From Inverness, set out to discover the remote northern archipelago of Orkney on this 3-day escorted group tour. Pass through the scenic northern Highlands and visit John o'Groats before taking the ferry to Orkney and heading to the capital, Kirkwall. Discover the 5,000-year-old settlement of Skara Brae, the Viking inscriptions at Maeshowe and the mysterious Brodgar Stone Circle. After exploring Orkney, it's back Invernesss.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Welcome to Orkney!
Inverness - Kirkwall. We start early, leaving the 'Capital of the Highlands' and crossing the Black Isle, passing by the grand Dunrobin Castle. Our journey takes us along the dramatic northeast Highland coastline, through Scotland's northernmost mainland village, John o' Groats, to Gills Bay. Here, we board the ferry and cross the Pentland Firth to the Orkney Archipelago.
Upon arrival, we take a short drive to visit the famous Italian Chapel before continuing to Kirkwall, the capital of Orkney. In Kirkwall, we explore the magnificent Viking Cathedral and enjoy wandering its historic, winding streets in the evening.
Please note: Check-in closes at 07:45 (tour departs at 08:00) - Inverness Pick Up, Bus stop next to Inverness Cathedral, Ardross Street, Inverness, IV3 5NS.
Accommodation: Bellavista Guest House, Heatherlea B&B, Hildeval B&B or similar.
Overnight: Kirkwall
Exploring Orkney
Today, we delve into the modern and ancient wonders of this captivating archipelago, where lush green pastures meet golden sandy shores, washed by the North Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. We visit the 5,000-year-old village of Skara Brae, the mystical prehistoric stone circle at Brodgar, and the ancient standing stones of Stenness.
Our exploration continues at the cairn of Maeshowe, which houses one of the largest collections of Norse runic inscriptions left by Vikings in the 12th century. After this memorable day, we return to Kirkwall for our second night.
Accommodation: Bellavista Guest House, Heatherlea B&B, Hildeval B&B or similar.
Overnight: Kirkwall | Breakfast
Back to Inverness
Kirkwall - Inverness. We start our day with a final chance to shop for gifts and visit the local cathedral in Kirkwall. After taking the ferry back to the mainland, we journey through the historically rich regions of Caithness and Sutherland. Along the way, we delve into the Highland Clearances, a pivotal and somber chapter in Scotland's history, and catch glimpses of some of Scotland's most remote fishing villages. We conclude our adventure, arriving back in Inverness by early evening.
Please note: This tour ends at 19:00 - Inverness Drop Off, Bus stop next to Inverness Cathedral, Ardross Street, Inverness, IV3 5NS
Breakfast
Prices & Dates
Departure dates are guaranteed with 2 travellers. 'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers and anyone wanting the privacy of their own room.
Hotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
Bed & Breakfast, Kirkwall
On this tour, you will stay in bed and breakfast properties (B&Bs). These are usually smaller residential properties, with just a handful of guest rooms. You’ll have a bedroom, bathroom and often, access to a communal dining room for breakfast. Rooms will always be clean and comfortable, with a private bathroom. Bathrooms are usually en-suite, but on rare occasions, access may be via a communal hallway. This means that the bathroom will still be private and only for your personal use, but it is not en-suite (located in the room). You will need to leave the room to use the bathroom.
Bellavista Guest House , Kirkwall
Situated in Kirkwall, just 17 km from Maeshowe, Bellavista Guest House offers accommodation with garden views and free Wi-Fi. The property features a garden, shared lounge, and family rooms, and is conveniently located 19 km from both the Standing Stones of Stenness and the Orkney Fossil and Heritage Centre in Burray, as well as 20 km from the Ring of Brodgar. Ness of Brodgar is also 19 km away, and Kirkwall Airport is 6 km from the guest house. Rooms are equipped with a wardrobe, flat-screen TV, private bathroom, bed linen, and towels, with some offering views of a quiet street and all including a kettle and heating facilities.
Prices & Dates
Departure dates are guaranteed with 2 travellers. 'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers and anyone wanting the privacy of their own room.
At a Glance
