roads) both to yourselves and seat upholstery.
See our full terms and conditions here
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Orkney Tour designed for you by an Orcadian
Patricia Long grew up in Orkney and can trace her ancestry back to the Norse Earls.
Orkney Tours – designed for you
It couldn’t be easier to book an Orkney tour and make the most of your time on the islands with the help of a knowledgeable local guide. A lot can be fitted into a day but there is so much to see that you could easily fill a week or more. Book a longer tour or use a day tour to help plan the rest of your stay.
The first step is to send an enquiry to [email protected] with the dates you are looking for and the size of your group. I will let you know if the dates are available and what the cost would be. I will then send a suggested itinerary, which can be changed around as much as you like.
Your tour will be designed specially for you but here are some suggestions for tours, to give you an idea of the wealth of possibilities.
Orkney Highlights Tour
Orkney archaeology tour, orkney wartime tour, orkney – the wey hid wis, king hereafter tour, family history tour.
- Skara Brae – 5,000 year old Neolithic village rediscovered in 1851
- Ring of Brodgar – one of the largest stone circles in the country and one of the most impressive
- Standing Stones of Stenness – the oldest known stone circle
- Italian Chapel – built by the Italian PoWs building the Churchill Barriers during World War II
- St Magnus Cathedral – founded in 1137 and still in active use
- Scapa Flow – the main base for the British fleet in both World Wars and the site of the scuttling of the German fleet in 1919
- There may be time for something else. Get in touch for a personal itinerary
The tour begins at the Standing Stones of Stenness, the oldest known stone circle in Britain, dated to c 3000 BC. A short walk takes us to the site of Barnhouse Village, only discovered in 1986.
It is time then to head to the Maeshowe Visitor Centre, for the 10 am tour of the most remarkable Neolithic tomb in Western Europe. The astonishingly well-built walls are covered in the largest collection of Norse graffiti in the world, written by Vikings in the 1150s. We hope Maeshowe will reopen sometime in 2022.
The Ring of Brodgar is one of the best known stone circles in Britain and the third-largest. There will be time to walk around the ring before lunch
After lunch, there is the option of a stop at Unstan Cairn, another Neolithic tomb but built in a much more modest style.
We will visit the Ness of Brodgar archaeological dig when it is open in July and August. I can show you the astonishing Neolithic buildings they are uncovering and the hole my grandfather dug there in 1925, under the impression he was excavating a small grave.
The village of Skara Brae was hidden away in sand dunes until uncovered in a storm in 1851, revealing 5,000 year old houses still standing in a unique state of preservation.
If tide times allow, the tour can include the Norse remains on the Brough of Birsay. If this isn’t possible, we could drive along the coast to end the tour at the Iron Age Broch of Gurness
The tour begins with a look around Hatston Industrial Estate, once the site of HMS Sparrowhawk, one of the four WWII airfields in Orkney. You will see a few buildings still in use and hear the astonishing story of the sinking of the German ship Konigsberg in Bergen harbour.
The Churchill Barriers were built to block the eastern side of Scapa Flow after the Royal Oak was sunk in 1939. We will drive across all four of them and take a walk around the village of St Margaret’s Hope.
Many of the men who built the Barriers were Italian PoWs and the chapel they built on the island of Lambholm, out of the most basic of materials, is unmissable.
Lunch will be at the Orkney Fossil and Heritage Centre, which includes a display about the building of the Barriers among its fascinating collections.
In the afternoon, there will be a tour of either Ness Battery http://nessbattery.co.uk/ or HMS Tern http://hmstern.co.uk/
The drive back to Kirkwall will be along the shore of Scapa Flow, the home of the British fleet in both world wars. The German Fleet was interned here after WWI.
If your ancestors emigrated from Orkney or if you are interested in Scottish life, this tour will show you what life was like not so very long ago.
The tour will begin in Kirkwall, with a visit to St Magnus Cathedral, which has watched over the Royal Burgh since the 12th century, and a walk along the street.
The next stop will be Stromness, the charming harbour town with a lively history. It lies on one of the safest harbours in the North so grew quickly in the 18th and 19th Centuries. A walk through the winding main street will take us to Stromness Museum, run by the Orkney Natural History Society. It is one of the oldest privately-run museums in Scotland.
Lunch will be in the Orkney Brewery, which was once the Quoyloo School, and then we will visit the last working watermill in Orkney. The Barony Mill https://baronymill.com/ is the only mill in the world which still grinds bere, the ancient form of barley.
The Click Mill near Dounby hasn’t been used for a very long time but it has been very well restored and is a fascinating example of a horizontal water-wheel.
There are two farm museums so we will have to choose between Kirbuster, the last surviving example of a fire in the middle of the floor and Corrigall with its well-restored byre and barn. If you are interested and we move quickly, we could fit them both in.
The greatest Earl of Orkney was Thorfinn the Mighty, who ruled over all of the north of Scotland and as far as the Isle of Man. According to the Orkneyinga Saga, Thorfinn travelled to Rome. Other sources say Macbeth travelled to Rome at the same time. It was suggested they may have travelled together but Dorothy Dunnett, in her detailed historical novel, King Hereafter, went a step further and suggested that Thorfinn was Macbeth.
The novel follows Thorfinn/Macbeth all over Scotland and as far as Rome but much of the action is in Orkney and we will visit all the sites.
Thorfinn’s main residence was in Birsay and this is where he promised the Pope that he would build a cathedral and establish a bishopric. There is no sign of the cathedral but the Norse remains on the Brough of Birsay include parts of structures from the time of Thorfinn and his father Sigurd.
We will visit the Orkneyinga Saga Centre in Orphir, site of another of Thorfinn’s residences, and see the remains of the Round Church built by his grandson Hakon
In King Hereafter , a dramatic scene between Thorfinn and his rival Rognvald is set in the impressive burial chamber of Orkahaugr. We know it now as Maeshowe and a tour there will let you see the astonishing structure and the largest collection of Norse graffiti in the world.
According to the Orkneyinga Saga, Thorfinn’s foster father, Thorkel Fostri, lived at Skaill in Deerness. Although there are no visible Norse remains now, excavations in the 1970s found some substantial Norse buildings. A visit to the site on the eastern coast of the Mainland will help us to picture the sea battle which took place there.
The tour will end at St Magnus Cathedral. Although this cathedral was founded a century after Thorfinn’s, this ‘Wonder and Glory of the North’ is a vivid illustration of the importance of the earldom of which Thorfinn the Mighty was the greatest leader.
However much you know about your family’s connections with Orkney, I can help you find out more; visit the places your family would have known and find out whether you have relatives here.
Before you arrive, I will have found out as much as possible, using the local archives, the resources of the Orkney Family History Society https://orkneyfhs.co.uk/home.php and perhaps my own family records.
Of course, the tour will vary, depending on what I have discovered and what you would like to do.
If there are family homes still standing, we will visit those. On a tour in Hoy we were looking at the modern house which stood on the location of the family home when a lady came out and invited us to look inside the well-maintained outbuilding which had once been the house. On a visit to Orphir, the house was long gone but old maps enabled us to find where it had stood and to admire the marvellous view.
Last year, I found the widow of my guest’s grand-uncle so we visited for tea and got copies of many family photos. I discovered that the grand-uncle of another guest had written a book about his experiences in the Hudson’s Bay Company.
All the churchyards in Orkney have been recorded so, if there are gravestones, we can visit them. Then we can visit one of the farm museums and take a walk through Kirkwall or Stromness, to get a feel for what life would have been like for the family.
We might finish with a visit to the Orkney Archives http://www.orkneylibrary.org.uk/archive.htm if there are family records or documents there.
Orkney Travel | Private Guided Tours Orkney | Group Guided Tours Orkney | Orkney Highlights Tours
Orkney Travel Day Trip - Stromness Departure
Orkney Travel Day Trip
Every Day (Except Sunday) 1st May till 30th September - Tour departs Stromness Travel Centre at 10.30am THIS TOUR IS NOT SUITABLE IF YOU ARE ARRIVING ON A CRUISE SHIP IN KIRKWALL, PLEASE LOOK AT THE WEST MAINLAND TOUR INSTEAD. (The starting point is in Stromness which is 15 miles from the cruise port in Kirkwall.) Booking Essential - minimum 2 people to run - can run out of season on request. The Orkney Travel Day Trip meets Northlink Ferries that departs Scrabster at 8.45am and arrives in Stromness around 10.20am. The tour returns to Stromness Travel Centre at 4pm in plenty of time for the 4.45pm ferry back to Scrabster. Ferry fares are not included in the cost of the tour, these will have to be paid seperately. This tour is ideal if you are on the North Coast 500 and would like to spend a day in Orkney but not stay in Orkney overnight. It is also ideal if you are staying in Stromness and want to visit Orkney's main attractions. This is a semi private tour that runs with a maximum of 8 passengers so the smaller vehicle gives you plenty of time to explore areas that coaches can't take you to. Our driver guides are trained to a high standard and provide commentary in the vehicle and also provide site guiding at most of the attractions that you will visit. The tour will see the following sites. - Cliff's of Yesnaby - Skara Brae / Skaill House (entry fee included) - Ring of Brodgar - Standing Stones of Stenness - Free time in Kirkwall OR trip to Italian Chapel (extra fee for Italian Chapel) - Scapa Flow - Unstan Tomb All this from only £99 per person
Our Itinerary
- Cliffs of Yesnaby - dramatic cliffs and stunning scenery.
- Skara Brae - 5000 year old stone-age village, discovered in 1850 when a great storm blew away a sand dune to reveal the village beneath. (optional visit of Skaill House, one of Orkney's finest manor houses)
- Ring of Brodgar - Stone circle and henge monument estimated to be around 4500 years old. Originally made up of 60 standing stones 27 remain standing today.
- Standing Stones of Stenness - The smaller of two stone circles we will visit today, a beautiful monument built around 3100BC.
- Kirkwall OR Italian Chapel - Choose between free time in Kirkwall or for an extra £15 per person visit the Italian Chapel.
- Scapa Flow - Stunning scenic views across this famous stretch of water used by the Royal Navy during both World Wars.
- Unstan Tomb - 5,300 year old burial chamber.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ferry do we need to catch.
You will need to travel on the MV Hamnavoe that is operated by Northlink Ferries. The ferry departs at 0845, check in closes 30 minutes before the sailing departs so please ensure you arrive in plenty of time.
How do we book the ferry?
You can book the ferry at https://www.northlinkferries.co.uk/
How much does the ferry cost?
The ferry costs vary depending on season, age and concessionary travel. Please look on the Northlink website for accurate prices. An adult will cost no more than £46 return.
What happens if the ferry doesn't sail due to bad weather?
You will receive a full refund for your tour if the ferry doesn't sail for any reason. However if you miss the ferry sailing, we are unable to issue a refund for the tour. We may however be able to transfer your booking to another date.
I am arriving to Orkney via cruise ship, is this a good tour for me?
We would not recommend this tour if you are arriving via cruise ship to either Hatston Pier or Kirkwall Anchorage. However if you did decide to book this tour anyway, you would have to find your own way to Stromness Travel Centre which is around 15 miles.
I am staying in or around Stromness, would this tour be suitable for me?
Yes this tour would be suitable, you would meet the minibus and your guide at Stromness Travel Centre at 1015.
Tour Information
Meeting Point: Stromness Travel Centre When: Every day (except Sunday) Start Time: 10.30am Duration: 5.5 hours Lunch stop possible at Skara Brae or in Kirkwall.
Transportation
8 seat minibus
What's Included
- Driver Commentary
- Guided Tour of Skara Brae, Ring of Brodgar, Stones of Stenness and Italian Chapel (if chosen)
- Admission Tickets
- Complimentary Water
Not Included
- Ferry Fares
We modified this tour to roughly 5 hours. So we saw the Stones, Skara Brae ruins, The Tomb, and Hilltop view of Kirkwall. Garry provided a history of Orkney, was very accommodating and was willing to spend as much time as we wanted on the tour. Garry has a thick…
JEFFREY DODGE
Garry provided a day long tour of Orkney to our party of four through a largely wet and blustery day. The tour was superb. Garry was an excellent host & guide adapting the tour to our interests and the circumstances. He is very knowledgable on the history of the Orkney…
MICHAEL JEFFERY
This tour was fabulous. Garry was a terrific tour guide. Very sincere and also very proud of the Orkney Islands. We enjoyed him very much.
ROBERT BARROWS
We had a wonderful 5 hour tour with Garry. He was organized, extremely knowledgeable, and very engaging. We learned a great deal and gained insight into the history, nature, and character of the Orkneys. We couldn't have discovered the amazing sights he showed us on our own. Our needs and…
Garry was a terrific tour guide and made my two daughters and I fell very comfortable.He was very flexible with our schedule, very knowledgeable about the area and just an all round superb tour guide . We would highly recommend him!
WILLIAM CONSTANTINE
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- Orkney Discovery...
- Ring of Brodgar
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Orkney Discovery - 3 day tour
Orkney Discovery 3 day / 2 night tour
The captivating Orkney Islands boast ancient treasures and a colourful Viking legacy. On this tour, you will have the chance to visit two of the most famous prehistoric sites - the stone-age village of Skara Brae and the burial chamber of Maeshowe. Learn the naval history of Scapa Flow and see the intricate workmanship of the Italian Chapel. There is so much to discover on this memorable 3-day tour.
Northern Highlands - see the rolling countryside, stunning seascapes and historic fishing villages which hug the coast as we head for the Far North
Italian Chapel - visit this moving legacy from World War II
Skara Brae - step back 5,000 years to explore this prehistoric village
Kirkwall - enjoy a two-night stay in the bustling capital of the Orkney Islands
Ring of Brodgar - explore the magical stones that make up this impressive circle
Movie locations - Venus Peter, The Silver Darlings and Winter Solstice
Guest house accommodation included
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Full Tour Itinerary
Select Day:
Day 1 - Inverness - Scapa Flow - Kirkwall (Orkney Islands)
We bid farewell to Inverness and make our way northwards through the Black Isle then over the Cromarty and Dornoch Firths.
Look out for the resident seals when we reach Loch Fleet Nature Reserve .
We continue our drive along the northeast Highland coastline, travelling into some of Scotland's most dramatic scenery. This attractive route is known as the North Coast 500 and contains some of Europe's oldest landscapes.
At Gills Bay, we board the ferry for the short crossing of the Pentland Firth to the historic Orkney islands .
On our arrival, it is a short drive to the famous Italian Chapel , where few will fail to be moved by the dedicated workmanship of the Italian prisoners of war who crafted this place of worship from a humble Nissen hut.
Their story and many others will be told as we view Scapa Flow, the scene of momentous events during both World Wars.
The Viking stronghold of Kirkwall is our home for the next 2 nights.
Overnight: Kirkwall (2 nights)
Day 2 - Exploring the Orkney Islands
Orkney is home to many outstanding historical treasures, including a group of Neolithic monuments that are of such importance that they have been added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List .
Our itinerary starts with a visit to Maeshowe , a magnificent tomb built almost 5,000 years ago. Using massive stones, its construction was indeed a feat of engineering. During your tour, look out for the Viking graffiti, which daters from the 12 th Century.
The Ring of Brodgar is a stone circle that once comprised of 60 megaliths. Today with 27 stones still standing, some over 5 metres tall, it takes little imagination to visualise the extent of this historic monument.
Uncovered by a storm in 1850, Skara Brae is one of the best-preserved groups of Stone Age houses in Western Europe. On our visit, see the stone furniture, hearths and drains that present such a remarkable insight into Neolithic life.
The day will finish with a visit to the impressive St Magnus Cathedral , one of Europe’s outstanding architectural achievements and over 800 years old.
Day 3 - Kirkwall - Helmsdale - Inverness
This morning, we have a relaxed start with free time to shop for a last-minute souvenir before heading for the ferry.
It's a 60-minute crossing of the Pentland Firth, and during the journey, we may well pass whirlpools and eddies, depending on the tides and winds. One such whirlpool just north of Stroma is the Swelkie which, according to Viking legend, is caused by a sea witch turning the mill wheels to grind the salt to keep the sea salty.
On our arrival on the mainland, we travel through the fishing villages that hug this storm-swept coastline. These attractive communities are a reminder of the importance of the Herring fishing industry during the 19th Century.
As we travel through Helmsdale , which sits at the mouth of the River Helmsdale, one of the best Salmon fishing rivers in Scotland, you'll hear some of the heart-breaking stories that are connected with the Highland Clearances .
On the outskirts of Golspie, we will stop at magnificent Dunrobin Castle , the home of the Earls and Dukes of Sutherland.
You'll have the chance to visit the castle to see some of the 189 rooms which house a collection of paintings, silver and furniture. There will also be the opportunity to take a walk in the formal gardens, the venue for the popular falconry display.
From Golspie, we cross the Dornoch, Cromarty and Moray firths once more and make our way back to Inverness, where our tour ends.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can i expect on this signature multi-day tour.
For the discerning traveller a Signature Multi-day Tour offers amazing value for money, comfortable accommodation, well-paced sightseeing and luxury travel.
All of this combines to create the definitive Scottish experience.
Each tour is hosted by a professional driver/guide, who has been chosen for their extensive knowledge as well as their driving skills. And being locals you are sure to get that extra insight too.
If you should have any problems during your stay, they’ll go out of their way to help.
You will want to see as much as possible, but you don’t want to be rushed. Our tours are carefully planned to strike the right balance, and as well as comfortable mini/midicoach travel many feature memorable railway or ferry journeys.
Having somewhere pleasant to stay after an exciting day of discovery is an important part of your holiday experience. Comfortable guest house accommodation with en-suite bathrooms, tv and other amenities is included in the price of all tours.
On many tours you can choose to upgrade to hotel accommodation, at extra cost, if you wish.
A tasty Scottish breakfast is included each morning of your stay.
What options are available on this tour and what is the cost?
To give you complete choice admission fees are not included in the cost of this tour. The tour itinerary has been carefully designed to provide sufficient time for you to visit these attractions:
Italian Chapel Maeshowe Skara Brae Dunrobin Castle
If you click on the links above they will provide you with more information on each attraction including current admission prices. In some cases a special discount is offered to tour passengers, your driver/guide will provide details if this applies.
Please note that credit/debit cards are not always accepted so it is recommended that you carry sufficient cash with you should you want to make a visit.
Can I reserve specific seats on the coach?
Seating on this tour is on a first come, first served basis and cannot be pre-booked.
If you are travelling as part of a group please make sure that all members of the party arrive at the departure point together.
What meals are included ?
A full Scottish breakfast is included from day 2 onwards.
This hearty meal can consist of fruit juice; a choice of cereal; bakery basket; cooked items such as eggs, bacon, sausage, mushrooms, tomato and, maybe, a taste of haggis! plus tea or coffee. Vegetarian and vegan options are always available.
Lunch and dinner are not included in the price.
During the touring day there will be a stop where you can enjoy lunch in a local pub or restaurant. Your driver/guide will be happy to suggest a conveniently located restaurant where you can enjoy good food for dinner.
View all Frequently Asked Questions...
Accommodation
- 2 nights guest house or hotel accommodation
- Location: Kirkwall, Orkney Islands (2)
- Scottish/Continental breakfast (2)
Tour Essentials
- Transportation by luxury air-conditioned mini/midicoach
- Ferry to the Orkney Islands
- Live commentary in English
- Services of an experienced driver/guide
- Service charges and taxes
- Admission charges
- Meals, snacks or items of a personal nature
- Gratuity to your driver/guide
Departure information
25 Union Street Inverness IV1 1LT
Check-in: 07:45 hrs Tour Departs: 08:00 hrs Tour Returns: 18:30 hrs
Child details
Concession discount applies to adults aged 60 years and above; students and children aged 3 to 15 years inclusive.
We’re really sorry but children aged under 3 years cannot travel on this tour.
Photo-ID may be requested to confirm discount entitlement.
Price Notes
Book Assured Book by paying a 20% deposit. Make date changes or get a full refund with 8 days notice before travel. Click here for more information .
Accommodation The price of this tour includes guest house accommodation with an en-suite bathroom.
Luggage Allowance One medium-sized suitcase/bag per person (maximum weight: 15 kilos)
Admission Prices In order to give you maximum flexibility admission fees are not included in the cost of this tour.
FAQs Please see the FAQ section for more information on this tour.
Product code HEX 00770
Blogs and Guides - discover insider tips and ideas
Customer Reviews Overall Rating:
We packed a lot into a few days. Some I could have skipped, but I understand that not everyone on a tour has the same enthusiasms. Our driver and guide was seemingly inexhaustible and very good natured. It was a terrific way to see the Orkneys. So glad I went with the tour rather than driving myself. I would highly recommend it.
Cameron was unfailingly cheerful and patient, as well as informative. I enjoyed the tour very much. Another time I would choose accommodation that included a restaurant, or was closer to town. At the end of a very long day with lots of walking, and in the rain, didn't enjoy having to walk ten or fifteen minutes to find a restaurant.
We really enjoyed the tour. The weather was great - what we expected for the time of the year- misty! The tour guides were great and knew their stuff, and were great company. They went out of their way to show us a couple of things that weren't on the itinerary. Enjoyable and great value for money.
6 day tour from £ 1495.00
3 day tour from £ 510.00
- Day Trips & Excursions
Orkney Islands Day Trip from Inverness
- Day trip from Inverness to the Orkney Islands
- Drive through John O'Groats, the northernmost town in mainland Scotland
- Ferry boat ride across Pentland Firth
- See the top attractions of Orkney, and cross the Churchill Barriers
- Visit Kirkwall and Skara Brae
- Visit to the Italian Chapel
Inclusions & Exclusions
- Ferry crossing
- English speaking guide
- Transport by coach
- Optional gratuities
- Hotel pickup and drop off
- Food and drinks, unless specified
- Entrance fee to Skara Brae
- Entrance to the Italian Chapel
Departure & Return
Platform 6 at Inverness Bus Station
7:15am departure. Please be at the Bus Station in Inverness at 7am.
Tour returns to original point of departure at approximately 9:00pm
What To Expect
Marvel at the highlights of Neolithic Orkney on this full-day Orkney Islands tour, departing by coach from Inverness during summertime. Set your eyes upon the magnificent landscapes of the North Highlands before arriving at Scotland's northernmost point in the village of John O'Groats. From here, it's a 40-minute ferry ride across the Pentland Firth to the Orkney Islands. Search the strait for gannets, seals, puffins, pods of porpoise and the occasional whale as you island-hop through the Churchill Barriers, which connect five islands to form the Eastern boundary of Scapa Flow.Your first stop is Kirkwall, the capital and largest town of the Orkney Islands. Learn from your guide about Viking history and admire the Romanesque architecture of St Magnus Cathedral, whose construction began in the 12th century. Then step back in time 5,000 years at Skara Brae, a prehistoric Neolithic settlement - perfectly preserved under sand dunes and discovered in 1850 during a winter storm (admission fee is your own expense). See it along with the the Standing Stones of Stenness and the Ring Of Brodgar Stone Circle and Henge - all comprising the Heart of Neolithic Orkney UNESCO World Heritage site. Once you've landed back in Inverness, you're returned to the bus station where your day trip ends.
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel At least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
Your Contact Details
Questions or requests.
Do you have questions or specific requests regarding this tour?
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