Orkney Explorer 2026

Today is your chance to explore this archipelago’s fertile green pastures, fringed by shores of golden sands and washed by waters of the North Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. As you journey through Orkney, you’ll also visit the sites of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, a UNESCO World Heritage site that encompasses some of the most significant and well-preserved prehistoric monuments in Europe.

Visiting the Stones of Stenness offers a chance to step back in time and experience ancient history firsthand. Walk among the towering stones, feel the weight of their Neolithic past, and imagine the ceremonies that took place at this sacred site over 5,000 years ago. Next, we leave the past behind and move on to the stunning natural wonders at Yesnaby. Here, the rugged cliffs rise sharply from the Atlantic Ocean, offering breathtaking views. Legend has it that these sea stacks are the remains of a giant’s castle, thrown into the sea after a fierce battle. The dramatic landscape, combined with the myth, adds a sense of mystery and magic to this breathtaking location.

We continue uncovering the secrets of the ancient past at Skara Brae. As you explore this 5,000-year-old village, complete with stone-built homes, furniture, and even a hidden chamber, you’ll be transported back in time to imagine what life was like for its early inhabitants. With your appetite whetted by all this history, we head to one of many villages for lunch.

In the afternoon, your driver-guide will take you to more captivating sites, such as Kirbuster Museum, which offers a glimpse into the island’s rural past, and perhaps even a tidal island to explore.

You’ll return to Kirkwall in the early evening, giving you the freedom to decide how to spend your time. Will you have dinner and take a leisurely stroll along the picturesque harbour? Or will you seek out pubs and venues hosting traditional Scottish music sessions? The choice is yours.

Your overnight accommodation will be in Kirkwall. (B)

Before we leave Orkney, you’ll have your final opportunity to pick up some gifts for friends and family and visit the local cathedral in Kirkwall.

Say farewell to Kirkwall as we travel once again through the rugged, windswept landscape, passing the tranquil waters of Scapa Flow, on our way to St Margaret’s Hope and the ferry terminal.

Board the ferry for Mainland Scotland and enjoy an hour-long journey across the Viking waters of the Pentland Firth. Keep an eye out for whales or dolphins during the crossing. Once back on the mainland, we stop at John O’Groats for lunch. The name is believed to have come from a Dutchman, Jan de Groot, who established a ferry service between Orkney and the mainland in the 15th century. Over time, the name came to refer to the village itself. We then continue our journey along the eastern section of the North Coast 500 (NC500), passing through the historically rich regions of Caithness and Sutherland.

On the way back, learn about the Highland Clearances, a pivotal and tragic period in Scotland’s history, and glimpse some of the country’s most remote fishing villages. Your driver-guide will also share hidden gems along the route. As we make our way to Inverness, you’ll have time to reflect on the deep history and stunning natural beauty of this remarkable part of Scotland. (B)