Orkney Islands Tours & Trips
4.5 stars on(8,349 reviews)- Choose from 6 Orkney Islands tours
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The best Orkney Islands tour packages
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SteffOrkney Islands travel expert at TourRadar
5-Day Orkney & Scotland's Northern Coast Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh
75 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We learned so much about the neolithic age and archeology. Scotland has to be the most beautiful country.”
Linda, traveled in July
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 5 to 99 year olds Operator Rabbie's Tours From
- NZ$2,157
North Scotland, Loch Ness & Orkney - 5 days
2 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 5 to 99 year olds Operator On The Go Tours From $3,475
20% Off- NZ$2,780You save $695
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 5 to 99 year olds Operator On The Go Tours From $4,075
20% Off- NZ$3,260You save $815
Orkney & The Far North
8 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The tour was very informative and accommodating to all passengers' needs.”
Christopher, 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 3 to 99 year olds Operator Highland Experience Tours From
20% Off- NZ$1,919
3-Day Orkney Explorer Small-Group Small-Group Tour from Inverness
21 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The range of places and sites visited was plentiful. The choice of B & B was excellent.”
David, traveled in May
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 5 to 99 year olds Operator Rabbie's Tours From
20% Off- NZ$1,039
North Coast & Islands
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Spectacular scenery, interesting places and history.”
Richard, traveled in June
Ring of Brodgar and Skara Brae Neolithic village stand as testaments to Orkney's ancient history. Churchill barriers lead to Scapa Flow's waters, while historic Kirkwall charms visitors before the return journey via Pentland Firth, completing a day filled with archaeological treasures.
Duration 6 days Destinations Edinburgh, Inverness, Dornoch, Wick, Orkney Islands, Durness, Ullapool, Stornoway, Lewis, Isle of HarrisSee all destinations Age Range 13 to 80 year olds Operator Royal Irish Tours From
20% Off- NZ$4,026
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."