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New tour for 2024!

Book with Confidence: 100% refund if you cancel a 1-day tour with more than 24 hours notice.

This tour is currently unavailable, but you can still visit Orkney on a Private Hire tour. Click for more information .

Orkney Islands and Highlands

Accommodation is payable on arrival

We offer a free accommodation booking service.

If you would like to book your own accommodation, please select 'Tour Only'.

Please select your requirements:

Our 3-day Orkney tour from Inverness takes in the best the island has to offer! See Neolithic sights such as Skara Brae, the Standing Stones of Stenness, and other iconic landmarks like the Italian Chapel and HMS Tern.

Day 1 - Inverness to Orkney

Our small group 3-day Orkney tour departs from Inverness at 8am and we begin our journey north, passing through the stunning scenery of the Black Isle and travelling past places like Loch Fleet and Carn Liath on our way to Gills Bay. There will be a short stop in Golspie where you will have the opportunity to buy some lunch to have on the ferry. After this, we will have a short stop at the Helmsdale Clearance to take photos of the Emigrants Statue. We continue to Gills Bay to catch the ferry to Orkney before arriving at St Margaret's Hope shortly after. Welcome to Orkney! We head to our first landmark on the islands, the Italian Chapel, here you can choose to enter for a small fee, or simply enjoy it as a photo stop. From there, and before your arrival at Kirkwall, we could enjoy a couple of different activities depending on weather and availability. We could head onwards to Inganess Beach, marked by the wreck of the Juniata , a World War 2 blockship, or visit St Magnus Cathedral and have a short tour of Kirkwall. There could also be the opportunity for a visit to the Scapa Distillery for a tour and tasting*. Then we will arrive in Kirkwall where you will check in to your accommodation for the evening. Kirkwall is the capital of Orkney and originally got its name from the Norse word Kirkjuvagr which means “Church Bay” which then changed to Kirkwaa and then Kirkwall. This is where you will stay for both nights of our 3-day Orkney tour. Orkney has a fascinating Viking history which you will learn about from your Driver-Guide throughout the tour!

Day 2 - Exploring Orkney

After an island breakfast, we will depart Kirkwall and head to the Cuween Hill Chambered Cairn, a Neolithic tomb that gives us a glimpse into the lives of some of Scotland's earliest agricultural communities. From there, we continue on to Skara Brae, Europe's best-preserved Neolithic village. Next, we head to the seaside town of Stromness for a lunch stop, where you can enjoy views over the marina, before we begin our journey to the Stones of Stenness, four standing stones that are potentially some of the oldest in the country. They, along with Skara Brae, are part of the "Heart of Neolithic Orkney" and have World Heritage Site status. Our next stop is also a part of the "Heart of Neolithic Orkney", and a truly impressive site. The Ring of Brodgar is a stone circle, originally comprising of 60 stones of which 36 survive today. It was one of the first places in the UK to be protected due to their historical significance, and although we estimate they date back to as early as 2600BC, no one can be completely sure of the spectacular creation's purpose. We then return to Kirkwall for your second night stay.

Day 3 - Return to Inverness

After a great night's sleep, we get ready to leave Kirkwall and head back to the ferry terminal at St Margaret's Hope for the short crossing to Gills Bay. We head to John O'Groats for lunch, the most northerly point on mainland Britain. A range of wildlife can usually be seen here such as Atlantic puffins, seals, a variety of birds and possibly even an orca! Take photos of the iconic sign post and the colourful buildings before we continue to Castle Sinclair Girnigoe dramatically situated on a cliff's edge. Should the weather not be on our side, we will instead continue onwards to Wick. To end our 3-day Orkney tour, we will start our homeward journey back to Inverness, once again enjoying the beautiful north Highland scenery, with comfort stops at Dunbeath Harbour and Golspie on the way.

The price of our 3 day Orkney tour from Inverness does not include accommodation but we reserve it for you. Approximate costs are per person per night: Youth Hostel: £25-35, Bed & Breakfast: £55 - 75 (shared), £65 - £115 (solo), Hotel: £75+ (Low Season) £90+ (High Season). Single supplement may apply. Please be advised, most accommodation providers only accept cash payments, and will not accept debit/credit cards as methods of payment.

Please note: Luggage is restricted to one piece per person.

Driver-Guides

Tour Overview

Tour highlight.

Broch of Gurness

Castle Sinclair Girnigoe

Stones of Stenness

Ring of Brodgar

Italian Chapel

Optional extras:

Italian Chapel, Skara Brae

A couple of things To know

Knowledgeable Driver-Guide
Luxury Modern air-conditioned coach
Small group tour

Not Included

Accommodation
Entrance to attractions
Food and Drink

Excellent all round experience

“Our tour guide Chris was extremely informative, interesting, friendly, engaging, very well organised and went well over the call of duty, taking us to fascinating places in addition to the formal itinerary. Consequently, the group gelled extremely well and the very best was made of the experience. Orkney is superb with a collection of neolithic sties that is unmatchable and a must have experience for anyone with a sense of the importance of the past. Top marks for all aspects and an excellent experience!”

Mike L, travelled July 2019 - Review from tripadvisor

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the departure point.

Our 3-Day Orkney Tour from Inverness departs at 08.00 hrs from Railway Terrace. You can view our departure point by clicking here. Check-in opens 15 minutes prior to the stated departure time and closes 5 minutes prior to the stated departure time. We recommend that all passengers arrive in this window as tours must depart on schedule.

Is the accommodation included in the price?

No, accommodation is not included in the tour price, as we prefer to let you choose the type of accommodation you want, depending on your budget. The tour price includes the services of a friendly, knowledgeable and experienced Driver-Guide and transportation on one of our luxury modern air-conditioned coaches. All accommodation is payable to the accommodation provider directly on arrival. Please note that many Bed and Breakfasts do not have card machines and do require guests to pay in cash. Accommodation rates do vary between providers and seasons. For this reason we are only able to give you an estimated rate until a booking has been made. Estimated rates are as follows:

Youth Hostel: £25.00 - £35.00 per person per night
B&B (Shared): £55.00 - £75.00 per person per night
B&B (Single occupancy): £65.00 - £115.00 per night
Hotel: From £75.00+ per person per night

All hotels require credit card information in order to secure a booking. If you wish us to reserve a hotel room for you, we will contact you for your budget and credit card details. Please note a single supplement may apply.

Will I be charged extra for a single room?

Single supplements may be charged, especially during high season. Please contact our Reservations Team for more information.

What is the difference between a Hostel, B&B and Hotel?

Hostels are budget accommodation. Many hostels have kitchen facilities where customers can prepare their own food. B&B's are privately owned Guesthouses. Guests are given breakfast (continental or full, depending on the B&B) but cannot prepare their own food. Hotels are the most expensive choice of accommodation. Rooms come with a full breakfast (unless stated) and guests are unable to prepare their own food.

What is the difference between ensuite, standard, twin and double rooms?

Double means one double bed which sleeps two. Twin means two single beds, where you share a room but not a bed. Ensuite rooms have a private bathroom/toilet/shower within the room. Standard rooms have communal facilities that are shared with other guests.

Can I book my own accommodation?

Yes, you are free to make your own arrangements. We offer a £10 discount to those that choose to book your own accommodation!

This means that you have complete control over where you stay, and can take some time to research all of your options and pick the perfect accommodation for you and those you are travelling with!

Simply advise us at the time of booking that you will be reserving your own accommodation, and inform us at your earliest convenience of the name and address of the Guesthouse once it has been booked. We kindly ask that your accommodation provider is located in central Kirkwall, otherwise your Driver-Guide will be unable to drop you off and collect you.

How much luggage can I bring?

Luggage is restricted to one medium sized suitcase per person. For guidance: a medium sized suitcase is considered 60-69cm high and roughly 45cm in width.

If you have more luggage than this, you can store your surplus bags with Unbaggaged .

Unbaggaged will collect your bags at a time and place convenient to you! They then store them at a secure central location, and return them to you, again, wherever and whenever you like! We've negotiated 10% off all bookings for our passengers with code TIMBER10. Book here

Are the optional extras included?

No, optional extras are not included in the 3-day tour price. This is to allow our guests the freedom to choose which attractions they would like to visit on the day. Optional extras on this tour (From April 2024) are as follows:

Italian Chapel: £3.50, Children (Under 12): Free
Skara Brae: Adults: £12:50, Concession: £7.50
Maeshowe: Adults: £10, Concession: £8, Child: £6

We have negotiated a discounted rate for the above attractions which are visited whilst on tour. The above rates are valid from April 2024. Please note some attractions do not accept credit cards, entrance fees must be paid in cash only.

Do I need to pre-book the optional extras?

No, you don't need to worry about pre-booking any of the optional extras. All the optional extras can be booked on the day and your Driver-Guide will advise you of how to book. We negotiate discounted rates for you, ensuring you'll always get a great deal at Scotland's top visitor attractions. Please note that many visitor attractions and accommodation providers may not accept card payments, so please ensure you have plenty of cash with you on the day. If you have any questions about this please contact our Reservations Team on +44 (0)131 226 6066 - open 07.00 - 21.00 daily.

Is the tour in English?

Yes, all of our tours are in English. Your tour will be taken by an experienced, knowledgeable and friendly English-speaking Driver-Guide.You'll find a digital translation of your tour through a link on your confirmation email.

Digital translations are available for this tour in the following languages:

Chinese (Mandarin)

What should I bring with me?

As you’ll be spending two days on and off the coach with the opportunity for walks, we recommend bringing warm and/or waterproof clothing, comfortable walking shoes and some sun-block or a hat for sunny days. And don’t forget your camera to capture all of the lovely scenery and wildlife you’ll encounter on your tour!

Can children travel on this tour?

We welcome children over 4 years old on our tours, and children aged between 4-16yrs are eligible for the concessionary rate. We regret we are not able to carry children under the age of 4.

Will I see any wildlife on my tour?

Orkney is well-known for it's diverse wildlife. You might come across puffins, seals, a range of birdlife and perhaps even dolphins or whales! Make sure to keep your camera at the ready!

Where can I find more information about Orkney?

You can find information about attractions, activities, accommodation, events and more here.

How accessible are the locations?

Some of the locations may cause accessibility issues due to their geography and architecture. If you are a wheelchair user or have restricted mobility, we would suggest downloading this helpful Access Guide by Historic Environment Scotland.

3-Day Orkney Islands Tour from Inverness

3-day trip from Inverness to Scotland's Orkney Islands
Travel with an expert guide and see all the top Orkney attractions
Visit the Orkney Island's Italian Chapel and see the famous Churchill Barriers
See the monuments that comprise the Heart of Neolithic Orkney: Maeshowe, the Standing Stones of Stenness, Ring of Brodgar and Skara Brae
Admire St Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall and learn about the Norwegian bell ringing that takes place there
Overnight accommodation in your choice of 3-star B&B or 3-star hotel

Inclusions & Exclusions

Local guide
2 nights accommodation
Meals as per itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)
Food and drinks, unless specified
Entrance fees
Gratuities (optional)
Hotel pickup and drop-off

Departure & Return

Stance 7, Inverness Bus Station, Margaret Street, Inverness IV1 1LT

9AM (Check in 08:45 am)

Returns to original departure point

What To Expect

Your 3-day excursion through the Orkney Islands begins in Inverness, where you'll meet your guide in the morning and set off by ferry across the blustery North Sea to port in Stromness.During the next days, you'll travel by minibus through the sparsely inhabited Orkney Isles "“ an ancient archipelago comprised of around 70 islands. Savor the unspoiled scenery and touches of history that surround you such as the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, a collection of Viking monuments including ancient standing stones, tombs and the prehistoric village of Skara Brae. See other fascinating sites like St Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall and the famous Italian Chapel, built during WWII by Italian prisoners of war. Spend your days on fun guided tours and your evenings relaxing or independently exploring Kirkwall, where your accommodation is located.Your tour includes round-trip transport, two nights stay in a 3-star hotel or B&B and daily breakfasts.ItineraryDay 1: Inverness "“ Orkney IslandsHop on board your luxury minibus and head north from Inverness, to the coastal town of Wick. From here, board your ferry and cross the North Sea to Scotland's mysterious Orkney Islands (or "˜Orkney Isles' as the Scots know them) "“ just northeast of the mainland. After a crossing of roughly 90 minutes, arrive into Stromness "“ the main port. After a break for lunch (own expense), your tour winds its way north through Orkney's gorgeous countryside, to the Italian Chapel in Lamb Holm. Hear how it was built by Italian prisoners of war when the island was uninhabited, and admire its intricately built architecture. Your guide will also point out the famous Churchill Barriers "“ a series of causeways that acted as a naval defense during WWII. Your evening is then spent at leisure in the Orkney capital of Kirkwall.Overnight: 3-star bed and breakfast or 3-star hotel accommodation in KirkwallDay 2: Kirkwall "“ Heart of Neolithic Orkney (B)After a relaxing breakfast in your hotel, meet your guide for an action-packed day, exploring the Orkney Islands and learning about their intriguing history. Take a walk around Kirkwall, admiring its quaint craft shops, and then set out by minibus to discover four of the island's prehistoric marvels: Maeshowe chambered cairn (tomb), Standing Stones of Stenness, Ring of Brodgar and the Neolithic village of Skara Brae. Known collectively as the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, this incredible group of monuments achieved UNESCO World Heritage status in 1999. Your day finishes with a visit to St Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall to marvel at its distinctive yellow and red brickwork and to learn about its Norwegian style of bell ringing"“ proof of the strong Viking influence on the islands. Dine out in the town at your own expense, and then the night is yours to spend at leisure.Overnight: 3-star bed and breakfast or 3-star hotel accommodation in KirkwallDay 3: Orkney Islands "“ Inverness (B)Rise early for breakfast and then head straight to the port for an early ferry ride back to the Scottish mainland. Arriving at Wick, hop back on board your minibus and then journey south, winding through a diverse landscape of hilly crags and windswept coastal roads. The drive back to Inverness takes roughly 4 hours, but there are plenty of stops along the way to stretch your legs or grab lunch (own expense). Arrive back to Inverness in the afternoon.

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there is not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund

Cancellation Policy

If you cancel at least 7 day(s) in advance of the scheduled departure, there is No cancellation fee
If you cancel between 3 and 6 day(s) in advance of the scheduled departure, there is 50 percent cancellation fee
If you cancel within 2 day(s) in advance of the scheduled departure, there is 100 percent cancellation fee

Your Contact Details

Questions or requests.

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