4 Day Orkney and Highlands Private Tour
A Five Thousand Year Journey
Tour the Neolithic heart of Orkney and immerse yourself in the ancient mysteries and dramatic coastal scenery of the North over four days. Experience the definitive highlights of Orkney with a private, historian-guided tour from Inverness including the 5000-year-old village of Skara Brae, the Ring of Brodgar, Maeshowe and the Broch of Gurness along with Kirkwall, St Magnus Cathedral 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 ferry sailing) passing the iconic Old Man of Hoy, before arriving in the picturesque port of Stromness. The late-afternoon is dedicated to a tour of Skara Brae, a remarkably preserved 5000-year-old Neolithic village, 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 explore the Neolithic standing stones of Stenness, the monumental Ring of Brodgar, and the 2000-year-old Broch of Gurness. The journey includes a visit to the chambered tomb of Maeshowe and the poignant Italian Chapel, built during WWII. We conclude our day in Kirkwall with time to admire the red sandstone majesty of St Magnus Cathedral and the ruins of the Earl’s Palace.
Day 3 — Orkney
Our second full day on Orkney provides the opportunity to venture beyond the main sites. We can focus on Orkney's dramatic coastline, visiting the towering cliffs of Yesnaby, the tidal island of Birsay, and the Gloup, a dramatic collapsed sea cave in Mull Head Nature Reserve — along with free time in Kirkwall or perhaps enjoy a tasting at the Highland Park or Scapa whisky distilleries (advance booking required). Alternatively, for those interested in Orkney's naval history, we can sail across Scapa Flow to the Isle of Hoy, visiting the acclaimed Scapa Flow Museum along with the secluded, towering cliffs of Rackwick Bay.
Day 4 — Orkney to Inverness
Departing from Kirkwall, we head to Stromness for the mid-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 Highlights
- Old Man of Hoy
- Skara Brae
- Kirkwall
- St Magnus Cathedral
- Italian Chapel
- Maeshowe
- Ring of Brodgar
- Broch of Gurness
- Stenness Stones
Tour Gallery
Private Tour Price (per tour)
April to September: £3500
Depart Inverness (8.30am)
Return Inverness
(4 Days)
Depart Inverness (8.30am)
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 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?
Tours in April can see more rain and wind, and I may adjust start and finish times to suit conditions. On windier days, the ferry crossings can be choppy, and occasionally poor weather conditions can lead to ferry delays and cancellations. Most of the itinerary is still accessible during April – and where an itinerary attraction is unavailable, we visit an alternative location instead.
Additionally, the early afternoon sailing to Orkney is limited to weekends only in April. 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).
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. Please mention any requests in the 'Extra Information' section when completing a Tour Enquiry Form.
Comfort & Practicalities
How much walking does this tour involve?
Most stops on this route are short walks from the vehicle to a viewpoint, castle or historic site. The pace is relaxed and there is plenty of time to enjoy each stop. If you would prefer to skip a particular walk or explore at your own pace, that is absolutely fine on a private tour.
How often do we stop?
The tour has plenty of viewpoint, photo and refreshment stops along with regular restroom stops. As it is a private tour, we can pretty much stop whenever you want!
What clothing/footwear should I bring?
Walking shoes or sneakers with good grip is recommended, along with a light waterproof jacket as Highland weather can be very changeable. All walks are entirely optional and can be tailored to your comfort and mobility level.
How much luggage can I bring?
The current tour vehicle comfortably accommodates up to three passengers with room in the rear boot (trunk) for one medium bag/suitcase per person and one small day bag/backpack per person. If you are unsure about luggage capacity, please let me know the size of your cases and I can confirm there is room.
Do you help with the luggage?
I am happy to help with your suitcases at each overnight location – some of the smaller hotels around the Highlands and Islands do not have lifts but I will gladly assist in getting your bags to your room.
Booking & Availability
How far in advance should I book?
I recommend booking this tour as early as possible. Securing your tour dates and your accommodation early ensures you get the widest choice of rooms and rates, whereas booking late often means limited availability – I take bookings up to 18 months in advance.
What are the deposit and payment terms?
A 50% non-refundable deposit is required to secure your dates, with full payment due 60 days before the tour start date. Deposit and balance payments are made securely online and accept Visa, MasterCard and American Express. Full details are available in my Terms and Conditions.
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.