From Inverness: 3-Day Orkney Explorer

The Orkney Islands off the northern coast of Scotland offer a captivating glimpse into the country’s rich past. A 3-day tour from Inverness promises to immerse travelers in this rugged yet enchanting archipelago, uncovering its Nordic heritage and prehistoric wonders. From the iconic John o’ Groats to the awe-inspiring Skara Brae, this small-group adventure provides an affordable and personalized way to explore Orkney’s stunning landscapes and uncover its enigmatic history. With comfortable transportation, expert guidance, and well-appointed accommodations, this tour presents an opportunity to venture beyond the mainland and discover why these islands have long captivated the imagination of visitors from around the world.

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

Key Points

• 3-day small-group tour from Inverness to Orkney Islands, featuring iconic sites like John o’ Groats, Italian Chapel, and Kirkwall Cathedral.
• Explore ancient archaeological wonders such as Skara Brae, Brodgar stone circle, and Maeshowe cairn.
• Includes transportation, accommodation, and entrance fees for a hassle-free experience.
• Knowledgeable English-speaking guide and well-designed itinerary to enhance the tour.
• Rave customer reviews highlight memorable encounters with historical sites and wildlife.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Orkney Explorer is a 3-day tour from Inverness that takes visitors on an immersive journey through the northern Scottish Highlands and the Orkney Islands.

Priced from $558.54 per person, the tour offers free cancellation up to 14 days in advance. The small-group experience, limited to 16 participants, is led by a live English-speaking guide.

Travelers can explore iconic sites like John o’ Groats, the Italian Chapel, and Kirkwall’s Viking Cathedral on the first day. Over the following two days, they’ll discover ancient Neolithic landmarks, including Skara Brae and the Brodgar stone circle.

Accommodation, transportation, and entrance fees are included, ensuring a hassle-free and memorable journey through this captivating region.

Itinerary Highlights

On the first day, travelers explore the northeast Highland coastline, visiting the northernmost point of mainland Britain at John o’ Groats before continuing to Gills Bay and the Italian Chapel, a remarkable structure built by Italian prisoners of war.

The journey then leads to Kirkwall, the Viking capital, where visitors can admire the impressive Kirkwall Cathedral.

On the second day, the tour showcases the archaeological wonders of Skara Brae, a 5,000-year-old Neolithic village, the Brodgar stone circle, the Stenness standing stones, and the Maeshowe cairn with its impressive Norse runic inscriptions.

The final day allows for some last-minute shopping in Kirkwall before the ferry journey back to the mainland and a visit to the historic regions of Caithness and Sutherland.

Inclusions

This tour includes entry to the remarkable archaeological sites of Skara Brae and Maeshowe.

Guests will travel in a luxury, air-conditioned 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach with the services of an experienced driver/guide.

The tour also includes:

• Bed and breakfast accommodation for 2 nights
• Entrance to visitor attractions unless specified
• Meals and refreshments (not specified)
• Gratuities (optional)
• Travel along the northeast Highland coastline and through historic regions of Caithness and Sutherland.

Important Information

Guests must arrive 15 minutes early to the meeting point at the bus stop next to Inverness Cathedral, Ardross Street, IV3 5NS.

The tour returns to Inverness around 7 PM. Participants should wear waterproof jackets and suitable footwear for nature walks.

This tour isn’t suitable for children under 5 years old. The group size is limited to 16 people, providing a more personalized experience.

Guests can expect knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides, a well-designed itinerary, and memorable encounters with historical sites and local wildlife based on rave customer reviews.

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Customer Reviews and Ratings

Based on the overwhelmingly positive customer reviews, the Orkney Explorer tour offers an exceptional experience.

With an overall rating of 4.8/5 based on 57 reviews, this tour has consistently impressed travelers.

The highlights include:

• Knowledgeable and enthusiastic tour guides who bring the history and culture of Orkney to life
• A well-designed itinerary that allows visitors to explore iconic sites like Skara Brae and Maeshowe
• Comfortable and reliable transportation in a luxury mini-coach
• Seamless organization and attention to customer service
• Memorable encounters with Orkney’s stunning natural landscapes and local wildlife.

This tour provides an immersive and enriching way to discover the enchanting Orkney Islands from Inverness.

Exploring Northeast Highland Coastline

Along the northeast Highland coastline, travelers embark on a captivating journey that showcases the rugged beauty and rich history of this enchanting region. The tour starts with a visit to John o’ Groats, the northernmost point of mainland Britain, followed by a stop at Gills Bay to catch a glimpse of the Italian Chapel, a remarkable structure built by Italian prisoners of war during World War II. The day concludes in the vibrant town of Kirkwall, home to the impressive Viking Cathedral.

Destination	Highlights
John o’ Groats	Northernmost point of mainland Britain
Gills Bay	Italian Chapel, a WWII prisoner-of-war creation
Kirkwall	Majestic Viking Cathedral

Discovering Ancient Orkney Sites

The second day of the Orkney Explorer tour takes visitors on a captivating journey through some of the region’s most remarkable ancient sites.

Guests will explore the well-preserved Neolithic village of Skara Brae, which provides a unique glimpse into life over 5,000 years ago.

The tour then moves on to the enigmatic Brodgar stone circle, the towering Stenness standing stones, and the impressive Maeshowe cairn, where intricate Norse runic inscriptions can be found.

These ancient wonders offer a fascinating window into the rich history and culture of the Orkney Islands.

Key ancient sites visited on Day 2:

• Skara Brae Neolithic village
• Brodgar stone circle
• Stenness standing stones
• Maeshowe cairn with Norse runic inscriptions
• Orkney’s enigmatic prehistoric monuments

Final Day’s Highlights

Wrapping up the Orkney Explorer tour, the final day offers visitors a last chance to explore Kirkwall’s charming streets and peruse the local shops before embarking on the ferry back to the mainland.

With a leisurely morning in the historic town, guests can pick up any last-minute souvenirs or simply soak in the vibrant atmosphere.

The tour then departs Kirkwall, traveling through the scenic regions of Caithness and Sutherland on the way back to Inverness.

This final journey provides one more opportunity to admire the rugged Highland landscapes that frame the Orkney Islands, capping off an immersive exploration of this remarkable archipelago.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary to My Preferences?

While the standard tour itinerary is set, the tour provider often allows some customization to accommodate guest preferences. Travelers can inquire about adjusting the schedule or visiting additional sites within the tour duration and pricing structure.

What Is the Average Group Size for This Tour?

The tour has a small group size, limited to 16 participants. This allows for a more personalized and intimate experience as participants explore the Orkney Islands together with the live tour guide.

Do I Need to Book Transportation From My Hotel to the Meeting Point?

No, transportation from your hotel to the meeting point is not required. The tour includes travel in a luxury, air-conditioned mini-coach from the meeting point at the Inverness Cathedral bus stop. Just be sure to arrive 15 minutes early.

Are Any Meals Included Besides the Bed and Breakfast Accommodation?

The tour includes bed and breakfast accommodation for 2 nights, but it does not specify that any other meals are included. Travelers will need to purchase additional meals and refreshments during the tour as needed.

Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?

Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on this tour. The tour itinerary and inclusions do not mention pet accommodation. The tour has a minimum age of 5 years, and children aged 4 and younger are not permitted.

Recap

The 3-day Orkney Explorer tour offers a captivating journey through the scenic landscapes and rich history of the Orkney Islands. With expert guidance, comfortable transportation, and inclusive accommodations, this small-group adventure provides an affordable and immersive experience for visitors. From the iconic John o’ Groats to the ancient sites of Skara Brae and Maeshowe, the tour promises personalized attention and memorable encounters, making it an ideal way to explore the Northeast Highland coastline and discover the wonders of Orkney.

You can check if your dates are available here: