3 Day Orkney and Highlands Tour from Inverness
Overview
Available languages
72 hours
Mobile ticket
This 3-days small-group Orkney tour from Inverness offers a unique blend of history, breathtaking landscapes, and coastal adventure. It goes beyond sightseeing, offering stops at culturally rich sites like Dunrobin Castle and John O’Groats, and the chance to spot whales while crossing the Pentland Firth. With highlights such as Kirkwall’s Norse heritage, the ancient Skara Brae village, and the mystical Ring of Brodgar, this tour will connect you with Scotland’s ancient past and northern beauty, making it an unforgettable journey through Orkney's most iconic heritage sites and scenic wonders.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Minimum age to travel is 5 years old, while anyone aged 5-17 must be accompanied by an adult.
Please note that itinerary order may change.
Travel insurance is recommended.
We advise you to organise transport to the departure point in advance and make sure you arrive at least 15 minutes early for check-in; late arrivals cannot be refunded and we cannot delay departure.
Return times are approximate and subject to weather/travel conditions - allow at least 3 hours for onward travel or reservations.
Each traveller may bring 1 suitcase (max 33lbs/15kg) and 1 carry-on.
Collapsible wheelchairs are allowed if you are accompanied by someone to assist with boarding.
The tour may operate with our sister company, HAGGiS Adventures.
If you are using an audio guide, please bring your headset.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Skara Brae Admission
English-Speaking Local Guide
Italian Chapel Admission
Ferry Crossing to Orkney
Two Overnight Stays at Bed & Breakfast Accommodation
Gratuities
Lunch, Dinner, or Snacks
What To Expect
Inverness to Kirkwall
Accommodations
Overnight stay at bed & breakfast accommodation in Kirkwall
Dunrobin Castle and Gardens
Our Orkney Islands tour starts in Inverness before we travel north, passing by Dunrobin Castle, which sits high on a hill and overlooks the Moray Firth.
North Coast 500
We then drive along the world-famous north Coast 500, boasting magnificent coastal views.
John O'Groats
We arrive in the colourful John O'Groats with time to explore the vibrant harbour and try local food for lunch.
Kirkwall
After sailing across the ocean to reach Orkney Islands, we reach Kirkwall with free time to explore, settling into our accommodation, and get a first taste of Orkney's local culture.
Kirkwall to Kirkwall
Accommodations
Overnight stay at bed & breakfast accommodation in Kirkwall
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
Ring of Brodgar
The next stop is at the stunning stone circle of Ring of Brodgar, where we will learn about Orkney's prehistoric past.
Skara Brae
Next up is the impeccable preserved Skara Brae, a Stone Age village offering a spectacular glimpse into life on Orkney 5000 years ago.
Yesnaby Cliffs
We take a walk to the majestic coastline of Yesnaby, a perfect photo opportunity to capture the dramatic Yesnaby Sea Stacks.
Brough Of Birsay
If the tidal state allows, we may also add a visit to Brough of Birsay, a tidal island boasting archeological hidden gems and breath-taking views of the sea.
Standing Stones of Stenness
Our last visit today are the Standing Stones of Stennes. Going back 5000 years, they are the oldest monument on the British Isles.
Kirkwall to Inverness
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
The Italian Chapel
We first visit the Italian Chapel, where we explore its unique architecture and rich history, serving as a symbol of resilience and creativity for Italian prisoners of war during World War II.
Duncansby Head
After sailing back to the mainland, we drive to Duncansby Head for a scenic walk. Here, you can admire Duncansby's dramatic cliffs and striking rock formations.
Lybster
We then make a brief stop at Lybster, a bustling herring port with a charming harbour.
Dornoch
Our final stop before we arrive back at Inverness is Dornoch, where we enjoy the scenic coastal views and get the chance to visit historic Dornoch Cathedral, a significant landmark with deep roots in the region's heritage.
Options
Bed & Breakfast Double Room
Double Room: One double bed in one room, suitable for two people.
Bed & Breakfast Twin Room
Twin Room: Two separate single beds in one room, suitable for two people.
Reviews
35 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Fantastic
552svenf,
Sep 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wow, what a great experience. From the first second, everything just fit. We were a harmonious, very nice group. The places we saw and visited were breathtakingly beautiful and very well selected. Our bus was very cozy and our TourGuide Iain took us safely from place to place. He brought the tour to life with his outstanding knowledge of the area and the sights and his many stories and made us laugh with his great humor. Also the accommodation, the Ayre Hotel, and the breakfast were excellent.
Highly recommended
merrint2020,
Sep 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We saw many wonderful sights to, from and on Orkney. What a special place it is! The tour was very well curated throughout. The bus was really comfortable, and our co-travellers were enjoyable to spend time with. Our guide Iain was absolutely terrific: knowledgeable, considerate, friendly and fun. We especially loved his dry Scottish wit.
Don’t miss this one!
X242MTsheilab,
Sep 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We couldn’t have had a better tour leader than Harrison. He was entertaining as well as informative about the many interesting aspects of the places we visited, and his choice of music was perfect for the surroundings. He drove competently and brought us back safely. The B&B accommodation at Kirkwall was superb. Altogether a wonderful experience and one we highly recommend.
Excellent organised tour
Ang F,
Aug 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Sonia, our driver and guide took us on this 3 day tour. It was so well organised, Sonia is a great driver, and a knowledgable and fun guide. The B and B we were given was a superb choice. Really comfortable, clean and a great breakfast selection. We stopped at so many places to visit (that we wouldn’t have found on our own!)! Plenty of food and comfort breaks too! Would highly recommend this tour for value, comfort and convenience.
Lovely tour! Recommended
D2547YIsaram,
Aug 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tour was really nice and had a bit of everything, so many spots packed in 3 days but we had also many stops to rest and get refreshed. I really liked the Orkney Islands and the guide made it a great experience! Thank you Sonia for the tunes, tips and binoculars!
Great trip to Orkney
Verybusyteacher,
Aug 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A very enjoyable trip. Great scenery and a good way to see a lot of interesting places in a short time. Iain, our guide/ driver was very knowledgeable and looked after us all. He had lots of interesting facts and stories about the places we visited and the places that we drove past which helped get the most out of our trip. The Albert Hotel in Kirkwall was a good base.
Amazing
619meredithg,
Aug 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wonderful trip, gorgeous scenery, knowledgeable guide. Highly recommend! Iain was the perfect guide and so much to see
History, scenery, and compelling commentary
O1717VYrebeccad,
Aug 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The 3 day Orkney trip was lovely. Iain was both funny and knowledgeable throughout the trip. The full day on the Orkneys was perfect for me and my interest in archaeology. The hotel that we stayed at was also quite nice. Iain's music playlist added some extra interest and fun to the drives (he's playing The Midges again as I write this review).
Amazing explorations with a local
antoninas583,
Aug 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tour to the highlands and Orkney was a great way for us to discover the Scottish culture and nature. Iain’s lively commentary made this trip into a great experience and we appreciated his personal touch in storytelling and attention to detail. For us first-timers in Scotland, this was a lightweight yet in-depth walk thru local history, which we could only highly recommend. We’ll definitely be back to discover more with Iain
Very nice trip
Karin and Steve,
Aug 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Nice varied itinerary. Something for everyone. Scottish weather threw in Storm Floris to stop some of the plans but Harrison found us equal (or better ) alternatives. The Lynnfield hotel was very nice - although restaurant a little pricey for evening meals. Brian and Peter (Mangalitsa pigs) were a bonus!
From £465.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
Chat with us on social
Related Experiences
Operated by Highland Explorer Tours Ltd