The Orkney Taster
Maeshowe on Orkney
Holiday inspiration currently loading...
Apologies, to get the best experience from this website please enable JavaScript in your web browser. You can do this via the settings/preferences menu.
Ideal as an introductory visit to explore the major pre-historic and Viking sites of Orkney.
An ideal introduction to this magical group of islands, suitable either as a short break in its own right or as an add-on to a longer stay in Scotland. You’ll travel to Orkney by ferry from the north coast of Scotland, around two hours from Inverness, and spend three nights in Kirkwall, the perfect base from which to tour and explore the Mainland, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site. You could also choose to make a day-trip to one of the neighbouring islands, such as Rousay or Hoy, reachable by a short ferry crossing.
We also offer the alternative Orkney Fly-drive holiday for those who prefer to arrive by air.
The open landscape and good roads make Orkney easy to explore, with a number of the islands joined by causeways, others easily accessible by ferry or local plane. Wildlife flourishes here; seals bask among the rocks and birdwatching is popular. In the summer the roadside verges are covered with wild flowers, including orchids.
The main island (Mainland) boasts a UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE which includes the ancient Standing Stones of Stenness and the Neolithic Ring of Brodgar. The 5,000 year old houses at Skara Brae remain remarkably intact, and the Viking runes at Maeshowe prove that graffiti isn’t just a 20th century invention! In more recent times evocative Scapa Flow contains the melancholy relics of two world wars, and on its banks the beautifully ornate Italian Chapel constructed by Italian Prisoners of War is well worth a visit. We’ll provide plenty of recommendations for what to see and do in all directions – whether driving to the southern tip of the archipelago or hopping across to one of the other islands on a short ferry ride to explore more pre-history or find a sandy beach.
Set on a hill overlooking Eynhallow Sound and the island of Rousay, your guest house in Orkney is a comfortable and welcoming, family owned home. Around 20 minutes drive from Kirkwall, with a large sunroom and spacious guest lounge, this could be the ideal base from which to explore these ancient islands. Home-cooked dinner is served here by prior arrangement and packed lunches are also available.
The Orkney islands lie to the north of the Scottish mainland, with the main ferry ports around two hours’ from Inverness. Overnight ferry services are also available from Aberdeen.
£345 per person for March, April & October and £385 per person for May to September.
Prices based on two people sharing a double room ensuite for three nights on a bed & breakfast basis.
Ferry travel from the north coast of Scotland to Orkney is included for a car and passengers. The longer evening or overnight sailing from/to Aberdeen can also be arranged at an additional cost, which may suit if you prefer to travel by train to Aberdeen then take the ferry. We can then arrange car hire from Kirkwall.
Before your departure, you will receive personalised holiday information including full directions, recommended routes, and suggestions on places to visit depending on your interests and our local knowledge to help you get the most from your holiday.
All itineraries and room types are presented subject to availability at specific hotels.
All our holiday prices include a service charge of £9 per person per night towards the costs we incur in researching, planning and designing your holiday.
We guarantee to refund this service charge if you believe that arranging your holiday through McKinlay Kidd has not met your expectations for value. All we ask is that you write to us within 7 days of your return and explain your reason for claiming the refund. This will ensure that we can improve the experience for all our future guests.
Last month I was in Orkney for the first time. I have never been that far north before. I flew from Glasgow to Kirkwall, the main town, instead of tak...
I thoroughly enjoyed my short break in Orkney which lived up to all expectations and whetted my appetite for more!Jane, Wellington, New Zealand
Our holiday was so well organised, all we had to do was enjoy it. Thank you for your excellent detailed holiday pack.John & Patricia, Cambridge, England
This holiday can be arranged from March to October.
To check the latest availability for this holiday complete the form below or call us. We will respond to your availability check within one working day if at all possible. Please bear with us on this - we work with a hand-picked selection of smaller hotels, guest houses, and other independent businesses, ensuring that you have the chance to explore off the beaten track and really get under the skin of the destination.
Please note: All form fields are required unless otherwise stated optional.
