Orkney Tour from Inverness: Skara Brae, Brodgar & Maeshowe

Walk Neolithic Orkney’s stone circles and Viking echoes

You’ll step into ancient homes at Skara Brae, circle weathered stones at Brodgar and Stenness, and duck inside Maeshowe’s echoing chamber—all with a local guide who brings Orkney’s stories to life. Ferry crossings and two nights in Kirkwall mean you really settle into island pace. It’s not just sights—it’s small moments that stay with you.

What’s included

Your journey includes round-trip transport by mini-coach from Inverness, all ferry tickets across Pentland Firth, entry fees for Skara Brae and Maeshowe reserved ahead for you, two nights’ accommodation in Kirkwall with private facilities (either B&B or hotel), plus a friendly local driver-guide throughout your three days exploring Orkney’s history-soaked landscapes.

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Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Inverness to Kirkwall via John O'Groats

• Photo stop at Dunrobin Castle
• Comfort stop with sea view
• Drive through John o' Groats to Gills Bay
• Ferry crossing to Orkney Archipelago
• Visit Italian Chapel
• Drive to Kirkwall, Orkney

Day 2 — Explore Orkney's ancient sites

• Visit Skara Brae Neolithic village
• See Ring of Brodgar stone circle
• Visit Standing Stones of Stenness
• Tour Maeshowe Chambered Cairn

Day 3 — Kirkwall to Inverness via Caithness

• Free time in Kirkwall town centre
• Ferry back to mainland
• Travel through Caithness and Sutherland
• Arrive back in Inverness

The Experience

The first thing I remember is the wind at John O’Groats—sharp enough to make my eyes water, but honestly, it just made the ferry crossing to Orkney feel like more of an adventure. Our guide, Ewan, kept cracking jokes about “real Scottish summers” as we huddled for a photo by the signpost. The sea smelled briny and cold. By the time we reached Kirkwall that evening, my cheeks were tingling and I’d already lost track of how many sheep I’d pointed out (too many, probably).

I didn’t expect Skara Brae to feel so… lived in. The stones are older than the pyramids but there’s still this sense someone just stepped out for a walk. Ewan showed us how the hearths lined up with the doorways—he said it was for warmth but I wondered if it was also about keeping an eye on nosy neighbors. The grass was wet underfoot and I had to brush mud off my jeans more than once. Later at the Ring of Brodgar, we stood quietly while a local woman placed flowers by one of the stones—she told me her family does it every year. That stuck with me.

Maeshowe was colder inside than I thought it would be. The guide’s torchlight flickered over Viking runes scratched into stone—some were just names or jokes from centuries ago (“Thorvald was here,” basically). It felt weirdly comforting that people have always wanted to leave their mark somewhere permanent. Lunch in Kirkwall meant hot soup and oatcakes; nothing fancy but after all that wind, it tasted perfect.

The last morning, we wandered Kirkwall’s streets before heading back to Inverness—there’s a bakery near St Magnus Cathedral where I bought shortbread for the road (should’ve bought more). The drive through Caithness felt like watching history roll past: ruined crofts, empty beaches, stories about the Highland Clearances drifting from Ewan up front. There’s something about those wide skies that makes you quiet without realizing it.

Top questions

How long is the Orkney tour from Inverness?

The tour lasts three days with two nights spent in Kirkwall on Orkney.

Is entry to Skara Brae and Maeshowe included?

Yes, admission fees for both Skara Brae and Maeshowe are included in your tour price.

Where does the tour depart from in Inverness?

The tour departs from the bus stop next to Inverness Cathedral on Ardross Street (IV3 5NS).

Are ferry tickets to Orkney included?

Yes, ferry crossings between mainland Scotland and Orkney are included in your booking.

What kind of accommodation is provided?

You’ll stay in either a B&B or a 3-star hotel in Kirkwall with private facilities.

Is lunch included during the tour?

No meals are included except breakfast at your accommodation; you’ll have free time for lunch each day.

Can children join this small-group Orkney tour?

Children under 5 cannot be accommodated; those under 18 must travel with an adult.

How much luggage can I bring?

You’re allowed one piece of luggage up to 20kg (44lbs) plus a small onboard bag per person.