4 Day Orkney and Highlands Private Tour
Orkney Tour from Inverness
Explore the remarkable history and landscapes of the Orkney Islands on this four day private journey from Inverness. This historian-guided tour uncovers an archipelago shaped by prehistoric communities, Norse settlers and centuries of maritime history, including the 5000 year old village of Skara Brae, the Ring of Brodgar, Maeshowe, the Broch of Gurness, St Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall, and the Italian Chapel.
Day 1 — Inverness to Orkney
Depart Inverness for a scenic three hour journey through the North Highlands to the ferry port of Scrabster. This coastal drive offers stunning views and a stop in the historic town of Dornoch. We then cross the Pentland Firth (1½ hour Orkney ferry sailing) passing the iconic Old Man of Hoy, before arriving in the picturesque port of Stromness. The afternoon is dedicated to the Neolithic heart of Orkney, with visits to the Standing Stones of Stenness and the monumental Ring of Brodgar, before we settle into the historic capital of Kirkwall for our three night stay.
Day 2 — Orkney
Our first full day on Orkney is spent uncovering the mysteries of the Orkney mainland. We start at Skara Brae, a remarkably preserved 5000-year-old Neolithic village revealed by a storm in 1850, before visiting the 2000-year-old Broch of Gurness, an Iron Age tower with the remains of a village clustered around it. The journey includes a visit to the chambered tomb of Maeshowe, where Norse visitors left runic inscriptions on the walls, and the poignant Italian Chapel, created by Italian prisoners of war during WWII. We conclude our day in Kirkwall with time to admire the Viking heritage of St Magnus Cathedral, founded in 1137 and still the heart of the town.
Day 3 — Orkney
Our second full day on Orkney can be tailored to your interests. Many guests choose to explore Orkney's dramatic coastline, visiting the towering cliffs of Yesnaby and the tidal island of Birsay (with a walk across to the island when the tide allows), or the Gloup, a collapsed sea cave in Mull Head Nature Reserve. The afternoon can then be spent in Kirkwall, discovering the medieval ruins of the Bishop's and Earl's Palaces and the Orkney Museum, or enjoying a tasting at the Highland Park or Scapa distilleries (advance booking required for a full distillery tour).
Alternatively, for those interested in Orkney's naval history, we can sail across Scapa Flow to the Isle of Hoy to visit the acclaimed Scapa Flow Museum. This can be a full day including a drive to the secluded, towering cliffs of Rackwick Bay, or a shorter day with around two and a half hours at the museum, returning to the Orkney mainland by mid-afternoon with time back in Kirkwall to explore the palaces. Just let me know your preference in the 'Extra Information' section when completing a Tour Enquiry Form.
Day 4 — Orkney to Inverness
Departing from Kirkwall, we head to Stromness for the late-morning ferry back to the Scottish mainland. Our return journey to Inverness follows a beautiful coastal route, featuring a mid-afternoon visit to the breathtaking Dunrobin Castle. With its towering spires and formal gardens overlooking the sea, the castle provides a beautiful finale to our exploration of the North before we arrive back in Inverness.
Tour Reviews
We booked John for an Orkney adventure mainly due to the flexibility of his program. He asked what we wanted to see and what we were interested in and then we went from there. John designed a great itinerary for us and even added extra bits in while we were on the island...
John is friendly, sensitive to the needs of his group, and an endless source of information about Scottish history. He created an itinerary that let us see Medieval, ancient and stone-age sites without ever feeling rushed, with an uncanny ability to avoid crowds...
Having completed a wonderful trip with John to the Highlands and Inner Hebrides in 2022, my wife and I engaged him again this year for Orkney. John hasn't lost a beat in two years and, in our minds, remains the best guide we've engaged anywhere in the world...
Tour Highlights
- Old Man of Hoy
- Skara Brae
- Kirkwall
- St Magnus Cathedral
- Italian Chapel
- Maeshowe
- Ring of Brodgar
- Broch of Gurness
- Stenness Stones
- Scapa Flow
- Yesnaby
- Dunrobin Castle
Tour Gallery
Private Tour Price (per tour)
April to September: £3500
Depart Inverness
Return Inverness
(4 Days)
What's Included
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 private group size is less than 3 the advertised tour price still applies. Your private tour price includes:
- Private tour for your group only (1, 2 or 3 persons)
- An experienced driver-guide and historian (John Alasdair Macdonald)
- A comfortable tour vehicle with good visibility and generous legroom
- All ferry tickets (I take care of all ferry bookings)
- All taxes and fees
What's excluded?
The tour price does not include your accommodation costs, entrance fees, meals and refreshments.
Where should I book accommodation?
To make the most of your tour I recommend you book accommodation in Kirkwall (Day 1, 2 and 3). Whilst I do not book accommodation directly, I am always happy to offer advice on where to stay and eat. Your tour quote will include a list of recommended accommodation options for our overnight locations along with suggestions for evening meals.
Route & Logistics
Where does the tour start from?
Enjoy the ease of a private pickup – I will meet you directly at your Inverness city centre accommodation on the morning of Day 1 to begin the tour. At the end of the tour I will drop you off at your preferred Inverness location.
What about the ferry sailings?
Ferry sailings are generally reliable in the summer months, but delays and cancellations can occasionally occur. While I cannot be responsible for additional accommodation, food or other costs that clients may incur due to ferry delays and cancellations, I 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.
Are there seasonal changes to this tour?
For tours in April, the early afternoon sailing to Orkney on Day 1 is limited to weekends only. Therefore, for weekday tour starts, we take the evening ferry with a late arrival into Kirkwall (approx. 9pm). Similarly, for weekday tour ends, we take the late afternoon ferry back with a late arrival into Inverness (approx. 9pm) on Day 4. The sites listed in the itinerary are still covered, but the order of visits is adapted to fit the ferry times.
Can the tour itinerary be customised?
The tour itinerary is based on nineteen years of guiding experience, previous client feedback, and practical travel timings. However, there is some flexibility and the itinerary can often be adapted in advance to suit particular interests or requests where possible. Changes usually work best as swaps rather than additions, as the routes are timed to keep an unhurried pace. Please mention any requests in the 'Extra Information' section when completing a Tour Enquiry Form.
Can the tour be extended to five days?
The tour can be extended to five days for guests who would like a slower pace, with an extra night in Kirkwall and three full days on Orkney instead of two. With later starts and earlier finishes on the island days, there is time for both of the Day 3 options (the dramatic coastline, and Scapa Flow and the island of Hoy) as well as the main archaeological sites. There is also room for the quieter side of Orkney: visiting local craft studios and galleries, relaxed lunches sampling home-grown Orkney produce, and free time in Kirkwall to simply relax, with greater flexibility to accommodate particular interests and special requests. The five day extended tour option has an additional £800 tour surcharge. Please request this option in the 'Extra Information' section of the Tour Enquiry Form.
Can I add a history day extension to this tour?
I offer a private From Cairns to Clans: A History Day Tour Extension from Inverness covering Culloden Battlefield, Clava Cairns, Sueno's Stone, Elgin Cathedral (or Pluscarden Abbey) and Pictish Stones. It is only available as an add-on to a multi-day tour booking. Please request this option in the 'Extra Information' section when completing a Tour Enquiry Form.
Please see the Frequently Asked Questions page for answers to general questions about private tours, including timings, weather, walking, comfort, stops, meals, clothing and luggage.
Booking & Availability
How do I book the tour?
The first step is simply to complete a Tour Enquiry Form with your preferred travel dates. I will then reply with availability and a detailed tour quotation (with absolutely no obligation to proceed at this stage). I usually reply to enquiries within 24 hours.
Can I just chat about the tour before booking?
Of course! You can reach me in whichever way is easiest for you:
- Complete a Tour Enquiry Form – just ask any questions in the 'Extra Information' section.
- Email me directly at info@thehebrideanexplorer.com.
- Send a WhatsApp message or call me on +44 7943 863292.