Orkney & The Far North (Inv)
Orkney & The Far North (Inv)
Orkney & The Far North (Inv)
3 Days Starting in Inverness and ending in Inverness, UK
Visiting: Italian Chapel, Kirkwall, Inverness, Skara Brae Prehistoric Village, Maeshowe, St Magnus Cathedral, Dunrobin Castle, John o' Groats
Tour operator:
Tour code:
273783
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
16 - 32
Age range:
3-99
Special diets catered:
Please advise requests
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Eco Conscious, History, Island Hopping, Ruins-Archaeology, Wildlife Tours
Activities:
Tour Overview
Spend 3 days with us as you head from Inverness to the far north of Scotland to explore the stunning scenery and wildlife of the magical Orkney Islands. Pass through the glorious scenery of the Cromarty & Moray Firth coasts before catching a ferry to Orkney and the world-famous historical sites. You will spend 2 nights in Orkney discovering the enthralling mix of beautiful coastal scenery, charming towns such as Kirkwall, with its narrow streets and the stunning St Magnus Cathedral and incredible archaeological sites, that have given Orkney UNESCO world heritage site status. You can explore the fascinating burial mound of Maeshowe and the remarkably preserved neolithic village of Skara Brae. You will also have the chance to visit John O' Groats, the northernmost village on the UK mainland, and a chance to explore the stunning Romanesque architecture of Dunrobin Castle, home to the Earls of Sutheland.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Inverness - Orkney
Location: Italian Chapel, Kirkwall, Inverness
Accommodation: B&B with ensuite bathroom
On day two you enjoy the spectacular coastal scenery of the Moray and Cromarty Firths. Then you board the ferry for a memorable trip to the mysterious and magical Orkney Isles. There are over 70 islands in this group, of which only 20 are inhabited. You will be staying on the largest: the Mainland.
When arrive on Orkney you can begin to take in the stunning scenery and start exploring. You’ll visit the beautiful Italian Chapel, which was built by Italian prisoners of war during the Second World War. These prisoners later became paid workers when Italy joined the allies, and the church was constructed to give the Italians a proper place of worship. From the same era, you’ll also see the famous Churchill Barriers – causeways that were constructed to protect the British naval fleet from submarines.
Overnight: Kirkwall
Day 2 : Explore Orkney
Location: Skara Brae Prehistoric Village, Maeshowe, St Magnus Cathedral
Accommodation: B&B with ensuite bathroom
Meals Included: Breakfast
From your base in Kirkwall, the whole second day of your tour will be spent exploring the sights and scenery of the Orkney Mainland. This is a land so rich in ancient history that the area is a UNESCO world heritage site.
Amongst the fascinating archaeological sites you will be able to visit include Maeshowe chambered cairn from the Neolithic era. This ancient burial chamber not only takes you back over 4,000 years to the original builders, but also noteworthy are the Viking inscriptions carved into the chamber walls, when they had broken into the cairn.
You can also visit the world-famous Neolithic village of Skara Brae. It is composed of eight houses and is Europe’s most complete Neolithic village. It is also one of the best-preserved monuments in western Europe, despite being discovered after a storm in 1850! You will go on to see the brooding stone circles of Stenness and the Ring o’Brodgar, both of which are from the Neolithic era over 4000 years ago.
The day will finish with a return to Kirkwall to visit to beautiful Britain’s most northerly cathedral, St Magnus Cathedral, which boasts stunning Romanesque architecture.
Day 3 : Orkney - Inverness
Location: Dunrobin Castle, Inverness, John o' Groats
Meals Included: Breakfast
To begin your third and final day on the tour you will have a leisurely morning in Kirkwall, which boasts many craft and gift shops to enjoy. Take time to explore the beautiful working harbour and ancient streets.
In the late morning, we will say goodbye to Orkney and join the ferry ride back to the mainland. Your expert guide will ensure you get the best out of your journey to Inverness, exploring the dramatic coastline.
Your first stop after returning to the mainland will be John O’ Groats, the northern most village on the UK mainland, and the only place where you can view both the east and west coasts of the UK simultaneously. It’s an excellent opportunity for a photo stop as well!
We will then start travelling south and will make a stop at Dunrobin Castle, the most northern of Scotland’s great houses and the largest in the Northern Highlands. It is also Britain’s oldest continuously inhabited stately home, more recently owned by the Dukes of Sutherland. Explore the vibrant formal gardens and discover why this Scottish Castle looks like a French chateau.
You will then return south to Inverness where your tour will conclude.
What's Included
-
Accommodation
-
Fully Guided
-
Meals – Breakfast Only
What's Not Included
Booking Notes
What to bring
It is always advisable to be prepared for any weather in Scotland so a jacket is always a good idea! A bottle of water for hydration and a camera to capture the spectacular views and you are set to go!
It is not necessary for you to bring your own meals, as we will stop throughout the day in small towns or villages where you can purchase food, however you are more than welcome to bring along snacks or a packed lunch.
Check out our Q&As
-
Are all entrance fees included in the price?
Optional attraction tickets are not included in the price.
-
Will passengers from another country be participating in the tour?
We are proud to welcome travellers from around the world on our tours
-
Is free Wi-Fi available in the accommodation used?
Due to the variety of accommodation providers we use, we are unable to guarantee the availability of free Wi-Fi at the B&B's we use
-
What should I bring with me?
It is always advisable to be prepared for any weather in Scotland, so a jacket is always a good idea! A bottle of water for hydration and a camera to capture the spectacular views, and you are set to go! It is not necessary for you to bring your own meals, as we will stop throughout the day in small towns or villages where you can purchase food; however you are more than welcome to bring along snacks or a packed lunch.
-
What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?
We use B&B's with a minimum of 3 stars
-
What will the weather be like?
Scotland is routinely unpredictable, but we do have a very temperate climate. The geography of Scotland means that it does rain more frequently in the west of the country and there are stronger winds in the east.
-
What is the maximum group size?
This tour will run on a minibus or mini-coach with a maximum of 32 seats
-
Is there a limit to luggage that can be brought on the tour?
Due to the size of our vehicles, on our multi-day tours, we guarantee to carry one piece of luggage per passenger of 55cm x 40cm x 20cm, with a maximum of 15 kg. This is equivalent to hand luggage allowed in an aircraft cabin.
-
What is the fitness level required to do this tour?
There will be opportunities for short walks throughout our tours, however these will not be overly strenuous. Our tours are suitable for a wide range of fitness levels
-
Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
Yes, the relaxed nature of our tours makes them uniquely appropriate for children 3 and above. Unfortunately, children under the age of 3 years old are unable to travel on our tours.
-
Is the tour coach air conditioned?
Yes
-
Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
Unfortunately, we do not organize pre- or post-tour accommodation.
-
How much luggage can I bring?
Due to the size of our vehicles, on our multi-day tours, we guarantee to carry one piece of luggage per passenger of 55cm x 40cm x 20cm, with a maximum of 15 kg. This is equivalent to hand luggage allowed in an aircraft cabin.
-
Can I join the tour once it has departed?
If you are delayed due to a flight cancellation for example, we will do our best to help you catch up with the tour. However, we cannot allow the tour to be affected negatively for the other passengers.
-
Should I take out travel insurance?
We highly recommend you take out travel insurance.
Reviews of this operator
Save on this tour
Request your exclusive discount code now and unlock savings for your next adventure!
Send me one now.1 Select your preferred date
Friday - Sunday
May 09, 2025 - May 11, 2025Friday - Sunday
May 16, 2025 - May 18, 2025Friday - Sunday
May 23, 2025 - May 25, 2025Friday - Sunday
Jun 06, 2025 - Jun 08, 2025Friday - Sunday
Jun 20, 2025 - Jun 22, 2025Friday - Sunday
Jun 27, 2025 - Jun 29, 2025Friday - Sunday
Jul 04, 2025 - Jul 06, 2025Friday - Sunday
Jul 25, 2025 - Jul 27, 2025Friday - Sunday
Aug 01, 2025 - Aug 03, 2025Friday - Sunday
Aug 15, 2025 - Aug 17, 2025Friday - Sunday
Aug 22, 2025 - Aug 24, 2025Friday - Sunday
Aug 29, 2025 - Aug 31, 2025Friday - Sunday
Sep 05, 2025 - Sep 07, 2025Friday - Sunday
Sep 12, 2025 - Sep 14, 2025Friday - Sunday
Sep 26, 2025 - Sep 28, 2025What are travellers saying about Tourhub
Book with Confidence
-
Low Deposit
Highland Experience Tours requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of highland experience tours charges.
Up to 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 8 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Why book with tourhub?
Safe & Secure
Your money is held in a dedicated client account until you travel.
100% Guaranteed Refunds if your trip is cancelled.
The safest way to make overseas, multi-currency payments.
Guaranteed Best Value
Industry leading discounts, we won't be beaten on price.
No cancellation or amendment fees from tourhub.
(Operator terms may apply)
Expert Knowledge
Reliable & unbiased advice from travel experts.
Direct contact with the tour operator via our messaging service.
Inspiration & advice from a community of 6000+ real travellers, influencers & content creators.
Trusted Service
Official partners & licensed agents of 1000+ tour operators worldwide.
Don't just take our word for it...
"Tourhub: Friendliness, Professionalism & Integrity I would happily give tourhub a 6* review if I could..."