3 Day Orkney Tour
A stunning three day tour from Inverness through the Highlands to the heart of Neolithic Orkney. Explore a 5000 year old village (Skara Brae), chambered tomb (Maeshowe) and standing stones (Ring of Brodgar, Stones of Stenness), a 2000 year old Broch (Gurness), an 800 year old cathedral (St Magnus) and the medieval Earl's Palace.
And don’t forget the wonderful Highland scenery on the journey to and from Orkney.
Day 1 – Departing Inverness with a morning drive to the far North of Scotland and the ferry port of Scrabster, near Thurso. The drive north covers wonderful coastal scenery and normally takes around 3-4 hours including photo stops and a brief visit to the historic town of Dornoch. Our 1½ hour ferry journey includes a great view of the Old Man of Hoy before our arrival in Orkney where we visit Skara Brae, a 5000 year old Neolithic village settlement – one of the highlights of the tour – before our arrival in Kirkwall for our overnight stop.
Day 2 – A full day on the Orkney mainland that includes a visit to Maeshowe one of the best Neolithic chambered tombs in Europe. We also explore the Neolithic standing stones of Stenness, the magnificent stone circle at the Ring of Brodgar and the 2000 year old Broch of Gurness. After visiting the Italian Chapel, the Churchill Barriers and Scapa Flow, the late afternoon is spent in Kirkwall enjoying the stunning 12th century St Magnus Cathedral along with the ruins of the Bishop’s and Earl’s palaces before our overnight stop.
Day 3 – Leaving Kirkwall we visit Stromness where we have a little time to explore this picturesque fishing town before our mid-morning ferry across the Pentland Firth to Scrabster on the Scottish mainland. We then enjoy a beautiful coastal tour back towards Inverness including a late afternoon visit to explore the breath-taking Dunrobin Castle with its wonderful gardens.
Highlights of an Orkney Tour...
Our tour will include all the wonderful views shown above... but maybe not the weather – we are the land of four seasons in one day!
Tour Information
Depart Inverness
Return Inverness
(3 Days)
Tours are exclusively for your private group only (up to 3 persons) and prices are per tour. We only offer private tours and do not combine individuals or separate groups – if your group size is less than 3 the advertised tour price still applies. Prices include all ferry tickets, all taxes and a driver/guide (John Alasdair Macdonald) but exclude your accommodation costs, entrance fees and meals.
Accommodation Options
We recommend that you book accommodation in Kirkwall (Day 1 and 2) to make the most of your trip. Whilst we do not book accommodation for you we are happy to help with advice on where to stay and eat. The tour quote will include a list of accommodation recommendations and suggestions for overnight locations.
Tour Notes
The above itinerary is based on the ferry timetables for June to August travel dates. For travel dates in early May and September an adjusted itinerary may be required to accommodate the ferry times resulting in a late start (11am) and late arrival (9pm) on Day 1 and Day 3.
Tour Itinerary
The tour itinerary is based on experience, previous clients feedback and timings. However, we have some flexibility and the tour itinerary can be adapted (in advance) to suit specific requests if possible. Please let us know any requests through the 'Extra Information' section when completing a Tour Enquiry Form.
Ferry Sailings
Ferry sailings are generally reliable in the summer months, but delays can occasionally occur. While we cannot be responsible for any extra accommodation, food or other costs that clients may incur due to ferry delays and cancellations, we will make every effort to adapt the tour to minimise disruption. Please note that no refunds will be given for tour and itinerary changes due to ferry changes and cancellations.
Some of my tour photos taken over the years... in the better weather!
