12-Day Orkney Islands Nature and Hiking Adventure Itinerary

Start your day with breakfast at Helgi's, a popular spot among locals. Then, journey to the heart of Neolithic Orkney and explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Standing Stones of Stenness and Barnhouse Village. Feel the mystique of these ancient monuments as you walk among them.

Have a picnic lunch amidst the rolling green hills of Orkney Mainland. Afterward, visit the impressive Maeshowe Chambered Cairn and learn about its fascinating history. If time allows, you can also stop by the nearby Tomb of the Eagles to witness more Neolithic wonders.

Enjoy a delightful dinner at The Shore, known for its seafood specialties. As the night descends, take a guided ghost tour of the historic streets of Kirkwall, learning about the island's eerie legends and supernatural tales.

Grab a quick breakfast at Kirkwall Hotel Restaurant before heading to the RSPB Orkney's Loch of Harray reserve. Spend the morning birdwatching and enjoying the serene surroundings.

For lunch, visit Lucano Italian Restaurant for a change of cuisine. Post lunch, take a scenic drive along the coast, making stops at hidden beaches and viewpoints. If you're feeling adventurous, consider a short hike at Corrigall Farm Museum to stretch your legs.

Return to Kirkwall for dinner at Stromness Hotel Restaurant, where you can enjoy a mix of local and international flavors. Cap off the evening with a visit to the Brodgar and Harray Loch area, where you can witness the tranquil beauty of the lochs under the evening sky.

Start your day with a visit to the Orkney Brewery for a tour and tasting session. Learn about the island's brewing traditions and sample some unique Orkney ales. Afterward, enjoy a late morning coffee at the brewery's cafe.

Head to the picturesque village of Stromness for lunch at Foveran Restaurant & Rooms. Post lunch, explore the charming streets and visit the local art galleries and craft shops. You'll find a wide range of Orkney crafts, from jewelry to pottery.

Dine at The Lynnfield Hotel Restaurant, where you can enjoy a fine dining experience with a focus on local produce. After dinner, take a leisurely walk along the harbor and soak in the maritime atmosphere of Stromness.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Hamnavoe Restaurant & Bar in Stromness. Then, set out to explore the west mainland. Visit the impressive Kirbuster Museum to get a glimpse of traditional Orkney life.

For lunch, stop at Albert Hotel Restaurant in Kirkwall, known for its warm hospitality. Afterward, continue your journey to the stunning Marwick Head RSPB Reserve. Take a hike and witness the diverse birdlife and the breathtaking coastal views.

As the sun begins to set, make your way to the Yesnaby Cliffs once again. Experience the golden hour at this dramatic location, and if you're lucky, you might spot some seals basking on the rocks. Conclude the day with a dinner at Ayre Hotel & Ayre's Rock Bar and Grill, where you can enjoy a mix of grill specialties.

Start with a breakfast at Murray Arms Hotel Restaurant in St. Margaret's Hope. Then, head to the easternmost part of the mainland and explore the Deerness Peninsula. Visit the stunning Mull Head Nature Reserve and take a hike to the Brough of Deerness for panoramic views.

For lunch, enjoy the coastal setting at Smithfield Hotel Restaurant in Dounby. Post lunch, visit the Hackness Martello Tower and Battery to learn about Orkney's military history. If time allows, you can also visit the nearby Dingieshowe and the Sands of Wright beach.

Dine at Mermaid Cafe Bistro & Takeaway in Kirkwall, where you can enjoy a relaxed atmosphere and a variety of dishes. After dinner, take a stroll through the streets of Kirkwall and admire the historic buildings and the St. Magnus Cathedral.

Have breakfast at Harray's Hoose Bistro and Tearooms, then head to the village of Birsay. Explore the Birsay Bay and the remains of the Norse settlement. If the tide is low, you can walk across to the Brough of Birsay and enjoy the views.

For lunch, visit the Standing Stones Hotel Restaurant & Bar in Stenness. Afterward, spend the afternoon visiting the nearby ancient sites, including the Stone of Setter and the Barnhouse Neolithic Settlement.

Enjoy a special dinner at the Birsay Bay Tearoom and Gift Shoppe, where you can taste local delicacies. After dinner, take a walk along the coast and enjoy the peaceful evening atmosphere.

Begin with breakfast at The Foveran, then catch the ferry to the island of Rousay. Spend the morning exploring the island's archaeological treasures, including the Taversoe Tuick Chambered Cairn and the Midhowe Chambered Cairn and Broch.

Enjoy a packed lunch as you take in the views from the Blackhammer Chambered Cairn and Stone, then continue your exploration with a visit to the Knap of Howar, the oldest standing house in northern Europe.

Return to the Orkney Mainland and have a well-deserved dinner at The Creel, reminiscing about the day's discoveries.

Have breakfast at Helgi's before catching the ferry to the island of Hoy. Once there, visit the iconic Hoy and take a hike to the famous Old Man of Hoy sea stack.

Enjoy a picnic lunch with a view, then head to the unique Dwarfie Stane, a Neolithic chambered tomb carved out of a single block of stone. Afterward, explore the beautiful Rackwick Bay and its surrounding cliffs.

Return to the mainland and have a well-deserved dinner at The Shore, where you can enjoy the catch of the day.

Start your day with breakfast at Kirkwall Hotel Restaurant. Then, visit the Scapa Flow and learn about its fascinating naval history. You can also take a boat tour to see the wrecks of the German High Seas Fleet that lie beneath the waters.

For lunch, enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and delicious food at Stromness Hotel Restaurant. Afterward, explore the maritime town of Stromness, visiting its museums and art galleries.

Dine at Lucano Italian Restaurant in Kirkwall, where you can enjoy a taste of Italy with a touch of Orkney. After dinner, take a walk along the harbor and enjoy the evening lights.

Have breakfast at Hamnavoe Restaurant & Bar and then head to the Orkney Distillery for a tour and whisky tasting. Learn about the island's whisky-making traditions and sample some of their finest spirits.

Enjoy a lunch with a view at Albert Hotel Restaurant in Kirkwall. Post lunch, visit the Happy Valley and Ayre Mills to see the beautiful cascading waterfalls and the remnants of the island's industrial past.

Dine at Ayre Hotel & Ayre's Rock Bar and Grill, where you can enjoy a mix of grill specialties. After dinner, take a leisurely drive through the countryside and enjoy the peaceful Orkney evening.

Enjoy a final breakfast at Murray Arms Hotel Restaurant in St. Margaret's Hope. Then, take a leisurely drive around the island, visiting any spots you may have missed or simply taking in the beautiful Orkney landscapes one last time.

For lunch, stop at Smithfield Hotel Restaurant in Dounby. Afterward, if time allows, visit the Orkney Fossil and Heritage Centre to learn about the island's geological and natural history.

As the day comes to a close, have a farewell dinner at Mermaid Cafe Bistro & Takeaway in Kirkwall. Reflect on your Orkney adventure and savor the flavors of the island one last time.