Start Your Story in Scotland

Where history meets breathtaking beauty, and every visit feels like an escape.

Inspiration for your trip

Step into a land steeped in history and legend, explore our dramatic landscapes and uncover our ancient Celtic roots. Vast lochs, glens and Munros - easily accessible from our vibrant cities and towns - make Scotland the perfect place to lose yourself.

Plan an epic trip to Scotland

Come and experience Scotland’s warm welcome for yourself with an unforgettable holiday packed with beautiful landscapes, unmissable events and, of course, our friendly Scots.

Highland games in Scotland

From the tug o' war to the caber toss, Scotland's Highland games are not to be missed.

The Northern Lights in Scotland

Nature's most dramatic winter light display. Discover more about this otherworldly natural phenomenon.

Dark sky parks & stargazing in Scotland

Discover spectacular dark sky parks for stargazing in Scotland. Including a stargazing toolkit, best time of year for stargazing, and more.

Scottish whisky

Whisky is Scotland's best known export and has been proudly produced throughout the country for hundreds of years.

Discover unique experiences in Scotland

Find hidden gems, plan your perfect trip, or find exactly what you need—from scenic hikes and cosy cottages to events and cultural experiences.

Experience Scotland's vibrant events and festivals

Get your toes tapping, experience something new, cheer on Scotland at a sporting event, uncover traditions, rich history and more at events and festivals across the country.

Scottish music festivals

See your favourite artists at this year's lineup of Scottish music festivals.

Halloween in Scotland

Discover Scotland’s Halloween happenings and connect with the Celtic roots of this spooky tradition.

Events and festivals in Scotland

There's something happening in Scotland right now that the whole family will love.

Autumn in Scotland

Scotland in autumn is a feast for the senses. Experience golden forests, crisp countryside walks, atmospheric festivals, and magical evenings beneath dark skies.

Autumn breaks

There's lots to do during autumn in Scotland. Find inspiration for half-term breaks and autumn holidays from family days out to walks and activities.

Scottish forests and woodlands

Explore Scotland’s most beautiful forests and woodlands, from ancient trees and peaceful trails to spectacular landscapes and wildlife.

Walking in Scotland

Find out about walking in Scotland including route guides, walking tours, mountains and hills, forests and woodlands, lochs and coastlines, and more.

Your Scottish adventure starts here

Use our interactive map to explore wild landscapes, vibrant cities, rich culture, and hidden historic gems to craft your personal Scottish experience.

Map of Scotland

Scotland as seen on TV!

From Tara Lipinski and Johnny Weir's luxury Scotland itinerary to local suggestions on the highlights of Glasgow and Dumfries & Galloway, check out this top advice on trips across Scotland.

Tara & Johnny's luxury Scotland itinerary

Have you been inspired by Tara & Johnny's Scotland itinerary as seen on NBC's Extra Mile Club? Read on and plan your own Scottish adventure.

Channel 4's Where to next? Scotland itinerary

Follow in the footsteps of comedians Fatiha El-Ghorri and John Tothill on their unforgettable journey through Scotland.

Scotland trip itineraries

Plan your days in Scotland with the help of our suggested itineraries.

Your pictures of Scotland

Share your images by tagging @VisitScotland 

JavaScript needs to be enabled to see social media images for this place. You can turn this on in your browser settings.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Receive stories and soul‑stirring ideas from those who know Scotland best – the experts. With unforgettable journeys, trip ideas and bucket list destinations, your next adventure begins the moment our inspiration arrives in your inbox.

Visit Skara Brae on a 3 Day Tour starting in Inverness.

© Experience Scotland's Wild

5000 Year Old Village - Older then the pyramids

3-Day Orkney Tour from Inverness: Skara Brae & the North Coast 500

A 3-day Orkney tour from Inverness with a small group, ferries included. Follow the North Coast 500 to Orkney for two nights, with Skara Brae and stone circles to explore.

A 3-day Orkney tour from Inverness with a small group, ferries included. Follow the North Coast 500 to Orkney for two nights, with Skara Brae and stone circles to explore.

You don’t have to travel far on Orkney to cross thousands of years of history. On this three-day Orkney tour from Inverness, follow part of the North Coast 500 and sail across the Pentland Firth for two nights around Kirkwall, with a whole day to explore the islands’ ancient past.

Discover Skara Brae, the Stones of Stenness and the Ring of Brodgar, alongside chambered cairns, St Magnus Cathedral and the Italian Chapel. The mainland journey brings its own memorable stops: John O’ Groats, the ruins of Castle Sinclair Girnigoe, Camster Cairns and Dunrobin Castle. Your expert guide helps you make sense of the monuments and island stories, with coastal walks and time outside built into the route before you return to Inverness on day three.

At a glance

  • Duration: 3 days (2 nights around Kirkwall)
  • Departs: Inverness, 8:30am (back approx. 5–6pm, Day 3)
  • Group size: Max 16 (small scheduled group)
  • Ages: 12+ (younger? ask about a private tour)
  • Walking: Short walks (up to ~1 hour, uneven paths)
  • Ferry: Included (return crossings to Orkney)

Itinerary

Day 1: Inverness to Orkney: North Coast 500 · Coastal walk · Gills Bay ferry · Italian Chapel · Scapa · Kirkwall

Leave Inverness and follow the North Coast 500 through the far north, pausing in a coastal community for a short harbour walk and stories of crofting life. Continue to Gills Bay and cross the Pentland Firth by ferry, passing the island of Stroma as Orkney comes into view.

On the islands, visit the Italian Chapel, continue towards Scapa Flow and Scapa Distillery, then finish in Kirkwall for the first of two nights.

The scheduled ferry crossing is included. Scapa experiences are paid separately and depend on the operating schedule.

Day 2: A full day on Orkney: St Magnus Cathedral · Wideford Hill · Cuween Hill · Stones of Stenness · Ring of Brodgar · Skara Brae

Begin in Kirkwall at St Magnus Cathedral before walking into Orkney’s prehistoric story at the Wideford Hill and Cuween Hill chambered cairns. Continue through the Heart of Neolithic Orkney to the Stones of Stenness and the vast ceremonial landscape around the Ring of Brodgar.

Finish at Skara Brae, where stone-built homes preserve traces of island life from around 5,000 years ago, before a second evening in Kirkwall.

Skara Brae admission isn't included. Maeshowe needs a separate timed visit and isn’t guaranteed; access and the running order vary with availability.

Day 3: Orkney to Inverness: Ferry · John O’ Groats · Castle Sinclair Girnigoe · Camster Cairns · Dunrobin Castle

Take the ferry back across the Pentland Firth to John O’ Groats, then follow the dramatic east coast south. Walk towards the ruins of Castle Sinclair Girnigoe and step further back in time at the Grey Cairns of Camster.

Visit Dunrobin Castle and its gardens before one final coastal stop and the return to Inverness at approximately 5–6pm.

Dunrobin Castle admission isn't included and the castle opens seasonally. Ferry schedules, attraction access and conditions can change the route.

The itinerary is a guide. Ferry schedules, weather, attraction availability, road conditions and other circumstances may require stops, timings or the running order to change.

Accommodation: two nights on Orkney, not included

Both nights are on Orkney, around Kirkwall, giving you a full second day on the islands without another ferry crossing. Accommodation isn't included in the tour price, so you choose how to arrange it.

Included

  • Return scheduled ferry travel between the mainland and Orkney
  • Expert Scotland's Wild guide and storyteller for all three days
  • Transport in a comfortable, air-conditioned touring vehicle
  • Guided short walks and active sightseeing stops
  • A full touring day on Orkney
  • Small group, maximum 16 travellers

Not included

  • Accommodation for the two nights
  • Meals and snacks
  • Skara Brae admission
  • Maeshowe admission, if a visit is available
  • Scapa Distillery experience
  • Dunrobin Castle admission

Departure

Outside Starbucks, Rose Street Car Park, Rose Street, Inverness, IV1 1NQ

Please arrive by 8:15am so your guide can check everyone in before the 8:30am departure. Scheduled tours can't wait for late guests. The tour returns to the same meeting point on Day 3. Paid multi-storey parking is available around Rose Street.

Check-in: 8:15am · Departs: 8:30am · Back: approx. 5–6pm

From £316 per adult


Departure days

  • Monday
  • Tuesday
  • Wednesday
  • Thursday
  • Friday
  • Saturday
  • Sunday

April — November

Contact details

Experience Scotland's Wild

Strathleven House
West Dunbartonshire
Scotland
G82 3PD

Tour information

Starting

  • Inverness

Length

3 Days

Transport

  • Driver guide
  • Minibus
  • Walking

Type

  • Small Group (1-16)

Languages

  • English

Themes

  • Adventure
  • Castles
  • History
  • Landscapes
  • Walking/Hiking
  • Whisky
  • Wildlife

Tour prices


From £316 Per Adult £292 Per Child

Book now

Prices are subject to change depending on season

Tour Stops

Experience Scotland's Wild

Tour company information

Experience Scotland's Wild

Experience Scotland's Wild is an award-winning, 5 Star Tour Operator that goes above and beyond so every guest has a wonderful time exploring Scotland. We run small-group day and multi-day tours from Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness, with no more than 16 travellers on each scheduled tour, plus fully private tours tailored to your group. Expect expert local guides, short Highland walks, castles, standing stones, islands such as Skye, Orkney and the Outer Hebrides, and plenty of stories along the way.

Opening times

We run tours all year round
Contact us from 7am to 9pm daily

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The content of many of our web listings is provided by third party operators and not VisitScotland. VisitScotland accepts no responsibility for (1) any error or misrepresentation contained in third party listings, and (2) the contents of any external links within web listings ((1) and (2) together hereinafter referred to as the "Content"). VisitScotland excludes all liability for loss or damage caused by any reliance placed on the Content. The Content is provided for your information only and is not endorsed by VisitScotland.

Start Your Story in Scotland

Where history meets breathtaking beauty, and every visit feels like an escape.

Inspiration for your trip

Step into a land steeped in history and legend, explore our dramatic landscapes and uncover our ancient Celtic roots. Vast lochs, glens and Munros - easily accessible from our vibrant cities and towns - make Scotland the perfect place to lose yourself.

Plan an epic trip to Scotland

Come and experience Scotland’s warm welcome for yourself with an unforgettable holiday packed with beautiful landscapes, unmissable events and, of course, our friendly Scots.

Highland games in Scotland

From the tug o' war to the caber toss, Scotland's Highland games are not to be missed.

The Northern Lights in Scotland

Nature's most dramatic winter light display. Discover more about this otherworldly natural phenomenon.

Dark sky parks & stargazing in Scotland

Discover spectacular dark sky parks for stargazing in Scotland. Including a stargazing toolkit, best time of year for stargazing, and more.

Scottish whisky

Whisky is Scotland's best known export and has been proudly produced throughout the country for hundreds of years.

Discover unique experiences in Scotland

Find hidden gems, plan your perfect trip, or find exactly what you need—from scenic hikes and cosy cottages to events and cultural experiences.

Experience Scotland's vibrant events and festivals

Get your toes tapping, experience something new, cheer on Scotland at a sporting event, uncover traditions, rich history and more at events and festivals across the country.

Scottish music festivals

See your favourite artists at this year's lineup of Scottish music festivals.

Halloween in Scotland

Discover Scotland’s Halloween happenings and connect with the Celtic roots of this spooky tradition.

Events and festivals in Scotland

There's something happening in Scotland right now that the whole family will love.

Autumn in Scotland

Scotland in autumn is a feast for the senses. Experience golden forests, crisp countryside walks, atmospheric festivals, and magical evenings beneath dark skies.

Autumn breaks

There's lots to do during autumn in Scotland. Find inspiration for half-term breaks and autumn holidays from family days out to walks and activities.

Scottish forests and woodlands

Explore Scotland’s most beautiful forests and woodlands, from ancient trees and peaceful trails to spectacular landscapes and wildlife.

Walking in Scotland

Find out about walking in Scotland including route guides, walking tours, mountains and hills, forests and woodlands, lochs and coastlines, and more.

Your Scottish adventure starts here

Use our interactive map to explore wild landscapes, vibrant cities, rich culture, and hidden historic gems to craft your personal Scottish experience.

Map of Scotland

Scotland as seen on TV!

From Tara Lipinski and Johnny Weir's luxury Scotland itinerary to local suggestions on the highlights of Glasgow and Dumfries & Galloway, check out this top advice on trips across Scotland.

Tara & Johnny's luxury Scotland itinerary

Have you been inspired by Tara & Johnny's Scotland itinerary as seen on NBC's Extra Mile Club? Read on and plan your own Scottish adventure.

Channel 4's Where to next? Scotland itinerary

Follow in the footsteps of comedians Fatiha El-Ghorri and John Tothill on their unforgettable journey through Scotland.

Scotland trip itineraries

Plan your days in Scotland with the help of our suggested itineraries.

Your pictures of Scotland

Share your images by tagging @VisitScotland 

JavaScript needs to be enabled to see social media images for this place. You can turn this on in your browser settings.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Receive stories and soul‑stirring ideas from those who know Scotland best – the experts. With unforgettable journeys, trip ideas and bucket list destinations, your next adventure begins the moment our inspiration arrives in your inbox.