Orkney Express - 3 days
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an unforgettable multi-day tour through the breathtaking landscapes and rich history of Scotland's Highlands and Orkney Archipelago. Starting in the vibrant city of Inverness, this journey takes you through picturesque villages, along dramatic coastlines, and across the Pentland Firth to the enchanting Orkney Islands. Discover ancient historical sites, including the prehistoric village of Skara Brae and the mystical Ring of Brodgar. Explore the charming town of Kirkwall, with its Viking heritage and captivating cathedral. This tour offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and historical intrigue, ensuring a memorable experience for all travelers.
Included
2 breakfasts
Transportation in 16 seat Mercedes mini-coach with air-conditioning
2 nights simple guesthouse
Escorted by a local driver-guide
Admission to Maeshowe
Admission to Skara Brae
All road tolls
14kg luggage - see Trip Notes for details
Note: This tour is operated in conjunction with our trusted partner and you will join travellers from different operators, not solely On The Go.
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Inverness to Kirkwall
- Inverness - Arrival day
- More
Our adventure begins in Inverness, the 'Capital of the Highlands,' as we depart early and traverse the scenic Black Isle. En route, we pass the majestic Dunrobin Castle before journeying along the stunning northeast Highland coastline. We make our way through John o' Groats, Scotland's northernmost mainland village, to Gills Bay, where we board a ferry to the Orkney Archipelago. Upon arrival, we visit the renowned Italian Chapel and then proceed to Kirkwall, the capital of Orkney. In Kirkwall, we explore the impressive Viking Cathedral and enjoy a leisurely evening wandering its historic streets. Accommodation: Bellavista Guest House, Heatherlea B&B, Hildeval B&B, or similar.
Day 2 – Day 2: Exploring Orkney's Ancient Wonders
Day 2: Exploring Orkney's Ancient Wonders
Today, we immerse ourselves in the rich history and natural beauty of the Orkney Archipelago. Our journey takes us to the 5,000-year-old village of Skara Brae, the enigmatic Ring of Brodgar, and the ancient Standing Stones of Stenness. We also visit Maeshowe, a remarkable cairn that houses one of the largest collections of Norse runic inscriptions from the 12th century. After a day filled with exploration and discovery, we return to Kirkwall for another night. Accommodation: Bellavista Guest House, Heatherlea B&B, Hildeval B&B, or similar.
Day 3 – Day 3: Kirkwall to Inverness
- Inverness - Departure day
- More
On our final day, we take some time to shop for souvenirs and revisit the local cathedral in Kirkwall. We then board the ferry back to the mainland and travel through the historically significant regions of Caithness and Sutherland. Along the way, we learn about the Highland Clearances and catch glimpses of some of Scotland's most remote fishing villages. Our journey concludes as we arrive back in Inverness by early evening. Please note: This tour ends at 19:00 - Inverness Drop Off, Bus stop next to Inverness Cathedral, Ardross Street, Inverness, IV3 5NS.
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