Scotland Orkney Isles Private Adventure Tour
Windswept Trails, Neolithic Wonders & Whisky Tasting
- Available: May, June, July, August, September, October
- Activity: Level 3
- Accommodations: Comfortable Hotels
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Group Size:
2-6 Guests
Min Age: 16
Highlights
- Discover the striking coast of the Orkney Islands with spectacular hikes on windswept trails
- Encounter rich natural and cultural heritage from Skara Brae to the Ring of Brodgar
- Bask in comfort at a charming hotel, where a warm peat fire and dram of whisky awaits
Itinerary
Arrive in Inverness
Day 1
Arrive in Inverness by air or train and make your way to your fabulous four-star luxury hotel, set in peaceful surroundings close to the city center. Unwind at the hotel, and enjoy its spa facilities and excellent dining options.
Accommodation: Kingsmills Hotel
Journey to Orkney
Day 2
Set out on a spectacular journey to the Orkney Islands, following the northeast coast of the Highlands and onwards over the Pentland Firth by ferry. Arrive in Orkney in the late afternoon and visit the highly ornate Italian Chapel before continuing on to our picturesque hotel, located close to all the major archaeological sites. Enjoy a welcome dinner with your guide to discuss the days ahead.
Accommodation: Lynnfield Hotel
Transportation: 4.5-hour private van transfer and 1-hour ferry ride
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Coastal Hike & Skara Brae
Day 3
Start the day with a hike above the sea cliffs at Yesnaby. The cliffs, pounded by the relentless swell, are sculpted into an array of stunning coves and sea stacks. Afterwards, visit the magnificent Stone Age village of Skara Brae, which was unearthed by a storm in 1850 after lying buried for 4,500 years. End the day with a trip to the local micro-brewery or stock up on delicious traditional treats bought from the 'Little Yellow Hut.' Enjoy a night at your leisure in Kirkwall.
Accommodation: Lynnfield Hotel
Activity: 2-3 hours/3.5 miles hiking
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Discover Orkney's Neolithic Heart
Day 4
Spend the morning exploring some of Orkney's key historic sites: the Ring of Brodgar, the Stones of Stenness, and Maes Howe. After lunch in the village of Stromness, follow a coastal path to a headland known as The Ness and onwards to the Sand of Warebeth. On the return to Kirkwall, you can make a stop at the tiny village of Harray, known for its treasure trove of handcrafted pottery, or tour a local whisky distillery. Back in Kirkwall, head out to an inn for dinner and enjoy traditional folk music.
Accommodation: Lynnfield Hotel
Activity: 5 hours/3 miles hiking
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Hike the Old Man of Hoy
Day 5
Leaving Kirkwall, you'll drive along the edge of Scapa Flow, where a fleet of German ships was scuttled in WWI - some wrecks are still visible today. Next catch a local ferry over to the hilly island of Hoy, where you'll hike to the famous Old Man of Hoy - the highest sea stack in Britain! Enjoy scenic views of beautiful Rackwick Bay and cross high moorlands before reaching the towering cliffs and red-sandstone monolith, standing 449 feet high. Return to Kirkwall tonight.
Accommodation: Lynnfield Hotel
Activity: 5 hours/6 miles hiking
Transportation: 1.5-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Return to Inverness
Day 6
Depart from Orkney on a morning ferry to begin your journey south to Inverness via Scotland's 'North Coast 500' route - the ultimate scenic drive. Stop to marvel at Whaligoe Steps, a set of 365 steep stone steps sculpted into the cliff face and leading down to a tiny harbor. Arrive back in Inverness in the late afternoon, check into the hotel and say farewell to your guide, before enjoying a free evening in the city.
Accommodation: Kingsmills Hotel
Activity: 1 hour hiking with various options
Transportation: 1-hour ferry ride and 4.5-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Depart from Inverness
Day 7
After breakfast, depart at your leisure. The hotel staff will be happy to arrange a transfer to the airport or railway station. Alternatively, ask us about options to extend your stay in the Highlands.
Meals: Breakfast
Dates & Prices
- Go Private
- Go Custom
- Inclusions
Go Private
Go Private
Gather your favorite travel companions to share an MT Sobek adventure on an easy-to-book Private departure.
Call or email us to get the ball rolling.
*Private trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit.
Private Trip Pricing:
2023 Pricing
4 to 5 guests from $4,495 per person double occupancy
2 to 3 guests from $5,495 per person double occupancy
Additional Costs:
Private pricing excludes potential additional costs such as internal airfare, single supplement, or any park fees that may be required for the trip.
*Private trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit.
Make Your Own Dates in These Months
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May, June, July, August, September, October
Go Custom
Create Your Very Own Adventure
Dreaming of an adventure designed exclusively for you? With insider access and decades of experience, our travel experts create custom tailored adventures that are perfect for families, couples, and large groups. MT Sobek's custom adventures are designed to our exacting standards and led by our award-winning adventure guides.
When to start planning? Earlier is always better when designing a custom trip. More time allows for better availability of preferred accommodations, guides and your desired activities. Ideally, start the conversation with us at least 6 months before you want to travel. If you are looking for a custom trip that departs within three months, chances are greatly diminished in securing requested accommodations and the best guides.
*Custom trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit once an itinerary is agreed upon.
Start PlanningInclusions
Price Includes
- Expertise and services of our experienced adventure guides
- All accommodations as noted in the itinerary
- All breakfasts, almost all lunches and dinners as noted in the itinerary
- Snacks and water between meals
- Additional regional guides and experts on many trips
- Comprehensive Trip Planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Private guided tours at historic sites, museums, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the itinerary
- Special events and other select attractions as mentioned in the itinerary
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
- Equipment and experienced guides for activities as described in the itinerary
- Park and other entry fees (unless otherwise noted in the Trip Planner)
- Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the itinerary
- Select transfers as mentioned in the itinerary
- Baggage transfers and porterage
Price Does Not Include
- International airfare, airport taxes, and excess baggage fees
- Alcoholic beverages (MT Sobek provides wine at select events)
- Gratuities for MT Sobek guides and guide-drivers
- Travel Protection Program
- Personal expenses
- Airport Transfers
Need help picking your next adventure? Call us to answer your questions.
Your Guides
The best people to immerse you in a destination are the ones who live there, which is why we feature local Adventure Guides on our trips. Here are a few that you might meet on this adventure.
Craig McDonald
Craig's love of Scottish history, mountains and glens has brought him further north into the Highlands from his birthplace in the Central belt. He embarked on a career working in this stunning environment and loves hillwalking, mountaineering, and biking all over Scotland—all year round. His passion for exploring the history of these areas is infectious and he loves sharing these experiences with other people. His idea of heaven is a cracking long day on foot or on bike exploring Scotland’s stunning scenery and history, followed by a good hearty dinner and some mirth and laughter by a roaring fire with a wee dram in the evening!
Dave Picken
Dave has traveled throughout the world on foot, on skis, and by boat! He now regularly leads adventure expeditions in Scotland. Dave previously worked for Scotland's leading wild lands charity and he inspires travelers with his wealth of knowledge and experience of Scotland's wild places. Meet Dave on MT Sobek's Scotland adventures.
Alistair Jeffs
Life for Alistair began as a skinny lad with a curious nature. He spent time roaming the countryside and “playing” along the cliffs of East Yorkshire. Later in life, after 23 years of service at Her Majesty’s pleasure and traveling the world, Alistair and his wife returned to Scotland and opened a B&B. Currently he is the President of the Moray Mountaineering Club and a Munro Completer (having reached the summit of all Scottish 3000’ summits). Alistair now enjoys sharing his love for Scotland with visitors new to the area and visiting the its many malt whisky distilleries.
Activity Level
This trip is rated activity level 3. Easy to moderate hiking on gently rolling terrain for 2-5 hours per day, with some potentially slippery and exposed coastal sections. Cultural touring of historic sites includes walking on narrow, sometimes muddy, paths.
Learn more about activity levels here.
Activity Snapshot
Day 3
2-3 hours/3.5 miles hiking
Day 4
5 hours/3 miles hiking
Day 5
5 hours/6 miles hiking
Day 6
1 hour hiking with various options
Accommodations
Delightful hotels in spectacular locations, including a luxury mansion in Inverness and a romantic inn with bay views in Kirkwall, Orkney.
Lynnfield Hotel
Delight in the beauty of Lynnfield Hotel, a romantic country-house inn with views over Kirkwall Bay and the north isles. Its ten elegantly furnished rooms are well-appointed with modern amenities and its onsite restaurant serves exceptional local fare. The wood-paneled lounge offers a tranquil space to unwind with a warm peat fire and soothing dram of malt whisky.
Kingsmills Hotel
This historic hotel on 4 acres of grounds is less than 1 mile from Inverness Castle and 9.4 miles from the Inverness airport. Guestrooms are equipped with flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi and tea and coffee making equipment. There is an indoor pool and a hot tub, a fitness room, a sauna, a steam room and a spa. The hotel's restaurant overlooks lovely gardens. There is also a whisky bar.
Weather
Weather in the Scottish isles is constantly changing. It is often cool, wet and windy, but be prepared for sunshine too.
FAQs
How do I get to Inverness?
There are direct flights to Scotland from the U.S. on Delta, United, American Airlines, and Virgin Atlantic. Most flights arrive to Glasgow or Edinburgh, where you can connect via a short flight or by rail.
Can my diet be accommodated in Scotland?
We can accommodate almost any diet in Scotland. While the food of Scotland tends to be heavy on meat, there are many alternate options to choose from.
Is this a rigorous hiking trip?
This trip is not strenuous for most experienced hikers. However, you will hike for 2-5 hours per day, over varying terrain. Comfort on wet, rocky terrain for up to 5 hours at a time is necessary.
Will we sleep in luxury accommodations?
Not every night. We select the most comfortable accommodations available in the most beautiful locations, with emphasis on local charm, friendly staff, and delicious breakfasts.
When is the best time of year to do this trip?
May and June are wonderful for wildflowers, and a variety of bird life. July and August are best for wildlife including marine animals; and is also the warmest time. August is the month for purple heather. September and October are generally pleasant, as the light is beautiful, and the leaves and bracken are starting to turn golden.
What if I am a whiskey connoisseur?
Then you will be very pleased! On this trip, there will be opportunities to visit a local whisky distillery.
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Guest Reviews
"We have traveled throughout the world, but never experienced a level of service and attention to detail as we did with MT Sobek."
Dennis G.
MT Sobek Guest
"MT Sobek took care of everything for our extended family vacation. Not a hiccup in the planning, the itinerary, the lodging or the guide. Everything in life should be so easy."
Kathy J.
MT Sobek Guest