Historic Orkney Private Showcase by a Native Islander 7h

5.0 (29 reviews) Scotland
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Duration7h 10m
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Private tourOnly your group will participate
Pickup offeredSee the meeting and pickup details below

Overview

The ideal full-day introduction to Orkney, paced properly and completely crowd-free. Led by a born-and-bred local guide, this private tour focuses on Orkney’s Neolithic sites, Viking heritage, with wartime history without the rush of a group bus. Enjoy dedicated on-site guiding, plenty of rest time, and travel in an immaculate vehicle with no strangers sharing your space.

Because this is entirely private, your itinerary is never fixed. If you want to linger longer or change direction, your guide can adapt the route around your preferences. Originally built as a reliable shore excursion for cruise guests, it works just as well for first-time visitors staying on the islands seeking an introduction.

Standard booking is set to 3 guests, but I can accommodate families of 4 or larger groups by arrangement.

Listing space is limited, so for custom routes or specific historical focuses, reach out for my full service portfolio.

As a top-rated local operator for years, I enjoy a challenge.

What's included

  • Private transportation
  • Local Orkney Guide
  • Tour customisation
  • On site guiding
  • Lunch
  • Gratuities
  • Site tickets to final itinerary.

What to expect

  1. Saint Magnus Cathedral
    20m
    A walkthrough of our 12th-century Viking Cathedral. A masterpiece of red sandstone and a fantastic photo stop, timed strategically to beat the crowds.
  2. Scapa Flow
    Pass by
    A cinematic vantage point overlooking the iconic natural harbour. We trace the naval legacy and view the marker buoy of the HMS Royal Oak.
  3. Unstan Chambered Cairn
    20m
    Visit and enter a 5,300-year-old Neolithic burial mound. A profound, intimate encounter with ancient craftsmanship and human-scale history.

    Note: Access involves a low entrance and may not be possible for those with limited mobility.
  4. Yesnaby Cliffs
    20m
    A dramatic photo stop overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Experience the raw power of the sea against the archipelago, with sheer sea stacks and open horizons shaped by geology and time.
  5. Skara Brae
    1h · Admission ticket not included
    Visit one of Orkney’s top attractions: the 5,000-year-old Neolithic village of Skara Brae. The best-preserved in Europe, it is a remarkably intact lived space revealed by the Atlantic sands.
  6. 1h
    A scheduled lunch stop at one of the premier locations in Orkney, with the alternative option of the Orkney Brewery. A relaxed break to sample local flavours and recalibrate for the afternoon’s narrative.
  7. Maeshowe Chambered Cairn
    1h 10m · Admission ticket not included
    The archipelago’s premier Neolithic masterwork. A profound immersion into the ritual heart of Orkney, this 5,000-year-old chambered tomb represents the pinnacle of ancient engineering and solar alignment.

    Note: Access involves a long, low tunnel and may not be possible for those with limited mobility. Entry is strictly subject to official ticket availability.
  8. Ring of Brodgar
    30m
    Visit the world-renowned henge and stone circle at the epicentre of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney UNESCO World Heritage site. An ethereal landscape of towering monoliths, this ritual masterpiece is explored as a single, connected narrative of ancient belief.
  9. Standing Stones of Stenness
    20m
    Visit the oldest henge monument in the UK. These massive, towering slabs form the central ritual heart of the archipelago—a profound encounter with over 5,000 years of history and the early stages of the Neolithic story.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Please wait in a visible area away so I can locate you.

The best place is inside the waiting room.

End point

Please wait in a visible area away so I can locate you.

The best place is inside the waiting room.

Pickup details

I will be holding a sign with the lead travellers initials on it.

Additional information

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Cancellation policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Reviews

5.0 (29)
From
£750.00 per group
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  • You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.
Operated by Historic Orkney · Booked through Viator
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