Orkney Express - 3 days

Orkney Express - 3 days

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3 Days From

$905

$724

Orkney Express - 3 days

3 Days Starting and ending in Inverness, Scotland

Visiting: Inverness, Kirkwall

Tour operator:

On The Go Tours

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

2 - 16

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

5-

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Small Group

Activities:

Sightseeing, Walking

From: $905 $724 Operator discount: -$181 -20%

NB: Prices correct on 10-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

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

  • Ring of Brodgar – Marvel at an ancient stone circle steeped in enigma and grandeur

  • Skara Brae and Maeshowe – Immerse yourself in prehistoric life and explore some of Europe’s most remarkable ancient sites

  • Kirkwall – Wander through a historic Norse settlement and admire its stunning Medieval cathedral

  • Caithness Fishing Villages – Discover the charm of Scotland’s remote coastal communities and their picturesque settings

  • Visit the famous Italian Chapel on the Orkney Archipelago

  • Explore the magnificent Viking Cathedral in Kirkwall

  • Journey through the historically rich regions of Caithness and Sutherland

Itinerary

Expand All

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

  • 2 breakfasts

  • 2 nights simple guesthouse

  • Escorted by a local driver-guide

  • Transportation in 16 seat Mercedes mini-coach with air-conditioning

  • 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.

What's Not Included

  • International flights & visas

  • Airport transfers (pick up and drop off information can be found in the Trip Notes)

  • Meals not specified in itinerary

  • Tipping - an entirely personal gesture!

  • 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

  • What type of transportation is provided during the tour?

    The tour provides transportation in a 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach with air-conditioning.

  • Are there any meals included in the tour?

    Yes, the tour includes 2 breakfasts.

  • 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.

  • Is there a local guide during the tour?

    Yes, the tour is escorted by a local driver-guide.

  • Are there any admission fees included in the tour?

    Yes, admission to Maeshowe and Skara Brae is included in the tour.

  • What is the luggage allowance for the tour?

    The luggage allowance for the tour is 14kg. Please see the Trip Notes for more details.

  • What are the starting and ending points of the tour?

    The tour starts and ends in Inverness.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1998

  • 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+

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

Reviews of this operator

Nicola Hodgkinson (Google Reviewer)  

Recently returned from Greece, a...

07-May-2024

Recently returned from Greece, a 5 day tour with OTG. Unfortunately, I had a negative experience on day 2 where I needed local support to get me out of a tricky situation. Thank you to Alexandra Z from Hetco Tours in Athens for helping me continue on with the trip, to the Hotel Zafolia staffing team and to Danielle and team here in the UK for supporting me with the aftermath. Your kindness will not be forgotten and I will pay it forward. I've now booked 3 trips with yourselves and will continue to go back. Thank you all. Honestly, I am SO grateful. Blessings to you all. Nicola

Calvin  

Wonderful experience

05-Jan-2023

Jamal is our tour guide. Right from the start, he created a group chat in whatsapp and if any issues to make sure we contact him. He was on the ball with every issue thrown at him. Luggage being left behind, stragglers wondered off in a different path, hotel room etc. He explains the various site along our route to give us a better understanding of the local cultures. We had a great time, thanks to Jamal.

Trustpilot
Norma Sullivan  

Land of the Northern Lights 5 day tour of Iceland

10-Sep-2021

The Land of Northern Lights tour was a triumph! My tour of Southern Iceland was absolutely wonderful. The venues chosen, the timing allotted at each venue and the variety of things to experience was nearly perfect. Our guide, "Thor", was smart, amusing, full of history and anecdotal stories as well as being incredibly hospitable and helpful. This small group experience was my first, but not my last thanks to On the Go.

Trawls (Google Reviewer)  

On The Go Tours Sri...

05-Feb-2024

On The Go Tours Sri Lanka was an incredible experience that was made even better by our tour guide Akthar. He was incredibly knowledgeable about his country and he loved sharing it with us. The tour covers a wide range of activities so you can truly experience what Sri Lanka is all about. The beautiful 4-5 star hotels at the end of every day was an absolute bonus. Thanks for a great trip OTGT I’m sure this won’t be my last

Xtreme Floor Care (Google Reviewer)  

Traveled through Egypt with On...

30-Nov-2023

Traveled through Egypt with On the Go Tours, professional service, very informative and helpful tour guides. The choice of hotels was excellent... Definitely recommend this company

Gavin Harrigan  

King Tutankhamun 10 day tour of Egypt

16-Sep-2021

I have just returned from my tour with On The Go and it was an amazing trip! From arriving at the airport and meeting the OTG representative, everything was well organised and hassle free.  Our tour guide was Amir. He is awesome!! From the beginning he was so friendly and enthusiastic about showing us around Egypt, giving us loads of information at each place and time to explore ourselves. Learnt so much from him about this fascinating place, and he was always happy to answer more questions.   The trip itself was amazing. There's lots of travelling on this trip, but it's really not too bad, and the sights you see when you get to where you are going are worth it. I'm not a big fan of boats, but the Felluca ride across the Nile was pretty fun too.  On the first day I also did the optional tour of Cairo with Ahmed Helal - another excellent guide from OTG. It's worth doing this add on as you don't spend much time in Cairo, and you go to three very different places.  I'm so glad that I decided to do this trip. It was just ace.  If you're thinking about it too, you should probably just book it. And hopefully you get Amir as your guide.

Paul Kelly (Google Reviewer)  

TOTALLY MOROCCO We booked a 9...

26-Feb-2023

TOTALLY MOROCCO We booked a 9 day tour of Morocco visiting many main cities and places of interest. The coach was very comfortable and we felt safe with the driver Suliman. The guide was Hicham Touraouine and he was fantastic. He spoke perfect English as well as French, Arabic and Berber. He was so kind and considerate and made a good tour great. We particularly enjoyed ‘glamming in the Sahara Desert. So much to see and do and great food and company. We would definitely use On The Go Tours again, especially if Hicham was the guide. Paul & Penny

Joyce Heitler (Google Reviewer)  

I would give this tour...

09-May-2024

I would give this tour group no stars if possible. The tour was not guaranteed but they did not inform me when I booked and they did not have enough people. Way after I booked they said I needed a doctors letter because I was over 70. Also way after booking I was informed I needed travel insurance. They knew my age when I booked. They would not refund my tour even though it was 4 months away.

Sarah Paterson (Google Reviewer)  

Terrible tour of India. For...

27-Dec-2023

Terrible tour of India. For some reason On the Go hadn't realised that my room mate had booked her own room for the first night of tour. So the hotel in Delhi had tried to put me in her room after midnight, by wheeling in an extra bed. She went Crazy!! I then had to sit in hotel reception for hours. While the tour guide said he couldn't find me a room. Throughout the tour the guide consistently ask me and my room mate for money for my room, causing more friction between us. Don't book with this company had the worst experience ever. Go with Intrepid or G Adventure

brandy hoffman (Google Reviewer)  

I had used them once...

09-Aug-2023

I had used them once before and loved them. I decided to try them again for a Baltic tour not knowing that they put me on another Tour group- Baltic vision. Loved that tour but was not impressed they marked up the cost for me over 100%. I understand taking some for yourself because of paperwork, but over double the cost everyone else paid on the tour. Just double check before you book with them that you’re not over paying.

1 Select your preferred date

Friday - Sunday

Apr 04, 2025 - Apr 06, 2025
$975 $780

Operator discount: -$195

Monday - Wednesday

Apr 07, 2025 - Apr 09, 2025
$975 $780

Operator discount: -$195

Friday - Sunday

Apr 11, 2025 - Apr 13, 2025
$975 $780

Operator discount: -$195

Monday - Wednesday

Apr 14, 2025 - Apr 16, 2025
$975 $780

Operator discount: -$195

Friday - Sunday

Apr 18, 2025 - Apr 20, 2025
$975 $780

Operator discount: -$195

Monday - Wednesday

Apr 21, 2025 - Apr 23, 2025
$975 $780

Operator discount: -$195

Friday - Sunday

Apr 25, 2025 - Apr 27, 2025
$975 $780

Operator discount: -$195

Monday - Wednesday

Apr 28, 2025 - Apr 30, 2025
$975 $780

Operator discount: -$195

Friday - Sunday

May 02, 2025 - May 04, 2025
$975 $780

Operator discount: -$195

Monday - Wednesday

May 05, 2025 - May 07, 2025
$975 $780

Operator discount: -$195

Friday - Sunday

May 09, 2025 - May 11, 2025
$975 $780

Operator discount: -$195

Monday - Wednesday

May 12, 2025 - May 14, 2025
$975 $780

Operator discount: -$195

Friday - Sunday

May 16, 2025 - May 18, 2025
$975 $780

Operator discount: -$195

Monday - Wednesday

May 19, 2025 - May 21, 2025
$975 $780

Operator discount: -$195

Friday - Sunday

May 23, 2025 - May 25, 2025
$975 $780

Operator discount: -$195

Monday - Wednesday

May 26, 2025 - May 28, 2025
$975 $780

Operator discount: -$195

Friday - Sunday

May 30, 2025 - Jun 01, 2025
$975 $780

Operator discount: -$195

Monday - Wednesday

Jun 02, 2025 - Jun 04, 2025
$1115 $892

Operator discount: -$223

Friday - Sunday

Jun 06, 2025 - Jun 08, 2025
$1115 $892

Operator discount: -$223

Monday - Wednesday

Jun 09, 2025 - Jun 11, 2025
$1115 $892

Operator discount: -$223

Friday - Sunday

Jun 13, 2025 - Jun 15, 2025
$1115 $892

Operator discount: -$223

Monday - Wednesday

Jun 16, 2025 - Jun 18, 2025
$1115 $892

Operator discount: -$223

Friday - Sunday

Jun 20, 2025 - Jun 22, 2025
$1115 $892

Operator discount: -$223

Monday - Wednesday

Jun 23, 2025 - Jun 25, 2025
$1115 $892

Operator discount: -$223

Friday - Sunday

Jun 27, 2025 - Jun 29, 2025
$1115 $892

Operator discount: -$223

Monday - Wednesday

Jun 30, 2025 - Jul 02, 2025
$1115 $892

Operator discount: -$223

Friday - Sunday

Jul 04, 2025 - Jul 06, 2025
$1115 $892

Operator discount: -$223

Monday - Wednesday

Jul 07, 2025 - Jul 09, 2025
$1115 $892

Operator discount: -$223

Friday - Sunday

Jul 11, 2025 - Jul 13, 2025
$1115 $892

Operator discount: -$223

Monday - Wednesday

Jul 14, 2025 - Jul 16, 2025
$1115 $892

Operator discount: -$223

Friday - Sunday

Jul 18, 2025 - Jul 20, 2025
$1115 $892

Operator discount: -$223

Monday - Wednesday

Jul 21, 2025 - Jul 23, 2025
$1115 $892

Operator discount: -$223

Friday - Sunday

Jul 25, 2025 - Jul 27, 2025
$1115 $892

Operator discount: -$223

Monday - Wednesday

Jul 28, 2025 - Jul 30, 2025
$1115 $892

Operator discount: -$223

Friday - Sunday

Aug 01, 2025 - Aug 03, 2025
$1115 $892

Operator discount: -$223

Monday - Wednesday

Aug 04, 2025 - Aug 06, 2025
$1115 $892

Operator discount: -$223

Friday - Sunday

Aug 08, 2025 - Aug 10, 2025
$1115 $892

Operator discount: -$223

Monday - Wednesday

Aug 11, 2025 - Aug 13, 2025
$1115 $892

Operator discount: -$223

Friday - Sunday

Aug 15, 2025 - Aug 17, 2025
$1115 $892

Operator discount: -$223

Monday - Wednesday

Aug 18, 2025 - Aug 20, 2025
$1115 $892

Operator discount: -$223

Friday - Sunday

Aug 22, 2025 - Aug 24, 2025
$1115 $892

Operator discount: -$223

Monday - Wednesday

Aug 25, 2025 - Aug 27, 2025
$1115 $892

Operator discount: -$223

Friday - Sunday

Aug 29, 2025 - Aug 31, 2025
$1115 $892

Operator discount: -$223

Monday - Wednesday

Sep 01, 2025 - Sep 03, 2025
$1115 $892

Operator discount: -$223

Friday - Sunday

Sep 05, 2025 - Sep 07, 2025
$1115 $892

Operator discount: -$223

Monday - Wednesday

Sep 08, 2025 - Sep 10, 2025
$1115 $892

Operator discount: -$223

Friday - Sunday

Sep 12, 2025 - Sep 14, 2025
$1115 $892

Operator discount: -$223

Monday - Wednesday

Sep 15, 2025 - Sep 17, 2025
$1115 $892

Operator discount: -$223

Friday - Sunday

Sep 19, 2025 - Sep 21, 2025
$1115 $892

Operator discount: -$223

Monday - Wednesday

Sep 22, 2025 - Sep 24, 2025
$1115 $892

Operator discount: -$223

Friday - Sunday

Sep 26, 2025 - Sep 28, 2025
$1115 $892

Operator discount: -$223

Monday - Wednesday

Sep 29, 2025 - Oct 01, 2025
$1115 $892

Operator discount: -$223

Friday - Sunday

Oct 03, 2025 - Oct 05, 2025
$975 $780

Operator discount: -$195

Monday - Wednesday

Oct 06, 2025 - Oct 08, 2025
$975 $780

Operator discount: -$195

Friday - Sunday

Oct 10, 2025 - Oct 12, 2025
$975 $780

Operator discount: -$195

Monday - Wednesday

Oct 13, 2025 - Oct 15, 2025
$975 $780

Operator discount: -$195

Friday - Sunday

Oct 17, 2025 - Oct 19, 2025
$975 $780

Operator discount: -$195

Monday - Wednesday

Oct 20, 2025 - Oct 22, 2025
$975 $780

Operator discount: -$195

Friday - Sunday

Oct 24, 2025 - Oct 26, 2025
$975 $780

Operator discount: -$195

Monday - Wednesday

Oct 27, 2025 - Oct 29, 2025
$975 $780

Operator discount: -$195

Friday - Sunday

Oct 31, 2025 - Nov 02, 2025
$975 $780

Operator discount: -$195

Monday - Wednesday

Mar 02, 2026 - Mar 04, 2026
$905 $724

Operator discount: -$181

Monday - Wednesday

Mar 09, 2026 - Mar 11, 2026
$905 $724

Operator discount: -$181

Monday - Wednesday

Mar 16, 2026 - Mar 18, 2026
$905 $724

Operator discount: -$181

Monday - Wednesday

Mar 23, 2026 - Mar 25, 2026
$905 $724

Operator discount: -$181

Monday - Wednesday

Mar 30, 2026 - Apr 01, 2026
$905 $724

Operator discount: -$181

Book with Confidence

  • 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.

  • 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.