Overview
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.
- Recommended by 98% of travelers
- Badge of Excellence
- Free cancellation up to 21 days before
- Mobile ticket
What's included
2 nights overnight accommodation with private facilities in either a B&B or 3-star hotel
Professional and friendly driver guide
Transport by air-conditioned mini-coach
Admission Fee - Includes admission to Maeshowe and Skara Brae
Food and drinks, unless specified
Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Entrance fees: unless specified
Meeting and pickup
Travelers meet 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
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Good to know
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 14kg (31lbs) of luggage per person on our tours. 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 a small bag for onboard personal items.
What to expect
Day 1 Inverness - Dunrobin Castle - John O'Groats - Kirkwall
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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.
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20 min
Beautiful view to the sea and a very scenic landscape. Short comfort stop.
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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.
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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.
Day 2 Today is your chance to explore the modern and ancient wonders of this fantastic island
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Skara Brae
1 hour 30 min Admission ticket 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.
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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.
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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.
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Maeshowe Chambered Cairn
1 hour 30 min Admission ticket 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.
Day 3 Kirkwall - Caithness and Sutherland - Inverness
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Kirkwall
1 hour 30 min
Free time in Kirkwall town centre - visitors can wander around the town, visits local shops or St. Magnus Cathedral.
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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.
Cancellation Policy
Cancel at least 21 full days before the start time: 100% refund.
Cancel within 21 days of the start time: 0% refund.
Times are local to the experience (Europe/London).
Additional Information
- 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
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Up to 8 travelers per booking
- Each booking must include at least one adult.
FAQs about 3-Day Orkney Explorer Small-Group Tour from Inverness
How long does 3-Day Orkney Explorer Small-Group Tour from Inverness take?
It takes about 3 days.
Where does it start?
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.
What's included?
- 2 nights overnight accommodation with private facilities in either a B&B or 3-star hotel
- Professional and friendly driver guide
- Transport by air-conditioned mini-coach
- Admission Fee - Includes admission to Maeshowe and Skara Brae
What's not included?
- Food and drinks, unless specified
- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Entrance fees: unless specified
Which places does it visit?
It visits Dunrobin Castle and Gardens, The Italian Chapel, Skara Brae, Ring of Brodgar, Standing Stones of Stenness, Maeshowe Chambered Cairn, Kirkwall, Caithness and Sutherland.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is offered in English.
Is it suitable for children?
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Operated by Rabbies Trail Burners
