Scotland's Orkney Islands

Welcome to Scotland! Meet your local leader and fellow travellers at Inverness Railway Station. From here, take a train to Thurso, where you’ll jump in a taxi for a brief transfer to the nearby port of Scrabster to board the the ferry over to Stromness, Orkney. The ferry journey is a scenic adventure in itself, so keep your eyes peeled for the Old Man of Hoy – the tallest sea stack in the UK. Disembark in Stromness, and catch a transfer with your group to the quaint accommodation on the fringes of Kirkwall.

After a long day of travelling, it’s time to unpack and settle into your accommodation, then perhaps head into Kirkwall to a cosy pub for food and drinks. Your group leader will be happy to recommend some options.

Stretch your legs this morning and explore on a walking tour of Kirkwall – the beating heart of Orkney. Your local leader will fill you in on the town’ s history and Viking culture plus some of the hotspots, including 12th-century architecture of St Magnus Cathedral, the ‘Peedie Sea’ birdwatching area and the narrow maze of streets in the centre of town. These streets are home to the traditional ‘Ba’ game each year – a unique sporting spectacle that your leader can tell you about.

This afternoon, you have free time to explore at your own pace. Perhaps retrace your steps, stopping by the craft shop, museum or other historic sites that piqued your interest. Otherwise, there’s a whole range of craft and jewellery shops, pubs and even the acclaimed Highland Park whisky distillery to visit. It’s totally up to you, but plan early as these are popular activities! (B)

It’s time to explore Orkney in more detail today. Head off with your travel crew in a private vehicle towards some of the islands’ most historic sites. Begin heading south to the Italian Chapel – comprised of two Nissen huts converted into a stunning chapel by Italian prisoners of war. Cross the remarkable Churchill Barriers – built in WWII to keep enemy U-boats out of the waterways of Scapa Flow. These barriers are now an important connection for the smaller islands to Orkneys mainland, and dotted in the sea are a number of shipwrecks nearby. After, continue west to perhaps Orkey’s most famous site – the prehistoric village of Skara Brae. It’s northern Europe’s best-preserved Neolithic village predating Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids, and forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage listed 'Heart of Neolithic Orkney'. By now, you'll have worked up an appetite, so your group will pop into an old schoolhouse building for a picnic lunch of local Orkney produce (and perhaps meet the producers), then begin your return journey to Kirkwall. On the way back, you’ll stop by at the renowned Ring of Brodgar Standing Stones, another UNESCO World Heritage listed site, dating back over 5000 years.

When you arrive in Kirkwall, maybe join the rest of your group for dinner and chat about the fascinating sights of the day. (B/L)

After breakfast, travel to Houton, then hop on a ferry to the island of Hoy. Hoy is the second largest island in Orkney and was the main naval base for the British fleet in both the First and Second World Wars. During the early years of the Second World War, up to 12,000 personnel were based on this tiny island and this morning, you'll visit the world-renowned Scapa Flow Museum. Take some time to explore the collection of artifacts and objects, then if you like, you can head out on a coastal walk that boasts views back towards Orkney. Catch the return ferry and head back to Kirkwall, where the rest of the afternoon is free. Tonight, maybe seek out some traditional music or join your guide in the bar for a whisky tasting with malts from the Orkney Islands and across Scotland. (B)

After breakfast this morning, begin your journey back to Inverness with your group, arriving in the late afternoon. With no activities planned in Inverness, you are free to leave the group upon arrival at the railway station. That doesn’t mean your adventure has to come to an end! If you would like to spend more time in this northern UK hub, we’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability). If you’d like extending your exploration of Scotland, consider joining one of our other adventures on mainland or Shetland Islands. Just speak to your booking agent ahead of time. (B)