Orkney Islands Day Trip from John O'Groats

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Highlights

  • Get a taste of Orkney’s island charms on an affordable day trip

  • Stop at Skara Brae, a Stone Age village with UNESCO World Heritage status

  • Learn about the islands’ colorful history and Viking past from your guide

  • Cross by ferry from John O’Groats then explore the islands by coach

Summary

Your trip through the Orkney Islands begins in John O'Groats Harbor, where you set off by ferry in the morning across the blustery Pentland Firth to port in Burwick. After your cruise, transfer to a comfortable coach for a guided tour of remarkable local attractions. Savor unspoiled scenery as you travel along the Churchill Barriers (the extensive island causeway system). Hug the Scapa Flow (meaning ‘bay of the long isthmus’ in Old Norse), where you may spot swooping seabirds, bobbing seals and whales. Stop in Stromness, the last port of all before the Americas, and Kirkwall to see the lovely St. Magnus Cathedral—nearly a millennia old!  Soak up mysterious Viking history as you visit ancient monuments including prehistoric standing stones, tombs and the more than 5,000-year-old village of Skara Brae. Cap your day with a stop at the famous Italian Chapel, built during WWII by Italian prisoners of war. Admire the beauty and ingenuity of the chapel, made of only basic raw materials, then re-board your coach for the ride back to port. Your tour concludes back at John o’Groats Harbor in the evening.

Tour info

Duration
10 hours
Group Size
Pricing (From)
Commentary
Meeting Point
Dropoff location

Why take this tour?

With at least 5,000 years of history, the rugged Orkney Islands are one of Scotland’s most compelling destinations. Skip the car hire costs and soak up the sights with a guide on this convenient coach tour from John O’Groats. Ride the Churchill Barriers that link the islands; see Stromness, Kirkwall, Skara Brae, and the Italian Chapel; and look for seals and seabirds on the Scapa Flow. Tour excludes entrance fees.

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What’s included?

  • Ferry crossing

  • English speaking guide

  • Transport by coach

  • Entrance fee to Skara Brae (stoneage village)

  • Optional gratuities

  • Hotel pickup and drop off

  • Food and drinks, unless specified

  • Entrance fee to Italian chapel

  • Entry/Admission - Skara Brae

  • Entry/Admission - The Italian Chapel

Things to know

Before you book

  • Duration: 10h

  • Mobile tickets accepted

  • Instant confirmation

Covid Policy

  • Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
  • Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff

Cancellation Policy

    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
Operator Website

Operated by:

John O'Groats Ferries

About operator:

Summer passenger ferry from John O'Groats to Orkney Islands every day starting 1 May to 30 September each year. Up to 3 departures daily. Day Tours of Orkney Islands daily from John O'Groats & Inverness during summer months. Wildlife Cruises daily from John O'Groats at 2.30pm. Wildlife Cruises start 20 June until 31 Aug.

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