Orkney Day Trip: Meets the Scrabster – Stromness Ferry

Explore Orkney on a Small-Group Day Trip from Stromness

The Orkney Day Trip with Orkney Travel offers a compact yet immersive experience of the Orkney Islands, departing from Stromness and meeting the Scrabster – Stromness ferry. Priced at $160 per person, this tour lasts 5.5 hours and is designed for small groups, with a maximum of 8 passengers, ensuring a personalized and relaxed atmosphere. It’s an excellent choice for travelers wanting a guided glimpse of Orkney’s most famous sites without the need for an overnight stay.

The tour includes visits to Skara Brae, the Ring of Brodgar, the Standing Stones of Stenness, and Kirkwall, with optional visits to the Italian Chapel for an extra £20. The itinerary is carefully crafted to balance sightseeing, photo opportunities, and free time, all led by a knowledgeable guide who provides commentary throughout. Note that this tour does not suit cruise ship guests or those with mobility restrictions, and ferry fares are not included in the price.

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Key Points

• Small group experience with a maximum of 8 participants enhances personal attention and flexibility.
• Visits to iconic Neolithic sites like Skara Brae, Ring of Brodgar, and the Standing Stones of Stenness.
• Includes entry to Skara Brae and Skaill House, with guided tours at most attractions.
• Stunning views at the Cliffs of Yesnaby and photo stops designed to maximize sightseeing.
• Optional visit to the Italian Chapel for additional fee, replacing time in Kirkwall.
• Tour departs from Stromness Ferry Terminal and returns in time for the ferry back to the Mainland.

Starting Point and Group Size for a Personalized Journey

The tour begins just outside the Stromness Ferry Terminal in the car park, where you’ll find a minibus labeled “Orkney Travel.” This small-group format, limited to 8 people, ensures a comfortable space for everyone and allows the guide to tailor commentary and assistance. The schedule is flexible enough to accommodate the group’s pace and interests, making for a more engaging experience than larger coach tours.

Travelers should arrive prepared with warm clothing, a camera, water, and warm shoes to explore comfortably. The vehicle features seats between 48cm and 51cm wide, so those concerned about space are encouraged to purchase an extra seat for added comfort.

Visiting Skara Brae and Skaill House: Ancient Village and Elegant Manor

The tour’s highlight is the guided visit to Skara Brae, the remarkably well-preserved Neolithic settlement over 1,000 years older than Stonehenge. Spanning 1.5 hours, this site offers a chance to walk through ancient stone dwellings and learn about early human life on Orkney.

Adjacent to Skara Brae, Skaill House provides a glimpse into historic architecture and offers a scenic backdrop for photos. Entry to both sites is included in the tour fee, with guides providing insights into their history and significance. This stop is perfect for those interested in history, archaeology, and architecture.

The Iconic Neolithic Sites: Ring of Brodgar and Stenness Standing Stones

The Ring of Brodgar is one of Orkney’s most famous prehistoric stone circles, with a guided tour lasting 30 minutes. This site’s impressive size and symmetry make it a standout photo opportunity, and the guide shares details about its possible purpose and history.

Next, the Standing Stones of Stenness offers a 15-minute photo stop, giving travelers a chance to marvel at the ancient monument and capture memorable images. Both sites are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and showcase Orkney’s rich archaeological landscape.

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Cliffs of Yesnaby: Breathtaking Views and Coastal Scenery

A 15-minute photo stop at the Cliffs of Yesnaby allows travelers to take in rugged coastal scenery and dramatic sea views. These cliffs are a highlight for nature lovers and photographers alike, offering a chance to appreciate Orkney’s wild coastline and possibly spot seabirds or seals.

This stop balances the tour’s archaeological focus with natural beauty, giving a well-rounded glimpse of Orkney’s diverse landscapes.

Free Time and Optional Visits in Kirkwall or the Italian Chapel

After key sites, the tour provides free time in Kirkwall, the main town of Orkney, where visitors can enjoy local shops, cafes, or explore further on their own. Alternatively, travelers can choose to visit the Italian Chapel for an additional fee of £20, which replaces the time in Kirkwall.

The Italian Chapel is a poignant World War II site, notable for its remarkable craftsmanship. This flexibility allows guests to tailor part of the experience according to their interests, whether cultural, historical, or leisurely.

Scapa Flow and the Unstan Tomb: Maritime History and Ancient Burial Site

The route also includes views of Scapa Flow, a historically significant body of water that played a role in naval history, and a visit to the Unstan Tomb, an ancient burial site. The 15-minute stop at Unstan Tomb offers a chance to reflect on burial customs from thousands of years ago.

These sites enrich the tour by blending maritime history with prehistoric archaeology, broadening the understanding of Orkney’s diverse heritage.

Practicalities: Departure, Duration, and What to Bring

The tour starts at the Stromness Ferry Terminal car park and concludes back there, making it convenient for travelers arriving via ferry. With a duration of 5.5 hours, the itinerary is paced to maximize sightseeing without feeling rushed.

Participants are advised to bring warm clothing, water, a camera, and comfortable shoes suited for walking. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or those with motion sickness, and pets are not permitted except assistance dogs. Ferry fares are not included, so travelers should plan accordingly.

Why This Tour Is a Great Choice for History and Nature Enthusiasts

This small-group tour offers a well-balanced mix of archaeological sites, scenic views, and cultural highlights. The knowledgeable guides bring each location to life with informative commentary, often praised for their friendliness and expertise. The limited group size ensures a more intimate and engaging experience.

While the tour doesn’t include meals or extensive free time, the scheduled stops and optional visit to the Italian Chapel provide enough flexibility for a memorable day on Orkney. The $160 price covers entrance fees for key sites and guided commentary, representing good value for the depth of exploration.

Final Thoughts on the Orkney Day Trip from Stromness

This tour is ideal for those seeking a concise yet enriching introduction to Orkney’s most famous sites. The small-group format, expert guides, and thoughtfully planned stops make it a reliable choice for travelers prioritizing quality over quantity.

It suits visitors who want a guided experience with manageable pacing, especially those interested in Neolithic archaeology, coastal scenery, and local history. The tour’s flexibility, combined with its strong reviews and high rating of 4.9 out of 5, underscores its appeal for visitors looking for an organized, personable day on the islands.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for cruise ship guests?
No, this tour is not suitable for cruise ship guests because the cruise port is 15 miles from the starting point in Stromness.

What is included in the tour price?
The tour includes entry to Skara Brae and Skaill House, site guiding at most attractions, and commentary in the vehicle.

Can I visit the Italian Chapel?
Yes, you can visit the Italian Chapel for an additional fee of £20, which replaces the time spent in Kirkwall.

What should I bring on the tour?
Participants should bring warm clothing, a camera, water, and comfortable shoes suitable for walking. The vehicle seats are somewhat narrow, so an extra seat can be purchased for additional comfort.

Are there any physical limitations or accessibility issues?
The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or those with motion sickness. Assistance dogs are allowed, but pets are generally not permitted.

How flexible is the schedule?
The tour follows a set itinerary with scheduled stops, but the small group size allows for some flexibility in pacing and site visits.

This detailed review aims to help you decide if the Orkney Day Trip matches your interests. It offers a well-rounded snapshot of the islands’ highlights, guided by experts who bring each location to life.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby