About this experience
Discover Scotland's most ancient landscapes on this small-group journey to Orkney. Visit the UNESCO-listed Heart of Neolithic Orkney, explore Skara Brae, walk among the standing stones of the Ring of Brodgar, and uncover years of Viking history.
Highlights
- Explore mainland Scotland’s most northern scenery
- Discover the vibrant culture of remote island communities
- Go to a site older than the pyramids, Skara Brae
- Follow in the footsteps of Vikings as you travel through Orkney
What's included
- Entry to Skara Brae and Maeshowe
- Travel in a luxury, air-conditioned 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach
- Services of an experienced, knowledgeable driver/ guide
- Bed and breakfast accommodation (2 nights)
How to use
- Show Mobile Ticket
- At Redemption Counter
What to expect
Day 1:
From here, you drive along the northeast Highland coastline, travelling into some of Scotland's most dramatic scenery.
Onwards through Scotland's most northerly mainland village, John o' Groats, and then to Gills Bay, where you board the ferry, and cross the Pentland Firth into the Orkney Archipelago.
It’s a short drive to the famous Italian Chapel where you stop for a visit before continuing to the Viking stronghold of Kirkwall, capital of Orkney. Here you can visit Kirkwall's magnificent Viking Cathedral and enjoy its historic winding streets in the evening.
Day 2:
Today is your chance to explore the modern and ancient wonders of this fantastic island; a land of contrasts, where fertile green pastures are fringed by shores of golden sands washed by waters of the North Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.
You visit the 5,000-year-old village of Skara Brae, the mystical prehistoric stone circle at Brodgar and the Druidic standing stones of Stenness.
Then you explore the cairn of Maeshowe, where in the 12th century the Vikings left one of the largest collections of Norse runic inscriptions.
Then it’s back to Kirkwall for your second night after what is sure to be a memorable day.
Day 3:
You'll have your last chance to grab some gifts for friends and family, and visit the local cathedral in Kirkwall. And after a ferry back to the mainland, you travel through the history-soaked regions of Caithness and Sutherland.
You’ll find out about the Highland clearances, a world-changing period in Scotland’s dark history, and get a glimpse of some of Scotland’s most remote fishing villages.
We arrive back in Inverness early evening.
Things to note
- Comfortable clothes
- Comfortable shoes
Terms & conditions
On Day 3, you will return at approximately 19:00
Transportation by the top of the range 16 seat Mercedes mini-coach for a more personal experience
We don’t carry children under the age of 5. Children under 18 need to be accompanied by an adult.
You are restricted to 20 kilograms (44 lbs) of luggage per person on the tours. This should be one piece of luggage similar to an airline carry-on bag (approximately 55cm x 45cm x 25cm / 22in x 17in x 10in) plus a small bag for onboard personal items
Accommodation: Small, locally owned guesthouses and B&Bs. All rooms are en suite. B&Bs are typically located on the outskirts of towns, so be prepared for a 20–30 minute walk to local facilities such as pubs and restaurants. If you have difficulty with stairs, please let us know, as lifts are not available in these types of properties.