Orkney

Tour Code: GBR25

A 7-day tour to enjoy the history and natural history of the Orkney Islands.

7 days from
£1,695
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Highlights

Summary

Summary

On this single-centre holiday we will seek out the varied wildlife and sample the ancient history of this fascinating group of islands, which are just a short hop from the Scottish mainland but retain their own identity. Based in the island capital, Kirkwall, we will make daily excursions on the Orkney Mainland and on one day will take a ferry trip to the northern isle of Westray. We will enjoy both the island’s renowned antiquities, including the Neolithic village of Skara Brae, and its spectacular wildlife - from the huge seabird colonies of Noup Head on Westray to the moorland specialities such as Hen Harrier and Short-eared Owl; and there’s also a possibility of encountering Otters and the endemic Orkney Vole. We will not ignore the island’s flora as we seek out specialities such as the extremely localised Scottish Primrose and Oyster Plant.

  • Look for Hen Harrier, Short-eared Owl & Red-throated Diver
  • Enjoy remote moorlands & their wildlife
  • Stone circles & ancient settlements on Orkney Mainland
  • Spectacular seabird cliffs at Noup Head on Westray
  • Grey & Common Seals, Otter & Orkney Vole all possible
  • Rare plant specialities
  • Led by a Naturetrek naturalist
  • 6-night stay in a comfortable Kirkwall hotel

As well as taking time to enjoy some of Orkney's famous Neolithic antiquities such as Skara Brae and Maeshowe, we will be focusing on its wildlife from our base in Kirkwall on 'Mainland' (the largest island). The islands' special seabirds include Fulmar, Shag, Great and Arctic Skuas, Arctic Tern, Razorbill, Black Guillemot, Gannet, Kittiwake and Puffin. We will also be hoping to see raptors such as Hen Harrier, Peregrine, Merlin and Short-eared Owl. We'll enjoy the drumming of Snipe, and northern specialities such as Rock Dove, Twite and Raven. Other highlights may include Grey and Common Seals, the endemic Orkney Vole and the Scottish Primrose.

DETAILED INFORMATION
Itinerary

Outline Itinerary

Day 1
Arrive Kirkwall
Day 2
Westray
Day 3/6
Orkney Mainland
Day 7
Depart Kirkwall
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What's Included

What's Included?

  • Accommodation: The Orkney Hotel in Kirkwall
  • Food:

    Half-board (Dinner, Bed and Breakfast). Lunches are extra (usually a packed lunch or a stop in a café).

Reviews
Dates & Prices

Dates & Prices

2025

Departures Availability Cost
Sat 24th May – Fri 30th May FULL £1,695
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£1,695
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£425
Sat 31st May – Fri 6th Jun FULL £1,695
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£1,695
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£425
Tour Leader:
Please note that, whilst we assign leaders to particular tours well in advance, we reserve the right to make changes if necessary
Mick Durham
Mick Durham

Tour Leader: Mick Durham

Mick trained as an English and Outdoor Education teacher and spent much of his working life teaching a range of activities such as mountaineering and climbing, canoeing, orienteering and camping in a local authority centre in North Wales. When not working he spent much of his time watching and photographing wildlife. He moved to Scotland over 25-years ago and has continued with his photography, concentrating on Scottish wildlife. Since retiring he has worked as a guide leading wildlife photography groups abroad and guiding wildlife groups in Scotland. In 2013 he gained his Fellowship with the Royal Photographic Society and is currently the Chair of the Natural History Distinctions Panel responsible for assessing Associate and Fellowship submissions.

Although interested in all kinds of wildlife, Mick is particularly keen on photographing wildlife in cold climates and also the wildlife found throughout Scotland. In particular he is passionate about Scottish coastal Otters and he has been observing and photographing these enigmatic creatures since he first visited Mull in 1988.

Sat 21st Jun – Fri 27th Jun 2 £1,695
Book Tour Show Details
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£1,695
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£425

2026

Departures Availability Cost
Sat 23rd May – Fri 29th May SPACES £1,795
Book Tour Show Details
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£1,795
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£475
Sat 30th May – Fri 5th Jun SPACES £1,795
Book Tour Show Details
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£1,795
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£475

Prefer to Travel in a Private Group?

For any interested natural history club or society, we can arrange for a private departure of this tour.

Enquire
Why Naturetrek?

Why Naturetrek?

At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:

  • The widest choice of wildlife holidays worldwide
  • Tours managed and led by naturalists, for naturalists
  • Outstanding value and exceptional customer service

Furthermore, as a Naturetrek client, our office team are always to on hand to help you – so if you have any queries about your holiday, whether before or after you have booked, we will be delighted to answer them on the phone. Please just give our team a call!

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