Top Things to do in Mainland
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Top 8 Bus Tours in Mainland, Scotland
The aptly named Mainland is the main island of Orkney, a collection of Scottish islands with serious Viking cred. On West Mainland you’ll find the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, prehistoric ruins that include a chambered tomb, stone ceremonial circles, and Skara Brae, a well-preserved Neolithic village. Cap off your visit with a hoppy glug from the Orkney Brewery. Over on the East side, marvel at a collapsed sea cave known as The Gloup, take a provincial stroll through St. Mary’s Village or just dip your toes in at Mill Sands or Dingieshowe Beach.
Restaurants in Mainland
1. Orkney Mini Tour 5 hours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
This tours take you through some of Orkney’s famous Neolithic sites including Skara Brae, Standing Stones of Stenness and Ring of Brodgar. We then have a drive with scenic views of the sheltered of Scapa Flow which was used by the British Navy during both World Wars and the final resting place of HMS Royal Oak. We then go to the Italian Chapel. Built during the 2nd World War by Italian prisoners of war who were stationed on the island of Lamb Holm and tasked with building the Churchill Barriers. Finally we have a look around the beautiful St Magnus Cathedral in the heart of Kirkwall. Built in 1137 when Orkney was under Norse rule.
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, WiFi on board, Private transportation, Bottled water
Exclusions: Entry Fee's to Skara Brae and Italian Chapel
Reviewed By gtorkos
My husband and I booked a tour with local Orkney guide Garry for 9-28-19. Prior to our trip Garry sent an email introducing himself and asking if we had any special requests. We arranged for him to pick us up at the Kirkwall airport at 8 am where we would start our 8 hour tour. Garry was inside the airport waiting for us when we landed with a name placard. We got settled (with our luggage) in his car while he reviewed our itinerary. He used a small microphone so that my husband who was seated in the backseat could hear him as well as I could in the front. He was very organized, arranging the sites according to when they were not as busy. He also used laminated maps and photos to help us understand the geography and sites. Garry has lived in Orkney all his life, so he was able to talk about historical facts, historical figures, and landmarks with personal knowledge and experiences which gave the tour a personal touch. Garry was also very flexible, as we talked and he got to know us, he was able to make several unscheduled stops that he thought we would like. We opted to eliminate one scheduled stop to keep us on schedule. He dropped us (and our luggage) off at our hotel at the end of the day. Overall, it was a wonderful tour. Garry was punctual, knowledgeable, flexible, patient and passionate about the Orkney Islands. One thing to consider. If you purchased a Scotland explorer pass, let Garry know in advance. He prepaid for two admissions for us, and we had free admission with our passes. I think he was able to be reimbursed for this, but if we had told him in advance it would have saved him some time getting it all straightened out. I would highly recommend this tour and this excellent tour guide.
2. 5-Day Orkney & Scotland's Northern Coast Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 77 reviews
Venture to the far-flung Orkney Islands on a 5-day tour from Edinburgh with 3-star accommodation included, and visit top Highland towns and attractions, too! With a friendly guide, travel through the Highlands, visiting Loch Ness and Glencoe, and pass John o’Groats on route to the stunning Orkney Island archipelago. With Kirkwall (Orkney’s capital) as your base, discover the area’s historical highlights such as Lamb Holm Italian Chapel and the Standing Stones of Stenness. On route back to Edinburgh, call in at the 15th-century ruins of Ardvreck Castle and Culloden Moor, an important Jacobite battlefield. Overnight stays in Inverness and Ullapool are included, plus two nights in Kirkwall.
Inclusions: 4 nights en-suite accommodation in either a B&B or 3-star hotel (breakfast included), Small-group tour (maximum 16 passengers), Transportation by top of the range 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach, Driver/guide
Exclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Gratuities, Meals and refreshments, Admission fees & optional activities.
Reviewed By 464kathyi
Just returned from a lovely trip to the beautiful city of Edinburgh, can't wait to go back ???? During my stay I booked two 1 day tours with Rabbis. Firstly a huge thank you for running the tours with just the 2 of us, our stay had been planned around these days out so very grateful they went ahead. The Outlander tour with Lizzie was amazing as was Lizzie, she went out of her way to ensure we had a great day even though the weather was a bit liquidy! She was extremely knowledgeable about the Outlander series/locations and Scottish history in general, many thanks Lizzie. Our second tour was to St Andrews and the fishing villages of Fife with David who was fab, he was extremely helpful, flexible, knowledgeable and had a great sense of humour. The villages were beautiful and St Andrews was stunning, we were also fortunate enough to have lovely sunny weather. I would highly recommend both tours and guides! Kathy ☀️☔????
3. 3-Day Orkney Explorer Small-Group Tour from Inverness
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 16 reviews
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.
Inclusions: Driver/guide, Transport by air-conditioned mini-coach, 2 nights overnight accommodation with private facilities in either a B&B or 3-star hotel
Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, Gratuities, Hotel pickup and drop-off
Reviewed By hiran10
Thank you Helen for making the tour so amazing! All stories narrated were fun and meaningful! That coupled with the beautiful views and scenery makes the tour very memorable! Highly recommend this tour to everyone who visits Scotland! And big shout out to Rabbie's and Helen to make this possible and delightful!
4. Orkney Islands Day Trip from John O'Groats
Overall Ratings
4.6 based on 205 reviews
Explore the Orkney Islands on this day trip from John O'Groats. Take the ferry and island hop across the Churchill Barriers to visit Kirkwall, home to the magnificent Viking cathedral of St Magnus. Free time for lunch in Stromness. Visit Ring of Brodgar and Standing Stones. Step back 5,000 years as you enter the stoneage village of Skara Brae and on your way home drop by the Italian Chapel. An amazing day out.
Inclusions: Ferry crossing, English speaking guide, Transport by coach
Exclusions: Optional gratuities, Hotel pickup and drop off, Food and drinks, unless specified, Entrance fees to Skara Brae, Entrance fees to Italian chapel
Reviewed By Companion503465
A great place for walking, beaches, wildlife and easy access to the Orkney islands. Stunning views from the pier. Definately worth a visit.
5. Orkney Day trip from Inverness
This tour is long, yes but it is one of the very few tours that will give you more than you want from an Orkney day tour!
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, services of a professional driver/guide, fuel, insurance
Exclusions:
Reviewed By 4SIGHT
Enjoyed an hour at Speyside. Knowledgable guide with a reasonable tasting ... wasn't my favorite whiskey but a nice experience.
6. Orkney Shore Excursion
Today is your day to walk in the footsteps of Vikings, to explore the modern and ancient wonders of this stunning island, an island where swathes of fertile green farm land are fringed by shores of golden sands washed by waters of both the North Sea and Atlantic Ocean.
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Services of a professional driver/guide, fuel, insurance.
Exclusions: Lunch
Reviewed By 4SIGHT
Enjoyed an hour at Speyside. Knowledgable guide with a reasonable tasting ... wasn't my favorite whiskey but a nice experience.
7. Small Group Orkney - 7 Hour Tour - 9am Departure
Led by a local experienced, STGA accredited guide this seven hour tour offers an exceptional overview of Orkney’s natural and historic heritage, its places, its people and its ambitions for the future. We visit the Italian Chapel, the Jewel of Camp 60 built by the Italian POWs during World War II. We then begin to travel to the West side of Orkney there we visit three of the component parts of the ‘Heart of Neolithic Orkney’ UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy extended tours at the Standing Stones of Stenness, Ring of Brodgar and (later in the day) the 5000 year old village of Skara Brae. There is a short stop in Orkney’s beautiful energetic second town of Stromness where we take a break by the small, busy harbour. Heading north up the West coast of Orkney our route takes us to the magnificent, towering cliffs at Yesnaby - hewn out on Orkney’s wild Atlantic coast. From there it’s on to Skara Brae for a tour of both Skara Brae and Skaill House (optional), followed by some free time.
Inclusions: All Entrances, STGA Registered Guide
Exclusions: Lunch
Reviewed By Stay255492
Well organized tour around the mainland of Orkney. Michael gives me a lot informations about the historic sites and the wildlife in Orkney.
8. From Kirkwall - Orkney Mainland Private Tour
Get ready for an incredible tour around Orkney!! Orkney is unique because of its Neolithic monuments. The group of monuments constitutes a major prehistoric cultural landscape which depicts life in this remote archipelago 5000 years ago. We will drive through agricultural land to the shores of Scapa flow, a natural harbour located off the coast of Scotland Then we will stop at Cuween Hill Chambered Cairn (to reach this attraction you need to walk for about 20 minutes). A quick visit to The Stones of Stennes Ring of Brodgar is our next attraction to visit Skara Brae is one of the best-preserved stone-built Neolithic settlements. It is one of the most fascinating prehistoric villages We will also stop at Skaill House. Our last stop is an icon of Orkney’s rich archaeological heritage: Broch of Gurness (big coaches cannot reach this attraction so it will be replaced by Yesnaby). PLEASE NOTE: WALKING INVOLVED MISSING YOU ALREADY!!
Inclusions: Skara Brae and Skaill House Ticket included, Broch of Gurness Ticket Included, Private Tour, Professional Local Guide, Port or Hotel pick up and drop off
Exclusions: Gratuities
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