Explore the Orkney Islands on this day trip from John O'Groats. Take the ferry and island hop across the Churchill Barriers to visit Kirkwall, home to the magnificent Viking cathedral of St Magnus. Step back 5,000 years as you enter the village of Skara Brae and on your way home drop by the Italian Chapel.
Leaving John O'Groats, this day trip to the Orkney Islands departs every summer morning. Cross the Pentland Firth to the Islands by ferry in just 40 minutes. The Firth is rich in marine wild life and the many isolated islands provide secure breeding places for thousands of sea birds. Look out for seals and whales along the way.
Island hop across the Churchill Barriers which thread together five islands to form the Eastern boundary of Scapa Flow. Visit the capital town, Kirkwall, home to the magnificent Viking cathedral of St Magnus, and the lovely little village of Stromness, last port of call for sailing ships on their way to the Americas. Then step back 5,000 years as you enter the Neolithic village of Skara Brae. This Village was hidden under sand dunes, perfectly preserved, until uncovered 150 years ago during a winter storm.
On your way back to the ferry in the evening there will be a stop at the Italian Chapel. Beautifully constructed inside two "nissen" huts using only basic raw materials, the beauty of the Chapel must be seen to be appreciated.
This was an amazing trip. The bus driver was humerous and informative and we saw a lot in one day. I would highly recommend this trip,
Review by: NORMAN B, December 2017
Very well organised and informative. An enjoyable day trip.
Review by: klbeckwith, October 2017
Very entertaining.
Review by: julietwou, October 2017
The most amazing trip around Orkney. Great commentary from Stuart our driver and the scenery, archaeological sites and overall experience exceeded expectations. I recommend doing research on Orkney history before going as it will only enhance your tour although Stuarts explanation was brilliant. As a travel agent i highly recommend this trip
Review by: Bill A, August 2017
Extremely convenient way to get a taste of the Orkneys from mainland Scotland and see the key Neolithic sights. Just under half the time is free time in the two major urban centres.
Review by: Greg C, August 2017
An enjoyable and informative day however it was very wet for much of the day which impacted on the ability to spend productive time at a couple of the attractions. For some reason we had 2 stops in Kirkwall which was unnecessary in my opinion.
Review by: Philip M, August 2017
This day tour, starting at the harbour at John O'Groats, is a brilliant way to get the feel, the history and the culture of the Orkney Islands._br/_ It starts with a 45minute ferry journey across the Pentland Firth on a small, passenger only, ship to Burwick on the Island of South Ronaldsay where the ferry is met by the coach and guide/driver for the day tour. We found our guide very informative, entertaining and friendly._br/_ The tour introduced us to the highlights of the Orkney Islands, from the neolithic monuments and sites, the ring of Brodgar, the stones of Stenness dating back at least 5000 years and the prehistoric village of Skara Brae, to the towns of Kirkwall and Stromness where there is some time to explore on ones own, to the second world war Churchill barriers protecting the naval natural harbour of Skarpa Flow and the beautiful Italian Chapel built by Italian prisoners-of-war._br/_ It is a very full day with a total time of nearly twelve hours. We would highly recommend it. We were very lucky in that the weather on the day we took the tour was beautiful with clear blue sky. This meant that we could really appreciate the views and countryside of Orkney as we travelled around. The ferry crossing was also calm. I suspect that in poor weather, the crossing of the Pentland Firth could be very rough and maybe unpleasant._br/_ Note that the price of the Maxi Day tour does not include entry to the Skara Brae site run by Historic Scotland or the Italian Chapel. This two sites are essential places to visit and it would be nice if the Maxi Day Tour company did a deal to include these in the tour price.
Review by: laurence w, August 2017
A good day out if you want to try to see the sights in one day. It is informative and well run. Our driver Stewart was excellent at keeping us entertained! The days itinerary is available when you get on the bus. Book through Viator for a 10 discount!
Review by: Russell G, August 2017
Orkney Island was wonderful and was made even better by the beautiful weather. The Icing on the cake was the commentary of the bus driver Stewart, he was very entertaining and informative and regaled us with humorous anecdotes. A very enjoyable day and would highly recommend the tour to others
Review by: Jennifer H, July 2017
This was one of the first organized tours we have taken. It turned out to be the best way to see these islands. Some of the stops would not have been places we'd have considered if we were on our own, but those same places turned out to be so memorable. If you're on a tight schedule and limited budget, this was WELL worth it. Sorry for the delayed review - it's now 2017 - and this is how I feel nearly 4 years later.
Review by: gmacd1, July 2017
All very efficient and logistics of trip very good. Stewart, our driver was excellent. Had lots of good local insight, stories and information. Trip meant that we managed to see everything we wanted in a day. Coach was comfortable. Only suggestion I'd make is not to have two stops in Kirkwall but perhaps extend other visit times. Second stop was unnecessary and although scheduled for coffee/tea stop a lot of cafes were actually closed or closing when we got there. Volume of visitors to Stromness also meant restaurants were busy, especially recommended one at ferry terminal where service was poor. All in all a good day out though and would definitely recommend.
Review by: James B, July 2017
Can highly recommend this day trip to Orkney! An almost new coach met us and the driver/guide Stewart was excellent giving us loads of information!
Review by: lynn f, June 2017
This tour was amazing!
Review by: Ann M, May 2017
This was an excellent way to get the most out of a short visit to Orkney. The coach which picked us up at the ferry was comfortable and our driver, Stuart, who was also our guide for the day was superb. He shared his knowledge of the history of the islands and the iconic sites we visited in an interesting way, sprinkled with appropriate amusing anecdotes. _br/_ Great value for money and we'll certainly recommend this trip to our friends.
Review by: GT, December 2016
excellent tour, guide was very amusing and professional. Highly recomended
Review by: Lisette, September 2016
Our driver/tour guide was wonderful. So knowledgeable, funny and well spoken. A keeper.
Review by: Janet E, September 2016
Tour operator seemed more interested in dropping us in town twice when I would have preferred visiting more sites. _br/_ I found the exchange of the bus driver with a woman car driver who had to back up for the bus, most irritating. He kept a running comment with passengers about her inability to back a car well, her stupidity to think that the bus could back up for her - playing to the 'male' passengers who found it funny. I DID NOT
Review by: Yvonne K, September 2016
A brilliant trip, well organised perfect if you only have one day to try to see everything. The coach driver Stuart was very knowledgeable and made the trip with his commentary
Review by: susa3, August 2016
One of two favorite tours during a recent month in the UK, mostly in Scotland. Granted, its not classy capitol city fare but the bus driver was excellent - quite moving to learn about how WWII affected the area, to see the stark landscape and understand more about Neolithic times and when people from Scandanavia came through these lands into the Scottish mainland.
Review by: Tricia, August 2016
Great day loved the trip. The boat was late and consequently the trip was a bit rushed making up time.
Review by: Lisa L, July 2016
Amazing day! Really glad I booked this tour vs taking the car ferry over. There was enough time at each place. I think the shorter tour would not have have been enough time. The guide was very knowledgeable and friendly. He even stopped at a few places not listed on the itinerary for photo ops which was lovely.
Review by: Gabriel A, July 2016
Great way to spend the day.From the booking to finding the harbour everything was easy to find.The tour was guided by the driver/commentator who was a very informed and funny guy who knew a joke or two :) The time spent at each stop was appropriate and we saw every and #34;must see and #34; attraction of Orkneys!
Review by: Richard S, July 2016
The tour is 11hrs long but doesn and #39;t feel like it. In fact could do with more time in places like Stromness. The coach driver gives a first class history lesson of the Island, much more to learn than I ever thought._br/_ Highly recommended.
Review by: Brian M, July 2016
Excellent tour. The driver/guide was 1st class. He was knowledgeable, informative and amusing..
Review by: morbeys, June 2016
Excellent trip, well organised, comfortable coach and very good tour guide who had interesting and informed local knowledge. If you only have a day to spare like us I would fully recommend this tour
Review by: Richard W, June 2016
Unfortunately weather did not come to the ball so was very wet and cold. Loved the Neolithic sites and the Italian church. Bus driver had great sense of humour.
Review by: gillian m, June 2016
It certainly came up to my expectation and more. the Italian chapel was an inspiration and the highlight of the trip for me..
Review by: Nancy C, June 2016
This was a great tour. They managed to fit in an acceptable amount of time at each stop considering the shorter day that had to be scheduled in May. We really enjoyed the driver's comments and historical narrative as he drove between stops. It is absolutely beautiful country and there was such a variety of history from prehistoric to current. This was one of the highlights of our trip to Scotland. Wish we had had another day to go back and further explore.
Review by: George M, June 2016
Loved the whole experience.Very well organised.Coach driver was very knowledgeable and funny.great day on Orkney.Thankyou.
Review by: Helen H, June 2016
After a smooth crossing on the ferry we stepped straight on to the coach which was waiting for us. Stuart, our driver, provided an entertaining commentary as he took us to the various sites, along with anecdotes which we would have missed if we had travelled alone. We were fortunate that the sites were not overcrowded and we enjoyed a lively lunch at the Ferry Inn in Stromness. The only drawback for us was the biting cold, which meant an uncomfortable visit at Skara Brae and the Ring of Brodgar, but that's something you cannot legislate for. I would thoroughly recommend this trip.
Review by: Colleen M, May 2016
Excellent, driver/tour guide was excellent. I would recommend this tour.
Review by: FABRIZIO L, November 2015
Was great- --- i never been in place like that
Review by: MS LAI FONG L, October 2015
Lots of WW1 and WW2 history and geological and pre-historic interests to explore. Skara Brae was fantastic and who need Stonehenge when you can see standing stones and stone circles on the Orkneys for free?
Review by: Hiram D, October 2015
This is the second time I have been asked for a view on my trip, I completed this before. As I said on my previous review the whole trip was wonderful made extra special by the coach driver A1 star.
Review by: Shirley B, September 2015
Terrific driver and tour guide. Most enjoyable. But be prepared for a long day!
Review by: Margaret R, September 2015
Excellent way to see the islands. Fairly long day but worth it
Review by: vivfel, September 2015
Our bus driver/guide was exceptional - information and humour all in one. Pity he couldn't have given us better weather, but still this was a great day. Learnt so much about the Churchill Barriers, Skara Brae other items of interest. The background story of the Italian Chapel was very interesting. Well worth doing.
Review by: Michael N, August 2015
Can you please accept that this was essentially a private trip and we do not have time for such _br/_ superfluous writings??
Review by: Duncan M, August 2015
Very complete coverage of all major sites, except distilleries unfortunately -. Excellent driver/guide named Stuart/Stewart
Review by: dkedwards, August 2015
Trip to Orkney was excellent! Only negative was that there was a bit of rain and wind - but it is a long way north! Our coach driver, young Stuart, was very knowledgable and we got extra info due to his studies in archeology! We learnt so much about Orkney! Extra purchase of a ticket to Skara Brae is a must!
Review by: Merle K, August 2015
Great trip with lots to see and good amount of time at each stop. Our driver Bain gave us great commentary and details of everything there was to see and where and he recommended we the order we do each stop to get the best value from our time on the islands. I would have no hesitation in recommending this tour to anyone.
Review by: cat, August 2015
we were disappointed as we could not get over to the orkneys because of the weather highlands are worth paying a visit to be prepared take plenty cash with you its like london prices
Review by: lloyd g, August 2015
Skara Brae and the Scapa Flow story stick out. Would have liked a little more on the farming. Great day.
Review by: Elizabeth W, July 2015
It was well organised to see the best sites - our driver John Taylor was an excellent guide a wealth of information. The weather of course was good which made all the difference .
Review by: Narelle B, July 2015
Excellent day out great bus driver
Review by: vansorge, July 2015
This is the third review on request. The Day trip was absolutely marvellous! A very experienced and knowledgeable coach driver/ narrator just perfect. We would strongly recommend it to everyone when in the neighborhood of the Orkney's!
Review by: Steven H G, July 2015
Exceptionally good trip aided by the very friendly and efficient coach driver
Review by: Patricia W, June 2015
I would recommend it to anyone. So glad I did it
Review by: Sonja G, June 2015
We had an absolutely fabulous time, thanks to our wonderful guide, Stuart. He was so friendly and informative. We especially loved his sense of humour! An amazing day!_br/_
He may remember us as the Canadian group of 8.
Review by: Julie L, June 2015
Great guide who's knowledge of the Orkney's was fantastic. Beautiful area with so much history. Sensational.
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