Small-group island tours · Start & finish in Inverness

Tours from Inverness3-day small-group tours to Orkney and the Outer Hebrides, with the ferry crossings included

Two island tours that start and finish in Inverness, with an expert local guide and never more than 16 travellers. Both spend two nights on the islands; accommodation is separate, and we can book it for you.

  • Start & finish in Inverness
  • Island ferries included
  • Maximum 16 travellers
  • From £316 per person
Compare tours from InvernessHave fixed dates? Search all tours by date →

At a glance

Orkney or the Outer Hebrides: compare our tours from Inverness

Travel the North Coast 500 to Orkney’s ancient stone circles and Neolithic villages, or cross the Minch to the white-sand beaches and standing stones of Lewis & Harris. Both tours are three days, with two island nights and the ferry crossings included.

Tours from Inverness compared
TourLengthOvernight staysFerriesFrom
Orkney Islands & North Coast 500 3-Day TourNext season: April–November 20273 days / 2 nightsKirkwall area ×2Included£316
Outer Hebrides, Lewis & Harris 3-Day TourOctober 2026, then April–October 20273 days / 2 nightsLewis ×2Included£316

Prices are the lowest adult price per person for the tour itself; accommodation, meals and attraction tickets are extra. The tour page shows the live price and the dates with seats.

Our 3-day island tours from Inverness

Each tour page has the day-by-day itinerary, accommodation options, the booking calendar and live prices.

  • Next season: April–November 2027
  • Ferries included

Orkney Islands & North Coast 500 3-Day Tour

Through Scotland’s far north to Orkney, with two nights around Kirkwall, ancient stone circles and coastal castles.

Highlights: North Coast 500 · Gills Bay ferry · Italian Chapel · Ring of Brodgar · Skara Brae · John O’ Groats · Dunrobin Castle

  • Length3 days · 2 nights around Kirkwall
  • DepartsInverness, 8:30am
  • Backapprox. 5–6pm on Day 3
  • Ages12+
  • Extra cost2 nights’ accommodation, meals, attraction tickets

From £316 per person

Itinerary, dates & prices
  • October 2026, then April–October 2027
  • Ferries included

Outer Hebrides, Lewis & Harris 3-Day Tour

Two nights on Lewis, with Harris’s white-sand beaches, ancient standing stones and the north-west Highlands.

Highlights: Corrieshalloch Gorge · Ullapool ferry · Luskentyre Beach · Callanish · Butt of Lewis · Knockan Crag

  • Length3 days · 2 nights on Lewis
  • DepartsInverness, 8:15am
  • Backapprox. 5–6pm on Day 3
  • Ages12+
  • Extra cost2 nights’ accommodation, meals, attraction tickets

From £316 per person

Itinerary, dates & prices

Orkney or Lewis & Harris: which suits you?

Choose Orkney for ancient history

The Orkney tour follows the North Coast 500 to John O’ Groats and the Gills Bay ferry, then explores the Ring of Brodgar, the Stones of Stenness, Skara Brae and St Magnus Cathedral, with two nights around Kirkwall.

Choose Lewis & Harris for beaches and wild landscapes

The Lewis & Harris tour takes the Ullapool–Stornoway ferry to Luskentyre Beach, the Callanish Stones, blackhouse villages and the Butt of Lewis, with two nights on Lewis.

Can I do both?

Not on one 3-day tour: they go in different directions. For both, look at our 5 and 7-day tours from Edinburgh or ask us about a private tour.

When they run

Lewis & Harris has departures in October 2026, then April to October 2027. Orkney’s next season runs from April to November 2027.

Good to know before you book

Where to meet

Outside Starbucks, Rose Street Car Park, Rose Street, Inverness, IV1 1NQ. Arrive 15 minutes before your departure time. Inverness meeting point and parking →

Back in Inverness

Both tours plan to return to Inverness at about 5–6pm on Day 3. Ferries, weather and traffic can change this, so avoid tight onward plans.

Accommodation

Not included. Orkney stays are around Kirkwall; Lewis & Harris stays are on Lewis, normally around Stornoway. We can book rooms through our accommodation partners, or you can book your own.

Deposit and payment

Book with a 25% deposit. The balance is due 15 days before departure; bookings made after that date may need full payment. Booking terms →

Luggage

One medium bag up to 15kg (about 56 × 43 × 25cm) per person, plus a small personal item. There’s no luggage storage at the meeting point. Luggage guide →

Ages and walking

Both tours are for ages 12 and over, with short walks of up to about an hour on coastal and historic-site paths that can be rough or wet.

What travellers say about our island tours

Rated 4.9 by travellers on Google and Tripadvisor. Read more reviews →

★★★★★

Amazing trip to Harris and Lewis! We got to see a lot of places, but it never felt rushed. Cal was our guide and he made the trip extra special. I am doing another tour with them later this month, highly recommend.

Laura M. · Harris & Lewis Tour with Cal · via Google

★★★★★

Just finished the 5 day tour to Orkney with Jim! Jim was great - very knowledgeable and took us to some amazing sights! Would 100% recommend to other travellers. Thanks again Jim for an unforgettable experience!

Emma R. · 5-Day Orkney Tour with Jim · via Google

★★★★★

Jim was a great guide on the 5 day Orkney tour. History and sights were all incredible. Backed up by Jim's local knowledge and friendly chatter

Harry R. · 5-Day Orkney Tour with Jim · via Google

Tours from Inverness: your questions

Where do we meet in Inverness?
Meet outside Starbucks at Rose Street Car Park, Rose Street, Inverness, IV1 1NQ. Check your tour and booking confirmation for the departure time and arrive 15 minutes early. See the Inverness meeting point and parking guidance.
When do the tours return?
Both tours plan to return to Inverness at about 5–6pm on Day 3. Ferry disruption, traffic and weather can change this, so avoid tightly timed trains, flights or plans immediately afterwards.
Is accommodation included?
No. Both tours have two island nights, with accommodation charged separately. Ask us to arrange rooms through our accommodation partners, or book your own after confirming the correct area with us. Orkney stays are around Kirkwall; Lewis & Harris stays are on Lewis, normally around Stornoway.
What does the tour price cover?
Both include your guide, itinerary transport and the scheduled return ferry crossings. Rooms, meals and paid attraction tickets are extra. Check each tour’s inclusions and booking calendar before choosing your dates.
Can I visit Orkney and the Outer Hebrides on one tour?
Not on a 3-day tour. They’re separate journeys in different directions: one visits Orkney, the other Lewis and Harris. If you want to combine destinations, ask us about a longer private trip.
Do you run day tours from Inverness?
No. Our scheduled tours from Inverness are these two 3-day island tours. Our scheduled day tours leave from Edinburgh and Glasgow.
How much walking is involved?
Both are active sightseeing tours with short walks on coastal and historic-site terrain. Some paths are rough, wet or uneven, and walks last up to around an hour. Bring sturdy footwear, waterproofs and layers, and talk to us about any access or mobility needs before booking.
Can I book with a deposit?
Yes. Scheduled multi-day tours normally need a 25% deposit, with the balance due 15 days before departure. Bookings made after the balance-due date may need full payment; separately arranged accommodation can have different conditions. Read the booking terms.
How much luggage can I bring?
Bring one medium bag up to 15kg, approximately 56 × 43 × 25cm, plus a small handbag-sized personal item. Arrange storage for extra luggage before the tour; there’s no luggage storage at the meeting point. Read the luggage guide.

All tour FAQs →

More island and Highland tours

Scottish island toursEvery tour to Skye, Orkney and the HebridesScotland tours from Edinburgh2 to 7-day tours, including Orkney and LewisScotland tours from Glasgow3, 5 and 7-day tours finishing in EdinburghSearch all tours by dateSee which tours have seats on your dates

Want to combine islands?

A private tour can combine islands, add days or start and finish where suits you, with your own guide for the whole trip.

Explore private tours