Scotland's Orkney Islands
Experience Overview
The Orkneys, off the northern tip of Scotland, are well and truly alive with histories and mysteries to discover by land and sea. Spend five days experiencing the best of the Orkney Islands, departing from the highland hub of Inverness, and using Kirkwall as your base. Admire the Neolithic town of Skara Brae that predates Stonehenge, explore famous Scapa Flow Museum on Island of Hoy, and bookend your days with plenty of local history and perhaps some whisky tastings at local pubs along the way. With a local leader full of knowledge and a group as eager to learn as you, this slice of European history has never been so enticing.
Highlights
- The Orkney Islands are teeming with historic sites to explore. The Neolithic township of Skara Brae, the renowned Ring of Brodgar and 12th-century St Magnus Cathedral – it’s like you’ve been transported back in time!
- Join your group leader on a walking tour of Kirkwall – Orkney’s main centre. They’ll be able to share with you the history and traditions behind the game of ‘Ba’ in town.
- Spend the morning discovering the island of Hoy and famous Scapa Flow Museum, showcasing objects never seen before alongside favourite exhibits telling the story of Scapa Flow as centre of the British naval universe during both world wars.
- What’s Scotland without a tipple? Be sure to join your local leader and group of travellers throughout the trip at a corner pub, tasting some of the finest whiskies on offer.
- With plenty of time dedicated to exploring at your own pace, you can dial up the history, or instead, balance it all out with some distillery visits. You’ve got the power to choose.
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 $2,780 ($556 /day)
Itinerary
Welcome to Scotland! Meet your local leader and fellow travellers at Inverness Railway Station.From here, take a train to Thurso, where you’ll jump in a taxi for a brief transfer to the nearby port of Scrabster to board the the ferry over to Stromness, Orkney. The ferry journey is a scenic adventure in itself, so keep your eyes peeled for the Old Man of Hoy – the tallest sea stack in the UK. Disembark in Stromness, and catch a transfer with your group to the quaint accommodation on the fringes of Kirkwall.
After a long day of travelling, it’s time to unpack and settle into your accommodation, then perhaps head into Kirkwall to a cosy pub for food and drinks. Your group leader will be happy to recommend some options.
Accommodation:
- Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)
Stretch your legs this morning and explore on a walking tour of Kirkwall – the beating heart of Orkney. Your local leader will fill you in on the town’ s history and Viking culture plus some of the hotspots, including 12th-century architecture of St Magnus Cathedral, the ‘Peedie Sea’ birdwatching area and the narrow maze of streets in the centre of town. These streets are home to the traditional ‘Ba’ game each year – a unique sporting spectacle that your leader can tell you about.
This afternoon, you have free time to explore at your own pace. Perhaps retrace your steps, stopping by the craft shop, museum or other historic sites that piqued your interest. Otherwise, there’s a whole range of craft and jewellery shops, pubs and even the acclaimed Highland Park whisky distillery to visit. It’s totally up to you, but plan early as these are popular activities!
Included Activities:
- Kirkwall - Leader-led Walking Tour
Optional Activities:
- Kirkwall - Wideford Hill Hike - Free
Accommodation:
- Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)
It’s time to explore Orkney in more detail today. Head off with your travel crew in a private vehicle towards some of the islands’ most historic sites. Begin heading south to the Italian Chapel – comprised of two Nissen huts converted into a stunning chapel by Italian prisoners of war.Cross the remarkable Churchill Barriers – built in WWII to keep enemy U-boats out of the waterways of Scapa Flow. These barriers are now an important connection for the smaller islands to Orkneys mainland, and dotted in the sea are a number of shipwrecks nearby. After, continue west to perhaps Orkey’s most famous site – the prehistoric village of Skara Brae. It’s northern Europe’s best-preserved Neolithic village predating Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids, and forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage listed 'Heart of Neolithic Orkney'. By now, you'll have worked up an appetite, so your group will pop into an old schoolhouse building for a picnic lunch of local Orkney produce (and perhaps meet the producers), then begin your return journey to Kirkwall. On the way back, you’ll stop by at the renowned Ring of Brodgar Standing Stones, another UNESCO World Heritage listed site, dating back over 5000 years.
When you arrive in Kirkwall, maybe join the rest of your group for dinner and chat about the fascinating sights 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, travel to Houton, then hop on a ferry to the island of Hoy. Hoy is the second largest island in Orkney and was the main naval base for the British fleet in both the First and Second World Wars. During the early years of the Second World War, up to 12,000 personnel were based on this tiny island and this morning, you'll visit the world-renowned Scapa Flow Museum. Take some time to explore the collection of artifacts and objects, then if you like, you can head out on a coastal walk that boasts views back towards Orkney. Catch the return ferry and head back to Kirkwall, where the rest of the afternoon is free. Tonight, maybe seek out some traditional music or join your guide in the bar for a whisky tasting with malts from the Orkney Islands and across Scotland.
Included Activities:
- Island of Hoy - Day Trip
- Island of Hoy - Scapa Flow Museum visit
Accommodation:
- Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast this morning, begin your journey back to Inverness with your group, arriving in the late afternoon. With no activities planned in Inverness, you are free to leave the group upon arrival at the railway station. That doesn’t mean your adventure has to come to an end! If you would like to spend more time in this northern UK hub, we’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability). If you’d like extending your exploration of Scotland, consider joining one of our other adventures on mainland or Shetland Islands. Just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
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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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