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Key Points
- Private, fully customizable tour led by a local guide with over 100 years of Island experience
- Duration of 5 hours, with options to extend or tailor the itinerary on the day
- Flexible pickup and drop-off locations including Kirkwall, Stromness, St Margaret’s Hope, and ferry terminals
- No included site entry fees, but tickets for sites like Skara Brae can be purchased on the day or in advance
- Comfortable vehicle options include a midsize SUV and a 4×4 estate car, accommodating up to 4 adults
- Ideal for day-trippers, cruise passengers, or those spending longer on Orkney
Discover a Truly Private and Flexible Orkney Coastal Experience
The Historic Orkney Coastal Charms Tour offers an intimate exploration of the archipelago’s stunning coastline and historic sites. Priced at $592 for a group of up to 4, this 5-hour private tour is designed for those who want the freedom to customize their day. It’s led by a local guide with over a century of combined Island life experience, ensuring genuine insights into Orkney’s landscapes and history.
Unlike typical bus tours, this experience is not scheduled with rigid timings or routes. Every booking is exclusive for your group, and the guide is flexible to extend the tour or adjust the route based on your interests. This makes it perfect for travelers arriving via ferry, cruise liner, or staying on the island, who seek a relaxed, personalized adventure.
Key Points
- Customizable 5-hour private tour with local insight
- Flexible pickup and drop-off locations across Orkney’s main points
- No entry fees included, but tickets can be purchased on-site or in advance
- Comfortable vehicle options, including SUV and estate car, for up to 4 passengers
- Ideal for cruise passengers or day-trippers wanting a tailored experience
Starting from Your Preferred Location on the Orkney Mainland
The tour begins with pickups from any location on the Orkney mainland, including Kirkwall, Stromness, Saint Margaret’s Hope, or ferry terminals such as Northlink ferry pier, Hatston, and St Margaret’s Hope. The guide will arrive with a sign bearing the lead traveler’s initials, making it easy to identify.
This flexibility ensures that whether you arrive by cruise, ferry, or stay in a rental, you can start the journey smoothly. The guide can pick up your group directly from hotels, rental houses, and travel centers. If visiting for a short stay or a day trip, this ease of access helps maximize sightseeing without unnecessary transfers.
The Tour’s Flexible Itinerary and Site Visits
While the standard duration is 5 hours, the tour is fully customizable. The guide will take you through several stops, including a hidden scenic viewpoint with stunning views lasting around 30 minutes, and guided explorations of specific sites like Birsay, which is allocated about an hour.
You also receive free time for personal exploration, roughly 30 minutes, between guided stops. The itinerary includes a self-guided 20-minute visit and a final 15-minute guided walk in Stromness, providing a mix of structured and leisurely experiences.
What makes this tour stand out is the ability to tailor the route and timing. Every stop offers an opportunity for deeper exploration based on your interests, whether focusing on local history, scenery, or simply relaxing and soaking in the views.
More Great Tours NearbyBirsay and Other Key Sights on the Coast
Birsay is a highlight, offering a guided tour lasting about an hour. Visitors can enjoy rich history and views of the coast, with the guide providing context about the site’s significance. The tour includes a self-guided 20-minute segment in Birsay to explore at leisure.
Other stops include Stromness, where a brief 15-minute guided tour introduces you to the town’s character and history. The guide’s local knowledge enhances each visit, providing stories and details not easily found in guidebooks.
Each stop offers a chance for personal exploration or additional commentary from the guide, making it a flexible experience that adapts to your pace.
Vehicles and Comfort for Small Groups
The tour operates using a midsize SUV or a 4×4 estate car, both comfortably accommodating up to 4 mid-sized adults or 3 with extra space. These vehicles are more comfortable and spacious than typical minibus options, ensuring a relaxed ride along Orkney’s rugged coastline.
The small group size and vehicle choice mean more personal attention, less crowding, and the ability to access scenic spots that larger vehicles might not reach. The guide ensures a comfortable journey regardless of weather, providing free waterproofs if needed.
Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most?
This experience is ideal for cruise passengers, day-trippers, or longer-term visitors who wish to explore Orkney’s coast with full flexibility. The private group setup ensures a personalized day, with the ability to extend the tour or choose specific sites to visit.
Since entry fees are not included, travelers can budget accordingly, purchasing tickets for sites like Skara Brae either on the day or in advance. The no strict schedule and local guide make this a relaxed, authentic way to enjoy the islands on your terms.
Why Choose This Coastal Charms Tour
The biggest strength of this tour lies in its personalization. Every group has full control over the route and timing, making it suitable for travelers who prefer to avoid cookie-cutter tours. The local guide’s knowledge adds depth and context to each stop, enriching the experience beyond just sightseeing.
The scenery on Orkney’s coast is outstanding, with stunning views that are best appreciated at your own pace. The small vehicle size and private setup mean more comfort and less crowding, which can be a refreshing change from larger group excursions.
The tour’s flexibility and focus on local insight make it a worthwhile choice for those who want an authentic, relaxed exploration of Orkney’s coastline.
Final Thoughts on the Orkney Coastal Charms Tour
This private, customizable tour offers a personalized way to experience Orkney’s coastal scenery and historic sites. The exclusivity of each booking ensures an intimate journey led by a local expert, making it perfect for those who value flexibility and insight.
While entry fees are not included, the option to buy tickets on site or in advance provides control over costs. The vehicle options and small group size deliver comfort and access to scenic spots that larger tours cannot match.
This tour suits independent travelers, cruise guests, or island residents seeking a relaxed, tailored day that highlights the best of Orkney’s coast with local warmth and expertise.
Ready to Book?
Historic Orkney Coastal Charms Tour by a Native Islander
“We loved this tour! Having a local is so worth it and he tailored the day to what interested us. It was one of my favorite tours. The island is ver…”
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this tour suitable for small children or elderly guests?
This tour is best suited for groups of up to 4 adults. The vehicle and walking segments are comfortable, but it’s not specifically designed for wheelchair users or those with mobility issues.
Can I extend the tour beyond 5 hours?
Yes, the guide is happy to extend the tour on the day for an additional cost, allowing more time at specific sites or additional stops.
Are entry fees included?
No, entry fees to sites like Skara Brae are not included but can be purchased at cost price during the tour or booked in advance to avoid capacity issues.
What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes and cash are recommended. The guide provides waterproofs if needed, so weather won’t be a major concern.
Where does the tour pick up from?
Pickups are available from hotels, rental houses, Kirkwall travel centre, ferry terminals, or any location on the Orkney mainland.
Is this tour suitable for travelers over 243 lbs (110 kg)?
No, this tour is not recommended for guests over that weight limit due to vehicle capacity constraints.
Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, full refunds are available if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance.
Is the guide experienced and knowledgeable?
Absolutely, the guide has over 100 years of combined Island experience and offers local insights that enhance the sightseeing experience.
