Marvel at the highlights of Neolithic Orkney on this full-day Orkney Islands tour, departing by coach from Inverness during summertime. Set your eyes upon the magnificent landscapes of the North Highlands before arriving at Scotland’s northernmost point in the village of John O’Groats.
From here, it’s just ferry ride across the Pentland Firth to the Orkney Islands. Search the strait for gannets, seals, puffins, pods of porpoise and the occasional whale as you island-hop through the Churchill Barriers, which connect five islands to form the Eastern boundary of Scapa Flow.
Your first stop is Kirkwall, the capital and largest town of the Orkney Islands. Learn from your guide about Viking history and admire the Romanesque architecture of St Magnus Cathedral, whose construction began in the 12th century.
Then step back in time 5,000 years at Skara Brae, a prehistoric Neolithic settlement—perfectly preserved under sand dunes and discovered in 1850 during a winter storm (admission fee is your own expense). See it along with the Standing Stones of Stenness and the Ring Of Brodgar Stone Circle and Henge—all comprising the Heart of Neolithic Orkney UNESCO World Heritage site.
Once you’ve landed back in Inverness, you’re returned to the bus station where your day trip ends.
