What to do and see in Orkney Islands, Scotland: The Best Cultural Tours

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.

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

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

For this tour you need to take the shuttle bus from the pier to the city centre. Kirkwall is the largest town in Orkney, an archipelago in the north of mainland Scotland. What to expect – your local guide will take you around Kirkwall, the largest town in Orkney, which is situated on the northern coast of mainland Orkney We will explore St. Magnus Cathedral founded in 1137 by the Viking, Earl Rognvald, in honour of his uncle St Magnus. Then we will visit two buildings full of history in the heart of Kirkwall: Bishop´s and Earl´s Palace. Bishop’s Palace is one of the best - preserved buildings from medieval times. Once this visit is finished, we will head to Albert Street. Your local guide will meet you up at the meeting point and take you back to the ship. PLEASE NOTE: WALKING INVOLVED MISSING YOU ALREADY!! Included: Bishop´s and Earl´s Palace

Inclusions: St. Magnus Cathedral Ticket, Bishop´s and Earl´s Palace Ticket, Private Tour, Professional Local Guide

Exclusions: Gratuities

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