Orkney Islands tour: wildlife, Vikings and ancient wonders
Discover Orkney’s Neolithic wonders, Viking heritage, seabirds and wildlife on a well-paced 6-day small-group journey rich in local stories, island landscapes and warm Orcadian hospitality.
BOOK NOW for June or Sept 2027 departures.
Prices from GBP £2,799 pp
28th Jun 2027-3rd Jul 2027
23rd - 28th September 2027
6 days / 5 nights
Highlights
Explore Orkney’s many layers, from world-famous Neolithic monuments and Norse heritage to wartime history, wildlife and island life. Relax into an Orkney Islands tour designed to feel immersive rather than rushed.
Stand among some of Northern Europe’s most remarkable prehistoric monuments, including Skara Brae, the Ring of Brodgar, the Standing Stones of Stenness and Maeshowe, all part of the UNESCO Heart of Neolithic Orkney.
Go beyond the usual history circuit and see the famous runic graffiti the Norse left inside Maeshowe – carved into a tomb that was already ancient when they arrived.
You may spot puffins, guillemots and seal pups in late June or July, or migrant birds, grey seals, short-eared owls and hen harriers in August or September.
A 6-day in depth guided tour of Orkney accompanied by an expert Scottish guide and local experts. Price includes 5 nights accommodation, 5 breakfasts, 3 dinners, all transport and entry fees. We organise everything! Group size maximum 12.
Overview
Set just off Scotland’s far north coast, the Orkney Islands are a place of salt-bright seas, wheeling seabirds and ancient stone walls rising from windswept grassland.
Most people come to Orkney for renowned Neolithic wonders and Viking heritage – and rightly so. On this 6-day Orkney Islands tour, you’ll stand among some of Northern Europe’s most remarkable prehistoric monuments, including Skara Brae, the Ring of Brodgar, the Standing Stones of Stenness and Maeshowe – together forming the UNESCO Heart of Neolithic Orkney.
But Orkney’s real magic lies in the way its wildlife, landscapes and human history are woven together. On this small-group Orkney Islands tour, you’ll also encounter the Iron Age and traces of Orkney’s Viking inheritance, along with links to whaling, Arctic exploration and the poignant wartime history of Scapa Flow.
Wildlife is a vital part of the Orkney Islands experience, too. In JUne you’ll head the island of Westray to see puffins, and in September, a day on Shapinsay island reveals migrant birds, returning geese.
Whenever you visit, you’ll experience Orkney as it’s lived now: staying in the lively island capital, and perhaps even hearing traditional live music. Join us for a well-paced and rewarding way to discover Orkney beyond the obvious.
Need to know
- Start/finish: This Orkney Islands tour starts and finishes in Inverness, Scotland.
- Activity level: Leisurely
- Transport: Group transfer from Inverness, return daytime ferry crossing between Scrabster and Stromness, plus minibus/small coach for excursions and boat trip to offshore island.
- Weather: May to September are the best months to visit. Rain is always possible, and guests should be prepared with warm and waterproof clothing, along with sturdy, waterproof footwear. Read more: The best time to visit Scotland.
- Accommodation:
- June 2027 departure: guests will stay 5 nights at The Storehouse Restaurant with Rooms, in Kirkwall.
- Sept 2027 departure: 5 nights at the Kirkwall Hotel, central Kirkwall.
- Meals: All breakfasts and three dinners included.
- Guide: Qualified specialist guides throughout.
Stromness harbour
Meet your tour guide in Inverness this morning and travel north to Scrabster, where we board the daytime ferry to Stromness. Crossing the Pentland Firth is part of the adventure, with wide sea views and that growing sense of leaving mainland Scotland behind made even more memorable by your pre-booked tickets to the peaceful Magnus lounge, with complimentary snacks and drinks included.
From Stromness, we continue to Kirkwall, our base for the first part of the tour. After time to settle in and perhaps enjoy a first wander through Orkney’s lively island capital, we come together for a relaxed welcome dinner.
- Stay: The Kirkwall Hotel, central Kirkwall, except for June 2027 departure when the group will stay at The Storehouse
- Meals: Group dinner at the hotel
- Travel: Minibus from Inverness; ferry from Scrabster to Stromness
Skara Brae, a stone-built Neolithic settlement on the Bay of Skaill on the Mainlands
Today is devoted to the extraordinary prehistoric landscapes of Neolithic Orkney. We begin at Skara Brae, the remarkably preserved village of ten clustered houses, hidden beneath sand dunes for around 4,500 years until they were revealed by a storm in 1800.
From here, we continue to the Ring of Brodgar and the Standing Stones of Stenness, where ancient stones rise from a landscape still alive with wildlife: in July, curlews call and skylarks sing overhead; later in the season, wildflower meadows hum with bees, including the rare great yellow bumblebee. Look out for harbour seals basking on the rocks in the Loch of Stenness, too.
We end at Maeshowe, a great chambered cairn dating back to 2000BC. The stonework is so precise it has mostly stayed watertight for five millennia – preserving one of the world’s largest collections of runic inscriptions, graffitied here by Norse Vikings who broke into the cairn centuries after it was built.
- Stay: The Kirkwall Hotel, except for June 2027 departure when the group will stay at The Storehouse
- Meals: Breakfast
- Included: Pre-booked entry to Skara Brae and Maeshowe
- Free Evening: Choose to eat at the hotel or a restaurant or pub in Kirkwall
Three puffins sitting on a ledge
Today we head to the island of Westray, the best place in Orkney for close encounters with colourful, charismatic puffins. The ferry crossing is part of the experience, with good chances of spotting seabirds along the way and, if you are lucky, even dolphins or orcas, as well as fine views of the Old Man of Hoy.
On Westray, local Orcadian nature enthusiast and guide Megan will take us on a leisurely walk through flower-rich verges and open coastal landscapes, looking out for curlews and oystercatchers before our attention turns to a rock stack popular with breeding puffins. Here, we spend time watching puffins at close range as they peep from burrows, wheel over the sea and gather on the rocks below.
Expect an unhurried, joyful and memorable day, shaped by gentle observations, local knowledge and the chance to experience Orkney’s summer wildlife without disturbing it.
Shapinsay
Today, we spend an unhurried day with Megan, a local Orcadian wildlife enthusiast and guide, on Shapinsay, an especially calm and wildlife-rich island. There’ll be plenty of time to soak up the colours, sounds and quieter mood of late summer in Orkney. We’ll strong along quiet farm tracks with colourful verges to a secluded beach where we can enjoy our picnic lunch.
After the short ferry crossing from Kirkwall, we wander through the peaceful village of Balfour, where butterflies drift through sheltered gardens and small birds flit between hedgerows. If the tides are right, we may also enjoy close views of both harbour and grey seals – Megan knows the perfect spot to sit and watch them, without causing any disturbance.
We’ll continue our stroll past farmland, moorland and lochs – looking out for curlews, redshanks, meadow pipits and geese – to the hide at RSPB Mill Dam. From the hide, we can expect to see various species of ducks, including tufted, teal, shoveler, mallards and mute swans.
- Stay: The Storehouse (June) and Kirkwall Hotel (Sept)
- Meals: Breakfast, group dinner
- Travel: Return ferry to Shapinsay
- Included: Guided wildlife day with local specialist
Stromness harbour
Today we spend time in Stromness, a smaller, quieter town than Kirkwall, where Orkney’s maritime past still feels close to the surface. Its narrow main street winds along the harbour, lined with stone houses, private piers and slipways – reminders of the town’s centuries of trade, herring fishing and seafaring life. As we explore, look out for eider ducks and black guillemots on the water, and for butterflies and bees in sheltered gardens.
Depending on timings and the group’s interests, we spend time at one or both of Stromness’s main cultural attractions. Stromness Museum (Scotland’s oldest independent museum), founded in 1837 and still run by the Orkney Natural History Society is where the islands’ links to whaling, Arctic exploration and natural history come vividly to life. The Pier Arts Centre is home to an outstanding collection of 20th-century British art, including works by Barbara Hepworth and Ben Nicholson.
- Stay: The Kirkwall Hotel, except for June 2027 departure when the group will stay at The Storehouse
- Meals: Breakfast
- Included: Visits to Stromness Museum and/or the Pier Arts Centre
- Free Evening: Choose to eat at the hotel or a restaurant or pub in Kirkwall
Scapa Flow
Today we explore Orkney’s wartime story, centred on the vast natural harbour of Scapa Flow. Guarding the northern approaches to Britain, this stretch of water played a critical role in both World Wars, serving as a major base for the Royal Navy fleet.
In 1919, it was the site of one of World War I’s most dramatic final acts, when the surrendered German fleet was scuttled by its own crews. Twenty years later, disaster struck again when a German U-boat slipped through the eastern defences and sank HMS Royal Oak, with the loss of 835 lives. In response, Winston Churchill ordered the construction of the barriers that still link Orkney’s southern isles today. We drive across these impressive causeways and visit the Italian Chapel, built by the prisoners of war who helped construct the Churchill Barriers and now one of Orkney’s most moving and unexpected landmarks.
- Stay: The Kirkwall Hotel, except for June 2027 departure when the group will stay at The Storehouse
- Meals: Breakfast, group dinner in the hotel
- Included: Guided visits around Scapa Flow and the Italian Chapel
NorthLink ferry
After breakfast, we leave Orkney and travel back to the Scottish mainland by ferry and road. The crossing from Stromness offers one last chance to take in Orkney’s cliffs, sea and ever-changing light. It’s where you’ll get the best views of the Old Man of Hoy, spot seabirds including gannets, fulmars and bonxies (great skuas) and, if you’re lucky, maybe even dolphins or orcas. By later afternoon, we arrive back in Inverness, where we’ll bid each other a fond farewell.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Travel: Ferry from Stromness to Scrabster; road transfer to Inverness
Before the tour
• The tour starts and finishes in Inverness, Scotland.
• Our meeting point is outside Inverness Premier Inn at 8.30am.
Travel to and from Orkney
• Travel between Inverness and Orkney is by minibus and daytime NorthLink ferry via Scrabster and Stromness.
• Day 1 includes the outward ferry crossing to Orkney; Day 6 includes the return crossing to the mainland.
• On the outbound and inbound journey, bookable lounge access is included.
• Final travel timings will be confirmed before departure.
Getting around Orkney
• Pre-booked return 25-minute ferry crossing between Kirkwall and Shapinsay included.
Flexibility and pace
• The itinerary allows time for independent exploration as well as guided visits (see below).
• Some elements may be refined closer to departure, helping us respond to guest interests, weather and local opportunities.
End of tour
• The tour ends in Inverness on Day 6, at approximately 6pm.
• Final return timing will be confirmed before departure.
The pace of the week allows time for extra sightseeing and experiences in and around Kirkwall.
If you’d like help organising a visit, either on your own or with your GeoCultura guide, let us know and we’ll do our best to weave it into your tour.
Single supplement for 2027 is £257 for September departure. For the June 2027 departure, when the guests will stay at the Storehouse in central Kirkwall, the supplement is £509.
Your tour starts in Inverness on Day 1 at 8.30am and ends on Day 6 in Inverness, Scotland at 6.00pm.
The activity level is rated as MODERATE, requiring a moderate level of fitness (view our activity level definitions). The tour will involve walking in generally easy terrain, but will require good walking boots and a moderate level of fitness (please note, some paths may be uneven and loose underfoot). Walks are 1-3 miles long.
If walking is an issue, alternative arrangements can be made during the scheduled longer walks, so please let GeoCultura know in advance.
Ferries, minibus, appropriate for the size of the group and occasional public bus or taxi.
If guests prefer to fly to Orkney instead of travelling on the Northlink ferry, that would be at their own expense.
Rain is always possible, and guests should be prepared with warm and waterproof clothing, along with sturdy, waterproof footwear.
The tour includes:
- The services of your expert guide who will be with the group throughout the tour
- Local experts who will accompany the group on selected days
- All transportation costs when travelling on Orkney, as a group from Inverness
- Entry fees, local guide fees and activity fees, where arranged as part of the tour
- All accommodation costs for the nights stated, assuming two people sharing a double room. Single occupancy rooms are available for a surcharge. See Single Supplement in ‘Need to Know’ tab
- All breakfasts and three dinners (two free evenings)
- All service charges and most gratuities
The tour excludes:
- Travel insurance. Guests should carry their own health and travel insurance
- Extra or optional activities not described in the tour
- Drinks with meals are not included
- Lunches not included
- Dinner not included on Day 2 and 3 (in Kirkwall)
- Personal expenditures, including bar bills, and extras at hotels such as laundry bills
- Passport and visa fees
You’ll stay at The Storehouse for 28th June 2027 departure, a beautifully restored former herring and pork curing store in the heart of Kirkwall. Dating from around 1880, this characterful B-listed building has been thoughtfully transformed into a boutique hotel with eight individually designed en-suite rooms over two floors (with lift to all floors). Original features remain throughout, while the popular restaurant showcases seasonal Orkney produce in a relaxed setting.
You’ll stay at The Kirkwall in 2027 for all other departures, a welcoming 37-room waterfront hotel in the heart of Kirkwall, offering comfortable accommodation, excellent dining, and easy access to Orkney’s historic attractions.
Deposit: A non-refundable deposit of 20% of the tour price is due upon registration for a tour.
Final payment: Full payment is due 60 days before a tour begins, or upon registration if within the 60-day window.
Cancellation by participant: A participant may cancel a registration after securing a confirmed place on a tour for any reason. The following refund terms will apply:
- Greater than 60 days before tour begins: Any monies paid will be refunded but the non-refundable deposit is forfeited.
- 45 to 59 days before tour begins: 30% of the balance of the tour price, payable 60 days before the tour begins, will be refunded
- 15 to 44 days before tour begins: 20% of the balance of the tour price, payable 60 days before the tour begins, will be refunded
- Within 14 days of tour or during the tour: No monies will be refunded
Cancellation by GeoCultura: GeoCultura reserves the right to cancel any tour due to low enrolment, inability to run the tour or concerns about the safety, health or welfare of participants. If a tour is cancelled before it begins, all monies paid will be refunded (including any deposit).
Please refer to our Terms and Conditions page for additional details.
Your tour leaders
Ali Motion
Scottish Tourist Guide
With a lifetime of working in the great outdoors and an enviable knowledge of the best places to visit in Scotland, Ali Motion understands her homeland like few others do.
She’s a Blue Badge-accredited guide with the Scottish Tourist Guides Association and the holder of a Hill and Moorland Leader qualification, so she’s as at home leading you along remote Highland moors and beneath Shetland’s salt-sprayed cliffs as she is through Edinburgh’s ancient doorways.
Before guiding, Ali’s worked as Education Manager for the Royal Highland Education Trust, and ran the Discovery Centre at the Royal Highland Show, Scotland’s biggest annual agricultural show, welcoming thousands of visitors eager to learn about rural life.
Ali brings boundless enthusiasm, down-to-earth charm and a knack for knowing just where to go to uncover Scotland’s natural beauty, rich history and warm hospitality. Whether it’s spotting seabirds in Shetland or sipping whisky on Skye, you’re in very good hands.
Meet Ali Motion on one of our exclusive tours: Orkney islands tour: wildlife, Vikings and ancient wonders , or Shetland Holidays: 6 days exploring Scotland’s northernmost isles or the longer 8-day Scotland travel tour: Highlands, Skye & Outer Hebrides.
Check out our scheduled tours for more GeoCultura tours.
"Rarely have I had guests who have gelled so well, were so accommodating with each other, and just enjoyed each other's company. It was my pleasure and privilege to be your guide for the week. Safe travels to you all! "
Megan Taylor
Local wildlife guide
Local wildlife guide Megan Taylor will share her enthusiasm and passion for Orkney’s wildlife with you.
Megan has been interested in wildlife from an early age. Growing up in the Scottish Highlands she was surrounded by nature and has always loved being outdoors, regardless of the weather.
Megan spent almost 20 years working with VisitScotland throughout the Highlands and Islands, before finally settling in Orkney over 18 years ago. In 2019, Megan ventured out on her own, setting up her business which specialises in guided wildlife walks.
In her spare time, you can find Megan volunteering with various conservation groups – RSPB Orkney, the Orkney Field Club, Orkney Native Wildlife Project, Species on the Edge and the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO). Megan recently received the Kingfisher Long Service Award for 15 years volunteering with the RSPB and she is one of the trustees and the Secretary for the newly formed Orkney Nature Festival charity.
When she’s not volunteering, or showing visitors around Orkney, Megan enjoys relaxing in her garden creating habitats for wildlife.
While her interest began with birds, she is equally as passionate about butterflies, bees, mammals, dragonflies and our beautiful wildflowers.
Megan likes to slow the pace down and encourage you to stop, look and listen to the natural world around you. It is amazing just how much you can see when you take a closer look.
Sarah De Rees
Scottish Tourist Guide
With a love of exploring wild places on foot and by kayak, and a strong passion for Scotland and Orkney’s culture, heritage and natural environment, Sarah De Rees brings both knowledge and enthusiasm to every adventure. With a background in Scottish history and culture, she became an Orkney Tourist Guide in 2023, combining her love for the outdoors with her interest in history.
Originally from Belgium, Sarah moved to Scotland in 2001 and quickly embraced life outdoors. A keen climber and hill walker for more than 20 years, she added kayaking to the mix after settling in Orkney 16 years ago, discovering that while the islands may lack mountains, they more than make up for it with dramatic coastlines.
Sarah enjoys introducing visitors to the beauty, wildlife, history and culture the islands have to offer, whether on foot or from the water. Her guiding style reflects her genuine enthusiasm for the landscape and her deep appreciation of Orkney’s heritage.
She is a Green Badge Scottish Tourist Guide, Lowland Leader, Sea Kayak Leader, Level 3 Sheltered Water Kayak Coach and Climbing Wall Instructor, bringing a wide range of experience to her guiding.
Meet Sarah De Rees on our Orkney Islands tour: wildlife, Vikings and ancient wonders.
David Spooner
Scottish Tourist Guide
David Spooner is a ‘Blue Badge’-accredited Scottish Tourist Guide with over 20 years of experience in group travel and a lifelong passion for Scotland. David loves sharing the stories, landscapes, and the cultural richness of this remarkable country. From the grandeur of the Highlands to the vibrant cities, from ancient history to modern life, he brings Scotland to life with depth and enthusiasm.
Holding a first degree in Geology and Geography, and with a strong background in history, David combines expert knowledge with a warm, engaging approach to guiding. Based near Stirling in scenic Perthshire.
Meet David on the June 7-day Scotland vacation: Highlands and the Isle of Skye
Check our scheduled tours for more GeoCultura tours.
"There are too many adjectives that come to mind for David, but most importantly is his kindness. He made every effort to ensure we had an enjoyable trip. His knowledge of the country was amazing, we learned so much and loved his stories! "
Three puffins sitting on a ledge
Dinner at The Storehouse Restaurant with Rooms
Exterior of the St. Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall
Ring of Brodgar circle, Orkney
Flag in front of village of Stromness
Testimonials
There are too many adjectives that come to mind for David, but most importantly is his kindness. He made every effort to ensure we had an enjoyable trip. His knowledge of the country was amazing, we learned so much and loved his stories!
7-day Scotland vacation: Highlands and Isle of Skye, Kathy & David S, June 2026
I am delighted to return the form and cannot honestly say enough good things about this wonderfully amazing tour. Ali and Phoebe were the best tour guides I’ve ever travelled with – they are both gems.
Knockan Crag was absolutely the best site, also Calanais and the Old Man of Storr. Having Phoebe and Ali to explain the geology and history made it doubly amazing.
8 Day Scotland travel tour, Linda D, May 2025
“Our tour leader was amazing – friendly, helpful, very informative and really helped the group to gel. I could not fault her guiding, company or knowledge. She helped to make it a very enjoyable and memorable week”.
Isles of Scilly holidays | Kay M, July 2025
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