Scotland's Orkney Islands

Scotland's Orkney Islands

Orkney Islands
Orkney Islands

Orkney Islands

Days 1-4

Map
21K Views
5 Days From

$2115

$1798

Scotland's Orkney Islands

5 Days Starting and ending in Inverness

Visiting: Inverness / Kirkwall / Orkney Islands, Kirkwall / Orkney Islands, Mainland / Kirkwall / Orkney Islands, Island of Hoy/ Kirkwall / Orkney Islands, Kirkwall / Inverness

Tour operator:

Intrepid Travel

Tour code:

BWSO

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 12

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

15-99

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Adventure Tours

From: $2115 $1798 (USD) Operator discount: -$317 -15%

NB: Prices correct on 10-Mar-2025 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

The Orkney Islands, off the northern tip of Scotland, are a captivating blend of history, mystery, and stunning landscapes, waiting to be explored by land and sea. Over the course of five days, you’ll experience the best of Orkney, departing from the Highland hub of Inverness and using the picturesque town of Kirkwall as your base. Admire the breathtaking landscapes as you explore the Neolithic village of Skara Brae, which predates Stonehenge, visit the renowned Scapa Flow Museum on the Island of Hoy, and immerse yourself in local history. Along the way, you might even enjoy whisky tastings at local pubs. With a knowledgeable local guide and a group eager to learn, this journey through European history has never been more enticing.

Highlights

  • The Orkney Islands are a treasure trove of history, from the Neolithic village of Skara Brae to the iconic Ring of Brodgar and the stunning 12th-century St Magnus Cathedral. It’s like stepping back in time!

  • Join your group leader for a walking tour of Kirkwall, Orkney’s lively hub, where you’ll learn about the town’s unique traditions, including the fascinating game of ‘Ba’.

  • Spend the morning exploring the island of Hoy and the renowned Scapa Flow Museum, home to rare artifacts and captivating exhibits that tell the story of Scapa Flow, once the heart of the British naval fleet during both World Wars.

  • No trip to Scotland would be complete without a whisky tasting! Throughout the journey, join your local leader and fellow travellers at cozy pubs to sample some of the finest whiskies Orkney has to offer.

  • With plenty of free time to explore at your own pace, you can dive deep into the island’s rich history or unwind with a visit to a local distillery. The choice is yours!

Places You'll See

Puffin sitting on a rock in Westray Orkney, Scotland

Puffin sitting on a rock in Westray Orkney, Scotland

Standing Stones of Stenness, Orkney UNESCO World Heritage Site, Scotland

Standing Stones of Stenness, Orkney UNESCO World Heritage Site, Scotland

Remote beach in the Orkney Islands with a view of Hoy Island, Scotland

Remote beach in the Orkney Islands with a view of Hoy Island, Scotland

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Inverness / Kirkwall / Orkney Islands

Orkney Islands
Standing Stones of Stenness, Orkney UNESCO World Heritage Site, Scotland
Puffin sitting on a rock in Westray Orkney, Scotland
Remote beach in the Orkney Islands with a view of Hoy Island, Scotland

Location: Inverness / Kirkwall / Orkney Islands

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Accommodation Name: Guesthouse

Welcome to Scotland, and Inverness, the capital of the Scottish Highlands. This vibrant city is known for its rich history, scenic beauty, and proximity to Loch Ness. Today, instead of searching for Nessie, you’ll meet your local leader and fellow travelers at Inverness Railway Station to begin your journey to the Orkney Isles. Catch a train to Thurso, where we transfer to the nearby port of Scrabster to board the ferry for Orkney. Sit back, relax, and enjoy your evening meal while taking in the stunning views of the Old Man of Hoy, the tallest sea stack in the UK. Upon arrival in Stromness, we take a private transfer to Kirkwall, the island’s principal town. After the long journey, settle into your accommodation. If you'd like to stretch your legs and get your bearings, take a stroll into the town centre for a walk or enjoy a drink.

Day 2: Kirkwall / Orkney Islands

Remote beach in the Orkney Islands with a view of Hoy Island, Scotland
Orkney Islands
Puffin sitting on a rock in Westray Orkney, Scotland
Standing Stones of Stenness, Orkney UNESCO World Heritage Site, Scotland

Location: Kirkwall / Orkney Islands

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Accommodation Name: Guesthouse

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning, we explore the vibrant town of Kirkwall, the heart of Orkney. Our guide will take us on a walking tour, delving into the town’s Viking heritage. Highlights include St Magnus Cathedral (founded in 1137), the ‘Peedie Sea,’ and the maze of narrow streets where the traditional ‘Ba’ game is played each year. The afternoon is free, offering a perfect opportunity to retrace your steps and visit any craft shops, museums, or historic sites you may have passed earlier. For those interested, our guide will lead a short hike up Wideford Hill, offering panoramic views of Kirkwall and the surrounding islands. Alternatively, you can visit a whisky distillery, explore the craft and jewellery shops, or simply relax in a local pub. After dinner, if the skies are clear, our guide will lead a short walk outside Kirkwall to stargaze and, if lucky, catch a glimpse of the elusive Northern Lights!

Included Activities:
-Kirkwall - Leader-led Walking Tour

Optional Activities:
-Kirkwall - Wideford Hill Hike - Free

Day 3: Mainland / Kirkwall / Orkney Islands

Orkney Islands
Remote beach in the Orkney Islands with a view of Hoy Island, Scotland
Standing Stones of Stenness, Orkney UNESCO World Heritage Site, Scotland
Puffin sitting on a rock in Westray Orkney, Scotland

Location: Mainland / Kirkwall / Orkney Islands

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Accommodation Name: Guesthouse

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Today, we’ll embark on a private coach tour to explore some of Orkney’s most captivating historic sites. Our journey begins by heading south to the Italian Chapel, a remarkable structure crafted from two Nissen huts by Italian prisoners of war. Next, we’ll cross the striking Churchill Barriers, built during the war to protect Scapa Flow from U-boat attacks; several shipwrecks still rise above the water’s surface. We then continue west to one of Orkney’s most renowned landmarks: the prehistoric village of Skara Brae. By now, we’ll have worked up an appetite, so we’ll visit an old schoolhouse for a picnic lunch, showcasing the best of local Orkney produce. Our journey back to Kirkwall takes us to the iconic Ring of Brodgar Standing Stones, a UNESCO World Heritage site that dates back over 5,000 years. Once in Kirkwall, you’ll have the opportunity to join the rest of your group for dinner and reflect on the fascinating sights and experiences of the day.

Included Activities:
-Orkney Islands - Ring of Brodgar Standing Stones
-Orkney Islands - Italian Chapel
-Orkney Islands - Orkney Mainland Day Tour
-Orkney Islands - Picnic lunch with Local Orkney Produce in an old schoolhouse
-Orkney Islands - Churchill Barriers & Scapa Flow
-Orkney Islands - Skara Brae Prehistoric Village Visit

Day 4: Island of Hoy/ Kirkwall / Orkney Islands

Standing Stones of Stenness, Orkney UNESCO World Heritage Site, Scotland
Remote beach in the Orkney Islands with a view of Hoy Island, Scotland
Orkney Islands
Puffin sitting on a rock in Westray Orkney, Scotland

Location: Island of Hoy/ Kirkwall / Orkney Islands

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Accommodation Name: Guesthouse

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, we’ll travel to Houton and catch a ferry to the island of Hoy, the second largest island in Orkney. Hoy was the main naval base for the British fleet during both World Wars, with Scapa Flow at Lyness being a key location. Today, we’ll visit the renowned Scapa Flow Museum, home to an impressive collection of artifacts from this historic site. Take time to explore the exhibits and, if you wish, enjoy an optional coastal walk with stunning views back towards the Orkney mainland. We’ll return by ferry to Kirkwall in the early afternoon, leaving you with the rest of the day free to relax or explore at your leisure. Later, immerse yourself in Orkney’s rich cultural heritage by enjoying the atmosphere, perhaps by joining your leader for a whisky tasting, featuring exceptional malts from Orkney and beyond.

Included Activities:
-Island of Hoy - Day Trip
-Island of Hoy - Scapa Flow Museum visit

Day 5: Kirkwall / Inverness

Location: Kirkwall / Inverness

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, you’ll begin your journey back to Inverness with your group, arriving in the late afternoon. With no activities planned in Inverness, the trip concludes upon arrival at the railway station. However, your adventure doesn’t have to end here! If you'd like to extend your time in the north of Scotland, we can arrange additional accommodation (subject to availability). For those wishing to continue exploring, consider joining one of our other adventures on the mainland or the Shetland Islands. Just speak to your booking agent in advance to make arrangements.

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    Guesthouse (4 nights)

  • Meals
    4 breakfasts, 1 lunches

  • Kirkwall - Leader-led Walking Tour

  • Orkney Islands - Ring of Brodgar Standing Stones

  • Orkney Islands - Italian Chapel

  • Orkney Islands - Orkney Mainland Day Tour

  • Orkney Islands - Picnic lunch with Local Orkney Produce in an old schoolhouse

  • Orkney Islands - Churchill Barriers & Scapa Flow

  • Orkney Islands - Skara Brae Prehistoric Village Visit

  • Island of Hoy - Day Trip

  • Island of Hoy - Scapa Flow Museum visit

What's Not Included

  • International Travel

  • Tipping and Gratuities

Transport

  • TRANSPORT IN SCOTLAND
  • One of the highlights of this trip is our use of a combination of public and private transportation. Public transport is not only a cost-effective way to travel but also provides a unique glimpse into Scottish life as we traverse picturesque landscapes. Private vehicles, on the other hand, allow us to make frequent stops at intriguing points of interest that may not be reachable via public transport. Need a taxi, no problem, please speak to your group leader should you require a taxi outside of what is included. We believe that this blend of travel options is the ideal approach for exploring Scotland as a group.

Accommodation

  • OCCASIONAL ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION
  • The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances.
  • TWIN SHARE BASIS
  • Accommodation on this trip is on a twin/multishare basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender as per the gender marker on each of their passports. Please note there may be times where facilities will be shared rather than ensuite and rare occasions when you share a room with passengers travelling on different Intrepid trips than your own.
  • CHECK-IN TIME
  • Throughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check in time. However this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination.
  • PRE/POST TRIP ACCOMMODATION
  • If you've purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (if available), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights.
  • FACILITIES
  • Your accommodation may not always have private en suite facilities or air-conditioning. European hotels generally don't provide kettles or fridges.

Important Information

  • 1. A single supplement is available if you prefer not to share a room during this trip. The supplement applies to all nights and is subject to availability. Please contact your booking agent for more details.
  • 2. The trip begins at 1:30 pm in the ticket hall of Inverness Railway Station on Day 1. Your group will then depart immediately for Kirkwall. The trip concludes upon arrival in Inverness on D5 at approximately 4.30 pm, so please keep this in mind when arranging onward travel.
  • 3. Please be aware that the journey from Inverness to the Orkney Islands and back is quite long (around 7.5 hours), involving a combination of train, taxi, ferry, and local bus.
  • 4. On D1, we’ll arrive in Kirkwall around 9 pm, and on the final day, we’ll return to Inverness around 4.30 pm.
  • 5. If you'd like to extend your exploration of Scotland, consider joining one of our other adventures on the mainland or the Shetland Islands. Just speak to your booking agent in advance to make arrangements.

Mode of Transport

  • TRANSPORT IN SCOTLAND
  • One of the highlights of this trip is our use of a combination of public and private transportation. Public transport is not only a cost-effective way to travel but also provides a unique glimpse into Scottish life as we traverse picturesque landscapes. Private vehicles, on the other hand, allow us to make frequent stops at intriguing points of interest that may not be reachable via public transport. Need a taxi, no problem, please speak to your group leader should you require a taxi outside of what is included. We believe that this blend of travel options is the ideal approach for exploring Scotland as a group.

Check out our Q&As

  • Is this trip right for you

    Please ensure you consult your local government’s advice regarding domestic travel prior to booking this trip.

    Scotland can be chilly at night throughout the year, especially at the start and end of the season. Please bring appropriate clothing for adverse weather conditions, including base layers, hat, gloves, scarf, waterproof clothes/umbrella and anything else that you think may be applicable.

    As accommodation on this trip is twin share, single travellers will share a room with another traveller of the same gender. This trip is a great opportunity to get to know other like-minded people, so embrace it while you can. However, if you’d prefer not to share, a single room supplement is available at an additional charge (some exceptions may apply). Please ask your travel consultant for more details. Also, hotels in Europe can seem small by Australian or American standards, and often don't have double beds, but rather two single beds that can be pushed together/apart.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room

Reviews of this operator

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I have travelled with Intrepid...

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15-Mar-2024

I recently went on an 11 day tour of India with Intrepid and was impressed with every aspect of the tour, the tour leader and the organisation behind the scenes. I always travel alone so it was a big deal to join a tour, I didn't want to feel less independent or ferried about. I loved being part of a group and the things we saw and did on the tour, I would never have known about or seen if I had been by myself. I loved it from start to finish. Yes the overnight trains were not easy to sleep on, but I managed. Meeting locals on board was a high light for me. English is widely spoken in India and its amazing who you strike up a chat with. I had two problems on the tour - one my own fault and one hotel related. The support from Intrepid was amazing. I cannot thank them enough for going the extra mile to support me. I recommend Intrepid 100% and have gone from thinking an organised tour is for people who don't know about Lonely Planet and can't do solo stuff, to realising its a faster, better, more fun way to get to know a country truly and deeply whilst on a bit of a budget. I will book again and again with Intrepid. I loved it that much! Big thanks to tour leader Daddy H. Devender for his help on day one, and Nick in the Oz office for his fab customer care skills. Also the person who staffed the emergency whatsapp in India - you saved my sanity helping me get there a day late! THANK YOU ALL X

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D' ARTICULATE (Google Reviewer)  

They offer some great deals...

11-Jan-2025

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1 Select your preferred date

Tuesday - Saturday

Apr 29, 2025 - May 03, 2025
$2115 $1798 (USD)

Operator discount: -$317 (USD)

Tuesday - Saturday

May 13, 2025 - May 17, 2025
$2045 (USD)

Tuesday - Saturday

May 20, 2025 - May 24, 2025
$2090 (USD)

Tuesday - Saturday

Jun 03, 2025 - Jun 07, 2025
$2170 (USD)

Tuesday - Saturday

Jun 10, 2025 - Jun 14, 2025
$2125 (USD)

Tuesday - Saturday

Jun 17, 2025 - Jun 21, 2025
$2125 (USD)

Tuesday - Saturday

Jul 01, 2025 - Jul 05, 2025
$2170 (USD)

Tuesday - Saturday

Jul 22, 2025 - Jul 26, 2025
$2175 (USD)

Tuesday - Saturday

Jul 29, 2025 - Aug 02, 2025
$2125 (USD)

Tuesday - Saturday

Aug 12, 2025 - Aug 16, 2025
$2210 (USD)

Tuesday - Saturday

Aug 19, 2025 - Aug 23, 2025
$2210 (USD)

Tuesday - Saturday

Aug 26, 2025 - Aug 30, 2025
$2230 (USD)

Tuesday - Saturday

Sep 02, 2025 - Sep 06, 2025
$2210 (USD)

Tuesday - Saturday

Sep 09, 2025 - Sep 13, 2025
$2210 (USD)

Tuesday - Saturday

Sep 16, 2025 - Sep 20, 2025
$2210 (USD)

Tuesday - Saturday

Sep 30, 2025 - Oct 04, 2025
$2125 (USD)

Tuesday - Saturday

Oct 07, 2025 - Oct 11, 2025
$2045 (USD)

Tuesday - Saturday

Oct 14, 2025 - Oct 18, 2025
$2045 (USD)

Tuesday - Saturday

Apr 21, 2026 - Apr 25, 2026
$2095 (USD)

Tuesday - Saturday

May 05, 2026 - May 09, 2026
$2095 (USD)

Tuesday - Saturday

May 12, 2026 - May 16, 2026
$2095 (USD)

Tuesday - Saturday

May 26, 2026 - May 30, 2026
$2095 (USD)

Tuesday - Saturday

Jun 02, 2026 - Jun 06, 2026
$2180 (USD)

Tuesday - Saturday

Jun 16, 2026 - Jun 20, 2026
$2180 (USD)

Tuesday - Saturday

Jun 30, 2026 - Jul 04, 2026
$2180 (USD)

Tuesday - Saturday

Jul 07, 2026 - Jul 11, 2026
$2180 (USD)

Tuesday - Saturday

Jul 14, 2026 - Jul 18, 2026
$1995 (USD)

Tuesday - Saturday

Jul 21, 2026 - Jul 25, 2026
$2180 (USD)

Tuesday - Saturday

Jul 28, 2026 - Aug 01, 2026
$2180 (USD)

Tuesday - Saturday

Aug 04, 2026 - Aug 08, 2026
$2260 (USD)

Tuesday - Saturday

Aug 11, 2026 - Aug 15, 2026
$2260 (USD)

Tuesday - Saturday

Aug 18, 2026 - Aug 22, 2026
$2260 (USD)

Tuesday - Saturday

Aug 25, 2026 - Aug 29, 2026
$2260 (USD)

Tuesday - Saturday

Sep 01, 2026 - Sep 05, 2026
$2260 (USD)

Tuesday - Saturday

Sep 08, 2026 - Sep 12, 2026
$2260 (USD)

Tuesday - Saturday

Sep 29, 2026 - Oct 03, 2026
$2180 (USD)

Tuesday - Saturday

Oct 06, 2026 - Oct 10, 2026
$2095 (USD)

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.

    Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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