From Inverness: 3-day Orkney & The Far North
From Inverness: 3-day Orkney & The Far North
3 Days Starting in Inverness and ending in Inverness, UK
Visiting: Inverness, Orkney, Kirkwall, John o' Groats, Dunrobin Castle
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:
Cultural, Gardens & Nature Tours, History, Ruins-Archaeology
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating 3-day journey from Inverness to the enchanting Orkney Isles and the far north of Scotland. This tour offers a blend of breathtaking landscapes and rich history, starting with the stunning coastal views of the Moray and Cromarty Firths. Discover the Italian Chapel and Churchill Barriers on Orkney, and explore the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Maeshowe, Skara Brae, and the Ring O’Brodgar. Enjoy the charm of Kirkwall and its magnificent St Magnus Cathedral. On your return, visit John O’ Groats and the majestic Dunrobin Castle, before concluding your adventure back in Inverness. With accommodation and breakfast included, this fully guided tour promises an unforgettable experience of Scotland's far north.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Inverness - Orkney
Location: Inverness, Orkney
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: Orkney
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: Kirkwall, John o' Groats, Dunrobin Castle, Inverness
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
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Accommodation
Accommodation is included in the tour package.
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Fully Guided
The tour is fully guided by an expert guide.
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
Tipping and gratuities are not included in the tour package.
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Meals
Meals other than breakfast are not included in the tour package.
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.
Children policy: Unfortunately we do not accept children under the age of 3 on any of our tours. We do accept children of 3 years old and above on all tours, providing valid proof of age, such as passport or birth certificate.
For any luggage storage needs, Stasher can help! Visit https://stasher.com/?ref=otjiyjk to find out more, and for our customers there is a 10% discount: type in the voucher code ‘highland10’
Mode of Transport
Travel from Inverness to Orkney with a scenic ferry ride, and explore the islands with the guidance of an expert, ensuring a memorable journey through the dramatic coastline and historical sites.
Accommodation
Enjoy comfortable stays in a B&B with ensuite bathroom in Kirkwall, providing a cozy and convenient base for exploring the Orkney Isles.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides accommodation in a B&B with an ensuite bathroom.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
The tour includes breakfast only. Other meals are not included, but there will be opportunities to purchase food in small towns or villages during the tour.
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What are some of the key historical sites visited on the tour?
The tour visits several key historical sites including the Italian Chapel, Maeshowe chambered cairn, the Neolithic village of Skara Brae, and the stone circles of Stenness and the Ring o’Brodgar.
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Is there a minimum age requirement for the tour?
Yes, the tour does not accept children under the age of 3. Children aged 3 and above are welcome, provided valid proof of age is presented.
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What should I bring with me on the tour?
It is advisable to bring a jacket for the unpredictable Scottish weather, a bottle of water for hydration, and a camera to capture the views. You can also bring snacks or a packed lunch if you prefer.
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Is there a luggage storage option available?
Yes, for luggage storage needs, you can use Stasher, which offers a 10% discount for customers using the voucher code 'highland10'.
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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.
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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.
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Should I take out travel insurance?
We highly recommend you take out travel insurance.
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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.
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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.