3-Day Orkney Explorer Small-Group Tour from Inverness

4.9 (88 reviews) 3 days Free cancellation

out of 5

88 reviews

4.9

Dunrobin Castle — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

3-Day Orkney Explorer Small-Group Tour from Inverness, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

The archipelago of Orkney hides many treasures: and on our new three-day tour, your experienced driver-guide will ensure you find the best of them.

You’ll unearth some of the most well-preserved prehistoric sites in Europe, examine a beautiful red sandstone coast, and discover the vibrant culture of remote island communities. All from the comfort of a luxury, 16 seat mini-coach.

It’s an experience you’ll treasure for a lifetime.

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At a glance

Duration: 3 days
Confirmation: Confirmed within 48 hours
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 16 people
People per booking: 1–8
Guide: English
Operated by: Rabbies Trail Burners

Ages: Adults (16–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: 2 nights overnight accommodation with private facilities in either a B&B or 3-star hotel
Included: Professional and friendly driver guide
Included: Transport by air-conditioned mini-coach
Included: Admission Fee - Includes admission to Maeshowe and Skara Brae

Not included

Not included: Food and drinks, unless specified
Not included: Gratuities
Not included: Hotel pickup and drop-off
Not included: Entrance fees: unless specified

Itinerary

Day 1 · Inverness - Dunrobin Castle - John O'Groats - Kirkwall

Dunrobin Castle and Gardens

10 min

Short photo stop - please note the path leading to the front of the castle is quite steep, not suitable for everyone.
Stop 2

20 min

Beautiful view to the sea and a very scenic landscape. Short comfort stop.
John O'Groats

30 min

Onwards through Scotland's most northerly mainland village, John o' Groats, and then to Gills Bay, where you board the ferry, and cross the Pentland Firth into the Orkney Archipelago.
The Italian Chapel

30 min

It’s a short drive to the famous Italian Chapel where you stop for a visit before continuing to the Viking stronghold of Kirkwall, capital of Orkney.

Overnight in Kirkwall, Orkney.

Day 2 · Today is your chance to explore the modern and ancient wonders of this fantastic island

Skara Brae

1 h 30 min Admission included

Long before Stonehenge or even the Egyptian pyramids were built, Skara Brae was a thriving village. Step back 5,000 years in time to explore the best-preserved Neolithic settlement in Western Europe.
Ring of Brodgar

30 min

One of the finest stone circles in the world. Dating back from 2,500 to 2,000 BC, the stone ring was built in a true circle, 104 metres wide and originally contained sixty megaliths; today only twenty-seven of these stones remain.
Standing Stones of Stenness

10 min

Step back in time over 5000 years at what may be the earliest henge monument in the British Isles. The enormous Stones of Stenness are all that remains of a great stone circle on an ancient ceremonial site.
Maeshowe Chambered Cairn

1 h 30 min Admission included

The monumental chambered tomb of Maeshowe is simply the finest Neolithic building in NW Europe. Built around 5,000 years ago, it is a masterpiece of Neolithic design and stonework construction, not least for its use of massive individual stones. Viking crusaders broke into the cairn in the 12th century and carved graffiti runes on the walls of the main chamber. Maeshowe is part of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site, along with Skara Brae, the Ring of Brodgar and the Stones of Stenness.

Overnight in Kirkwall, Orkney.

Day 3 · Kirkwall - Caithness and Sutherland - Inverness

Kirkwall

1 h 30 min

Free time in Kirkwall town centre - visitors can wander around the town, visits local shops or St. Magnus Cathedral.
Caithness and Sutherland

2 hours

Take a ferry back to the mainland, travel through the history-soaked regions of Caithness and Sutherland.

You’ll find out about the Highland clearances, a world-changing period in Scotland’s dark history, and get a glimpse of some of Scotland’s most remote fishing villages.

We arrive back in Inverness early evening.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

Please meet your Rabbie's guide at the bus stop next to Inverness Cathedral, Ardross Street, Inverness, IV3 5NS. Please arrive 15 minutes before the tour departs.

End point

Please meet your Rabbie's guide at the bus stop next to Inverness Cathedral, Ardross Street, Inverness, IV3 5NS. Please arrive 15 minutes before the tour departs.

Using your ticket

All Inverness tours will depart from the bus stop next to Inverness Cathedral, Ardross Street, IV3 5NS

Admission to Maeshowe and Skara Brae will be included in your tour price.

Minimum age is 5 years

Luggage Allowance: You're restricted to 20kg (44lbs) of luggage per person. This should be one piece of luggage similar to an airline carry-on bag (approximately 55cm x 45cm x 25cm / 22in x 17in x 10in) plus one small bag for onboard personal items.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

If you cancel at least 21 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel within 21 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.

If you cancel	You get back
At least 21 days before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

Good to know

Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
All Inverness tours will depart from the bus stop next to Inverness Cathedral, Ardross Street, IV3 5NS
Skara Brae - We reserve tickets for you. Admission will be included in your tour price.
Maeshowe - We reserve tickets for you. Admission will be included in your tour price.
Italian Chapel – We reserve tickets for you. If you want to visit this attraction, please purchase your ticket whilst on tour.
Luggage Allowance: You're restricted to 20kg (44lbs) of luggage per person. This should be one piece of luggage similar to an airline carry-on bag (approximately 55cm x 45cm x 25cm / 22in x 17in x 10in) plus one small bag for onboard personal items.
We apologise, but we cannot accommodate children under 5 years old on our tours. Children under 18 need to be accompanied by an adult. Please note that if this policy is not followed, we will have to refuse travel without issuing a refund. Thank you for understanding
Booking three or more people? We can accommodate up to 8 guests in a group, please add each required room to your basket separately. To ensure that bookings for passengers traveling together are not separated, please inform us if you have multiple bookings.
When booking three or more people, efforts will be made to book a combination of suitable rooms (double/twin/single). Preferences should be noted upon booking in the Special Requirements section

Options

B&B Single Occupancy Room

Accommodates 1 person in one single en-suite room with breakfast in a B&B (1 x single bed).
Hotel Twin Room

Twin en-suite room with breakfast in a 3-star Hotel (2 x separate single beds).
Hotel Single Occupancy Room

Accommodates 1 person in one single en-suite room with breakfast in a 3-star Hotel (1 x single bed).
B&B Twin Room

Twin en-suite room with breakfast in a B&B (2 x separate single beds).
Hotel Double Room

Double en-suite room with breakfast in a 3-star Hotel (1x Double bed).
B&B Double Room

Double en-suite room with breakfast in a B&B (1 x Double bed).