3-Day Orkney Islands Tour From Inverness

The 3-Day Orkney Islands Tour from Inverness provides travelers with an immersive journey through Scotland’s rich history and stunning landscapes. Departing early, the tour takes visitors to iconic sites like the Italian Chapel and the breathtaking Ring of Brodgar, offering a comprehensive exploration of Orkney’s archaeological treasures. With comfortable accommodations, daily breakfast, and the expertise of a local guide, this tour promises an unforgettable experience. However, the true allure of this journey lies in the opportunity to uncover the unique cultural and natural wonders that make Orkney a truly captivating destination.

This experience made our list of the 13 Best 3 Day Tours In Inverness.

Key Points

• This 3-day tour from Inverness provides a comprehensive exploration of the Orkney Islands, including visits to historical sites like Maeshowe Chambered Cairn and the Ring of Brodgar.
• The tour includes a local guide, 2 nights’ accommodation, daily breakfast, and transportation, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable travel experience.
• Highlights of the tour include the Italian Chapel, the Churchill Barriers, and the well-preserved Neolithic village of Skara Brae, offering insights into the region’s rich history.
• The tour is highly rated by customers, with seven out of nine reviews giving it a five-star rating, praising the knowledgeable guides and well-planned itinerary.
• The tour is not wheelchair accessible, and luggage is limited to 15kg per person, so travelers should plan accordingly.

Tour Overview

The 3-day Orkney Islands Tour from Inverness offers visitors an opportunity to explore the captivating history and scenic landscapes of this archipelago off the north coast of Scotland.

Departing from Inverness at 8:00 am, the tour includes a local guide, 2 nights’ accommodation in a 3-star hotel or B&B, daily breakfast, and hotel pickup/drop-off.

Highlights include visiting the Italian Chapel, driving past the Churchill Barriers, and exploring historical sites like Maeshowe Chambered Cairn, Skara Brae Neolithic village, and the Standing Stones of Stenness and Ring of Broddar.

With an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 from 9 reviews, the tour is praised for its knowledgeable guides and well-planned itinerary.

Itinerary Highlights

Visiting the Orkney Islands’ captivating historical sites is the focus of the tour’s second day.

Travelers will explore the Maeshowe Chambered Cairn, a Neolithic tomb with intricate carvings. Next, they’ll visit Skara Brae, a well-preserved Neolithic village that offers a glimpse into ancient life.

The tour then stops at the Standing Stones of Stenness, a Neolithic henge monument, followed by the iconic Ring of Brodgar, a stunning stone circle.

This immersion in Orkney’s rich history and archaeology provides a unique opportunity to connect with the islands’ past.

1. Maeshowe Chambered Cairn (1 hour, admission not included)
2. Skara Brae Neolithic village (1 hour, admission not included)
3. Standing Stones of Stenness (30 min, free admission)
4. Ring of Brodgar stone circle (30 min, admission not included)

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

Upon arrival in the Orkney Islands, travelers embark on an immersive exploration of the archipelago’s captivating history and scenery.

The first stop is the iconic Italian Chapel, a moving testament to the resilience and artistry of Italian prisoners of war.

Next, the tour winds its way along the Churchill Barriers, a series of strategic causeways connecting the islands.

Throughout the day, the group soaks in the dramatic landscapes, from rugged coastlines to verdant farmlands, as they make their way to their accommodation for the evening, eager to delve deeper into the Orkney’s rich cultural tapestry.

Day 2: Historical Sites

On the second day, travelers embark on a captivating exploration of Orkney’s renowned historical sites.

The agenda includes a visit to the Maeshowe Chambered Cairn, a Neolithic burial tomb with intricate carvings.

Next, they explore the Skara Brae Neolithic village, a remarkably well-preserved settlement that offers a glimpse into ancient life.

The tour then moves to the Standing Stones of Stenness, a dramatic stone circle dating back over 5,000 years.

The final stop is the Ring of Brodgar, another impressive Neolithic monument that showcases the engineering prowess of Orkney’s ancestors.

Day 3: Departure and Additional Visit

As the Orkney Islands tour approaches its conclusion, travelers embark on the return ferry across the Pentland Firth, enjoying the scenic crossing free of charge.

Before heading back to Inverness, the tour makes one final stop at Dunrobin Castle and Gardens. This historic castle, dating back to the 13th century, captivates visitors with its grand architecture and beautifully manicured gardens.

Guests have 1.5 hours to explore the castle’s interior and grounds, with admission fees not included in the tour package.

This final visit provides a fitting end to the Orkney Islands adventure, leaving travelers with a deeper appreciation for the region’s rich history and natural beauty.

Accommodation Options

The tour offers travelers a choice of 3-star accommodation, whether they prefer a bed and breakfast (B&B) or a hotel.

Group sizes may affect room allocation, so solo travelers must select the ‘Single Room’ option.

The accommodations provide the following:

1. Comfortable, well-appointed rooms to ensure a restful stay.
2. Convenient locations, allowing easy access to the tour’s highlights.
3. Friendly and attentive staff to cater to guests’ needs.
4. Amenities such as free Wi-Fi and tea/coffee making facilities.

Regardless of the option chosen, the accommodations are designed to complement the Orkney Islands tour experience.

Tour Inclusions and Restrictions

The Orkney Islands Tour from Inverness includes a variety of services and amenities to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for travelers.

The tour package includes a local guide, 2 nights’ accommodation in a 3-star hotel or B&B, and daily breakfast. Pickup and drop-off at the Waverley Centre in Inverness are also provided.

However, there are a few restrictions – the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and luggage is limited to 15kg per person. Visitors should also note that admission fees for some attractions aren’t included in the tour price.

Customer Reviews and Recommendations

Travelers have largely praised the Orkney Islands Tour, with seven out of nine reviews awarding the maximum five-star rating.

The tour’s knowledgeable guides, well-planned itineraries, and comfortable accommodations have been consistently highlighted as strengths.

While some feedback mentioned scattered accommodation locations and specific hotel quality, the overall consensus is that the tour offers exceptional value for its historic and scenic offerings.

The key highlights from the reviews include:

1. Informative and engaging guides who bring the Orkney Islands’ history to life.
2. Well-organized itinerary that allows for a comprehensive exploration of the region’s Neolithic sites.
3. Comfortable and convenient accommodations that enhance the touring experience.
4. Seamless transportation and logistics that ensure a stress-free journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Transportation Provided From Inverness City Center to the Tour Starting Point?

Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off from the Waverley Centre in Inverness city center. Travelers don’t need to make their own way to the starting point as transportation is provided.

Can Dietary Restrictions Be Accommodated on This Tour?

The tour provider can accommodate dietary restrictions with advance notice. Travelers should communicate any special dietary needs when booking the tour to ensure appropriate arrangements are made for their meals during the included breakfasts and other provided meals.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour for an Additional Day?

The tour doesn’t explicitly offer an extension, but travelers could arrange an extra day independently to further explore the Orkney Islands. This would allow more time to see additional sights beyond the standard 3-day itinerary.

Can Participants Leave and Rejoin the Tour During the 3-Day Period?

Participants can’t leave and rejoin the tour during the 3-day period. The tour is a packaged itinerary, and travelers are expected to stay with the group throughout the duration. Leaving and rejoining isn’t an option.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?

The tour doesn’t offer any special discounts for seniors or students. However, travelers can save by booking in advance and taking advantage of the tour’s free cancellation policy up to 6 days prior to the start date.

Recap

The 3-Day Orkney Islands Tour from Inverness offers an immersive exploration of Scotland’s rich history and stunning landscapes. With visits to iconic sites, comfortable accommodations, and a knowledgeable local guide, this tour promises an unforgettable journey through Orkney’s archaeological treasures and scenic beauty. Travelers can expect a commendable rating and a chance to uncover the unique charm of this remarkable destination.