Orkney Islands Tours & Trips
The Orkney Islands off Scotland's north are seriously remote and windswept, and that’s what makes them so special. Skara Brae is older than the pyramids, visit the Ring of Brodgar stones, and the Italian Chapel built by POWs. Don’t miss Scapa Flow diving WWII wrecks, seabird cliffs, and whisky distilleries. The Orkney Islands do ancient history differently, showing you true life, beauty, and history.
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The best Orkney Islands tour packages
Compiled by
SteffOrkney Islands travel expert at TourRadar
- 5-Day Orkney & Scotland's Northern Coast Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh
- North Scotland, Loch Ness & Orkney - 5 days
- Discover Orkney Small-Group Tour – 3 Days
- North Scotland, Loch Ness & Orkney (Hotel) - 5 days
- Best of Scotland Small-Group Tour - 5 Days
- 3-Day Orkney Explorer Small-Group Small-Group Tour from Inverness
- Orkney & The Far North
- Orkney & Scotland's Northern Coast Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh - 5 Days
5-Day Orkney & Scotland's Northern Coast Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh
87 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“I loved visiting the Highlands of Scotland and it was definitely a bucketlist trip.”
Andrea, traveled in August
Orkney's 5,000-year history comes alive, from Skara Brae village to Norse-influenced Kirkwall Cathedral. Two nights in the Viking capital of Kirkwall offer visits to the Italian Chapel, while ancient sites like the Ring of Brodgar and Maeshowe tomb reveal prehistoric mysteries.
Duration 5 days Destinations Edinburgh, Stirling, Doune, Callander, Glencoe, Loch Ness, Inverness, Dunrobin, John O'Groats, Orkney IslandsSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Rabbie's Tours From
- US$1,291
North Scotland, Loch Ness & Orkney - 5 days
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The tour was a great experience, with beautiful scenery and comfortable accommodations.”
Angela, traveled in March
Your Orkney adventure spans 5,000 years with two nights at Bellavista Guest House in Kirkwall. UNESCO sites unfold before you, including Skara Brae village, Ring of Brodgar stone circle, and Maeshowe tomb with Viking inscriptions. The 12th-century St Magnus Cathedral awaits during free evening hours.
Duration 5 days Destinations Edinburgh, Callander, Glencoe, Loch Ness, Inverness, Kirkwall, Orkney Islands, Ullapool, Culloden Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator On The Go Tours From $1,845
20% Off- US$1,476You save $369
Northern Scotland leads to the UNESCO-listed Heart of Neolithic Orkney, where the 5,000-year-old village of Skara Brae shows stone homes and built-in furniture, plus the towering Stones of Stenness. A 16-seat mini-coach with your driver-guide takes you across the Pentland Firth for two nights in en-suite accommodation in Kirkwall, the Viking capital. Maeshowe's Norse runic inscriptions and Kirkwall's Viking Cathedral are part of the itinerary.
Duration 3 days Destinations Inverness, Dunrobin, John O'Groats, Orkney Islands, Kirkwall, Skara Brae, Stenness, St Margaret's Hope Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Click Tours From $1,175
36% Off- US$752You save $423
Two nights at the Kirkwall Hotel place you in the heart of Orkney's heritage. The UNESCO-listed Heart of Neolithic Orkney showcases 5,000-year-old Skara Brae village and ancient stone circles at Brodgar. The 12th-century St Magnus Cathedral and charming Italian Chapel round out your visit.
Duration 5 days Destinations Edinburgh, Callander, Glencoe, Loch Ness, Inverness, Kirkwall, Orkney Islands, Ullapool, Culloden Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator On The Go Tours From $2,160
20% Off- US$1,728You save $432
The Orkney Islands showcase the UNESCO-listed Heart of Neolithic Orkney, including the 5,000-year-old Skara Brae village and Ring of Brodgar stone circle. You'll cross the Churchill Barriers to see the Italian Chapel and stay in Kirkwall with views of Scapa Flow. A luxury 16-seat mini-coach with a local driver-guide handles transportation.
Duration 5 days Destinations Edinburgh, Glencoe, Loch Ness, Inverness, Dunrobin, John O'Groats, Orkney Islands, Kirkwall, Skara Brae, StromnessSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Click Tours From $2,420
36% Off- US$1,549You save $871
3-Day Orkney Explorer Small-Group Small-Group Tour from Inverness
31 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Extraordinary sights, history and scenery. Loved every minute.”
Helen, traveled in July
The 5,000-year-old Skara Brae village and mystical Ring of Brodgar stone circle showcase Orkney's ancient past. Maeshowe cairn reveals Viking runic inscriptions while the Italian Chapel tells its wartime story. Kirkwall serves as your base for exploring medieval cathedral and historic streets.
Duration 3 days Destinations Inverness, Dunrobin, John O'Groats, Orkney Islands, Kirkwall, Skara Brae, Stenness, St Margaret's Hope Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Rabbie's Tours From
36% Off- US$622
Orkney & The Far North
9 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We saw everything on my wish list and then some. Accomadations were excellent.”
Carol, traveled in September
Two memorable nights in Kirkwall open doors to Orkney's treasures. The Italian Chapel, Churchill Barriers, and prehistoric wonders like Maeshowe cairn and Ring o'Brodgar stone circles await. Local craft shopping and tours of the magnificent St Magnus Cathedral complete your stay.
Duration 5 days Destinations Edinburgh, Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park, Glencoe, Fort William, Loch Ness, Inverness, Orkney Islands, Kirkwall, Stenness, Skara BraeSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Highland Experience Tours From
36% Off- US$1,310
Orkney & Scotland's Northern Coast Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh - 5 Days
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The days were long and jam-packed with sights. I definitely got full value for my money.”
Patricia, traveled in August
The UNESCO-listed Heart of Neolithic Orkney includes the 5,000-year-old Maeshowe chambered tomb with Viking runes and the ancient village of Skara Brae. A ferry from Gills Bay takes you across the Pentland Firth, then you'll pass through the Churchill Barriers to see the Italian Chapel. Two nights in Kirkwall give you time to check out the area's Viking heritage. The Ring of Brodgar stone circle and Stromness's historic harbour streets are on the route.
Duration 5 days Destinations Edinburgh, Glencoe, Loch Ness, Inverness, Dunrobin, John O'Groats, Orkney Islands, Kirkwall, Skara Brae, StromnessSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Click Tours From $2,400
36% Off- US$1,536You save $864
What our customers ask about Orkney Islands Tours & Trips
What are the must-visit historical sites in Orkney Islands?
The Orkney Islands feature some of Europe's most significant prehistoric sites. The 5000-year-old Neolithic village of Skara Brae stands as a remarkable window into ancient life predating both Stonehenge and the Pyramids. Visitors should plan to see the Ring of Brodgar standing stones the Maeshowe chambered cairn with its Viking runic inscriptions and St Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall. One TourRadar traveler noted "We learned so much about the neolithic age and archeology. The Orkney Islands have to be the most amazing historical sites we've ever visited."
When is the best time to visit Orkney Islands?
The most favorable time to explore the Orkney Islands runs from May through September. These months bring longer daylight hours and better weather conditions. Wildlife enthusiasts will find June and July ideal for spotting puffins along the coastal cliffs. The popular Kirkwall Hotel tends to reach full capacity during this period. A TourRadar traveler shared "We had mostly sunshine and beautiful weather which made it near perfect! Though Scotland can be cold at night throughout the year so bring appropriate clothing."
What unique local foods should I try in Orkney Islands?
The Orkney Islands' culinary scene centers on fresh local ingredients. Visitors can sample fresh-caught seafood Orkney beef and the unique North Ronaldsay mutton from sheep that feed on seaweed. Local shops in Kirkwall stock traditional oatcakes Orkney cheese and Highland Park whisky. The Bellavista Guest House serves authentic Scottish breakfasts. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "The picnic lunch of local Orkney produce in an old schoolhouse was a highlight and we even got to meet some of the producers."
How long should I stay to properly explore Orkney Islands?
Visitors need 3-5 days to properly experience the Orkney Islands. This timeframe allows for visits to major archaeological sites exploration of Kirkwall and trips to smaller islands like Hoy. The Glen Mhor Hotel in Inverness serves as a convenient starting point before heading to Orkney. A TourRadar traveler shared: "Our 5-day tour delivered everything that was advertised and more giving us plenty of time to explore both the historical sites and modern island life."
What wildlife can I expect to see in Orkney Islands?
The natural environment of Orkney Islands supports rich wildlife populations. Visitors regularly spot puffins seals otters and numerous seabird species. Prime viewing locations include the coastal areas near the Churchill Barriers and Hoy's cliffs. The Caladh Hotel in Stornoway provides convenient access to wildlife watching spots. One TourRadar traveler noted: "We were lucky enough to spot whales during our ferry crossing and saw puffins nesting in the cliffs - absolutely magical!"
What unique souvenirs should I buy from Orkney Islands?
The Orkney Islands offer distinct local crafts and products. Shoppers can find Celtic-design jewelry Highland Park whisky Orkney knitwear and handcrafted items. The retail area around St Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall specializes in authentic local goods. A TourRadar traveler recommended: "The craft and jewelry shops in Kirkwall had beautiful unique pieces and the local whisky makes for a perfect gift."