Recent Searches
Clear
Close

Orkney Islands Day Trip from John O'Groats

star-4.5264 Reviews
|
Badge of Excellence
|
John o' Groats, United Kingdom
Orkney Islands Day Trip from John O'Groats
See More
See More
Orkney Islands Day Trip from John O'Groats
St Magnus Cathedral, Kirkwall, Orkney
Ring of Brodgar, Orkney
Ferry heading to Orkney
See More

From $109.66

Lowest Price Guarantee

Select Date and Travelers

Number of travelers
0 Adults1 Adult2 Adults3 Adults4 Adults5 Adults6 Adults7 Adults8 Adults9 Adults10 Adults11 Adults12 Adults13 Adults14 Adults15 Adults0 Children1 Child2 Children3 Children4 Children5 Children6 Children7 Children8 Children9 Children10 Children11 Children12 Children13 Children14 Children15 Children0 Infants1 Infant2 Infants3 Infants4 Infants5 Infants6 Infants7 Infants8 Infants9 Infants10 Infants11 Infants12 Infants13 Infants14 Infants15 Infants
Free cancellation
Up to 24 hours in advance. Learn more
Loading available options...
Safety measures
icon10 hours  (Approx.)
Mobile ticket
iconOffered in: English

Overview

Escape the mainland for a full-day tour of the far-flung Orkney Islands from John O’Groats. Journey by ferry across the Pentland Firth to the wind-swept Orkney archipelago, bursting with postcard-perfect natural vistas and mystical landmarks. With a local guide, cruise along the Churchill Barriers to visit villages steeped in Viking mystery like 5,000-year-old Skara Brae and landmarks like the Lamb Holm Italian Chapel and St. Magnus Cathedral.
  • Day trip from John O’Groats to the Orkney Islands
  • Cross the Churchill Barriers
  • Ferry boat ride across Pentland Firth
  • Watch for seals and whales
  • Visit the villages of Stromness and Skara Brae
Saved to wishlist!

From $109.66

Lowest Price Guarantee
Book Now
Ferry crossing
English speaking guide
Transport by coach
Optional gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop off
Food and drinks, unless specified
Entrance fees to Skara Brae
Entrance fees to Italian chapel

Departure Point

Unnamed Road, John o' Groats, Wick KW1 4YR, UK

Board MV Pentland Venture (ferry) at the harbour. Last boarding 8.40am.

Departure Time

8:30 AM

Return Details

Returns to original departure point
Your trip through the Orkney Islands begins in John O'Groats Harbor, where you set off by ferry in the morning across the blustery Pentland Firth to port in Burwick. After your cruise, transfer to a comfortable coach for a guided tour of remarkable local attractions.

Savor unspoiled scenery as you travel along the Churchill Barriers (the extensive island causeway system). Hug the Scapa Flow (meaning ‘bay of the long isthmus’ in Old Norse), where you may spot swooping seabirds, bobbing seals and whales. Stop in Stromness, the last port of all before the Americas, and Kirkwall to see the lovely St. Magnus Cathedral—nearly a millennia old! 

Soak up mysterious Viking history as you visit ancient monuments including prehistoric standing stones, tombs and the more than 5,000-year-old village of Skara Brae. Cap your day with a stop at the famous Italian Chapel, built during WWII by Italian prisoners of war. Admire the beauty and ingenuity of the chapel, made of only basic raw materials, then re-board your coach for the ride back to port.

Your tour concludes back at John o’Groats Harbor in the evening.
Itinerary
Stop At:  
John O'Groats Ferries
Depart from John O'Groats on the ferry. Shortest sea crossing, only 40 mins to Orkney Islands. Look out for wildlife on the way even orcas if you are lucky and puffins. Luxury coach awaits you on Orkney. Enjoy a guided tour of the islands.
... MoreLess
Duration: 40 minutes
Admission Ticket Free
Stop At:  
Skara Brae
An amazing 5000 year old stoneage village older than the pyramids part of Orkney's World Heritage Site. Only discovered 150 years ago. Entry payable by card at site.
... MoreLess
Duration: 1 hour 
Admission Ticket Not Included
Stop At:  
The Italian Chapel
See the beautiful Italian Chapel, built by Italian prisoners of war using basic materials.
... MoreLess
Duration: 15 minutes
Admission Ticket Not Included
Stop At:  
Saint Magnus Cathedral
Visit the town of Kirkwall with its magnificent Cathedral. See also shops, harbour and museum.
... MoreLess
Duration: 1 hour 
Admission Ticket Free
Stop At:  
Ring of Brodgar
See the mystical Ring of Brodgar, an impressive stone circle.
... MoreLess
Duration: 30 minutes
Admission Ticket Free
Pass By:  
Standing Stones of Stenness
Small group of standing stones.
... MoreLess
Pass By:  
Scapa Flow
Drive round Scapa Flow, home to the Grand Fleet during the wars. See the block ships as you cross the Churchill Barriers.
... MoreLess
  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Stroller accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Near public transportation
  • Most travelers can participate
  • Sorry no dogs on tour
  • Tour returns 6.15pm to John O'Groats
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 40 travelers
  • OPERATED BY John O'Groats Ferries

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Learn more about cancellations.

The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Q:
What is the policy on sanitization during Orkney Islands Day Trip from John O'Groats?
A:The policies on sanitization are:

  • Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
  • Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
  • Gear/equipment sanitized between use
  • Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
See all safety measures taken by Orkney Islands Day Trip from John O'Groats.
Q:
What is the maximum group size during Orkney Islands Day Trip from John O'Groats?
A:This activity will have a maximum of 40 travelers.

See all safety measures taken by Orkney Islands Day Trip from John O'Groats.

Traveler Photos

See More

Traveler Tips

  • "There are plenty of stops along the way too, sobit breaks up the day." See review
  • "The passenger ferry runs like clockwork and the crossing takes about 40 minutes." See review

Reviews

4.5
star-4.5
264 Reviews
5 stars
207
4 stars
44
3 stars
6
2 stars
2
1 star
5

Reviews by Viator travelers

Showing 1-10 of 264 reviews
star-5
A perfect day out
Diane_H
, Sep 2021
Loved the knowledge of the driver, Stewart. Favourite part was The Italian Cathedral. Orkney is a beautiful place, extremely clean and very friendly
... MoreLess
star-5
Lovely ferry, lovely guide, lovely trip.
Maurice_M
, Sep 2021
The John o Groats Ferry is an utterly delightful foot passengers ferry which offers the shortest crossing for terrible sailors ( like us). A coach met us for the trip. Excellent guide in Stuart. Good quick tour of the best sites on the mainland. The ferry developed a problem so we were put on the Pentland Ferry to return, then transported back to John o Groats. No fuss, no expense incurred. One of the family who operate and own the company offered us a lift back to our hotel rather than walk back up from the harbour carrying heavy bottles of Orkney gin ( unobtainable on the mainland). What a lovely man. I recommend the trip highly.
... MoreLess
icon Response from Host , Sep 2021
Thank you for this really kind review. I'm very pleased you enjoyed your day with us and we got you back to your hotel safe and sound. I know the man who gave you the lift and I shall pass on your comments to him - I'm sure he will be pleased. Enjoy your memories of Orkney while sipping that gin!
... MoreLess
star-5
Great day out
Nicola_B
, Sep 2021
Stuart was an exceptional guide - really fascinating to listen to. Loved his insight into life on the islands and great to see local celebrity pigs! Plus all the history of which Orkney is absolutely full
... MoreLess
star-5
Interesting day trip
Shirley_G
, Sep 2021
Very informative driver/tour guide (Darren). Enjoyed Kirkwall not so much Stromness. Enjoyed hearing about and seeing the historical sites.
... MoreLess
star-5
Easy to organise, good...
Graham_S
, Sep 2021
Easy to organise, good price, comfortable transport, knowledgeable guide/driver and humorous, see all the highlights, reccomended food stops.
... MoreLess
star-5
Brilliant
Wayne_B
, Sep 2021
Day tip to orkney was amazing.stuart the coach driver was a wealth of knowledge. Highly recomended. Take warm clothes for the ferry crossing.
... MoreLess
star-5
Amazing day!
Catriona1307
, Sep 2021
The driver Stuart was excellent, so knowledgeable about Orkney and entertaining too. I didn't realise there was so much history there.
... MoreLess
star-3
Very poor value for money
John_B
, Sep 2021
Wonderful place and so much to see but poor value for money. After paying £80 per head for 6 people so £480 I didn’t feel having to pay for entry to two of the five places we visited £9 each more and £3.50 each more was fair or acceptable so frankly think poor value for money as the trip ended up being £80 plus £12.50 each so £92.50 each and no food included. I have been on trips all over the world which are infinitely cheaper with lovely food included
... MoreLess
icon Response from Host , Sep 2021
Thank you for your review. To be honest, most folks find our Tour excellent value for money. It includes our return ferry service, a full day tour covering almost 100 miles in a luxury coach visiting this wonderful archipelago in the company of our informative guide who keeps everyone onboard entertained during a great day out from John O'Groats. We feel it offers genuine value for money as most of our 5 star reviews attest. This summer has not been an easy one for us, operating at reduced capacity for most of the year to keep everyone safe while costs of operating remain similar to pre-Covid times. We are however fairly confident that 2022 will be a better year for everyone and we will endeavour to provide the same high standards as always but we will certainly take your feedback into account in our forward in planning for next season.
... MoreLess
star-4
Good trip
Hayley_R
, Sep 2021
Good trip covering all the basics. Need to include the cost of Skara Brae Village in trip as nothing optional to do and then don’t need as long there. Great commentary from local with great sense of Scottish humour.
... MoreLess
icon Response from Host , Sep 2021
We are glad you enjoyed your day. We are planning to include the cost of Skara Brae for 2022. Thanks for your feedback. Its good to get ideas.
... MoreLess
star-5
Fab day
Joanne_A
, Sep 2021
Great day out and Stuart was a wealth of information and funny with it. I would wholeheartedly recommend
... MoreLess

Compare Similar Experiences

Current
Orkney Islands Day Trip from John O'Groats
Orkney Islands Day Trip from John O'Groats
star-4.5264
10 hours
Free Cancellation
From
$109.66
Taxi & Private Hire (Executive Minibus)
star-52
7 hours
Free Cancellation
From
$120.31
Wildlife Cruise from John O'Groats
star-4.547
1 hour 30 minutes
Free Cancellation
From
$26.38
Highland Whisky Experience
star-53
8 hours
Free Cancellation
From
$381.75

Explore Similar Things to Do

Bus ToursWater ToursDay CruisesFull-day ToursCruises, Sailing & Water ToursDay Trips & ExcursionsLuxury & Special OccasionsTours & SightseeingThe Scottish HighlandsBus Tours - InvernessWater Tours - InvernessDay Cruises - InvernessFull-day Tours - InvernessBus Tours - North East EnglandWater Tours - North East EnglandDay Cruises - North East EnglandFull-day Tours - North East EnglandBus Tours - North West EnglandWater Tours - North West EnglandDay Cruises - North West EnglandFull-day Tours - North West EnglandCategory

Attractions in The Scottish Highlands

Isle of IslayCaledonian CanalInverness Cathedral (St. Andrew's Cathedral)Callanish Standing StonesChanonry PointRogie FallsRing of BrodgarRiver Ness (Abhainn Nis)Corrieshalloch GorgeBen NevisSt. Magnus CathedralMerkinch Local Nature ReserveFairy Glen (Faerie Glen)Maeshowe Chambered CairnInverewe (Inverewe Garden & Estate)Great Glen WayWhin ParkTrotternish RidgeCastle FraserRoad to the Isles