Orkney Islands & Highlands from Inverness: 3-Day Adventure Exploring Neolithic Sights

Embark on a three-day tour of Orkney, where you’ll explore the finest attractions of the island. Take a journey back in time with Neolithic landmarks like Skara Brae and the Standing Stones of Stenness, visit the Italian Chapel, and many other captivating sights.

Duration: 3 days
Cancellation: 6 days learn more
Highlights

The journey from Inverness to Orkney

Golspie - We spend a short while in the small village of Golspie for refreshments

River Helmsdale - After Cairn Liath, we pause for photos at the Helmsdale Clearance

Pentland Ferries - We reach Gills Bay, where we take the ferry over to the Orkney Islands

The Italian Chapel - We stop at the Italian Chapel, and time permitting we have the option to explore the interior of the wonderful building.

Kirkwall - We arrive in Kirkwall, capital of the Orkneys, where we check in to our accommodation.

A full day exploring Orkney

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.

Standing Stones of Stenness - Four standing stones that are potentially some of the oldest in the country.

Broch of Gurness - An amazingly preserved “broch” village from the Iron Age. Explore the site and also learn about the countless artefacts on display that were discovered at the site.

Kirkwall - We then return to Kirkwall for your second night stay.

The return trip to Inverness

Pentland Ferries - We travel from St Margaret’s Hope to Gills Bay, back to mainland Scotland.

John O’ Groats - We follow the coastline to John O’Groats; Scotland’s most northerly point on the mainland. Spend time here exploring the coastline and take your iconic picture next to its famous signpost. A range of wildlife can usually be seen here such as Atlantic puffins, seals, a variety of birds and possibly even an orca!

Golspie - We stop for a refreshment break at the village of Golspie

What's Included
  • In-vehicle air conditioning
  • Live commentary on board
  • Ferry costs are included in the price of your tour
  • Knowledgeable driver-guide
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
  • Accommodation - unless chosen
  • Food & Drink - unless specified
  • Attraction Tickets
  • On-board restrooms
Additional Information
  • Please arrive a minimum of 15 minutes before your tour’s departure time.
  • Minimum age is 4 years old.
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or a full refund.
  • Collapsible wheelchairs with removable wheels can be accommodated providing the passenger is accompanied by someone who can assist them board and disembark the bus.
  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.
Location
Railway Terrace
Railway Terrace, Inverness, IV1 1NW. Look out for our coach or our sign on the lamp post.
Cancellation Policy

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.

Customer Ratings
4.5
(8 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Diane_b
Jul 25, 2024
3 Day Orkenay tour - Our guide Will was amazing with his comentaries, the concern and caring during our excertions. He was accomodating to all on our tour. Thank you to the company. Excellent operation.
Review provided by Viator
Mikelittledyke
Jul 29, 2019
Excellent all round experience - Our tour guide Chris was extremely informative, interesting, friendly, engaging, very well organised and went well over the call of duty, taking us to fascinating places in addition to the formal itinerary. Consequently, the group gelled extremely well and the very best was made of the experience. Orkney is superb with a collection of neolithic sties that is unmatchable and a must have experience for anyone with a sense of the importance of the past. Top marks for all aspects and an excellent experience!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Julia_h
May 24, 2019
Beautiful and Interesting - The natural beauty and archaeological sites of Orkney are unsurpassed. Our Timberbush guide, Marita, made sure that we saw the primary sites and natural areas within the time we had. She was very responsive to needs and interests of the group. I would definitely recommend!
Review provided by Viator
Jhuffj
May 19, 2019
Beautiful Island - Can’t say enough about the beauty and wonders of Orkney. From the world heritage sites to the beaches and wildlife, there is something for everyone. Our Timberbush tour guide, Marita, was enthusiastic and flexible, accommodating our group’s needs and interests.
Review provided by Viator
Myobtww
Aug 21, 2024
Excellent tour, well worth the money - The tour was excellent. The guide, Marita, was knowledgeable, enthusiastic and was more than happy to ensure we got to our lodgings. I’d recommend. The ferry trip back on 16th August was entertaining :)
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Carysj2023
Aug 21, 2024
Excellent tour. All very interesting. Good guide and driver. - Excellent tour. All managed very well by Marita, who was very enthusiastic, an excellent driver, very friendly, flexible and knew a lot about Orkney. It was all very interesting and well managed although we wasted a lot of time waiting for the late ferries. The trips through the highlands were also very interesting. I found it a bit difficult to understand what was being said about eating places but that wasn't a serious problem.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sandy
Aug 9, 2024
Great Tour Guide - Horrible experience with booking/ business office. - So, although I booked this trip in March to go in August, they called the last week of July to say it didn't make. I was very disappointed, but they offered other trips. In trying to avoid transaction fees, I had them book me on the isle of sky 2 day with accommodation and the loch ness 1 day tour instead. BIG MISTAKE! I should have just gotten the full refund and then booked the separate trips. Initial confirmation on the 2 day didn't include the accommodation, and I called immediately, and they corrected it. Then, they issued a refund. When we got to the hotel, they wanted me to pay, so I called timerbush they said they took care of it and would review things in the morning. They next day, they said I owed another 125 pound for the hotel. I'm still going back and forth with them to get the numbers right. To me, it looks like they owe me about $200. All this kind of ruined my last night in Scotland, and I didn't enjoy the second day of the trip as much as I should have. Aside from the financial mess, Marita was great, informative, entertaining, and an all-around awesome tour guide, with lots of helpful tips about what to look for at the stops, where to eat, etc. (5 stars for her).
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Select Date and Tickets
up to 15 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Today