3 (or 4) Day Orkney and Highlands Private Tour
Explore the stunning scenery and Neolithic history of Orkney with a three day private tour from Inverness. The tour itinerary includes Skara Brae, Maeshowe, Ring of Brodgar, Standing Stones of Stenness, Broch of Gurness, Italian Chapel and Kirkwall.
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 heading for our overnight stay in Kirkwall.
Day 2 – A full day on the Orkney mainland that includes a visit to Maeshowe Neolithic chambered tomb. We also explore the Neolithic standing stones of Stenness, the Ring of Brodgar and the 2000 year old Broch of Gurness. After visiting the Italian Chapel and the Churchill Barriers, the late afternoon is spent in Kirkwall at St Magnus Cathedral and the Earl’s Palace before our overnight stay.
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 mid-afternoon visit to explore the breath-taking Dunrobin Castle with its wonderful gardens.
Places we visit on the Orkney and Highlands Tour
• Old Man of Hoy
• Skara Brae
• Kirkwall
• St Magnus Cathedral
• Italian Chapel
• Maeshowe
• Ring of Brodgar
• Broch of Gurness
• Stenness Stones
Places we visit on the Orkney and Highlands Tour
Old Man of Hoy
Skara Brae
Kirkwall
St Magnus Cathedral
Italian Chapel
Maeshowe
Ring of Brodgar
Broch of Gurness
Stenness Stones
Dunrobin Castle
4 Day Tour Option
During our time in Orkney we include an additional day and overnight stay in Kirkwall. Along with a more relaxed pace across the four days, we have some free time in Kirkwall and explore more of Orkney's dramatic coastline around Birsay and Yesnaby. There is also the option to take a whisky distillery tour (advance booking required) at Highland Park or Scapa (home to a beautiful tasting room overlooking Scapa Flow).
Alternatively, for those interested in Orkney's wartime heritage we could spend the extra day visiting the stunning island of Hoy – a 35 minute ferry crossing from the Orkney mainland across Scapa Flow (advance booking required). Along with time at the Scapa Flow Museum, we tour across Hoy to explore the breath-taking scenery of Rackwick Bay.
Watch the Orkney Tour Highlights
All the video clips shown above were taken during tours to Orkney and your tour will include all these wonderful views... though maybe not the weather – we are the land of four seasons in one day!
Private Tour Price (per tour)
May to September:
3 Day Tour – £2550
4 Day Tour – £3400
Tour Information
Depart Inverness
Return Inverness
(3 or 4 Days)
FAQs
What's included in the tour price?
Tours are exclusively for your private group only (up to 3 persons) and prices are per tour. I 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 an experienced driver/guide (John Alasdair Macdonald).
What's excluded?
Your accommodation costs, entrance fees and meals.
Where should I book accommodation?
I recommend that you book accommodation in Kirkwall (Day 1 and 2) to make the most of your trip. Whilst I do not book accommodation for you I am 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.
Can the tour itinerary be customised?
The tour itinerary is based on experience, previous clients feedback and timings. However, I have a little flexibility and the tour itinerary can be adapted (in advance) to suit specific requests if possible. Please let me know any requests through the 'Extra Information' section when completing a Tour Enquiry Form.
Can I extend the tour?
To explore more of the dramatic Northern Isles, consider the 7 Day Orkney, Shetland and Highlands Tour. Additionally, the itinerary for Day 1 (East) and/or Day 3 (West) of the 3 Day Highlands Tour can be added as extensions to the Orkney and Highlands tour. The tour price would be increased by £620 for each additional day. Please request through the 'Extra Information' section when completing a Tour Enquiry Form for the standard tour.
What about the ferry sailings?
Ferry sailings are generally reliable in the summer months, but delays and cancellations 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.
What will the weather be like?
The Scottish Highlands and Islands are renowned for changeable weather and even in the summer months we may experience some wet and windy weather conditions on tours. As such we always recommend a light waterproof jacket for all tours and decent footwear that you do not mind getting a little bit muddy or wet.
View the full list of FAQs here
Tripadvisor Reviews for an Orkney and Highlands Tour
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