Scotland's Orkney Islands
Experience Overview
The Orkney Islands, off the northern tip of Scotland, are a captivating blend of history, mystery, and stunning landscapes, waiting to be explored by land and sea. Over the course of five days, you’ll experience the best of Orkney, departing from the Highland hub of Inverness and using the picturesque town of Kirkwall as your base. Admire the breathtaking landscapes as you explore the Neolithic village of Skara Brae, which predates Stonehenge, visit the renowned Scapa Flow Museum on the Island of Hoy, and immerse yourself in local history. Along the way, you might even enjoy whisky tastings at local pubs. With a knowledgeable local guide and a group eager to learn, this journey through European history has never been more enticing.
Highlights
- The Orkney Islands are a treasure trove of history, from the Neolithic village of Skara Brae to the iconic Ring of Brodgar and the stunning 12th-century St Magnus Cathedral. It’s like stepping back in time!
- Join your group leader for a walking tour of Kirkwall, Orkney’s lively hub, where you’ll learn about the town’s unique traditions, including the fascinating game of ‘Ba’.
- Spend the morning exploring the island of Hoy and the renowned Scapa Flow Museum, home to rare artifacts and captivating exhibits that tell the story of Scapa Flow, once the heart of the British naval fleet during both World Wars.
- No trip to Scotland would be complete without a whisky tasting! Throughout the journey, join your local leader and fellow travellers at cozy pubs to sample some of the finest whiskies Orkney has to offer.
- With plenty of free time to explore at your own pace, you can dive deep into the island’s rich history or unwind with a visit to a local distillery. The choice is yours!
Trip Details
Product Code: 1686
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Train,Public bus,Private vehicle,Taxi,Ferry,On foot
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: BWSO
Starts: Inverness / Kirkwall / Orkney Islands, United Kingdom
Finishes: Kirkwall / Inverness, United Kingdom
Duration: 5 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (4), Lunch (1),Accommodation: Guesthouse (4 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $2,422 ($484 /day)
Itinerary
Welcome to Scotland, and Inverness, the capital of the Scottish Highlands. This vibrant city is known for its rich history, scenic beauty, and proximity to Loch Ness. Today, instead of searching for Nessie, you’ll meet your local leader and fellow travelers at Inverness Railway Station to begin your journey to the Orkney Isles. Catch a train to Thurso, where we transfer to the nearby port of Scrabster to board the ferry for Orkney. Sit back, relax, and enjoy your evening meal while taking in the stunning views of the Old Man of Hoy, the tallest sea stack in the UK. Upon arrival in Stromness, we take a private transfer to Kirkwall, the island’s principal town. After the long journey, settle into your accommodation. If you'd like to stretch your legs and get your bearings, take a stroll into the town centre for a walk or enjoy a drink.
Accommodation:
- Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, we explore the vibrant town of Kirkwall, the heart of Orkney. Our guide will take us on a walking tour, delving into the town’s Viking heritage. Highlights include St Magnus Cathedral (founded in 1137), the ‘Peedie Sea,’ and the maze of narrow streets where the traditional ‘Ba’ game is played each year. The afternoon is free, offering a perfect opportunity to retrace your steps and visit any craft shops, museums, or historic sites you may have passed earlier. For those interested, our guide will lead a short hike up Wideford Hill, offering panoramic views of Kirkwall and the surrounding islands. Alternatively, you can visit a whisky distillery, explore the craft and jewellery shops, or simply relax in a local pub. After dinner, if the skies are clear, our guide will lead a short walk outside Kirkwall to stargaze and, if lucky, catch a glimpse of the elusive Northern Lights!
Included Activities:
- Kirkwall - Leader-led Walking Tour
Optional Activities:
- Kirkwall - Wideford Hill Hike - Free
Accommodation:
- Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, we’ll embark on a private coach tour to explore some of Orkney’s most captivating historic sites. Our journey begins by heading south to the Italian Chapel, a remarkable structure crafted from two Nissen huts by Italian prisoners of war. Next, we’ll cross the striking Churchill Barriers, built during the war to protect Scapa Flow from U-boat attacks; several shipwrecks still rise above the water’s surface. We then continue west to one of Orkney’s most renowned landmarks: the prehistoric village of Skara Brae. By now, we’ll have worked up an appetite, so we’ll visit an old schoolhouse for a picnic lunch, showcasing the best of local Orkney produce. Our journey back to Kirkwall takes us to the iconic Ring of Brodgar Standing Stones, a UNESCO World Heritage site that dates back over 5,000 years. Once in Kirkwall, you’ll have the opportunity to join the rest of your group for dinner and reflect on the fascinating sights and experiences of the day.
Included Activities:
- Orkney Islands - Ring of Brodgar Standing Stones
- Orkney Islands - Italian Chapel
- Orkney Islands - Orkney Mainland Day Tour
- Orkney Islands - Picnic lunch with Local Orkney Produce in an old schoolhouse
- Orkney Islands - Churchill Barriers & Scapa Flow
- Orkney Islands - Skara Brae Prehistoric Village Visit
Accommodation:
- Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast, we’ll travel to Houton and catch a ferry to the island of Hoy, the second largest island in Orkney. Hoy was the main naval base for the British fleet during both World Wars, with Scapa Flow at Lyness being a key location. Today, we’ll visit the renowned Scapa Flow Museum, home to an impressive collection of artifacts from this historic site. Take time to explore the exhibits and, if you wish, enjoy an optional coastal walk with stunning views back towards the Orkney mainland. We’ll return by ferry to Kirkwall in the early afternoon, leaving you with the rest of the day free to relax or explore at your leisure. Later, immerse yourself in Orkney’s rich cultural heritage by enjoying the atmosphere, perhaps by joining your leader for a whisky tasting, featuring exceptional malts from Orkney and beyond.
Included Activities:
- Island of Hoy - Day Trip
- Island of Hoy - Scapa Flow Museum visit
Accommodation:
- Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast, you’ll begin your journey back to Inverness with your group, arriving in the late afternoon. With no activities planned in Inverness, the trip concludes upon arrival at the railway station. However, your adventure doesn’t have to end here! If you'd like to extend your time in the north of Scotland, we can arrange additional accommodation (subject to availability). For those wishing to continue exploring, consider joining one of our other adventures on the mainland or the Shetland Islands. Just speak to your booking agent in advance to make arrangements.
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Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Nicola - Traveled, October 2022
The Orkney Islands were spectacular and our tour guide John made the trip with his knowledge of the history of the islands and the great walks he took us on. I really feel like we explored the islands in a short space of time and would definitely go back.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/14/2022
Elizabeth - Traveled, September 2022
If you are thinking of visiting Scotland, specifically The Orkneys. I would definitely recommend this trip. We had good weather(lucky). Perfect amount of time for a taste of Orkney. Great information and organization. Amazing guide. Beautiful location
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/30/2022
Emily - Traveled, June 2022
This was my first Intrepid trip, but it won't be my last. Exploring the Orkneys has been a dream for a long time and I was so fortunate to do it with a wonderful group of similarly curious folks. Skara Brae is a MUST SEE!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/08/2022
Melanie - Traveled, October 2021
The Orkney Isles are amazing! History, friendly locals, magnificent scenery wherever you look with bodies of water never far away. Travelling on the train, minibus and ferry were an adventure in themselves and the scenery was captivating as we passed through.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/16/2021
Victoria - Traveled, October 2021
What an incredible trip! Well preserved history older than the pyramids and Stonehenge! Fantastic itinerary, great group of people, fab leader, super friendly locals and a lovely place to visit.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/16/2021
Anne - Traveled, September 2021
An impulse buy when thinking of holidays which would not get cancelled and the Orkneys were the furthest I could travel in the UK. Fun, interesting and surprising. Trip well suited to a single women traveller. Group leader informative and friendly as were other people who made are trip happen.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/03/2021
Valerie - Traveled, October 2023
The Orkney Islands are beautiful to the eye and the soul. Our guide was knowledgeable and had a great sense of humour. Care for the groups was definitely his priority and Alistair managed to accomplish this without being instructive. The meals and spirits of the island should not be missed.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/07/2023
Aleesha - Traveled, September 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this trip. Being a younger traveller at 26 to those around me I had a blast with every one on tour, I learnt a great deal about Neolithic Culture, got to see the island by foot and tasted some incredible gin! Highly recommend for those wanting to get off the beaten track in Scotland.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/24/2023
Porteous - Traveled, September 2023
As I have said the trip was wonderful and Edd was just the best
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/16/2023
Terry - Traveled, June 2023
This trip combined visits to fascinating historical sites with plenty of time to wander around and explore on your own. The beauty of the Orkney Islands will stay with me for a very long time.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/07/2023
Donna - Traveled, August 2022
I combined the Highlights of Scotland with the Orkney Island tour, and enjoyed both. The guides were excellent; the countryside and the islands are beautiful. Laurence was especially enthusiastic about the skills of the ancient architects and builders. I found the Neolithic sites entrancing.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/09/2022
Jennifer - Traveled, July 2022
An excellent holiday which gave a good in site into the history and lives of the people of Orkney. We saw a diverse range of bird life and a seal! The monuments of Skara brae and the Ring of Brodgar were excellent & well worth a visit as was the island of Shapinsay . Would recommend.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/30/2022
David - Traveled, July 2022
This is a great little trip. The archeology is amazing. Do take a warm, waterproof jacket, those Orkney winds can make it chillier than you might expect!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/15/2022
Alison - Traveled, September 2021
I felt that this was an excellent trip in what have been very difficult times. I really enjoyed the opportunity to take an Intrepid style small group trip in the UK as my personal circumstances currently make it difficult to do long distance and more trips of a longer duration. Our visits to Kirkwall, Scapa Flow and Skara Bray Prehistoric site. The last day I decided do my thing with a visit to Hoy and further Royal Naval sites due to my personal interest. COVID meant that the itinerary had to be changed to Stromness. The Sunday Scotrail strike meant that an alternative was put in place such as the road trip south which proved more enjoyable as we were able to divert slightly to see John O’Groats’s. Our guide John was excellent and had he not told us I would not have guessed that this was his first Intrepid tour. He was knowledgeable and helpful as well as being very experienced guide.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/25/2021
Simon - Traveled, July 2023
Orkney has been a 'must visit' destination for us for several years. We're delighted to have ticked it off our list, as the Neolithic sites are exceptional & the island itself was delightful. Our Intrepid group were great company & the leader couldn't have been more helpful.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/08/2023
Kerry - Traveled, September 2022
Amazing place, lovely guesthouse with very good breakfasts. This trip had all the big sights included even the sun was shining, but the substitute "local" guide was not the best.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/13/2022
Susanne - Traveled, July 2022
This trip certainly lived up to my expectations. The tour leader was very knowledgeable and helpful. We also had lots of input from local guides. The Orkney Islands are very beautiful and interesting to visit, with wonderfully preserved Neolithic sites, scenic coastal walks and plenty of opportunities for shopping for local handicrafts and books. I thoroughly recommend this tour.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/31/2022
Sarahx - Traveled, June 2022
This is a fantastic trip if you're looking at getting away from the hustle and bustle and spending time in nature for a few days.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/17/2022
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