3-Day Orkney Explorer Small-Group Tour from Inverness

4.9
(76 reviews)

3 days (approximately)
Offered in: English

The archipelago of Orkney hides many treasures: and on our new three-day tour, your experienced driver-guide will ensure you find the best of them.

You’ll unearth some of the most well-preserved prehistoric sites in Europe, examine a beautiful red sandstone coast, and discover the vibrant culture of remote island communities. All from the comfort of a luxury, 16 seat mini-coach.

It’s an experience you’ll treasure for a lifetime.

What's Included

2 nights overnight accommodation with private facilities in either a B&B or 3-star hotel
Professional and friendly driver guide
Transport by air-conditioned mini-coach
Admission Fee - Includes admission to Maeshowe and Skara Brae
Food and drinks, unless specified
Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Entrance fees: unless specified

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Please meet your Rabbie's guide at the bus stop next to Inverness Cathedral, Ardross Street, Inverness, IV3 5NS. Please arrive 15 minutes before the tour departs.

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 3 days (approximately)
    Day 1

    Inverness - Dunrobin Castle - John O'Groats - Kirkwall

    4 stops
  • 1
    Dunrobin Castle and Gardens

    Short photo stop - please note the path leading to the front of the castle is quite steep, not suitable for everyone.

    10 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 2

    Beautiful view to the sea and a very scenic landscape. Short comfort stop.

    20 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 3

    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.

    30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 4

    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.

    30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • Day 2

    Today is your chance to explore the modern and ancient wonders of this fantastic island

    4 stops
  • 5

    Long before Stonehenge or even the Egyptian pyramids were built, Skara Brae was a thriving village. Step back 5,000 years in time to explore the best-preserved Neolithic settlement in Western Europe.

    1 hour 30 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 6

    One of the finest stone circles in the world. Dating back from 2,500 to 2,000 BC, the stone ring was built in a true circle, 104 metres wide and originally contained sixty megaliths; today only twenty-seven of these stones remain.

    30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 7

    Step back in time over 5000 years at what may be the earliest henge monument in the British Isles. The enormous Stones of Stenness are all that remains of a great stone circle on an ancient ceremonial site.

    10 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 8

    The monumental chambered tomb of Maeshowe is simply the finest Neolithic building in NW Europe. Built around 5,000 years ago, it is a masterpiece of Neolithic design and stonework construction, not least for its use of massive individual stones. Viking crusaders broke into the cairn in the 12th century and carved graffiti runes on the walls of the main chamber. Maeshowe is part of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site, along with Skara Brae, the Ring of Brodgar and the Stones of Stenness.

    1 hour 30 minutes Admission ticket included
  • Day 3

    Kirkwall - Caithness and Sutherland - Inverness

    2 stops
  • 9

    Free time in Kirkwall town centre - visitors can wander around the town, visits local shops or St. Magnus Cathedral.

    1 hour 30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 10

    Take a ferry back to the mainland, 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.

    2 hours Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • All Inverness tours will depart from the bus stop next to Inverness Cathedral, Ardross Street, IV3 5NS
  • Skara Brae - We reserve tickets for you. Admission will be included in your tour price.
  • Maeshowe - We reserve tickets for you. Admission will be included in your tour price.
  • Italian Chapel – We reserve tickets for you. If you want to visit this attraction, please purchase your ticket whilst on tour.
Supplied by Rabbies Trail Burners

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Tags

Multi-day Tours
Bus Tours
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Top Product
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Cancellation Policy

If you cancel at least 21 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel within 21 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.

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Rating

4.9 Based on 76 76 reviews
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