3-Day Orkney Explorer Small-Group Tour from Inverness

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

1. Dunrobin Castle and Gardens
   10m
   Short photo stop - please note the path leading to the front of the castle is quite steep, not suitable for everyone.
2. 20m
   Beautiful view to the sea and a very scenic landscape. Short comfort stop.
3. John O'Groats
   30m
   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.
4. The Italian Chapel
   30m
   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

1. Skara Brae
   1h 30m · 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.
2. Ring of Brodgar
   30m
   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.
3. Standing Stones of Stenness
   10m
   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.
4. Maeshowe Chambered Cairn
   1h 30m · 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

1. Kirkwall
   1h 30m
   Free time in Kirkwall town centre - visitors can wander around the town, visits local shops or St. Magnus Cathedral.
2. Caithness and Sutherland
   2h
   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.

• 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