Small group archaeology holidays

Our holidays are unique: each of our holidays is personally led by one of our own tour leaders who are both archaeologists who live in Orkney, and we really do run small group tours, never exceeding eight participants (unlike other tour operators who offer ‘specialist small group’ archaeology holidays to Orkney and then define a small group as 'no more than 25 people').  This exclusivity makes our holidays the ideal way to see the best of Orkney with a small party of like-minded travellers – with such a select group we can offer a high quality experience and visit smaller sites in out of the way locations. There's no waiting around for the rest of the coach to catch up  - this is the best way to see Orkney's archaeology - please download our brochure for full details.

Our ‘Orkney Adventure’ archaeology holidays are all-inclusive, so once you have checked in to your comfortable sea front hotel, you don’t have to worry about unforeseen expenses (although we don’t include your hotel bar bill). You have a  free choice from the hotel’s extensive menu of local produce – fresh scallops, crab, steak – rather than the usual restricted 'tour group menu' offered by other operators. 

Although being archaeologists ourselves we specialise in archaeology,  there’s much more to experience in Orkney  – we also give you insights into Orkney’s rich traditions and cultural history, wildlife, birds, our wartime heritage and modern life.  In addition our holidays include visits to the islands of Rousay and Hoy, via short rides on our comfortable inter-island ferries, with the added bonus of wildlife spotting from the deck.

 Please check our current availability for our 2022 holidays and our 2023 holidays. The itinerary for our group holidays is outlined below, for full details please download our brochures.

'Orkney Adventure'

holiday itinerary

Saturday Day 1

Arrive at your hotel in time for dinner.

Sunday Day 2

 Scapa Flow  

Earl’s Bu and Round Kirk

Skara Brae & Skaill House

Kirbister Farm Museum

Broch of Gurness  

Monday Day 3

Earl’s and Bishop’s Palaces

St. Magnus’ Cathedral

Rennibister Earth-house

Cuween Cairn

Churchill Barriers

Italian Chapel

Tuesday Day 4

The Island of Hoy

Hackness Martello Tower &  Battery

Lyness Naval Museum (when ongoing renovations are completed, possibly in 2022, otherwise Rackwick Bay)  

Dwarfie Stane.  

Wednesday Day 5

Free time in Stromness

Maeshowe

Free time in Kirkwall

Thursday Day 6

The Island of Rousay

 Taversöe Tuick tomb,

Blackhammer cairn

Midhowe Cairn

Midhowe Broch

Friday Day 7

Ring of Brodgar 

Stones of Stenness

The Brough of Birsay

Earl’s Palace Birsay

Barony Mill

Saturday Day 8

Depart