Tour the Neolithic heart of Orkney and immerse yourself in the ancient mysteries and dramatic coastal scenery of the North over three or four days. Experience the definitive highlights of Orkney with a private, historian-guided tour from Inverness including the 5,000-year-old village of Skara Brae, the Ring of Brodgar, Maeshowe and the Broch of Gurness along with Kirkwall, St Magnus Cathedral and the Italian Chapel.
Depart Inverness for a scenic three hour journey through the North Highlands to the ferry port of Scrabster. This coastal drive offers stunning views and a stop in the historic town of Dornoch. We then cross the Pentland Firth (1½ hour ferry sailing) passing the iconic Old Man of Hoy, before arriving in the picturesque port of Stromness. The late-afternoon is dedicated to a tour of Skara Brae, a remarkably preserved 5,000-year-old Neolithic village, before we settle into the historic capital of Kirkwall for our three night stay.
A full day on Orkney is spent uncovering the mysteries of the Orkney mainland. We explore the Neolithic Stenness Standing Stones and the monumental Ring of Brodgar, and the 2,000-year-old Broch of Gurness. The journey includes a visit to the chambered tomb of Maeshowe and the poignant Italian Chapel, built during WWII. We conclude our day in Kirkwall with time to admire the red sandstone majesty of St Magnus Cathedral and the ruins of the Earl’s Palace.
Departing from Kirkwall, we head to Stromness for the mid-morning ferry back to the Scottish mainland. Our return journey to Inverness follows a beautiful coastal route, featuring a mid-afternoon visit to the breathtaking Dunrobin Castle. With its towering spires and formal gardens overlooking the sea, the castle provides a beautiful finale to our exploration of the North before we arrive back in Inverness.
An additional day in Orkney provides a more relaxed pace and the opportunity to venture further afield. The most popular choice is to sail across Scapa Flow to the Isle of Hoy; a must for those interested in Orkney’s naval history, it features the acclaimed Scapa Flow Museum and the breathtaking, towering cliffs of Rackwick Bay. Alternatively, we can focus on the dramatic Atlantic coastline of the mainland, visiting the sea stacks at Yesnaby and the tidal island of Birsay, along with free time in Kirkwall or a tasting at the Highland Park or Scapa whisky distilleries.
3 Day Tour (April to September) – £2600
4 Day Tour (May to September) – £3400
Depart Inverness (8:30am)
Return Inverness
(3 or 4 Days)
Tours are exclusively for your private group only (up to 3 persons) and prices are per tour. I only offer private tours and do not combine individuals or separate groups – if your private group size is less than 3 the advertised tour price still applies. Your private tour price includes:
The tour price does not include your accommodation, entrance fees or meals and refreshments.
To make the most of your tour I recommend you book accommodation in Kirkwall (Day 1 and 2 – and 3 for the extended tour). Whilst I do not book accommodation directly, I am always happy to offer advice on where to stay and eat. Your tour quote will include a list of recommended accommodation options for our overnight locations along with suggestions for evening meals.
Enjoy the ease of a private pickup — I will meet you directly at your Inverness accommodation on the morning of Day 1 to begin the tour. At the end of the tour I will drop you off at your preferred Inverness location.
The tour itinerary is based on many years of guiding experience, previous client feedback, and practical travel timings. However, there is some flexibility and the itinerary can often be adapted in advance to suit particular interests or requests where possible. Please mention any requests in the 'Extra Information' section when completing a Tour Enquiry Form.
Ferry sailings are generally reliable in the summer months, but delays and cancellations can occasionally occur. While I cannot be responsible for additional accommodation, food or other costs that clients may incur due to ferry delays and cancellations, I will make every effort to adapt the tour to minimise disruption. Please note that no refunds will be given for tour and itinerary changes due to ferry changes and cancellations.
The Scottish Highlands and Islands are renowned for changeable weather, and even in the summer months we may experience some rain or wind. I always recommend a light waterproof jacket and comfortable footwear suitable for short walks in wet or uneven terrain.
Please note that for tours in April, the weather can be more inclement with rain and wind more common. On windier days, the ferry crossings can be choppy, and occasionally poor weather conditions can lead to ferry delays and cancellations. I may adapt the daily itineraries with earlier or later starts and finishes to suit weather and travel conditions and attraction opening and closing times. Nearly all of the itinerary is still accessible during April – and on tours where an itinerary attraction is unavailable to explore we visit alternative locations.
Additionally, the daily early afternoon sailing to Orkney which we take from May to September is limited to weekends in April. Therefore, for weekday tour starts, we take the evening ferry across with a late arrival into Kirkwall (approx. 9pm). Similarly, for weekday tour ends, we take the late afternoon ferry back with a late arrival into Inverness (approx. 9pm).
The first step is simply to complete a Tour Enquiry Form with your preferred travel dates. I will then reply with availability and a detailed tour quotation (with absolutely no obligation to proceed at this stage). I usually reply to enquiries within 24 hours.
Of course! I’m always happy to answer any questions and help you feel confident about your trip. You can reach me in whichever way is easiest for you:
There’s absolutely no obligation — this is just a chance to discuss your ideas and make sure the tour is the right fit for you.
The wintery weather can be a significant challenge during this period, alongside limited daylight hours from mid-October to mid-February, so I generally do not offer this tour over these months. However, for those with an adventurous spirit and a flexible schedule that can adapt to winter weather conditions, shorter days, and the increased likelihood of ferry cancellations, please feel free to get in touch for a chat.
