3-Day Orkney Tour: Ancient Sites & Island Crossings

Five thousand years of stone circles, villages and sea stacks in three days

A 3-day small-group tour departing Inverness that crosses the Pentland Firth by ferry to Orkney, visiting the Stone Age village of Skara Brae, the Ring of Brodgar stone circle, and the Italian Chapel, with two overnight stays in Kirkwall and an English-speaking guide. The itinerary includes Dunrobin Castle, John O'Groats, Duncansby Head and the Standing Stones of Stenness, with admission to Skara Brae and the Italian Chapel included. Children from age 5 are welcome when accompanied by an adult.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Travel from Inverness to Kirkwall

• Depart Inverness
• Pass Dunrobin Castle
• Drive along North Coast 500
• Explore John O'Groats harbour
• Sail to Orkney Islands
• Arrive and explore Kirkwall

Day 2: Explore Orkney heritage sites

• Visit Ring of Brodgar stone circle
• Tour Skara Brae Stone Age village
• Walk along Yesnaby coastline
• Optional visit to Brough of Birsay
• See Standing Stones of Stennes

Day 3: Return from Kirkwall to Inverness

• Visit Italian Chapel
• Sail back to mainland
• Walk at Duncansby Head cliffs
• Stop at Lybster harbour
• Visit Dornoch and cathedral
• Return to Inverness

The experience

You start in Inverness and travel north through the Highlands, passing Dunrobin Castle perched on a hill above the Moray Firth, then follow the North Coast 500 with its coastal views to John O'Groats. There's time to explore the colourful harbour and grab lunch before boarding the ferry across the Pentland Firth to Orkney. The crossing itself is part of the journey: watch for whales and seabirds on the water. You arrive in Kirkwall with the evening free to settle into your bed & breakfast accommodation and wander the town.

Day two stays based in Kirkwall and moves through Orkney's prehistoric heart. The Ring of Brodgar is a stone circle that reaches back into Orkney's ancient past, followed by Skara Brae, a Stone Age village preserved so completely you can walk through homes built 5,000 years ago. You'll see the dramatic sea stacks at Yesnaby (weather and tides permitting, you may also visit Brough of Birsay, a tidal island with archaeological remains), then finish at the Standing Stones of Stenness, the oldest monument on the British Isles. Another night in Kirkwall gives you time to rest before the return journey.

On day three you visit the Italian Chapel, built by Italian prisoners of war during World War II and now a striking symbol of resilience. After the ferry back to the mainland, you drive to Duncansby Head for a walk along dramatic cliffs and rock formations, then stop briefly in Lybster, a former herring port, and Dornoch, where you can visit Dornoch Cathedral before returning to Inverness. Your guide is English-speaking throughout, and luggage is limited to one suitcase (max 15kg) and one carry-on per person.

What’s included

• Admission to Skara Brae and the Italian Chapel.
• ferry crossing to and from Orkney.
• two nights' bed & breakfast accommodation in Kirkwall.
• an English-speaking local guide for all three days.
• transport by coach throughout the tour.

Options for this experience

2 options

Double room with bed and breakfastGuide in English · Available from 26 Apr 2027A room with one double bed, suitable for two people.

Twin room with bed and breakfastGuide in English · Available from 26 Apr 2027A room with two separate single beds, suitable for two people.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 26 Apr 2027

AgesAdult (17 to 59 years) · Senior (60 and older) · Child (5 to 16 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupUp to 16

Live guideEnglish

Audio guideSpanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese and Chinese

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Highland Explorer Tours Ltd

Is this one for you?Book this if you have three days from Inverness and want ferry crossings and accommodation handled as one package, plus stops at Dunrobin Castle and John O'Groats on the drive north.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 16 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I choose between a double or twin room for the bed & breakfast nights?

Yes. At checkout you select either a Bed & Breakfast Double Room or a Bed & Breakfast Twin Room for your two nights in Kirkwall. Both are included in the tour price.

What is Skara Brae and why is it on this tour?

Skara Brae is a Stone Age village on Orkney, preserved so well that you can walk through homes built around 5,000 years ago and see how people lived in Neolithic times. Admission is included in the tour.

Do we actually cross to Orkney by ferry, or is it just a day trip?

You cross by ferry both ways. The Pentland Firth crossing is part of the experience, and you stay two nights in Kirkwall on the islands rather than returning to the mainland each day. The ferry journey itself offers chances to spot marine life.

What happens if the weather is bad or the ferry doesn't run?

The itinerary order may change depending on conditions, and return times are approximate and subject to weather and travel conditions. The operator recommends allowing at least three hours for onward travel or reservations after the tour ends, in case delays occur.

Is lunch included, and what about dietary needs?

Lunch and dinner are not included in the tour price, though you'll have time to eat at stops like John O'Groats and in Kirkwall. You're welcome to bring your own food or purchase meals locally.