3-Day Orkney Islands Tour from Inverness

A Quick Look at the 3-Day Orkney Islands Tour from Inverness

If you’re craving a journey that combines prehistoric marvels, Viking mysteries, and stunning coastal scenery, this 3-day trip from Inverness to the Orkney archipelago might just fit the bill. For around $840 per person, you’re looking at a well-paced exploration of some of the most iconic sights in Orkney, including the Neolithic village of Skara Brae, the ancient Standing Stones of Stenness, and the architecturally moving Italian Chapel built during WWII.

What we love most about this experience is the expert guidance—our tour guide, Mark, was praised for both his knowledge and humor, making the long days entertaining. Plus, the opportunity to stay in a comfortable 3-star hotel or B&B in Kirkwall allows for relaxed evenings and a chance to explore the town’s lively pubs and local eateries.

One possible consideration is the scattered accommodation in Orkney, which some found a bit of a logistical challenge, especially if traveling solo or with a preference for uniform lodging. Also, as with many guided tours, the pace can be quite full, leaving little room for spontaneous wandering, but that’s often the trade-off for seeing so many highlights in just three days.

This tour suits travelers who love history, archaeology, and scenic drives, and who appreciate the value of a well-organized trip that takes care of transportation and accommodations, freeing you to focus on the sights and stories. If you’re comfortable with a moderate physical level and enjoy learning from passionate guides, this trip is a fantastic way to experience Orkney.

Key Points

Comprehensive exploration of Orkney’s top sights in just 3 days
Knowledgeable guide with a good sense of humor enhances the experience
Historic sites like Skara Brae, Maeshowe, and the Standing Stones are unforgettable
Comfortable accommodations in Kirkwall provide a cozy base
Includes breakfast and some scenic stops, making this a good value
Potential for scattered lodging in Orkney, so plan accordingly

In-Depth Review of the 3-Day Orkney Islands Tour

What’s Included and How It Adds Value

This tour is designed to give you a taste of Orkney’s most iconic sites and landscapes without the hassle of planning every detail yourself. It costs $840.24 per person, a price that covers round-trip transport, two nights in a 3-star hotel or B&B, and breakfasts each morning. You’ll also have a local guide—in reviews, guides like Mark receive high praise for their knowledge and humor, which can make even the most famous sights lively and engaging.

The price reflects good value when you consider the transportation logistics, entry to sites if purchased separately, and the convenience of having accommodations arranged. Travelers appreciated the balance of guided tours and free time, especially in Kirkwall, where you can explore at your own pace after the guided visits.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Day 1: Starting in Inverness and heading to Orkney
You’ll meet your guide at 8:00 am at 25 Union St, Inverness, then board the ferry across the Pentland Firth. The crossing itself is often enjoyed as an experience—windy and exhilarating, with views of sea stacks and distant islands. Once in Orkney, the first stop is the Italian Chapel, built by Italian prisoners during WWII. It’s a noteworthy example of resilience and creativity, and while admission isn’t included, the artistry makes it worth visiting.

Just past the chapel, you’ll see the Churchill Barriers, constructed during WWII to protect the naval fleet. These barriers are not only historically significant but also impressive engineering feats, and they add a dramatic backdrop to your first day.

Day 2: The Heart of Neolithic Orkney
This day is packed with some of the most remarkable archaeological sites in Britain. You’ll start at Maeshowe, a 5,000-year-old chambered tomb that’s a highlight for its intricate Neolithic carvings and impressive construction. The experience of walking into this ancient mound, feeling the weight of thousands of years, is unforgettable.

Next, you’ll explore Skara Brae, a prehistoric village uncovered by a storm in 1850. Often called “Britain’s answer to Pompeii,” it offers a rare glimpse into how our ancestors lived 5,000 years ago, with stone dwellings, fireplaces, and storage pits still visible.

The afternoon features the Stenness Stones and the Ring of Brodgar, a pair of ancient sites dating back to the same period. The massive stones and the large stone circle evoke a sense of mystery and awe. Many reviews mention the “unbelievable” scale of these monuments and their significance as possibly the oldest in the British Isles.

Day 3: A Touch of Highland Heritage and Return
After a morning ferry back to the mainland, your final stop is Dunrobin Castle, home to the Dukes of Sutherland. The castle’s gardens and potential falconry display are a charming contrast to the ancient sites, offering a taste of Scottish aristocratic history and landscape.

Throughout the tour, the small group size (max 32 travelers) helps ensure a more intimate experience, and the guided commentary enriches every stop, making the ancient stones and buildings come alive with stories.

What Travelers Say

Reviews highlight the excellence of the guides, particularly their knowledge and humor, which make the long days enjoyable. One reviewer said, “Our guide was knowledgeable and had a terrific sense of humor,” while another appreciated the balanced itinerary that allowed enough time at each site.

Food and accommodation also get positive mentions, with many finding the B&Bs comfortable and welcoming. One reviewer noted that the scattered accommodation in Orkney could be a minor inconvenience, especially for solo travelers, but most found it manageable and worth the experience.

However, some mention logistical hiccups, like the scattered lodging or the pace of the tour, which can be busy and full but rewarding for those eager to see much in a short time.

Transportation and Pace

The minibus transport is comfortable and reliable, with the ferry crossings adding a splash of adventure. The tour’s schedule is designed to maximize sightseeing without feeling rushed—though be prepared for some long days, especially on Day 2. The moderate physical fitness suggested means you should be comfortable walking around archaeological sites and standing for periods, but no strenuous hikes are involved.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for history buffs, archaeology enthusiasts, and anyone wanting a comprehensive introduction to Orkney without the hassle of self-driving or booking accommodations separately. It’s well-suited for those who value guided insights and are comfortable with a full itinerary. Solo travelers will need to opt for a single room, as most double/twin rooms accommodate two people.

Final Thoughts

This 3-day Orkney Islands tour offers a compact, well-organized journey through some of the most captivating sights of the archipelago. With friendly guides, comfortable accommodations, and a focus on the sites that define Orkney’s character, it provides excellent value for travelers eager to explore history and scenery in one trip.

The tour’s main strengths are the expert guidance and the balance of guided and free time, making sure you see the highlights without feeling overwhelmed. For those who love prehistoric monuments, Viking tales, and picturesque coastal drives, this is a trip that delivers.

While some might find the scattered lodgings a bit tricky or prefer more flexibility, most reviews suggest that the richness of the sights and the quality of the guiding make it worth the minor inconveniences. If you’re ready for a journey packed with history, scenic beauty, and engaging stories, this tour could be your perfect introduction to Orkney.

FAQ

How long is the ferry crossing from Inverness to Orkney?
The ferry ride across the Pentland Firth takes approximately a few hours, offering scenic views and a sense of adventure as you leave the mainland behind.

What’s included in the tour price?
The cost covers transportation, two nights in a 3-star hotel or B&B in Kirkwall, daily breakfasts, and a local guide. Entry fees for sites are not included but are usually optional or payable on-site.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?
Yes, a moderate physical fitness level is recommended. You should be comfortable walking around archaeological sites and standing for a while, but no strenuous activity is required.

Can I choose a single room?
Yes, if you’re traveling alone, you need to select the Single Room option, as most rooms are for two people. The tour can accommodate solo travelers, but availability depends on the option selected.

What kind of accommodation is provided?
Most nights are spent in 3-star Bed & Breakfasts or hotels in Kirkwall, offering a comfortable base close to the town’s attractions and amenities.

Are the sites visited included in the tour?
Most sites are external visits, with some requiring admission tickets. Admission costs are not included in the tour price, so you might want to budget a little extra for entries like Maeshowe or Skara Brae.

What is the tour’s group size?
The tour operates with a maximum of 32 travelers, ensuring a manageable group for easier interaction and more personalized guidance.

How much time is spent at each site?
The itinerary is designed to give you enough time to explore each major site—roughly 30 minutes to an hour per stop—allowing for a leisurely appreciation of each.

What makes this tour special compared to doing it alone?
Having a knowledgeable guide brings the sites to life with stories and context, and the organized itinerary saves you the hassle of planning logistics, ferry bookings, and accommodations.

Would this tour suit children or teenagers?
While it’s primarily suited for adults and older teens, families with children interested in history and archaeology might find it engaging, provided they’re comfortable with walking and bus travel.

This detailed, balanced review aims to give you a clear picture of what to expect from the 3-Day Orkney Islands Tour from Inverness. Whether you’re a history lover or simply seeking scenic beauty and authentic experiences, this trip offers a well-rounded taste of one of Scotland’s most intriguing archipelagos.