Day 1 – Arrival in Kirkwall & Harbour Welcome



Fly direct to Kirkwall from Edinburgh (with Manchester and Heathrow options available). On arrival, you’ll be met and transferred the short distance to your base:

• Kirkwall Hotel (3★) – a Victorian harbour‑front landmark, recently refurbished, with warm Scottish hospitality and views across the marina.

Highlights:

• Check‑in & settle into your room
• Free time to wander the harbour, marina and nearby shops
• Welcome dinner in the Harbour View Restaurant

Atmosphere: soft landing, island air, the feeling that your Orkney story has begun.

Day 3 – Kirkwall Walking Tour & Leisure

Guided by See Orkney (morning)

A slower day to breathe, explore and enjoy Kirkwall’s heritage.

Morning walking tour:

• St Magnus Cathedral – the spiritual heart of Orkney
• The Orkney Museum – stories of island life across the centuries
• Earl’s & Bishop’s Palaces – echoes of power and politics
• Local craft shops, galleries and food spots
• Optional visit to Highland Park Distillery

Afternoon options:

• Free time in Kirkwall for shopping, cafés and harbour walks
• Optional short ferry to Shapinsay for a gentle island wander and views of Balfour Castle (exterior)

Dinner at the hotel.

Tone: heritage, culture, gentle pacing, local life.

Day 4 – Ring of Brodgar, Stenness, Scapa Flow & Italian Chapel

Guided by See Orkney

A day shaped around Orkney’s sacred landscape and wartime story.

Highlights:

• Standing Stones of Stenness – one of Scotland’s oldest stone circles
• Ring of Brodgar – a vast ceremonial ring set in sweeping moorland
• Scapa Flow – a natural harbour rich in naval history
• Italian Chapel – a moving, ornate chapel built by Italian POWs
• Churchill Barriers – causeways linking islands and reshaping the sea

Lunch is taken locally, often in Stromness or a nearby café.

Dinner at the hotel.

Tone: powerful contrasts between Neolithic spirituality and 20th‑century resilience.

Day 6 – Wildlife Boat Adventure & Kirkwall Afternoon

A small‑group wildlife experience from Stromness or Kirkwall (operator to be confirmed locally), offering a sea‑level view of Orkney’s coast.

Possible sightings:

• Seals resting on skerries
• Seabirds such as guillemots, razorbills and fulmars
• Puffins (seasonal)
• Cliffs, caves and coastal rock formations
• Atmospheric photography opportunities

Afternoon:

• Free time in Kirkwall for last‑minute shopping, crafts and cafés
• A final wander along the harbour or marina

Evening:

• Farewell dinner at the hotel – relaxed, celebratory and reflective

Tone: wildlife, sea air, a gentle, memorable finale.

Day 7 – Farewell Kirkwall & Flight Home

A soft final morning:

• Leisurely breakfast
• Short harbour walk or final coffee in town
• Transfer to Kirkwall Airport
• Flight home via your chosen gateway

You leave with the feeling of having truly lived on Orkney for a week – not just visited.

Introducing See Orkney - Our Guiding Partner on the Islands

Local knowledge. Island stories. Guiding with heart.

Scenic Scotland Xplorer is proud to work in partnership with See Orkney, one of the islands’ most respected guiding teams. Led by experienced local guide Lorna, See Orkney brings Orkney’s landscapes, heritage and community to life through warm storytelling, deep knowledge and a genuine passion for the islands.

With See Orkney, you don’t just visit the sites — you understand them.

You hear the stories shaped by 5,000 years of island life.

You explore at the natural rhythm of the North Atlantic.

And you experience Orkney through the eyes of those who call it home.

From the Neolithic wonders of Skara Brae and the Ring of Brodgar, to the wartime history of Scapa Flow, the cliffs of Yesnaby and the quiet harbours of Stromness, See Orkney guides with care, clarity and a love for sharing the islands’ unique character.

Their small‑group approach aligns perfectly with the Scenic Scotland Xplorer ethos:

personal, immersive, flexible and deeply connected to place.

Whether walking through Kirkwall’s historic lanes, exploring Hoy’s dramatic landscapes, or discovering wildlife along the coast, See Orkney ensures every moment feels authentic, atmospheric and unforgettable.



This is Orkney — guided the way Orkney should be.

The 3* Kirkwall Hotel & Shore Annex

(Resort Hotel)

The Kirkwall Hotel with stunning views to the north is one of Orkney's finest Victorian Buildings, perfectly situated within the historic town of Kirkwall, on the picturesque harbour front, close to the marina and the main shopping area, ideal for business or leisure.

You will be looked after with a genuine warm welcome and friendly efficient service throughout your visit. The hotel has 37 en-suite rooms with a great range of facilities, our excellent harbour view restaurant offering an extensive menu featuring the best local produce has to offer, relaxing lounge, function rooms, lounge bar and public bar. The Kirkwall Hotel is the perfect base to relax and forget about the stresses of everyday life, whether fine dining in our restaurant or a snack lunch in our lounge bar, a reviving coffee or something with a little more sustenance! A glass or two of wine, award wining Orkney ales or a dram or two of Orkney's famous whiskies.

 

GUEST ROOMS - All are en-suite with great WiFi, some are adjoining - perfect for families - and we have some dog-friendly bedrooms too.

Whether visiting Orkney for business or pleasure, spend awhile with us and you will be looked after with genuine Scottish hospitality. A warm welcome awaits in Skippers Bar, exquisite dining is easy to find in the Harbour View Restaurant, and the selection of whiskies in the Highland Park Bar is impressive.

Get your day off to a good start in the recently refurbished restaurant - it's a beautiful space for breakfast or a bite to eat. Speaking of breakfast...you'll love the local produce and selection of homemade jams!

What's Included -

• Return flights to Kirkwall from Edinburgh (other gateways available by arrangement)
• 6 nights’ accommodation at the Kirkwall Hotel (3★), dinner, bed & breakfast
• Small‑group guiding with See Orkney on key touring days
• Hoy island day trip including ferry crossings
• Wildlife boat excursion (weather‑dependent)
• All local transfers and touring by small vehicle
• Entrance fees to major sites listed in the itinerary (where applicable)
  

All experiences & journeys are operated by TML Travel Group Limited and are subject to availability and terms & conditions of the TML Travel Group trading charter. All prices are per person based on sharing a twin/double bedded room and are valid for new bookings only. Single occupancy supplement and Insurance not included. New coaches may not be available on all tours. Offers maybe withdrawn at any time. Every attempt is made to keep the information guides up-to-date, however tours maybe subject to change and you will be notified. if this is the case. WE REQUIRE A MINIMUM OF 10 PAYING PASSENGERS IN ORDER TO OPERATE THIS EXPERIENCE