Great British Heritage
Prehistoric Orkney & Beyond Tour
The island of Orkney is covered with archaeological remains of the people, who first came here over 5,000 years ago and many of their remains survive.
New archaeological sites are discovered every year and offer a fascinating insight into the lives of our forebears, especially when explored in the company of Dr David Saunders, whose knowledge of pre-history is matched only by his love for it and his enthusiasm to share his insight.
Highlights include Skara Brae, Italian Chapel, the Ring of Brodgar, Standing Stones of Stenness, and Ness of Brodgar, where recent excavation finished 2024, so our visit will be a guided virtual tour to discover the latest findings at the site.
what’s included
At A Glance
Meet Your Expert Guide
Dr David Saunders
David is a prehistorian and expert in Palaeolithic cave art, with a doctorate from the University of Buckingham. He has spent more than a decade excavating important prehistoric sites, including Blick Mead within the Stonehenge World Heritage Site.
His interests range across prehistory, with particular expertise in animal movement and the different styles and meanings of prehistoric art. David’s deep knowledge of early human expression, combined with his active archaeological experience, brings ancient landscapes, images and evidence vividly to life.
itinerary & excursions
Your Itinerary
Explore this incredible tour in detail and discover what makes each day so special. Below, you’ll find a full day-by-day breakdown of your journey, from the moment you arrive to your final farewell. Learn more about the highlights you’ll experience, the unforgettable places you’ll visit, and the unique moments that bring each destination to life. Whether you’re drawn by rich history, stunning landscapes or unforgettable cultural encounters, this itinerary gives you everything you need to picture your adventure and look forward to every step of the way.
Exact order of itinerary may vary according to local conditions and tour manager’s discretion.
Day 1: Welcome to Inverness and Prehistoric Orkney Introduction
Arrive independently at the Best Western Palace Hotel & Spa in Inverness.
Evening welcome drink, lecture , ‘Prehistoric Orkney’ with Dr David Saunders and dinner with wine.
Day 2: Journey North to Kirkwall
Travel by coach from Inverness to Scrabster for the foot passenger crossing to Orkney with Northlink Ferries, which takes about 90 minutes, so time for a leisurely lunch on board (at own expense).
On arrival transfer to Orkney’s largest town, Kirkwall for check in to our hotel for four nights in the heart of town. This afternoon a short orientation walk around the town (time permitting) will give you your bearings: Kirkwall is a bustling town, with an historic centre full of character, focused on its magnificent St Magnus Cathedral.
This evening we will have dinner with wine at the hotel.
Day 3: Skara Brae, Skaill House & the Broch of Gurness
Our foray into pre-history starts with the Neolithic village of Skara Brae, which lies on the southern shore of the Bay o’ Skaill, in the West Mainland parish of Sandwick. It is one of Orkney’s most-visited ancient sites and regarded by many as the most remarkable pre-historic monument in Europe. In the winter of 1850, when yet another storm battered Orkney, the combination of wind and extremely high tides stripped the grass from a large mound, then known as “Skerrabra” which revealed the outline of numerous stone buildings. The local laird, William Watt, of Skaill, was intrigued and embarked on an excavation of the site, unearthing the remains of four ancient houses in 1868.
However, the settlement was to then remain undisturbed until 1925, when another storm damaged some of the previously excavated structures. Further excavations followed between 1928 and 1930, when the dwellings we see today were revealed from their protective cocoons. The settlement has been dated to the late Neolithic period and appears to have been inhabited for approximately 600 years, between 3200BC and 2200BC. Today eight of the dwellings, which are linked together by a series of low, covered passages survive at Skara Brae as it has become known.
Day 4: Stones of Stenness, the Ring of Brodgar, & the Ness of Brodgar
Our first visit today is to the mysterious Stones of Stenness. Thought to date to at least 3100BC, the complex is one of the earliest stone circles throughout Britain, reaching a maximum height of six metres. Although only four of the ring’s stones remain standing, the scale of the megaliths ensures the monument is visible for miles around. From here we head to the Ring of Brodgar, dating to 2000-2500 BC, where 36 stones remain of the original 60 stones that formed a perfect circle 104 metres in diameter.
Nearby excavation since 2002 revealed a complex of Neolithic buildings on the thin strip of land, the Ness of Brodgar, that separates the lochs of Harray and Stenness. We will visit the former dig site where excavation ended in 2024 for a guided virtual tour which will include a walking tour around the site with the aid of photographs. All aspects of the discovery and excavation of the site will be explained as will its place in the wider context of other Neolithic sites and the surrounding World Heritage Area.
Day 5: Scapa Flow, Italian Chapel & Kirkwall
Moving away from the pre-historic today, we travel along the defences of Scapa Flow that Winston Churchill approved through the building of ‘causeways’ to link the southern isles to Mainland Orkney, thereby closing off the eastern approaches to enemy submarines. This relatively recent historic route takes us to visit the Italian Chapel, a beautiful Roman Catholic chapel in Lamb Holm, which was constructed by Italian POWs during the Second World War. We return to the charming town of Kirkwall, where time is free for a farewell lunch (at own expense) and free time to explore: options include the Orkney Museum, Cathedral or the Bishop’s and Earl’s Palace.
Day 6: Ferry & Travel Back to Inverness
Alas, it is time to head back to the mainland, transferring first to the pretty town of Stromness where we will board as foot passengers on the Northlink ferry to Scrabster.
There will be time on board to get lunch at leisure and own expense before continuing to Inverness for overnight stay and dinner.
Day 7: Depart At Leisure After Breakfast
Post-tour nights are available at a supplement.
our guests say
Recent reviews
“The talk by the Director of the excavation at the Ness of Brodgar was a real highlight and added fascinating depth to the whole experience.”
Sir Roderick Floud, May 2026
“Being able to see Skara Brae, the Ness and the tombs in like-minded company was a real highlight, along with taking in the landscape and enjoying the lectures throughout the tour.”
Mrs T, May 2026
“We loved exploring the Neolithic sites, especially the fascinating talk by Nick Card at the Ness of Brodgar. The expert lecturers added great depth to the experience, making it both educational and enjoyable.”
Ms J, May 2025
“Visiting Skara Brae was a true highlight, and the blend of history and scenery was captivating throughout. The hotel on the first night was particularly comfortable, which was a very good start of our journey.”
Ms M, May 2025
“Skara Brae and the Broch of Gurness were incredibly interesting, and the Albert Hotel in Kirkwall offered wonderfully cooked-to-order breakfasts that we appreciated. The trip was well organised, with many memorable visits to ancient sites.”
Mr and Dr Roberts, May 2025
Availability
Choose Your Departure
HOTELS
Tour Accommodation
Best Western Palace Hotel and Spa, Inverness
Recently renovated landmark the four-star hotel located near the centre of town with restaurant, bar, spa and indoor swimming pool. Bedrooms are individually styled and comfortable with all modern amenities including en-suite bathroom, TV, telephone, free wifi, hairdryer and tea/coffee making facilities.
Please note if you choose to travel to Inverness by car, the hotel does not have car parking space to leave your vehicle for the duration of the tour. It is recommended by the hotel to park at the Cathedral Car Park which offers long stay parking from £5 per 24 hours payable directly at the car park.
Hotel Website
Albert Hotel, Kirkwall
Four-star hotel with boutique-style rooms in the centre of town with restaurant and popular local “Bothy” bar. Bedrooms are comfortable with all modern amenities including en-suite bathroom, TV telephone, wifi, hairdryer and tea/coffee making facilities.
Hotel Website
our regular tours
Mobility Information
This tour has a demanding fitness rating and is designed for travellers who enjoy a more active pace of exploration. While it is not a walking holiday, you should expect busy days with extended periods on your feet and visits where conditions may be more varied. These may include uneven terrain, cobbled streets, archaeological sites, steep paths, steps, stairs, limited handrails or fewer opportunities to sit and rest.
A good level of fitness and mobility will help you enjoy the full experience of the itinerary. Please read the day-by-day itinerary carefully, as we highlight specific practical details wherever possible. This may include notes about ground conditions, stairs, walking distances, coach access or sites where lifts are not available.
If you have any questions about whether this tour is suitable for you, please contact our team before booking. We are always happy to talk through the itinerary and help you make the right choice.
Your questions answered
Tour FAQ
If you have a question, we are more than happy to answer it via email or phone, but you may find your answer below more quickly.
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