3-Day Orkney Explorer Small-Group Tour from Inverness

Tour Overview

Itinerary Highlights

Day 1: Inverness to Orkney – The Journey North

Depart Inverness and travel north through the Black Isle, crossing the Cromarty Firth for views of its resident seal colony. Follow the east coast past Dunrobin Castle, whose 189-room French chateau facade is visible from the road, before reaching John O’Groats for a lunch stop at mainland Britain’s northernmost village. Board the afternoon ferry from Gills Bay, crossing the turbulent Pentland Firth where Atlantic and North Sea waters collide – watch for dolphins, seals, and seabirds during the crossing. Arrive on Orkney at St Margaret’s Hope, a picturesque village whose name derives from the Norse for “bay of Margaret.” Your first taste of Orkney comes at the Churchill Barriers – causeways built by Italian prisoners of war during WWII to protect the Scapa Flow naval anchorage after the sinking of HMS Royal Oak. Settle into your Kirkwall accommodation with the evening free to explore Orkney’s historic capital.

Day 2: Neolithic Orkney – UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Today is dedicated to the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, a UNESCO World Heritage Site comprising some of Europe’s most significant prehistoric monuments. Begin at Skara Brae, a 5,000-year-old village buried under sand dunes until a fierce storm uncovered it in 1850. Walk through the remarkably preserved stone houses complete with box beds, dressers, and hearths – a Neolithic lifestyle frozen in time. Continue to the Ring of Brodgar, a henge monument of 27 surviving standing stones (from an original 60) surrounded by a deep rock-cut ditch. The stones date from 2500-2000 BC and the site’s purpose remains one of archaeology’s greatest mysteries – your guide shares the leading theories about ceremonies, astronomical alignments, and ancestor worship. Visit the nearby Standing Stones of Stenness, even older at some 5,400 years. After lunch, enter Maeshowe, a chambered tomb designed so the setting midwinter sun penetrates its entrance passage. Inside, marvel at the largest collection of Viking runic inscriptions in the world – 12th-century Norse graffiti left by crusaders who broke into the tomb during a snowstorm.

Day 3: Italian Chapel, Kirkwall & Return

Start at the Italian Chapel on Lamb Holm – undoubtedly the world’s most unexpected masterpiece. Built by Italian POWs in 1943-44 from two Nissen huts, scrap metal, and concrete, the interior features astonishing trompe l’oeil paintings creating the illusion of carved stone, brickwork, and vaulted ceilings. The chapel stands as a testament to faith, artistry, and reconciliation. Return to Kirkwall to explore St Magnus Cathedral, founded in 1137 by the Norse Earl Rognvald in honour of his uncle Magnus. Known as the “Light of the North,” this magnificent red sandstone cathedral is Britain’s most northerly, with Viking bones entombed in its pillars and a breathtaking rose window. Stroll Kirkwall’s flagstone streets, visiting the ruined Earl’s Palace and the Orkney Museum before boarding the afternoon ferry. The return drive through Sutherland offers a final dose of Highland scenery, arriving back in Inverness around 19:30.

Included

• 2 nights B&B or guesthouse accommodation in Kirkwall with private en-suite
• Transport in a luxury 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach
• Return ferry crossings to Orkney (Gills Bay to St Margaret’s Hope)
• Professional English-speaking driver-guide with live commentary
• Daily full Scottish breakfast
• All fuel, tolls, and road charges

Excluded

• Entrance fees to attractions (Skara Brae & Skaill House: ~GBP 10; Maeshowe: ~GBP 9; Italian Chapel: ~GBP 4)
• Lunches and dinners
• Flights and transfers to Inverness
• Travel insurance (required)
• Optional gratuities for your driver-guide
• Personal expenses and souvenirs

Why Choose This Tour

• Unparalleled Neolithic Access: Orkney holds Europe’s densest concentration of prehistoric sites – you see the “Heart of Neolithic Orkney” UNESCO sites in one incredible day, something no other UK destination can match.
• Multi-Layered Heritage: From Stone Age houses to Viking runes to WWII chapels, Orkney’s story unfolds in extraordinary layers that your expert guide connects into a compelling narrative.
• Award-Winning Quality: Rabbie’s Tours’ Platinum status and 4.8-star rating from over a thousand reviews guarantee professional, passionate guiding every day of your journey.
• Island Atmosphere: Two nights in Kirkwall let you absorb Orkney’s unique character – a blend of Scottish, Norse, and island culture with excellent pubs, artisan shops, and famously friendly locals.
• Ferry-Inclusive: The return ferry crossing is included, so you can relax and enjoy the sea air and wildlife spotting without worrying about logistics.
• Intimate Group Size: With a maximum of just 16 travellers, you get genuine personal attention and can ask questions freely throughout the day.