Quick Navigation
- Quick Facts: Orkney Itinerary Planning
- Why Plan Your Orkney Itinerary?
- Essential Orkney Attractions to Include
- Heart of Neolithic Orkney UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Kirkwall & St Magnus Cathedral
- Stromness & Scapa Flow
- Island Hopping
- The Ultimate 3-Day Orkney Itinerary
- Budget Explorer (£)
- Budget Explorer (£)
- Budget Explorer (£)
- Mid-Range Discovery (££)
- Mid-Range Discovery (££)
- Mid-Range Discovery (££)
- Luxury Escape (£££)
- Luxury Escape (£££)
- Luxury Escape (£££)
- Expanding to a 5-Day Orkney Adventure
- Immersive 7-Day Orkney Exploration
- Getting Around Orkney: Transport Options
- Accommodation for Every Budget
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- When is the best time to visit Orkney?
- Do I need a car in Orkney?
- How far in advance should I book ferries?
- What are the absolute must-see sites?
- Plan Your Orkney Stay
The Ultimate 3-Day, 5-Day, and 7-Day Orkney Itineraries for Any Budget
Planning a trip to the captivating Orkney Islands? Whether you have a long weekend or a full week, and regardless of your budget, this ancient archipelago offers an unforgettable experience. From world-renowned Neolithic sites to dramatic coastlines and charming towns, crafting the perfect itinerary is key. This guide provides detailed 3-day, 5-day, and 7-day plans tailored for budget, mid-range, and luxury travellers, helping you make the most of your Orkney adventure.
Quick Facts: Orkney Itinerary Planning
- Best Time to Visit: May-September (weather), Winter (Northern Lights).
- Transport: Car hire recommended for flexibility; public buses and ferries available.
- Key Areas: Mainland (Kirkwall, Stromness, Neolithic sites), Hoy, Rousay.
- Booking Ahead: Essential for accommodation and ferries, especially in summer.
- Must-Sees: Heart of Neolithic Orkney UNESCO site, St Magnus Cathedral, Scapa Flow.
Why Plan Your Orkney Itinerary?
Orkney packs an incredible amount of history, nature, and culture into its islands. With limited time, planning is crucial to experience the highlights without feeling rushed. A well-structured Orkney itinerary allows you to group attractions geographically, factor in travel times (especially for ferries), and balance famous landmarks with hidden gems. Tailoring your plan to your budget also ensures a smoother, more enjoyable trip, whether you're backpacking or seeking luxury.
Essential Orkney Attractions to Include
No matter your trip length or budget, certain Orkney experiences are unmissable:
Heart of Neolithic Orkney UNESCO World Heritage Site
This collection of prehistoric monuments is older than Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids. Key sites include:
- Skara Brae: Exceptionally preserved Neolithic village offering a window into life 5,000 years ago.
- Maeshowe: A magnificent chambered cairn, famous for its Viking graffiti and winter solstice alignment. Booking is essential.
- Ring of Brodgar & Stones of Stenness: Evocative standing stone circles set within a stunning natural landscape.
Contact: Maeshowe Visitor Centre
Maeshowe Visitor Centre, Ireland Rd, Stenness, Stromness KW16 3LB, UK
Kirkwall & St Magnus Cathedral
Orkney's capital, Kirkwall, boasts the stunning red sandstone St Magnus Cathedral, known as the 'Light in the North'. Explore the town's winding streets, harbour, and nearby Bishop's and Earl's Palaces.
Stromness & Scapa Flow
The picturesque harbour town of Stromness is the gateway to Hoy and the historic waters of Scapa Flow. Visit the Scapa Flow Museum, the Italian Chapel built by POWs, and the Churchill Barriers.
Island Hopping
Orkney comprises around 70 islands. Popular day trips or overnight stays include:
- Hoy: Famous for the Old Man of Hoy sea stack and dramatic cliffs.
- Rousay: Known as the 'Egypt of the North' for its density of archaeological sites.
The Ultimate 3-Day Orkney Itinerary
A whirlwind tour focusing on the Mainland's biggest hitters.
Budget Explorer (£)
Utilise public transport and hostels. Pack lunches.
- Day 1: Bus to Heart of Neolithic Orkney sites (Skara Brae, Stones, Ring of Brodgar). Picnic lunch. Kirkwall Youth Hostel stay.
- Day 2: Bus to Stromness, explore town. Foot passenger ferry to Hoy, hike towards Old Man of Hoy. Return to Kirkwall.
- Day 3: Explore Kirkwall (St Magnus Cathedral, museum). Bus to Italian Chapel. Depart.
Mid-Range Discovery (££)
Mix car hire with B&B stays and local cafes.
- Day 1: Collect hire car. Visit Skara Brae & Maeshowe (book ahead!). Lunch at Skara Brae cafe. Check into B&B near Kirkwall. Dinner locally.
- Day 2: Car ferry to Hoy. Drive/hike to Rackwick Bay & Old Man of Hoy viewpoint. Scapa Flow Museum. Stay in Stromness B&B.
- Day 3: Explore Stromness. Drive to Kirkwall, visit Highland Park Distillery (book tour). Depart.
Luxury Escape (£££)
Private tours, high-end hotels, and fine dining.
- Day 1: Private guided tour of Neolithic sites. Gourmet picnic lunch. Stay at a luxury hotel (e.g., The Storehouse). Fine dining.
- Day 2: Private boat tour of Scapa Flow wrecks. Helicopter trip over Hoy. Spa treatment. Stay in Kirkwall.
- Day 3: Exclusive distillery tasting. Bespoke craft trail visit. Chauffeur to airport.
Expanding to a 5-Day Orkney Adventure
Allows for an island day trip and more in-depth exploration.
Budget Explorer (£)
Add a ferry trip to Rousay.
- Day 4: Ferry to Rousay. Explore archaeological sites (Midhowe Broch). Stay at Rousay Hostel or return to Kirkwall.
- Day 5: Explore more of Kirkwall or revisit a favourite spot before departure.
Mid-Range Discovery (££)
Include a distillery and another island.
- Day 4: Visit Scapa Distillery. Explore South Ronaldsay and the Tomb of the Eagles.
- Day 5: Day trip (ferry or flight) to Westray or Sanday for beaches and birdlife. Depart late or next morning.
Luxury Escape (£££)
Add bespoke experiences like wildlife tours or archaeology digs.
- Day 4: Private wildlife watching boat trip. Visit artisan workshops.
- Day 5: Guided archaeology walk on Rousay or fly to Papa Westray (world's shortest flight). Fine dining experience.
Immersive 7-Day Orkney Exploration
Time to explore multiple islands and delve deeper.
Budget Explorer (£)
Add more islands and coastal walks.
- Day 6: Ferry to Sanday for beaches and lighthouse. Camp or hostel stay.
- Day 7: Explore Yesnaby cliffs or Brough of Birsay coastal walk. Depart.
Mid-Range Discovery (££)
Combine Mainland sights with multiple island stays.
- Day 6: Overnight stay on Westray, explore Noltland Castle and bird cliffs.
- Day 7: Return to Mainland. Visit Orkney Museum in Kirkwall. Depart.
Luxury Escape (£££)
Charter experiences and explore remote islands.
- Day 6: Fly to North Ronaldsay, experience unique sheep dyke culture. Stay in premium accommodation.
- Day 7: Private fishing charter or guided sea kayaking. Final gourmet meal. Depart.
Getting Around Orkney: Transport Options
Choosing the right transport impacts your itinerary and budget.
| Mode | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car Hire | Flexibility, access remote areas | Cost, single-track roads | Mid-Range, Luxury, Families |
| Public Bus | Budget-friendly | Limited routes/timetables | Budget, Mainland focus |
| Ferries | Essential for island hopping | Weather dependent, booking needed | All travellers visiting islands |
| Cycling | Eco-friendly, immersive | Weather, hills, distances | Active travellers, Budget |
| Flights (Inter-Island) | Fast, unique experience (Papay) | Cost, limited routes | Luxury, Time-sensitive trips |
| Tours/Taxis | Convenient, local knowledge | Expensive | Luxury, Short visits |
Consider Orkney Ferries for inter-island travel and NorthLink Ferries or Pentland Ferries for mainland connections. Car hire is available in Kirkwall and Stromness.
Accommodation for Every Budget
Orkney offers a range of places to stay, from budget hostels to luxurious self-catering properties. Booking well in advance, especially for summer, is crucial. Consider basing yourself in Kirkwall or Stromness for easy access to amenities and transport, or choose a more remote island location for tranquility.
- Explore Orkney Self-Catering options for flexibility.
- Find comfortable Orkney Hotels for convenient stays.
- Discover charming Orkney B&Bs for local hospitality.
This video provides a fantastic visual guide to a 7-day Orkney trip, showcasing many of the highlights mentioned.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When is the best time to visit Orkney?
The most popular time is May to September for milder weather and longer daylight hours ('simmer dim'). However, spring offers wildflowers and nesting birds, autumn brings dramatic colours, and winter provides opportunities to see the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) and enjoy cozy evenings, though some attractions may have reduced hours.
Do I need a car in Orkney?
While not strictly essential, especially for budget travellers focusing on Mainland bus routes, a car offers significantly more flexibility for exploring remote sites, coastal areas, and managing island ferry schedules efficiently. Consider car hire for trips of 3 days or more if your budget allows.
How far in advance should I book ferries?
For vehicle travel on NorthLink (Aberdeen/Scrabster) or Pentland Ferries (Gills Bay) during peak season (June-August), book at least 2-3 months in advance. Inter-island ferries (Orkney Ferries) usually require booking closer to the time, but check specific route requirements, especially for cars.
What are the absolute must-see sites?
For a first visit, the Heart of Neolithic Orkney UNESCO World Heritage Site (Skara Brae, Maeshowe, Ring of Brodgar, Stones of Stenness) is essential. St Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall and the dramatic history of Scapa Flow (including the Italian Chapel) are also highly recommended.
Plan Your Orkney Stay
With its rich history, stunning landscapes, and unique island culture, Orkney promises an unforgettable journey. These itineraries offer a starting point – feel free to mix and match based on your interests and budget. Remember to book accommodation and transport early, pack layers for unpredictable weather, and embrace the magic of these northern isles. Ready to find your perfect base? Explore our range of Orkney accommodation to suit every itinerary.
