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Day trip

From John O'Groats: Orkney Islands Day Trip

4.7  / 5
464 reviews
Activity provider:John O’Groats Ferries
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Day trip

From John O'Groats: Orkney Islands Day Trip

Activity provider:John O’Groats Ferries
4.7  / 5
464 reviews
Likely to sell out

From US$ 105.29 per person

Likely to sell out

Enjoy a day tour from John O'Groats to the Orkney Islands, traveling 40 minutes by ferry and via a luxury coach. Discover the highlights of Orkney and visit the Stone Age site of Skara Brae.

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Reserve now & pay later
Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
Covid-19 precautions
Special health and safety measures are in place. Check your activity voucher once you book for full details.
Duration 1 day
Check availability to see starting times.
Live tour guide
English

Experience

Highlights
  • Visit the World Heritage Island of Orkney on a day-trip from John O'Groats
  • Experience the mystical stone circle at the Ring of Brodgar
  • Marvel at the magnificent Cathedral of St Magnus and the beautiful little Italian Chapel
  • Admire the neolithic sight of Skara Brae which is older than the Pyramids
Full description

Start the tour by boarding the ferry at John O'Groats. Depart 8.45am. Take the 40-minute ferry crossing, keeping a lookout for marine wildlife including puffins and orcas on the way. When you arrive on Orkney, board a luxury coach which will be waiting for you to begin your tour of the island. As you set off, enjoy the commentary from a local guide. First, see the Churchill Barriers built during the First World War. Stop in Kirkwall which is Orkney's capital city and discover St Magnus Cathedral, shops, the museum, and the scenic harbor. 

Continue along the northern coast of Scapa Flow and admire the beautiful views of the Hoy hills. Then, arrive in Stromness, one of Britain's most picturesque towns. Stroll through the winding street, visit the museum, and find plenty of places to eat lunch.  Next, set off for the neolithic village of Skara Brae, established in around 2,500 BC and which has been hidden under sand dunes, perfectly preserved for thousands of years.

Follow the route onwards along a narrow tongue of land between the lochs of Harray and Stenness, making a stop at the mystical Ring of Brodgar and the Standing Stones of Stenness. Finally, board the return ferry, and make a stop at the Italian Chapel which is beautifully decorated inside 2 Nissen huts. Return to John O'Groats 6.15pm with incredible memories of your excursion.

Includes
  • Return ferry crossing
  • Bus tour
  • Entrance fee to Skara Brae (stone age village)
  • Entrance fees
  • Food and drinks
  • Entrance fee to Italian Chapel (payable on-site)
  • Tips
Not suitable for
  • Wheelchair users

Select participants and date

Participants

Date

Meeting point

Go to John O'Groats Harbour to board the ferry to Orkney. The name of the ferry is MV Pentland Venture. You can use the free car park in John O'Groats on the right-hand side after entering.

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Important information

Not allowed

  • Pets

Know before you go

  • No special walking shoes are required
  • There will be numerous food, drink and toilet stop opportunities along the way
  • There is a large, free car park in John O'Groats
Likely to sell out

From US$ 105.29 per person

Reserve now & pay later to book your spot and pay nothing today
Reserve now & pay later to book your spot and pay nothing today
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Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.7 /5

based on 464 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.9/5
  • Transportation
    4.8/5
  • Value for money
    4.6/5

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It was the second time that we did the trip to Orkney and both were excelent I was there with my daughter and 5 children ageing from 15 years to 4 years and all of them loved it and found it very informative . I need to use a walking aid and the staff wrer very helpfull both on the boat and on the coach. the second time I took friends that were staying with us on holiday and thay found it very interesting as my friend had been in the marines

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August 31, 2023

J
Joyce – United KingdomVerified booking

Helpful?

Another easy experience with this company for our 1st island taster on Orkney. Booking was simple with lots of information provided to assist with payment and tickets were electronic. The Pentland Venture was a pleasure and provided great views out to sea and of the coastlines, the calm waters made the crossing very smooth in both directions. The coaches were waiting at Burwick and we boarded a spotlessly clean both inside and out vehicle, the driver Mike, obviously took extreme pride of it and this showed with his faultless commentary during our day trip visiting all the main sites like The Churchill Barriers, The Italian Chapel, Kirkwall, Stromness, Skara Brae & Ring of Brodgar, no wonder it's called the Maxi Tour. The weather made it more enjoyable as it was stunning🌞 and a quick bite to eat in Kirkwall at Lucano's is highly recommended, the bacon & egg ciabatta was done to perfection👍🏼 Be prepared for a long day and wear decent footwear and be prepared if the weather changes😉

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August 14, 2023

N
Nigel – United KingdomVerified booking

Helpful?

Fantastic day trip - lots to see & within a reasonable timeframe. Darren was our driver and guide. He had great patter (& some pretty cheesy jokes!) and was very informative. It's a wonderful taster of Orkney; we'll be back and for longer next time. The day trip is great value and we thoroughly recommend it.

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August 4, 2023

C
Christina – United KingdomVerified booking

Helpful?

Product ID: 305413

  • United Kingdom
  • Churchill Barriers

Cities in Scotland

  • 1Edinburgh
  • 2Glasgow
  • 3Inverness
  • 4Queensferry
  • 5Balloch
  • 6John o' Groats
  • 7St Andrews
  • 8Aberdeen
  • 9Portree
  • 10Stirling
  • 11Oban
  • 12Aberfeldy
  • 13Pitlochry
  • 14Glencoe
  • 15Fort Augustus
  • 16Dalwhinnie, Scotland
  • 17Ballinluig
  • 18Killiecrankie
  • 19Craigellachie, Scotland

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