3-Day Orkney Explorer Tour from Inverness: Neolithic Sites

Five thousand years of stone circles and chambered tombs, all in one small archipelago.

A 3-day small-group tour from Inverness to Orkney with a driver-guide, taking in Skara Brae, Ring of Brodgar, Standing Stones of Stenness and Maeshowe Chambered Cairn. Includes 2 nights accommodation (choice of B&B or 3-star hotel), transport by mini-coach, and admission to Maeshowe and Skara Brae. Groups stay under 8 people. Luggage is limited to one carry-on bag per person.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Inverness to Kirkwall via John O'Groats

• Photo stop at Dunrobin Castle
• Short 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 capital

Day 2: Explore Orkney's ancient sites

• Visit Skara Brae Neolithic village
• See Ring of Brodgar stone circle
• View 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 Scotland
• Travel through Caithness and Sutherland
• Arrive back in Inverness

The experience

You depart Inverness from the bus stop next to Inverness Cathedral and travel north through the Scottish Highlands, stopping at Dunrobin Castle for a photo and at John o' Groats before boarding the ferry across the Pentland Firth to Orkney. The Italian Chapel (a surprising piece of history built by Italian prisoners during World War II) comes before you reach Kirkwall, the capital, where you overnight.

Day two is the heart of the tour. Skara Brae is a Neolithic village older than Stonehenge or the Egyptian pyramids, its stone houses preserved so completely you can walk through rooms built 5,000 years ago. The Ring of Brodgar, a stone circle 104 metres wide with 27 remaining megaliths, stands on an ancient ceremonial landscape. Standing Stones of Stenness, an even older henge monument, marks what may be the earliest such site in the British Isles. Maeshowe, a chambered tomb built around the same era, is the finest Neolithic building in northwest Europe: its massive stones fitted without mortar, and its walls still bearing Viking runes carved by 12th-century crusaders who broke inside.

On the final day you have free time in Kirkwall town centre to visit St. Magnus Cathedral or local shops, then ferry back to the mainland. The return journey through Caithness and Sutherland passes through some of Scotland's most remote fishing villages, with your guide explaining the Highland Clearances and the region's history. You arrive back in Inverness early evening.

What’s included

• 2 nights accommodation in your choice of B&B or 3-star hotel with private facilities.
• professional driver-guide throughout.
• transport by air-conditioned 16-seat mini-coach.
• admission to Maeshowe and Skara Brae.
• ferry crossings to and from Orkney.

Options for this experience

6 options

B&B Twin RoomGuide in English · Available from 15 Mar 2027En-suite twin room in a B&B with breakfast, featuring two separate single beds.

B&B Double RoomGuide in English · Available from 15 Mar 2027En-suite double room in a B&B with breakfast, featuring one double bed.

Hotel Twin RoomGuide in English · Available from 15 Mar 2027En-suite twin room in a 3-star hotel with breakfast, featuring two separate single beds.

See 3 more options

Hotel Double RoomGuide in English · Available from 15 Mar 2027En-suite double room in a 3-star hotel with breakfast, featuring one double bed.

Single occupancy room in a B&B.Guide in English · Available from 15 Mar 2027One person stays in a single en-suite room with breakfast in a B&B, with one single bed.

Single occupancy room in a hotel.Guide in English · Available from 15 Mar 2027One person stays in a single en-suite room with breakfast in a 3-star hotel, with one single bed.

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

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 15 Mar 2027

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Under 16: can't be booked

GroupUp to 16 · max 8 per booking

Live guideEnglish

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

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 21 days before the start. After that, no refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearby

Operated by Rabbies Trail Burners

Is this one for you?Book this three-day tour if you want a driver-guide leading you through multiple prehistoric sites across the islands. You'll travel by comfortable mini-coach rather than piecing together ferries and separate visits yourself.

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Top questions

What's included in the 3-day Orkney tour price?

The tour includes 2 nights accommodation (your choice of B&B or 3-star hotel), transport by air-conditioned mini-coach with a professional driver-guide, and admission to Maeshowe and Skara Brae. Food and drinks are not included, nor are gratuities or entry to the Italian Chapel (which you can purchase on the day).

How old is Skara Brae compared to other ancient sites?

Skara Brae is a Neolithic settlement built around 5,000 years ago, making it older than Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids. It is the best-preserved Neolithic village in Western Europe, with stone houses you can walk through and explore.

What is Maeshowe and why is it significant?

Maeshowe is a chambered tomb built around 5,000 years ago and is considered the finest Neolithic building in northwest Europe. Its massive stones are fitted together with remarkable precision, and the walls of the main chamber still bear Viking runes carved by crusaders in the 12th century. It is part of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site.

Do I need to arrange hotel pickup in Inverness?

The tour departs from the bus stop next to Inverness Cathedral on Ardross Street. Hotel pickup and drop-off are available on some accommodation options. Check your choice at checkout to confirm whether it is included.

What luggage can I bring on the 3-day tour?

You are limited to one piece of luggage per person similar to an airline carry-on bag (approximately 55cm x 45cm x 25cm) plus one small personal item, with a total weight limit of 20kg (44lbs) per person.

Is this tour suitable for families with young children?

The tour is not suitable for children under 5 years old. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. The first day includes a steep path to Dunrobin Castle, which is noted as not suitable for everyone, so mobility should be considered when booking.