3-Day Orkney Islands Tour from Inverness
Inverness, United Kingdom

3-Day Orkney Islands Tour from Inverness

Outty Ranking 57 4.6 · 12 traveler reviews72 hoursFrom $790
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Outty Ranking

57/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.6/5

Based on 12 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is 3-Day Orkney Islands Tour from Inverness worth booking?

3-Day Orkney Islands Tour from Inverness is a 72-hour experience in Inverness, United Kingdom, from $790 per person. It scores 57 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.6/5 rating across 12 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
57 / 100
Rating
4.6/5 (12)
Duration
72 hours
From
$790 per person

Leave mainland Scotland behind and travel across the North Sea to reach the Orkney Islands on this incredible 3-day trip from Inverness. Remote yet enticing, this breathtaking little collection of islands boast stunning scenery, an abundance of wildlife and untold amounts of archaeological treasures. Visit the poignant Italian Chapel that was built during the Second World War, and discover the monuments known as the Heart of Neolithic Orkney – collectively listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

What you get

    About this experience

    Leave mainland Scotland behind and travel across the North Sea to reach the Orkney Islands on this incredible 3-day trip from Inverness. Remote yet enticing, this breathtaking little collection of islands boast stunning scenery, an abundance of wildlife and untold amounts of archaeological treasures. Visit the poignant Italian Chapel that was built during the Second World War, and discover the monuments known as the Heart of Neolithic Orkney – collectively listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

    What's included

    Included

    • 2 nights accommodation
    • Entrance fees
    • Breakfast
    • Local driver-guide

    Not included

    • Food and drinks, unless specified
    • Gratuities

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Inverness

    25 Union Street, Inverness IV1 1QA

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    25 Union Street, Inverness IV1 1QA

    Options you can book

    • B&B En-Suite Single Room

      B&B En-Suite Single Room: Room for 1 person with private bathroom

    • B&B En-Suite Double Room

      B&B En-Suite Double Room: Room for 2 persons with 1 large bed with private bathroom

    • B&B En-Suite Twin Room

      B&B En-Suite Twin Room: Room for with 2 single beds for 2 persons with private bathroom

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.<br>If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Fri
    Group size
    Up to 9 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Highland Experience Tours

    Know before you go

    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
    • Luggage Restrictions: Maximum weight: 15kg. Maximum size: 55cm x 40cm x 20cm per person plus small carry on
    • If you are travelling alone, please choose the ‘Single Room’ option or we may not be able to accept your booking
    • Double/twin room: these rooms are for 2 people. If 3 people choose this option, you will be allocated a family room for 3, subject to availability. If you prefer 2 rooms, you must choose ‘Single Room’ for one person
    • Children under 3 years not accepted- valid ID may be required at check in.

    Photos

    Skara Brae, 3-Day Orkney Islands Tour from InvernessStanding Stones of Stenness, 3-Day Orkney Islands Tour from Inverness3-Day Orkney Islands Tour from Inverness, photo 43-Day Orkney Islands Tour from Inverness, photo 53-Day Orkney Islands Tour from Inverness, photo 63-Day Orkney Islands Tour from Inverness, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 12 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    10 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    6 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Food and drink

    3 mentions

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    Traveler reviews

    12 verified traveler reviews for 3-Day Orkney Islands Tour from Inverness. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    9
    4 star
    2
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    1
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    Barbara_B · September 2026

    Great time

    Our guide Eddie was excellent. Covered everything and went beyond expectations by helping make dinner reservations

    Response from the operator: Thank you for your review! We’re glad you had a great time exploring the Orkney Islands with Eddie. He’ll be pleased to hear that you enjoyed the tour and appreciated his help with making dinner reservations. We always aim to make the experience as enjoyable as possible, and it’s great to hear that Eddie went the extra mile! We hope to welcome you back to Scotland for another tour in the future. Best wishes, Eleonora Highland Experience Tours

    via Viator

    Julia_S · August 2025

    Excellent tour

    Excellent tour. Viator took care of everything...we were travelling with our 14 year old son...they made sure we had a small suite at the B&B so he could have his own bedroom....our tour guide was kind, knowledgeable, and a great driver! We saw so much of Orkney...we were never far from a bathroom...the van was very comfortable. This was a terrific way to see Orkney!

    Response from the operator: Hi Julia, Thank you for taking the time to leave such a lovely review! We're delighted to hear that you and your family had a great experience on our 3-Day Orkney Islands Tour from Inverness. It's wonderful to know that the arrangements especially the B&B suite for your son helped make your trip more comfortable. We’re also so pleased you enjoyed the sights of Orkney and felt well taken care of throughout. We'll be sure to pass your kind words on to your guide. We hope to welcome you on another Highland adventure soon! Many thanks, Highland Experience Tours

    via Viator

    GORDONGERALD_K · June 2025

    Outstanding tour

    The guide/driver makes all the difference and Iain was outstanding. His sense of humor with his local knowledge and driving skills were without fault and make for a great tour.

    Response from the operator: Hi there! Thank you for your fantastic review! I’m thrilled to hear Iain’s outstanding sense of humor, local knowledge, and driving skills made such a difference, creating a great tour experience. I’ll be sure to pass on your kind words to him. I’m delighted you enjoyed the tour, and we’d love to welcome you back for another unforgettable adventure in the future! Kind regards, Cameron Highland Experience Tours

    via Viator

    Kitty D · August 2017

    Wonderful guide and group to travel...

    <p>Wonderful guide and group to travel with. We had a good bit of time at each site. Accomodations at B and B were very nice. I'm ready to go back!!</p>

    via Viator

    Gillian C · May 2017

    Pick up in Inverness was efficient...

    <p>Pick up in Inverness was efficient, all travel arrangements went according to plan, very good driving and tour commentary from our guide, thankyou. Accommodation in Orkney was a bit hit and miss as we were scattered over a wide area. I booked B and B accommodation but had not realised that I might be parked well out of the town centre. My B and B was very good, but with hindsight I would go for a hotel. Most tour operators lodge all guests together, which for a solo traveller is less isolating.<br/> We were advised to buy the all in one pass for attractions mine at concession rate was 15, a full price I think was 19. This should give entry to a varirty of venues without the need to pay at each, but as I only visited two of those places I don't think it was good value for me. You still had to queue up with other visitors and have your pass checked and dated by hand! which did not save much time.<br/> The places we saw were as I anticipated having done some research in advance, especially pleased to visit Maes Howe and Skara Brae, but would have like more time in Kirkwall when things were open. Had to forego the Bishop's Palace as I wanted to visit the cathedral, and time was quite limited. Also, we did not have enough time at Skara Brae to visit the stately home which was included as part of this visit. Frequent stops for toilets and refreshments at intervals I suppose are necessary, but when you only have one full day in Orkney they eat away at the available time for the major attractions. Now I have seen Orkney, I will probably go back and spend more time there. All in all it was a good, well organised tour with the few provisos I have mentioned.</p>

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    72 hours
    Free cancellation
    Non-refundable
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Fri
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    4
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Highland Experience Tours, who run 19 experiences we rank across 3 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 67.5.

    See everything Highland Experience Tours runs

    Why this scores 57

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)82
    Review evidence (18% weight)34
    Booking momentum (14% weight)25
    Value for money (12% weight)100
    Listing quality (10% weight)72
    Local standing (8% weight)39
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)0

    3-Day Orkney Islands Tour from Inverness: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Inverness.

    How much does 3-Day Orkney Islands Tour from Inverness cost?

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    Prices start at $790 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Inverness usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does 3-Day Orkney Islands Tour from Inverness take?

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    Plan for about 72 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Inverness is not rushed.

    Is 3-Day Orkney Islands Tour from Inverness worth it?

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    It holds an Outty Ranking of 57 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.6/5 across 12 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable culture & history in Inverness, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule 3-Day Orkney Islands Tour from Inverness?

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    No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.

    Is 3-Day Orkney Islands Tour from Inverness suitable for kids and families?

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    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 72-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book 3-Day Orkney Islands Tour from Inverness?

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    Around 4 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Inverness can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

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    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Inverness and add a light layer if any part of the 72-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does 3-Day Orkney Islands Tour from Inverness start and how do I get there?

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    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Inverness within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Inverness?

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    On Outty we rank every Inverness experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include The Ultimate Isle of Skye Day Tour from Inverness, Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle Day Tour from Inverness, Loch Ness, Outlander & Urquhart Castle from Inverness. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Inverness?

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    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Inverness?

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    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

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    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in 3-Day Orkney Islands Tour from Inverness?

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    Included: 2 nights accommodation; Entrance fees; Breakfast; and Local driver-guide. Not included: Food and drinks, unless specified; and Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for 3-Day Orkney Islands Tour from Inverness?

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    25 Union Street, Inverness IV1 1QA Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is 3-Day Orkney Islands Tour from Inverness offered in?

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    It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for 3-Day Orkney Islands Tour from Inverness?

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    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    What happens to 3-Day Orkney Islands Tour from Inverness if the weather is bad?

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    It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Inverness. Standard cancellation terms apply.

    What do travelers say about 3-Day Orkney Islands Tour from Inverness?

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    Across 12 reviews averaging 4.6 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, food and drink. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    What booking options are available for 3-Day Orkney Islands Tour from Inverness?

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    There are 3 options to choose from, including B&B En-Suite Single Room, B&B En-Suite Double Room, B&B En-Suite Twin Room. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.

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