3-Day Orkney Islands Tour from Inverness
Overview
Available languages
72 hours
Mobile ticket
Leave mainland Scotland behind and travel across the North Sea to reach the Orkney Islands on this incredible 3-day trip from Inverness. Remote yet enticing, this breathtaking little collection of islands boast stunning scenery, an abundance of wildlife and untold amounts of archaeological treasures. Visit the poignant Italian Chapel that was built during the Second World War, and discover the monuments known as the Heart of Neolithic Orkney – collectively listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Luggage Restrictions: Maximum weight: 15kg. Maximum size: 55cm x 40cm x 20cm per person plus small carry on
If you are travelling alone, please choose the ‘Single Room’ option or we may not be able to accept your booking
Double/twin room: these rooms are for 2 people. If 3 people choose this option, you will be allocated a family room for 3, subject to availability. If you prefer 2 rooms, you must choose ‘Single Room’ for one person
Cancellation Policy
If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.<br>If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
What‘s Included
2 nights accommodation
Local guide
Meals as per itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)
Food and drinks, unless specified
Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop-off
What To Expect
A ferry to the Isle of Orkney
Accommodations
Overnight: Kirkwall
The Italian Chapel
Stop at the charmmg chapel built by Italian prisoners of war during WWII.
Churchill Barriers
The drive will take us past the Churchill Barriers built to protect the British fleet from submarines.
Step back in history
Accommodations
Overnight: Kirkwall
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
Maeshowe Chambered Cairn
Visit the magnificent chambered cairn of Maeshowe - dating back some 5000 years.
Skara Brae
Explore this Neolithic village which was exposed during storm of 1850. Previous to that it had been lost to the nation. See just how our ancestors lived.
Stenness
These stone are though to the the oldest in the British Isles. These enormous stones are all that is left of an ancient ceremonial site.
Ring of Brodgar
A massive stone circle, originally consisting of 60 stones – 36 survive today. At least 13 prehistoric burial mounds. A large rock-cut ditch surrounding the stone circle
Back to the ferry
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
Back onto the ferry for the crossing to the mainland.
Dunrobin Castle and Gardens
The home of the Dukes of Sutherland. Explore the castle and gardens. If we are lucky there may be a Falconry display to admire.
Options
B&B En-Suite Single Room
B&B En-Suite Single Room: Room for 1 person with private bathroom
B&B En-Suite Twin Room
B&B En-Suite Twin Room: Room for with 2 single beds for 2 persons with private bathroom
B&B En-Suite Double Room
B&B En-Suite Double Room: Room for 2 persons with 1 large bed with private bathroom
Reviews
11 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Excellent tour
Julia S,
Aug 24, 2025
- Viator
5.00Excellent tour. Viator took care of everything...we were travelling with our 14 year old son...they made sure we had a small suite at the B&B so he could have his own bedroom....our tour guide was kind, knowledgeable, and a great driver! We saw so much of Orkney...we were never far from a bathroom...the van was very comfortable. This was a terrific way to see Orkney!
Outstanding tour
GORDONGERALD K,
Jun 9, 2025
- Viator
5.00The guide/driver makes all the difference and Iain was outstanding. His sense of humor with his local knowledge and driving skills were without fault and make for a great tour.
Wonderful guide and group to travel...
Kitty D,
Aug 24, 2017
- Viator
5.00Wonderful guide and group to travel with. We had a good bit of time at each site. Accomodations at B and B were very nice. I'm ready to go back!!
Pick up in Inverness was efficient...
Gillian C,
May 31, 2017
- Viator
4.00Pick up in Inverness was efficient, all travel arrangements went according to plan, very good driving and tour commentary from our guide, thankyou. Accommodation in Orkney was a bit hit and miss as we were scattered over a wide area. I booked B and B accommodation but had not realised that I might be parked well out of the town centre. My B and B was very good, but with hindsight I would go for a hotel. Most tour operators lodge all guests together, which for a solo traveller is less isolating.
We were advised to buy the all in one pass for attractions mine at concession rate was 15, a full price I think was 19. This should give entry to a varirty of venues without the need to pay at each, but as I only visited two of those places I don't think it was good value for me. You still had to queue up with other visitors and have your pass checked and dated by hand! which did not save much time.
The places we saw were as I anticipated having done some research in advance, especially pleased to visit Maes Howe and Skara Brae, but would have like more time in Kirkwall when things were open. Had to forego the Bishop's Palace as I wanted to visit the cathedral, and time was quite limited. Also, we did not have enough time at Skara Brae to visit the stately home which was included as part of this visit. Frequent stops for toilets and refreshments at intervals I suppose are necessary, but when you only have one full day in Orkney they eat away at the available time for the major attractions. Now I have seen Orkney, I will probably go back and spend more time there. All in all it was a good, well organised tour with the few provisos I have mentioned.This three day trip was everything...
Leatrice A,
Sep 27, 2016
- Viator
5.00This three day trip was everything described and was a wonderful experience. The guide was knowledgeable and had a terrific sense of humor. I'd recommend this trip to anyone else who is considering a visit to the Orkney Islands.
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Operated by Highland Experience Tours