Welcome to Orkney
There’s a magic to Orkney that you begin to feel as soon as the Scottish mainland slips astern. Only a few short miles of ocean separate the chain of islands from Scotland's north coast, but the Pentland Firth is one of Europe’s most dangerous waterways, a graveyard of ships that adds an extra mystique to these islands shimmering in the sea mists.
Top experiences in Orkney
Recent articles
Travel guides
Starting at $38.99
Orkney activities
5-Day Orkney and Highlands Tour from Edinburgh
Leaving from Edinburgh we’ll head towards Stirling, stopping by the castle, from here get incredible views to the Wallace Monument and over the Vale of Mentieth, the southern Highlands and the Ochil Hills. We’ll then make our way to Kilmahog, you’ll get great views of Ben Ledi from here. On the way Glen Coe we’ll stop at Loch Tulla for photographs. Then you’ll learn of the harrowing MacDonald clan massacre that took places amongst the dramatic mountains and waterfalls there. We’ll then continue a little further north to Fort William, the Highland town dominated by Ben Nevis, the tallest mountain in the UK. You’ll also get the chance to visit the old Inverlochy Castle here, although now a ruin this was one of the most pivotal castles in Scottish history. Overnight: Fort Augustus. On day two we’ll head further north to Inverness to meet the rest of our group, and give you an introduction to the capital of the Highlands. You’ll get the ferry over to Orkney from Gills Bay, offering the chance to spot some incredible wildlife – look out for seals, puffins and even whales if you’re lucky! Another highlight of the day is a visit to the Italian Chapel, a masterpiece built from salvaged materials by Italian prisoners of war. Overnight: Kirkwall Day three is dedicated to Orkney. We’ll take you to numerous prehistoric wonders on this incredible archipelago made up of 70 islands. Such as Maes Howe a chambered cairn, a tomb more than 5000 years old, the brooding Stone Circles of Stenness. Anyone with an interest in archaeology will love the Ness of Brodgar a Neolithic excavation site, only open whilst archaeologists are busy uncovering new items! Another source of ancient mystery is the Ring of Brodgar! You can visit St Magnus Cathedral in the afternoon before returning to your accommodation. Overnight: Kirkwall. Day 4 involves a mid morning ferry ride and more opportunities to see Scotland’s impressive wildlife.There will be an opportunity to visit Dunrobin Castle as we travel back to the capital of the Highlands for the evening. Overnight Inverness On our final day we’ll visit the battlefield of Culloden, the site of the defeat of the Jacobite forces. You have the chance to explore the interactive visitor centre here and learn how this brutal battle changed life in the Highlands and Islands forever. As we continue back to Edinburgh we’ll pass by Inverness, the stunning Cairngorm Mountains and have a chance to enjoy the picturesque town of Pitlochry.
Ancient Treasures of Orkney Shore Excursions from Kirkwall
After meeting your driver, you will depart Kirkwall and head into the west of Mainland, Orkney’s largest island. This tour passes through the gentle rolling landscape of Orkney and into the Neolithic Heartland of Orkney; an area designated as a World Heritage Site due to its wealth of pre-historic archaeology. Passing the Standing Stones of Stenness (photo-stop if time permits), we will stop at the Ring of Brodgar; a huge ceremonial circle of stones dating back almost 5000 years. We then continue on to the 5000-year-old village of Skara Brae, beautifully interpreted in the visitor centre. See the remarkable dwellings revealed from beneath the sand dunes by storms only 150 years ago. There will also be time to visit the nearby manor house of Skaill House, built in 1620 on top of an ancient graveyard.We then continue this circular route and follow the coastline of Scapa Flow, made famous for its role in both World Wars. Hear some of the stories from your guide today en route back to Kirkwall.ITINERARY: • Depart Kirkwall port • Photo stop at Standing Stones of Stenness • Arrive at the Ring of Brodgar • Depart for Skara Brae and Skaill House • Arrive at Skara Brae and Skaill House • Depart for Kirkwall via Scapa Flow • Arrive Kirkwall Port This is a wonderful circular tour to some of Orkneys most famous sites, please note that the order of visits may be adjusted to avoid congestion.
3-Day Orkney Explorer - Small Group Tour from Inverness
Day 1:After an early start at 08.00, you travel north through the Black Isle, past the imposing Dunrobin Castle, before crossing the Pentland Firth at approximately 13.00 to the Orkney Isles. After arriving at approximately 14.00, you will visit the west of the island, including Italian Chapel and Churchill Barriers. You stay in Kirkwall, the modern-day capital of Orkney, for two nights.Day 2:Today is your chance to explore the modern and ancient wonders of this fantastic island; a land of contrasts, where fertile green pastures are fringed by shores of golden sands washed by waters of the North Sea and Atlantic Ocean.Highlights include a visit to Skara Brae at approximately 12.00, where you can enjoy lunch. Then it's on to the mystical prehistoric stone circle at Brodgar at approximately 15.30, before visiting the standing stones of Stenness, and Maeshowe, where in the 12th century the Vikings left one of the largest collections of Norse runic inscriptions. You will arrive back into Kirkwall at approximately 18.00.Day 3:You'll have your last chance to grab some gifts for friends and family, and visit the local cathedral in Kirkwall. And after a ferry back to the mainland at approximately 11.00, you will can have lunch at John O'Groats at approximately 12.30. Then we travel through the history-soaked regions of Caithness and Sutherland. You’ll find out about the highland clearances ,a world-changing period in Scotland’s dark history, and get a glimpse of some of Scotland’s most remote fishing villages.We arrive back in Inverness early evening at approximately 19.00.
5 Day Orkney, Ullapool & the Northern Highlands
Our 5 Day tour heads west to pick up our Glasgow passengers before moving on to Luss on the shores of Loch Lomond. We travel on to Tyndrum at the south edge of Rannoch Moor for some lunch before heading to Glencoe. Afterwards we move on to Fort Augustus where you will have the option to take a cruise* on the loch and pause for photos of Urquhart Castle before travelling to Inverness.Day 2 we depart early from Inverness and head to the village of Golspie and Carn Liath. Next stop will be at Gills Bay for the ferry ride across to Orkney, arriving at St Margaret’s Hope, we will then travel on to visit the Italian Chapel*. It is named this as it was built by Italian prisoners of war during World War 2 and has since been restored. We will journey on to Kirkwall, Orkney where you will check in to your accommodation.Day 3 you will visit the Standing Stones of Stenness and the Rings of Brodgar.. We will then move on to Maeshowe*, an underground chambered cairn where you will have time to explore the passages and chambers before we travel to Skara Brae*.Skara Brae is Europe’s best-preserved Neolithic village, built even before the pyramids of Egypt. You can explore the village and get a glimpse into what life was like for the inhabitants 5000 years ago.We then return to Kirkwall and check into our accommodation.After breakfast we make our way to St Margaret’s Hope to take the ferry back to mainland Scotland. After arriving at Gills Bay we travel west, enjoying the beautiful views on our way to Thurso. Here, you will have time to explore the town and get some lunch and refreshments before we begin our journey along the north edge of Scotland to Smoo Cave. The route is particularly beautiful so there will be plenty of opportunities for photo stops along the way.Smoo Cave has a 50ft high entrance and it was created through erosion from the sea as well as an underground stream that formed the inner chambers. We pause here for photos before we journey on to our accommodation in Ullapool.We depart Ullapool and travel to Culloden Battlefield*. Afterwards, we will take short trip to the Clava Cairns, a 4000 year old burial mound surrounded by standing stones.The tour then continues on to the 15th century Cawdor Castle*, north east of Inverness. Explore the castle and its beautiful gardens where you can even get audio-guides which are available in several languages.We then move on to Pitlochry for refreshments before returning to Edinburgh.
Scenic tours of Orkney
Our tours use a Boom Trike, a German built vehicle which has a 1500 cc Peugeot, to take you around Orkney. Generally the tours start from pre organised pick up points such as your Hotel or Cruise ship. The same with drop off points which can be arranged to suit you. Tour times can be as arranged prior to your booking by contacting Orkney Trike Tours. Evening tours are available in the summer season. Orkney atmosphere can sometimes be damp so we provide suitable equipment, but we always advise bringing a warm and waterproof coat. Helmets and Intercoms are standard with all tours. We also have a "go Pro" camera available for tours over 2 hours
Orkney Trike Tours Scenic tours of Orkney
ItineraryThis is a typical itinerary for this productStop At: Orkney Trike Tours, Kirkwall, Mainland, Orkney Islands, ScotlandScenic tours around Orkney, can be individually taylored to your requirements.Call or email us to discuss what you would like to see and do. Or let us take the strain and show you around letting you enjoy the ride.We can pick up from your ship, ferry, hotel, campsite or wherever you are on Orkney.Duration: 4 hours