Discover Scotland’s Orkney Islands

Welcome to Scotland — and to Inverness, the lively capital of the Scottish Highlands, known for its rich history, stunning scenery, and its famous neighbor, Loch Ness. But today, instead of hunting for Nessie, your adventure begins as you meet your local leader and fellow travelers at Inverness Railway Station.

From here, journey north by train to Thurso, before continuing to the nearby port of Scrabster to board your ferry to the Orkney Islands. As you sail across, unwind over an evening meal and take in breathtaking coastal views — including the dramatic Old Man of Hoy, the tallest sea stack in the UK.
Arriving in the charming harbor town of Stromness, you’ll transfer privately to Kirkwall, Orkney’s main hub. After a full day of travel, settle into your accommodation and relax. If you’re feeling up for it, head out for a gentle walk through the town centre or enjoy a drink as you soak in your first taste of island life.

It’s important to attend the welcome meeting at the beginning of your trip — during this time, your leader will collect your travel insurance and emergency contact details. If you think you might arrive late, please let your travel agent or the hotel reception know in advance. You can also check with reception or look for a note posted in the lobby for details about the meeting’s time and location.

Here’s your rephrase in a smooth, engaging Eurotour style:
This morning, dive into the lively atmosphere of Kirkwall — the beating heart of Orkney. Join your local guide for a walking tour through its charming streets as you uncover the town’s deep-rooted Viking heritage. Along the way, visit highlights like the striking St Magnus Cathedral (dating back to 1137), the peaceful Peedie Sea, and the narrow winding lanes where the traditional ‘Ba’ game still comes to life each year.
In the afternoon, enjoy some free time to explore at your own pace. You might choose to revisit your favorite spots, browse local craft shops, or step inside one of the town’s museums or historic landmarks. If you’re up for something more active, your guide can lead a short hike up Wideford Hill, where you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views over Kirkwall and the surrounding islands.

Prefer a slower pace? Visit a local whisky distillery, discover unique jewellery and handmade goods, or settle into a cozy pub for a relaxed break.
After dinner, weather permitting, head out on a short evening walk beyond Kirkwall for a magical stargazing experience — and with a bit of luck, you might even catch the mesmerizing Northern Lights dancing across the sky.

Today, explore Orkney’s highlights on a private coach tour. Visit the Italian Chapel, built by WWII prisoners of war, and cross the Churchill Barriers, where shipwrecks still rise from the sea.

Continue to the ancient village of Skara Brae, one of Europe’s best-preserved prehistoric sites, before enjoying a picnic lunch with local Orkney produce. On the way back, stop at the iconic Ring of Brodgar, a 5,000-year-old stone circle and UNESCO World Heritage site.
Return to Kirkwall in the evening, with the option to join your group for dinner and reflect on the day’s discoveries.

Here’s a shorter, smoother version:
Today’s private coach tour departs at 9:00 am and returns around 5:00 pm. While most travel is by coach, some walking is involved, so be sure to bring everything you need for the day — including a waterproof jacket, water, and your phone or camera.
A picnic lunch featuring local Orkney produce is included, and restroom facilities will be available at various stops throughout the day.

After breakfast, travel to Houton and take a ferry to Hoy — Orkney’s second-largest island and a key naval base during both World Wars. Visit the Scapa Flow Museum, where powerful exhibits bring this history to life, and enjoy the option of a scenic coastal walk with views back toward the mainland.
Return to Kirkwall in the early afternoon, with free time to relax or explore as you wish. Later, soak up the local atmosphere — perhaps joining your leader for a whisky tasting featuring some of Orkney’s finest malts.

After breakfast, begin your journey back to Inverness, arriving in the late afternoon. With no further activities planned, your trip concludes at the railway station.
If you’re not ready to leave just yet, you can extend your stay in northern Scotland — additional accommodation can be arranged (subject to availability). Or continue the adventure by joining one of our other tours across the mainland or to the Shetland Islands — just speak to your booking agent in advance.

The journey from the Orkney Islands to Inverness takes around 7.5 hours and includes a combination of ferry, train, and pre-arranged transfers.
On board, you’ll have access to basic refreshments, including drinks and snacks, as well as restroom facilities. Arrival in Inverness is expected at approximately 5:00 pm.
We recommend booking onward travel for later in the evening or considering an extra night in Inverness to allow for any possible delays.