Scotland’s Finest: Orkney Wilds Explorer 2026
Skara Brae © VisitScotland Kenny Lam
Ferry at St Margarets Hope
Churchill Barriers
Italian Chapel
Ring of Brodgar
Standing Stones of Stenness
St Magnus Cathedral, Kirkwall
Our six-day tour of Orkney and Caithness is a wonderful opportunity to spend quality time on this unique and spectacular island steeped in a rich heritage with pre-historic sites which are older than Stonehenge! Set against the dramatic North Atlantic Sea with windswept landscapes, our local guide will provide expert commentary to bring its incredible history to life. When on the island we are based in the main town of Kirkwall, so we have lots of opportunities to discover its key attractions.
PACKAGED ITINERARY
Day 1 Arrival
We arrive at our hotel in Caithness in time for dinner.
Day 2 Castle & Gardens of Mey & John O’ Groats
Today we visit the former royal residence of the Queen Mother, the Castle & Gardens of Mey, where we get an insight into Her Majesty’s life in Caithness and spend time enjoying the peaceful gardens and grounds. We then head to the most northerly point of the mainland, John O’ Groats, a famous start or finish point for cyclists and walkers making the great journey to or from Land’s End. We can explore the village and admire the beautiful scenery, surrounding coast and wildlife before returning to our hotel.
Day 3 Ferry to Orkney with Guided Tour
This morning, we make a prompt start and catch the morning ferry to the island of Orkney. We are met by our local guide for a tour of the east of the island including a visit to the beautiful Italian Chapel and the Churchill Barriers both built by Italian prisoners of war during WWII. Afterwards, we head to the main town of Kirkwall to check into our hotel and explore our new surroundings – there’s plenty to discover from the ancient St Magnus Cathedral, the Earl’s & Bishop’s Palaces to the fascinating Orkney Museum.
Day 4 Guided Tour of the Island
After a leisurely breakfast, our local guide will join us for a fascinating full day to further explore the west of the island. We will step back in time, over 5,000 years to visit the ancient stone circle of the Standing Stones of Stenness, the Ring of Brodgar and Skara Brae. We will also visit Skaill House, a fine 17th century mansion overlooking the spectacular Bay of Skaill. Also included is a visit to the incredibly scenic Broch of Birsay over lunchtime.
Day 5 ‘Me Time’ on the Island Driver Day Off
Today we have the day at leisure to explore more of the island. You can choose to see more of Kirkwall with a visit to the unique Highland Park Distillery, Orkney Museum which tells the story of the island from the Stone Age to the present day or impressive St Magnus Cathedral. Or use the local public transport to explore the island further or enjoy a walk in the stunning landscapes of Orkney.
Day 6 Departure
We depart our hotel in Orkney and make our way to the terminal to catch the ferry back to the mainland, where we start our journey home. Please speak to the sales team for overnight options.
Please Note: This tour relies on island ferry services, in the event that a sailing is cancelled or delayed be aware that itineraries will have to be adapted; sometimes at very short notice.
Day 1 Arrival
We arrive at our hotel in Caithness in time for dinner.
Day 2 Castle & Gardens of Mey & John O’ Groats
Today we visit the former royal residence of the Queen Mother, the Castle & Gardens of Mey, where we get an insight into Her Majesty’s life in Caithness and spend time enjoying the peaceful gardens and grounds. We then head to the most northerly point of the mainland, John O’ Groats, a famous start or finish point for cyclists and walkers making the great journey to or from Land’s End. We can explore the village and admire the beautiful scenery, surrounding coast and wildlife before returning to our hotel.
Day 3 Ferry to Orkney with Guided Tour
This morning, we make a prompt start and catch the morning ferry to the island of Orkney. We are met by our local guide for a tour of the east of the island including a visit to the beautiful Italian Chapel and the Churchill Barriers both built by Italian prisoners of war during WWII. Afterwards, we head to the main town of Kirkwall to check into our hotel and explore our new surroundings – there’s plenty to discover from the ancient St Magnus Cathedral, the Earl’s & Bishop’s Palaces to the fascinating Orkney Museum.
Day 4 Guided Tour of the Island
After a leisurely breakfast, our local guide will join us for a fascinating full day to further explore the west of the island. We will step back in time, over 5,000 years to visit the ancient stone circle of the Standing Stones of Stenness, the Ring of Brodgar and Skara Brae. We will also visit Skaill House, a fine 17th century mansion overlooking the spectacular Bay of Skaill. Also included is a visit to the incredibly scenic Broch of Birsay over lunchtime.
Day 5 ‘Me Time’ on the Island Driver Day Off
Today we have the day at leisure to explore more of the island. You can choose to see more of Kirkwall with a visit to the unique Highland Park Distillery, Orkney Museum which tells the story of the island from the Stone Age to the present day or impressive St Magnus Cathedral. Or use the local public transport to explore the island further or enjoy a walk in the stunning landscapes of Orkney.
Day 6 Departure
We depart our hotel in Orkney and make our way to the terminal to catch the ferry back to the mainland, where we start our journey home. Please speak to the sales team for overnight options.
Please Note: This tour relies on island ferry services, in the event that a sailing is cancelled or delayed be aware that itineraries will have to be adapted; sometimes at very short notice.
Ayre Hotel
Kirkwell, Orkney
Located across the road from the shore and close to the Kirkwall’s pier, this traditional island townhouse offers a warm welcome. The 55 bedrooms, which are split between the main building and adjoining annex are comfortable and furnished with solid wood and include TV, hairdryer and tea/coffee making facilities. There is a public bar with stools and pool table as well as a delightful lounge/residents bar with contemporary and elegant soft furnishings, perfect for a catch up after a day sightseeing. The restaurant is stylish and bright and is spread into different areas, including some seating in the conservatory, offering choice in elegant surroundings.
Pentland Hotel
Thurso, Caithness
Centrally located in the heart of Thurso, this popular groups hotel is ideal as a base for day trips to Orkney. The hotel offers comfortable accommodation with 42 traditionally decorated bedrooms, equipped with a TV, hairdryer and tea/coffee making facilities. There is a large, elegant dining room and an airy bar with plenty of seating. The reception area features an attractive fireplace with a carved wooden mantel and Caithness stone hearth, traditional décor and comfortable seating, perfect for relaxing. Please be aware that there is no lift at the hotel and there are some steps.
Pentland Hotel
Thurso, Caithness
Nights 1 & 2
Ayre Hotel
Kirkwall, Orkney
Nights 3, 4 & 5
5 Nights Half Board
Twin from £715pp
Single Supplement from £219
Selected Dates Only
Based on Saturday arrivals
Inclusions
• Entrance to Castle & Gardens of Mey
• Ferry from Gills Bay to St Margaret’s Hope
• Half day guided tour of Orkney
• Full day guided tour of Orkney
• Entrance to the Italian Chapel
• Entrance to Skaill House & Skara Brae
• Ferry from Stromness to Scrabster
Please refer to your quote for hotel inclusions.
Call to tailor this tour 01732 879191
Click to get a quote
Request a call back
