Undiscovered Orkney

Departing: June 2027 - August 2027

Orkney’s 70 islands offer unique history, charm and landscapes. Based on the Mainland, we explore hidden gems across the North and South Isles. Sail Westray’s Old Norse routes, cross Scapa Flow to Hoy with its dramatic scenery and discover the ‘Heart of Neolithic Orkney’ on Mainland, including the Stones of Stenness and Skara Brae. This itinerary also features part of the scenic North Coast 500.

Included

Explore Maeshowe & Scapa Flow Museum, with entrance fees included
All other visits as outlined in the itinerary
Professional Tour Manager
4 nights at the Kirkwall Hotel, Kirkwall
4 breakfasts & 4 dinners
Private air-conditioned coach travel

Highlights

The Scaun Natural Arch and the spectacular sea cliffs, Westray
Views of the Old Man of Hoy as we sail to Scrabster
Discover Orkney’s Naval history at the Scapa Flow Museum
The UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Maeshowe, Stones of Stenness and Skara Brae
A dram of the finest whisky at Scapa Distillery

David Maclennan

David is an experienced Tour Manager and Guide Lecturer, leading tours throughout the UK and Europe since retiring from full-time employment. With extensive knowledge of gardens and horticulture, he brings each destination to life with enthusiasm and expertise. You may even see him in his kilt!

Sue Pomeroy

Having studied Horticulture in places ranging from New Zealand to Chile. Her personal garden is open to the public and it has featured in Country Life and Gardeners’ World.

Tour Itinerary

We depart by coach from our designated pick-up points and travel North to Scrabster in time to catch the Northlink ferry to Stromness. Dinner is served in the restaurant on board. On arrival in Orkney, we will transfer the short distance to Kirkwall and our accommodation.

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: Kirkwall Hotel

After breakfast, we explore mainland Orkney’s archaeological sites, starting with Maeshowe, a renowned chambered tomb. We visit Skara Brae and its visitor centre, the Standing Stones of Stenness and the charming Italian Chapel. Later, we tour the Pier Arts Centre and the Highland Park Distillery, known for its traditional methods.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Kirkwall Hotel

After breakfast, we head to Hoy, Orkney’s second-largest island, with mountains in the north and fertile plains in the south. A 45-minute ferry ride takes us across Scapa Flow to Lyness. We visit the stunning Dwarfie Stone, where silence feels profound, and then Rackwick Bay, a beach with boulders, cliffs and a dynamic seascape. Returning south, we explore the Scapa Flow Museum at the former Lyness Naval Base, showcasing the Royal Navy’s role in Orkney during both World Wars. After lunch (not included), we visit the stone-built Martello Tower at Hackness. Later, we ferry back to Houton and drive to Kirkwall for dinner at the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, DInner

Accommodation: Kirkwall Hotel

This morning, we depart for the island of Westray, the ‘Queen of the Orkney Isles’, which is reached by ferry from the pier directly opposite the hotel, sailing along the old Viking sea route to the north, past the islands of Egilsay and Eday. On Westray, we visit the Scaun Natural Arch, spotting seabirds like Shag, Black Guillemot, and Fulmar. Next is the unique Quoygrew 10th-century Norse site, followed by the Kirk of St Mary in Pierowall Village. After lunch (not included), we explore Castle O’Burrian, the Westray Heritage Centre and finish at Noltland Castle, an unusual castle reflecting Scotland’s troubled history. We return to Kirkwall by ferry and enjoy dinner at the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Kirkwall Hotel

We check out of the hotel and transfer to Stromness to catch the ferry back to Scrabster. On arrival in Scrabster, we continue our homeward journey, stopping en route at the Timespan Museum and Arts Centre in Helmsdale, which is described as a meeting place between past, present and future. Following our visit, we return to our original pick-up points.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation

Situated in almost the exact centre of the Mainland, Kirkwall looks out across the bay to the North Isles beyond. First recorded in the Orkneyinga Saga by its original name Kirkjuvagar (meaning Church by the Bay) Kirkwall was once at the heart of a seafaring empire covering Scandinavia, Iceland, Shetland and the Western Isles, Ireland and the Isle of Man. The town dates from at least the 11th century and alongside the wonderful cathedral and remains of the Bishop’s Palace, is full of independent shops including abundant locally made arts, crafts and textiles and makes an excellent base for our tour to the islands. The Kirkwall Hotel has a total of 54 bedrooms over 2 buildings, The Kirkwall and The Shore. The Kirkwall rooms are over 3 floors and a lift serves all 3 floors. The Shore has no lift and is in a separate building along the Kikrwall. All rooms are en-suite and have a phone, free Wi-Fi, hair dryer, iron, ironing board, complimentary toiletries and tea & coffee making facilities.

Availability & Booking

2027

12th June from $2,625

Call to Book

11th August from $2,625

Call to Book

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