3-Day Orkney Tour from Inverness: Skara Brae & the North Coast 500
Two nights on Orkney, with the Ring of Brodgar, the Italian Chapel and John O’ Groats
- Max 16 travellers
- Storytelling guides
- 25% deposit
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- Two nights on OrkneyA full day on the islands, with time in Kirkwall.
- Ferries includedThe return crossings to Orkney are part of the tour, so there’s nothing extra to book.
- Storytelling guidesYour guide shares Orkney’s prehistoric, Viking and wartime stories, and the Highland history along the way.
“Our tour was one of the best I have ever taken and I used to do this as my profession. … The Orkneys are one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen.”
Inverness to Orkney in three days: the North Coast 500, Skara Brae and Scotland’s far north
You don’t have to travel far on Orkney to cross thousands of years of history. On this three-day Orkney tour from Inverness, you follow part of the North Coast 500 and sail across the Pentland Firth for two nights around Kirkwall, with a whole day to explore the islands’ ancient past.
Discover Skara Brae, the Stones of Stenness and the Ring of Brodgar, alongside chambered cairns, St Magnus Cathedral and the Italian Chapel. On the way back there’s John O’ Groats, the ruins of Castle Sinclair Girnigoe, Camster Cairns and Dunrobin Castle, before you return to Inverness on Day 3.
Staying in Inverness? Compare all our Inverness tours: day trips to Skye, Loch Ness and Glenfinnan, and 3-day tours to Orkney and to Lewis and Harris.
- Duration3 days2 nights around Kirkwall
- DepartsInverness, 8:30amback approx. 5–6pm, Day 3
- Group sizeMax 16small scheduled group
- Ages12+younger? ask about a private tour
- WalkingShort walksup to about 1 hour, uneven paths
- FerryIncludedreturn crossings to Orkney
The guide is the part people remember
Over three days, you get to know your guide and the rest of the group. Our guides are storytellers first: Orkney’s prehistoric sites, the Italian Chapel built by prisoners of war, the Vikings in Kirkwall and the far north.
- They walk the stops with you. Your guide leads the walks, so you’re never left to work out where to go.
- They plan around the ferries. If weather or sailings change, your guide reworks the order of the day so you still see the best of it.
- Everyone’s included. Your guide makes sure everyone, including solo travellers, feels part of the group from the first morning.
“Tour Guide John Macrae is an asset to this company. His informative commentary and banter made the Orkney tour … exceptional and fun.”
Your 3-day Orkney tour itinerary from Inverness
Route map: Inverness, the North Coast 500, the Gills Bay ferry, the Italian Chapel, Kirkwall, Skara Brae, John O’ Groats, Castle Sinclair Girnigoe, Camster, Dunrobin Castle and back to Inverness.
Route shown is approximate. Your guide may change the order of stops or the roads taken on the day, depending on weather, traffic and road conditions.
Day 1Inverness to Orkney
North Coast 500 · Coastal walk · Gills Bay ferry · Italian Chapel · Scapa · Kirkwall
North along the North Coast 500 and across the Pentland Firth to Orkney.
- The North Coast 500
Follow the North Coast 500 through the far north, pausing in a coastal community for a short harbour walk and stories of crofting life.
- Gills Bay ferry
Cross the Pentland Firth, passing the island of Stroma as Orkney comes into view.
Ferry included
- The Italian Chapel
A chapel built by Italian prisoners of war during the Second World War, from two Nissen huts.
- Scapa Flow & Scapa Distillery
Continue towards Scapa Flow and Scapa Distillery.
Scapa experiences paid separately; depend on the operating schedule
- Kirkwall
Orkney’s main town, for the first of two nights.
Day 2A full day on Orkney
St Magnus Cathedral · Wideford Hill · Cuween Hill · Stones of Stenness · Ring of Brodgar · Skara Brae
A day in Orkney’s prehistoric landscape, including sites in the Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site.
- St Magnus Cathedral
Begin in Kirkwall at St Magnus Cathedral, founded in 1137 by the Norse Earl Rognvald.
- Wideford Hill & Cuween Hill
Walk into Orkney’s prehistoric story at two Neolithic chambered cairns.
- Stones of Stenness
Some of the oldest standing stones in Britain.
- Ring of Brodgar
A great stone circle in a vast ceremonial landscape between two lochs.
- Skara Brae
Stone-built homes that preserve traces of island life from around 5,000 years ago.
Admission not included
- Kirkwall
A second evening in Kirkwall.
Maeshowe needs a separate timed visit and isn’t guaranteed; access and the running order vary with availability.
Day 3Orkney to Inverness
Ferry · John O’ Groats · Castle Sinclair Girnigoe · Camster Cairns · Dunrobin Castle
Back across the Pentland Firth and down the east coast to Inverness.
- Ferry & John O’ Groats
Sail back across the Pentland Firth to the mainland near John O’ Groats.
- Castle Sinclair Girnigoe
The dramatic clifftop ruins of a Sinclair stronghold.
- The Grey Cairns of Camster
Ancient chambered cairns, around 5,000 years old, out on the moor.
- Dunrobin Castle
A fairytale castle with formal gardens above the sea.
Admission not included; seasonal opening
- Inverness
One final coastal stop, then back in Inverness at approximately 5–6pm.
Seasonal opening, ferry schedules and access can change the order of the day.
The itinerary is a guide. Ferry schedules, weather, attraction availability and road conditions can change the stops, timings or running order.
Is this tour right for you?
A great fit if
- You’re in Inverness and want to see Orkney without driving yourself, with the ferries arranged for you.
- You’d like the far north too: the North Coast 500, John O’ Groats and Dunrobin Castle.
- You’re travelling solo and want to be part of a small group from the first morning.
- You enjoy history and short walks at ancient sites.
Think again if
- You’re starting in Edinburgh or Glasgow. The 5-day Orkney tour from Edinburgh or from Glasgow includes the journey north.
- You’d rather see the Outer Hebrides. Try the 3-day Lewis & Harris tour from Inverness.
- You have limited mobility, or you’re travelling with children under 12. A private tour can be planned around you.
What travellers say about this Orkney tour
Google reviews from guests on our Orkney tours.
The Orkney Islands are breathtaking and inspiring. We were on the 3 day trip beginning and ending in Inverness… We visited many places that were not necessarily on the itinerary but added value to each day… Our final day through the Highlands with the spectacular John O’Groats cliffs and the Castle Sinclair Girnigoe was a great ending.
We recently returned from the 3 day Orkney tour from Inverness and experienced nothing short of perfection… We were drawn to Scotland’s Wild because of their small group sizes, and we had an amazing group of 8 people, including Cal and Karen. We had so much fun together that we really felt like we were on a road trip with good friends, rather than people we had just met.
Our tour was one of the best I have ever taken and I used to do this as my profession. He was flexible with different challenges like a delay in our ferry. I learned so much during the trip. It was truly life changing. The Orkneys are one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen.
Accommodation: two nights on Orkney, not included
Both nights are on Orkney, around Kirkwall, giving you a full second day on the islands without another ferry crossing. Accommodation isn’t included in the tour price, so you choose how to arrange it.
Let us arrange it
- We arrange each stay after your tour booking is confirmed, and send you the details and total price.
- Twin, double, single or family rooms with trusted partners around Kirkwall; breakfast is normally included.
Book your own
- Contact us before you reserve so we can confirm the right areas.
- Your accommodation should normally be within about 3 km of the group's location, for morning collection and evening drop-off.
| B&B, double or twin room shared with your travel companion | £80–£110 per person per night |
| B&B, single room | £100–£160 per night |
| Hotel, double or twin room shared with your travel companion | £100–£160 per person per night |
| Hotel, single room | £155–£255 per night |
These prices are a guide only. They change with the season, demand, special events and how close to departure you book, so we can't guarantee them.
Solo travellers: when we arrange accommodation, we aim for a single room. If availability is limited, we may offer a shared twin with a traveller of the same gender, so tell us beforehand if you'd rather not. Accommodation questions: info@scotlandswild.com
What's included, and what the trip costs
Included
- Return scheduled ferry travel between the mainland and Orkney
- Expert Scotland's Wild guide and storyteller for all three days
- Transport in a comfortable, air-conditioned touring vehicle
- Guided short walks and active sightseeing stops
- A full touring day on Orkney
- Small group, maximum 16 travellers
Not included
- Two nights' accommodation (see above)
- Meals and snacks
- Skara Brae admission
- Maeshowe admission, if a visit is available
- Scapa Distillery experience
- Dunrobin Castle admission
Your trip at a glance
- Tour
- From £316 per person (youth 12–17 from £296), including the Orkney ferry crossings
- Pay today
- From £79 per person (25% deposit). The balance is taken 15 days before departure.
- Two nights on Orkney
- Not included. Typically from around £80 per person a night for a double or twin B&B room shared with your travel companion; single rooms and hotels cost more. We can arrange it, or you book your own.
- Optional extras
- Skara Brae, Maeshowe and Dunrobin admission, Scapa Distillery, meals and snacks.
Which Orkney tour?
Ways to reach Orkney with us, and another island trip from Inverness.
3 days
Orkney from Inverness
Two nights on Orkney, starting and finishing in Inverness.
From £316 pp
5 days
Orkney from Edinburgh
Adds the Cairngorms and Culloden on the way north, and Loch Ness and Glencoe on the way back.
From £428 pp
See the 5-day Orkney tour →3 days
The Outer Hebrides instead
Lewis and Harris from Inverness, with Luskentyre Beach and the Callanish Stones.
From £316 pp
See the 3-day Lewis & Harris tour →Good to know before you book
- Days 1 and 3 are long travel days. The North Coast and the Pentland Firth crossing take time, broken up with walks and comfort stops.
- Ferries and weather can change the order. Your guide plans each day around the sailings, with safety first.
- Maeshowe is visited on a timed tour. Entry is paid separately and can’t be guaranteed.
- Rain doesn’t stop the day. Bring a waterproof jacket and warm layers: it can be windy on Orkney even in summer.
Where your three days begin and end
Pick-up: central Inverness
Further details provided before tour start.
Please be ready by 8:15am for the 8:30am departure. Scheduled tours leave on time and can’t wait for late guests. The tour returns to central Inverness on Day 3.
- Check-in8:15amplease be ready by then
- Departs8:30amtours leave on time
- Backapprox. 5–6pmon Day 3
3-day Orkney tour from Inverness: your questions
How do I get from Inverness to Orkney on this tour?
Your guide drives north along the North Coast 500 to the ferry, and you cross the Pentland Firth (included) for two nights around Kirkwall. Pick-up is in central Inverness for an 8:30am departure, with details sent before your tour. On Day 3 you return via John O’ Groats, Castle Sinclair Girnigoe, the Grey Cairns of Camster and Dunrobin Castle, back in Inverness at approximately 5–6pm.
What does the 3-day Orkney tour cost?
From £316 per adult, including the Orkney ferry crossings (25% deposit, balance 15 days before departure). Prices vary by departure date. Accommodation is booked separately, and we can arrange it.
Is there a youth price?
Yes. Travellers aged 12 to 17 pay a youth price, from £296, and must travel with an adult. The calendar shows the youth price for your dates when you choose your travellers.
Are the Orkney ferry crossings included?
Yes. The scheduled ferry crossings between the mainland and Orkney are included. Ferry schedules can sometimes mean the running order or timings change.
Is accommodation included?
No. Both nights are around Kirkwall on Orkney and aren’t included in the tour price. We can arrange rooms with trusted partners, or you can book your own after checking the right area with us.
Where will I stay during the two nights?
Around Kirkwall on Orkney. Exact properties vary with availability and departure date. If you book your own, contact us first: it should normally be within about 3 km of the group’s location.
Do we enter Maeshowe?
Entry isn’t guaranteed. Maeshowe can only be visited on a timed guided tour with limited capacity, so access depends on the operating schedule and availability.
When does the tour run?
It departs every Sunday from 4 April to 31 October 2027. Summer dates fill first, so book as early as you can if you’re travelling between May and September.
Is this tour good for solo travellers?
Yes. You’ll be part of a small group from the first morning, and if we arrange your accommodation, we aim for a single room.
How many people are on the tour?
A maximum of 16 travellers on every scheduled departure.
Will the tour run if only a few people book?
Each departure needs at least 4 travellers to run. If we have to cancel your tour for any reason, we’ll offer you another tour or a full refund.
What is the cancellation policy?
16 or more days before departure: 90% refund of the total tour cost. 15 days or less before departure, or a no-show: 100% of the tour cost is payable. Full terms & conditions.
Can I start this Orkney tour in Edinburgh or Glasgow?
Yes. The 5-day Orkney tour from Edinburgh and the 5-day Orkney tour from Glasgow add the journey north through the Highlands and the return via Loch Ness and Glencoe.
Which attraction tickets aren’t included?
Skara Brae, Maeshowe (if a visit is available), the Scapa Distillery experience and Dunrobin Castle. Opening dates are seasonal and can change.
Where and when does the tour start and finish?
Pick-up is in central Inverness, with details sent before your tour. Be ready by 8:15am for an 8:30am departure. The tour returns to central Inverness at approximately 5–6pm on Day 3; ferries, traffic and weather can affect this, so avoid tightly timed onward travel. Inverness departure information.
How much walking is there?
Short walks are built into every day. You should be comfortable walking for up to about an hour on island, coastal, woodland and historic-site paths, which can be rough, wet or slippery.
Can weather or ferry schedules change the itinerary?
Yes. Island travel depends on ferries, weather, attraction availability and roads. Safety and ferry connections come first, so your guide may adjust the order, timings or stops. Rain alone doesn’t cancel the tour, but strong winds can disrupt ferry sailings.
What should I bring?
Waterproofs, sturdy walking shoes or boots, warm layers, and a hat and gloves in colder weather. Midge repellent is useful from roughly April to September, and sun cream on brighter days.
How much luggage can I bring?
One suitcase or travel bag up to 15 kg (33 lb), about 56 × 43 × 25 cm (22 × 17 × 10 in), plus a small personal bag. You need to be able to lift your own bag, and you may need to carry it between the vehicle and your accommodation. Luggage information.
Are meals included?
No. There are chances to buy food throughout the Highlands, Orkney and Inverness, and your guide will recommend places to eat. Evening restaurants on the islands may need booking ahead in busy periods.
Are there age limits?
The minimum age is 12. Travelling with younger children? Ask us about a private tour instead.
Are there regular bathroom breaks?
Yes. There are comfort stops throughout each day, and there are toilets on the Orkney ferries.
Ready for three days in Scotland’s far north?
Check live dates and prices, secure your place from £79 per person, and we’ll help with your two nights on Orkney.
Questions first? Call +44 131 241 8292 (7am to 9pm UK time, every day) or email info@scotlandswild.com.
Want more time in the Highlands? See the 5-day Orkney tour from Edinburgh →
Looking for another trip from Inverness? See all tours from Inverness →
