Orkney Express - 3 days
Orkney Express - 3 days
Orkney Express - 3 days
3 Days Starting and ending in Inverness, Scotland
Visiting: Inverness, Kirkwall
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 16
Age range:
5-
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating 3-day journey through the enchanting Orkney Islands with the Orkney Express tour. Starting from Inverness, traverse the dramatic northeast Highland coastline, visit the grand Dunrobin Castle, and cross the Pentland Firth to the Orkney Archipelago. Explore the historic town of Kirkwall, marvel at the ancient stone circle of the Ring of Brodgar, and delve into prehistoric life at Skara Brae and Maeshowe. Discover the charm of Scotland's remote Caithness fishing villages and learn about the Highland Clearances. Enjoy comfortable accommodations in local guesthouses and travel in a 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach, escorted by a knowledgeable local driver-guide. This small group tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and stunning landscapes, making it an unforgettable Scottish adventure.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Inverness
Location: Inverness
Accommodation Name: Bellavista Guest House, Heatherlea B&B, Hildeval B&B or similar
Inverness - Kirkwall. We start early, leaving the 'Capital of the Highlands' and crossing the Black Isle, passing by the grand Dunrobin Castle. Our journey takes us along the dramatic northeast Highland coastline, through Scotland's northernmost mainland village, John o' Groats, to Gills Bay. Here, we board the ferry and cross the Pentland Firth to the Orkney Archipelago.
Upon arrival, we take a short drive to visit the famous Italian Chapel before continuing to Kirkwall, the capital of Orkney. In Kirkwall, we explore the magnificent Viking Cathedral and enjoy wandering its historic, winding streets in the evening.
Please note: Check-in closes at 07:45 (tour departs at 08:00) - Inverness Pick Up, Bus stop next to Inverness Cathedral, Ardross Street, Inverness, IV3 5NS.
Accommodation: Bellavista Guest House, Heatherlea B&B, Hildeval B&B or similar.
Day 2: Kirkwall
Location: Kirkwall
Accommodation Name: Bellavista Guest House, Heatherlea B&B, Hildeval B&B or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, we delve into the modern and ancient wonders of this captivating archipelago, where lush green pastures meet golden sandy shores, washed by the North Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. We visit the 5,000-year-old village of Skara Brae, the mystical prehistoric stone circle at Brodgar, and the ancient standing stones of Stenness.
Our exploration continues at the cairn of Maeshowe, which houses one of the largest collections of Norse runic inscriptions left by Vikings in the 12th century. After this memorable day, we return to Kirkwall for our second night.
Accommodation: Bellavista Guest House, Heatherlea B&B, Hildeval B&B or similar.
Day 3: Inverness
Location: Inverness
Meals Included: Breakfast
Kirkwall - Inverness. We start our day with a final chance to shop for gifts and visit the local cathedral in Kirkwall. After taking the ferry back to the mainland, we journey through the historically rich regions of Caithness and Sutherland. Along the way, we delve into the Highland Clearances, a pivotal and somber chapter in Scotland's history, and catch glimpses of some of Scotland's most remote fishing villages. We conclude our adventure, arriving 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
What's Included
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2 breakfasts
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2 nights simple guesthouse
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Escorted by a local driver-guide
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Transportation in 16 seat Mercedes mini-coach with air-conditioning
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Admission to Maeshowe
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Admission to Skara Brae
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All road tolls
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14kg luggage - see Trip Notes for details
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Note: This tour is operated in conjunction with our trusted partner and you will join travellers from different operators, not solely On The Go.
What's Not Included
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International flights & visas
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Airport transfers (pick up and drop off information can be found in the Trip Notes)
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Meals not specified in itinerary
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Tipping - an entirely personal gesture!
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Entry fees unless specified
Mode of Transport
Travel in comfort aboard a 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach with air-conditioning, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey throughout the tour.
Accommodation
Enjoy two nights in simple yet comfortable guesthouses such as Bellavista Guest House, Heatherlea B&B, Hildeval B&B, or similar accommodations.
Age Policy
Min:5yrs with an adultChild discount available for 5-15 yrs sharing with 2 adults
Check out our Q&As
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What type of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides transportation in a 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach with air-conditioning.
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Are there any meals included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes 2 breakfasts.
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What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 2 nights in a simple guesthouse, such as Bellavista Guest House, Heatherlea B&B, Hildeval B&B, or similar.
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Is there a local guide during the tour?
Yes, the tour is escorted by a local driver-guide.
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Are there any admission fees included in the tour?
Yes, admission to Maeshowe and Skara Brae is included in the tour.
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What is the luggage allowance for the tour?
The luggage allowance for the tour is 14kg. Please see the Trip Notes for more details.
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What are the starting and ending points of the tour?
The tour starts and ends in Inverness.
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What are some of the key sites visited on the tour?
Key sites visited include the Ring of Brodgar, Skara Brae, Maeshowe, the Italian Chapel, and the Viking Cathedral in Kirkwall.
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Is there a minimum age requirement for the tour?
Yes, the minimum age requirement for the tour is 5 years old, and there is a child discount available for children aged 5-15 years sharing with 2 adults.
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What is the check-in and departure time on the first day of the tour?
Check-in closes at 07:45, and the tour departs at 08:00 from the bus stop next to Inverness Cathedral, Ardross Street, Inverness, IV3 5NS.
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What time does the tour end on the last day?
The tour ends at 19:00 at the bus stop next to Inverness Cathedral, Ardross Street, Inverness, IV3 5NS.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Low Deposit
On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 600 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.