Orkney Islands Tours and Tickets
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Orkney Islands

Guided day tours from John O’Groats generally last upwards of 10 hours.
Bring layers that provide protection from the archipelago’s near-constant wind.
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Keep an eye out for the island’s incredible fauna and flora, including the delicate and rare Scottish primrose.
People Also Ask
What’s the best way to experience the Orkney Islands?
There are plenty of ways to experience the Orkney Islands. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:
How much does it cost to visit the Orkney Islands in 2026?
It’s free to visit the Orkney Islands—you’ll just need to budget for transportation, plus accommodation if you plan to stay there for a night or longer. Cost-effective tours are available that explore the local area and arrange travel to the islands: coach tours start at US$100, small-group tours are upwards of US$230, and private car tours typically begin around US$450.
Are the Orkney Islands worth visiting?
Yes, the Orkney Islands are worth visiting, especially if you're interested in history and archaeological sites. The UNESCO World Heritage–listed islands are known for the Neolithic village of Skara Brae and the Ring of Brodgar. To get more out of a visit to Orkney, many visitors book day trips to discover local highlights with a guide. These typically depart from Stromness Ferry Terminal and offer a hassle-free way to explore Orkney highlights without hiring a car.
Per one customer who booked the Orkney Day Trip, "Excellent visit! This tour allowed us to get around without needing to rent a car. We enjoyed all of the sites and got a unique look at Scotland's very early history."
What are the must-visit attractions in the Orkney Islands?
The must-visit attractions of Scotlands’ Orkney Islands are Skara Brae, a stone-built Neolithic settlement that dates to 3180 BC; the Yesnaby cliffs, sandstone pillars that spit out of the sea; the Ring of Brodgar and the Standing Stones of Stenness, both similar to Stonehenge; and the island’s barking seal colonies.
How do I get to the Orkney Islands from the mainland of Scotland?
You have two options to reach the Orkney Islands from mainland Scotland: airplane or ferry. Flights from Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Inverness, and Glasgow land in Kirkwall, the largest town. Ferries will land you in Kirkwall, Burwick, St. Margaret’s Hope, or Stromness. Once you’re on the islands, you can island-hop, too.
Can I visit the Orkney Islands on a day trip from mainland Scotland?
Yes, you can visit the Orkney Islands on a day trip from mainland Scotland, but should you? Between flight or ferry time, you’ll have only a handful of hours to explore the neolithic sites, small towns, and wildlife. With only one day, take a tour that’ll pack in the best sites.
What is the best time to visit the Orkney Islands to avoid crowds?
The best time to visit Scotland’s Orkney Islands to avoid crowds is around April and September when you'll get mild temps, dry skies, and falling tourist numbers. Summer—roughly May through August—sees the vast majority of visitors, and in winter, the islands largely close up shop for a chilly holiday slumber.
How many days do you need in the Orkney Islands?
A minimum of three days is best to fully experience Scotland’s Orkney Islands, with around five being ideal. In that time, you can see the highlights of the “Mainland,” like the Ring of Brodgar and the cliffs of Yesnaby, with time to explore other islands, including South Ronaldsay or Hoy.
What do people do on the Orkney Islands?
Most people visit Scotland’s Orkney Islands to visit neolithic sites like Skara Brae (a 5,000-year-old settlement), explore small towns like Stromness, and catch incredible views of sea cliffs and the crashing Atlantic Ocean. The Orkneys are a great spot to hang out with seals, otters, whales, and seaweed-eating sheep.
What are the best attractions in Scotland other than the Orkney Islands?
There are tons of fun things to do when you're done visiting the Orkney Islands. According to travelers, these are some of the top attractions in Scotland:
View Viator's guide to all the best attractions in Scotland.


































































































































