Meet your guide and group in the late afternoon at the Ferry Inn which is just across from the Stormness ferry terminal. After a welcome meeting, enjoy an evening stroll and dinner together at the Inn.

On day 2, you get to visit the highlights of Orkney’s mainland and the Southern Isles by minibus. Along the way, stop and admire the Standing Stones of Stenness, Ring of Brodgar, Brough of Birsay and Earl’s Palace, South Ronaldsay & Churchill Barriers, St Margarets Hope, and Ophir.
You’ll end the ride knowing much more about the island’s 5,000-year-old history and heritage.

Start day 3 with a bus ride to Skara Brae. Dating back to around 3,000 BC, this stone-built neolithic settlement on a sandy beach is one of the most fascinating historic sites in all of Scotland, and you’ll feel like a time traveler visiting it. After exploring this incredible landmark, follow along the West Coast of the Mainland. Keeping the sea to our right, you get to marvel at the sandstone sea stacks, watch the sea birds, and enjoy views all the way across to the island of Hoy.

After viewing Hoy from a distance yesterday, board a small passenger ferry and set foot on it! Rackwick Glen is a scenic reminder of the empty glens of Scotland’s northwest, but it’s the Old Man that’s the star here. The Old Man of Hoy is one of the tallest sea stacks in the UK, and the highlight of the day’s walk. You might even spot a pair of climbers tackling this soaring cliff.

Rest up your legs as you explore Orkney’s largest town, Kirkwall (population: 8,500), and learn about the history of its cathedral, St Magnus. Built almost 900 years ago, this spectacular church was dedicated to one of the earliest Earls of Orkney, who was immortalized in the Icelandic Orkneyinga Sagas. If you still have the will and strength, you can also climb Kirkwall’s highest point, Wideford Hill, on your day out today.

Say goodbye to your new friends and leave Orkney after a final breakfast together.