Scotland's Orkney Islands

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Art and architecture Guided and Escorted

Carbon neutral

5 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers

12 peopleMaximum group size

15 - 99 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Easy

Light physical activity suitable for most people with average fitness levels.

Starts

Inverness, Scotland

Ends

Inverness, Scotland

Highlights

The Orkney Islands are a treasure trove of history, from the Neolithic village of Skara Brae to the iconic Ring of Brodgar and the stunning 12th-century St Magnus Cathedral. It’s like stepping back in time!

Join your group leader for a walking tour of Kirkwall, Orkney’s lively hub, where you’ll learn about the town’s unique traditions, including the fascinating game of ‘Ba’.

Spend the morning exploring the island of Hoy and the renowned Scapa Flow Museum, home to rare artifacts and captivating exhibits that tell the story of Scapa Flow, once the heart of the British naval fleet during both World Wars.

No trip to Scotland would be complete without a whisky tasting! Throughout the journey, join your local leader and fellow travellers at cozy pubs to sample some of the finest whiskies Orkney has to offer.

With plenty of free time to explore at your own pace, you can dive deep into the island’s rich history or unwind with a visit to a local distillery. The choice is yours!

Itinerary

Venture north from Inverness to the Orkney Islands, where ancient history and dramatic coastlines await on this five-day easy-paced tour. Settle into the scenic town of Kirkwall and use it as your base to explore Neolithic marvels like Skara Brae—older than Stonehenge—and the fascinating Scapa Flow Museum on Hoy island. With a local guide leading the way, you'll uncover mysteries of the islands, enjoy potential whisky tastings, and soak in sweeping sea views. The trip, designed with gentle activity in mind, is ideal for travelers who appreciate both comfort and insight. The unique highlight? Immersing yourself in the Orkneys’ rich tapestry of history and landscapes, all within a relaxed, expertly guided tour package.

day 1 - Inverness / Kirkwall / Orkney Islands

Welcome to Scotland, and Inverness, the capital of the Scottish Highlands. This vibrant city is known for its rich history, scenic beauty, and proximity to Loch Ness. Today, instead of searching for Nessie, you’ll meet your local leader and fellow travelers at Inverness Railway Station to begin your journey to the Orkney Isles. Catch a train to Thurso, where we transfer to the nearby port of Scrabster to board the ferry for Orkney. Sit back, relax, and enjoy your evening meal while taking in the stunning views of the Old Man of Hoy, the tallest sea stack in the UK. Upon arrival in Stromness, we take a private transfer to Kirkwall, the island’s principal town. After the long journey, settle into your accommodation. If you'd like to stretch your legs and get your bearings, take a stroll into the town centre for a walk or enjoy a drink.

accommodation:Guesthouse

day 2 - Kirkwall / Orkney Islands

This morning, we explore the vibrant town of Kirkwall, the heart of Orkney. Our guide will take us on a walking tour, delving into the town’s Viking heritage. Highlights include St Magnus Cathedral (founded in 1137), the ‘Peedie Sea,’ and the maze of narrow streets where the traditional ‘Ba’ game is played each year. The afternoon is free, offering a perfect opportunity to retrace your steps and visit any craft shops, museums, or historic sites you may have passed earlier. For those interested, our guide will lead a short hike up Wideford Hill, offering panoramic views of Kirkwall and the surrounding islands. Alternatively, you can visit a whisky distillery, explore the craft and jewellery shops, or simply relax in a local pub. After dinner, if the skies are clear, our guide will lead a short walk outside Kirkwall to stargaze and, if lucky, catch a glimpse of the elusive Northern Lights!

included:Kirkwall - Leader-led Walking Tour

accommodation:Guesthouse

meals:1 Breakfast

day 3 - Mainland / Kirkwall / Orkney Islands

Today, we’ll embark on a private coach tour to explore some of Orkney’s most captivating historic sites. Our journey begins by heading south to the Italian Chapel, a remarkable structure crafted from two Nissen huts by Italian prisoners of war. Next, we’ll cross the striking Churchill Barriers, built during the war to protect Scapa Flow from U-boat attacks; several shipwrecks still rise above the water’s surface. We then continue west to one of Orkney’s most renowned landmarks: the prehistoric village of Skara Brae. By now, we’ll have worked up an appetite, so we’ll visit an old schoolhouse for a picnic lunch, showcasing the best of local Orkney produce. Our journey back to Kirkwall takes us to the iconic Ring of Brodgar Standing Stones, a UNESCO World Heritage site that dates back over 5,000 years. Once in Kirkwall, you’ll have the opportunity to join the rest of your group for dinner and reflect on the fascinating sights and experiences of the day.

included:Orkney Islands - Ring of Brodgar Standing Stones, Orkney Islands - Italian Chapel, Orkney Islands - Orkney Mainland Day Tour, Orkney Islands - Picnic lunch with Local Orkney Produce in an old schoolhouse, Orkney Islands - Churchill Barriers & Scapa Flow, Orkney Islands - Skara Brae Prehistoric Village Visit

accommodation:Guesthouse

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch

day 4 - Island of Hoy/ Kirkwall / Orkney Islands

After breakfast, we’ll travel to Houton and catch a ferry to the island of Hoy, the second largest island in Orkney. Hoy was the main naval base for the British fleet during both World Wars, with Scapa Flow at Lyness being a key location. Today, we’ll visit the renowned Scapa Flow Museum, home to an impressive collection of artifacts from this historic site. Take time to explore the exhibits and, if you wish, enjoy an optional coastal walk with stunning views back towards the Orkney mainland. We’ll return by ferry to Kirkwall in the early afternoon, leaving you with the rest of the day free to relax or explore at your leisure. Later, immerse yourself in Orkney’s rich cultural heritage by enjoying the atmosphere, perhaps by joining your leader for a whisky tasting, featuring exceptional malts from Orkney and beyond.

included:Island of Hoy - Day Trip, Island of Hoy - Scapa Flow Museum visit

accommodation:Guesthouse

meals:1 Breakfast

day 5 - Kirkwall / Inverness

After breakfast, you’ll begin your journey back to Inverness with your group, arriving in the late afternoon. With no activities planned in Inverness, the trip concludes upon arrival at the railway station. However, your adventure doesn’t have to end here! If you'd like to extend your time in the north of Scotland, we can arrange additional accommodation (subject to availability). For those wishing to continue exploring, consider joining one of our other adventures on the mainland or the Shetland Islands. Just speak to your booking agent in advance to make arrangements.

meals:1 Breakfast

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What's Included

Accommodation

Guesthouse (4 nights)

Meals

4 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch

Transport

Train, Public bus, Private vehicle, Taxi, Ferry, On foot

Guide

An expert tour leader

Included Activities

Kirkwall - Leader-led Walking TourOrkney Islands - Ring of Brodgar Standing StonesOrkney Islands - Italian ChapelOrkney Islands - Orkney Mainland Day TourOrkney Islands - Picnic lunch with Local Orkney Produce in an old schoolhouseOrkney Islands - Churchill Barriers & Scapa FlowOrkney Islands - Skara Brae Prehistoric Village VisitIsland of Hoy - Day TripIsland of Hoy - Scapa Flow Museum visit

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

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