Historic Orkney Private Odyssey Tour By a Native Islander

Key Points

• Fully private and customizable: Designed exclusively for your group with no fixed route or schedule.
• Expert local guide: A native Orcadian with over 100 years of combined island experience shares insights and stories.
• Flexible timing: The standard 5-hour tour can be extended on request for more exploration.
• Convenient pickup and drop-off: From Kirkwall, Stromness, Saint Margaret’s Hope, and more, including ferry terminals and hotels.
• Includes major Neolithic sites: Such as Skara Brae, Ring of Brodgar, and Unstan Chambered Cairn.
• Vehicles with comfort and space: Using a midsize SUV or 4×4 estate car, suitable for up to 4 adults.

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Introduction to the Private Odyssey Experience

The Historic Orkney Private Odyssey Tour offers a highly personalized way to discover the islands’ most famous sights and hidden corners. Priced at $592 per group of up to 4 people, this 5-hour journey is led by a native Orcadian guide with more than 100 years of combined local knowledge. Unlike typical bus tours, this experience is completely private, ensuring your group has full flexibility and exclusive access.

This tour appeals most to travelers arriving on day trips via ferry or cruise or those who want a tailored half-day adventure. The flexibility to choose your stops and extend the trip makes it ideal for those seeking a more relaxed and personalized exploration of Orkney. The tour departs from various pickup points, including Kirkwall, Stromness, Saint Margaret’s Hope, and the ferry terminals, with up to 4 passengers comfortably accommodated in a spacious vehicle.

The Tour’s Fully Customizable Itinerary

The tour’s itinerary includes stops at some of Orkney’s most iconic sites, with the opportunity to add more or skip certain locations. The base plan lasts 5 hours, but the guide is happy to extend it for an additional fee, depending on your interests. You are free to explore each site at your own pace—no enforced timings or routes.

During the journey, you’ll be able to visit sites ranging from modern-day landmarks to Neolithic wonders. The stops include Scapa, with scenic views, and Unstan Chambered Cairn, where a guided tour introduces you to ancient burial practices. The Skara Brae site, a UNESCO World Heritage location, gets a full hour-long exploration, revealing the fascinating stone-built Neolithic village.

The Ring of Brodgar and Standing Stones of Stenness are also featured, providing impressive stone circles and rich archaeological significance. The guide’s local insights and stories bring these sites to life, blending history with natural beauty.

Pickup and Drop-Off Locations for Maximum Convenience

Pickup is available from up to four locations, including Saint Margaret’s Hope, Stromness, Kirkwall, and ferry terminals. The guide is flexible and will collect you from your hotel, rental house, or cruise ship terminal. Drop-off points are similarly flexible, returning you to the same spots or nearby destinations.

This arrangement suits travelers arriving on cruise ships or ferry services, ensuring you don’t waste time on logistics. The vehicles used are a spacious midsize SUV or 4×4 estate car, both of which offer more comfort than typical minibus-sized options, especially for a group of four.

The Experience of a Native Orcadian Guide

The local expertise of the guide is a major highlight. As a native islander, the guide shares in-depth stories, personal anecdotes, and little-known facts that only a local could provide. This creates a warm, engaging atmosphere that elevates the visit beyond just sightseeing.

Based on reviews, the guide’s personality shines through—being knowledgeable, personable, and eager to answer questions. The guide’s storytelling style is appreciated, with many describing the tour as both informative and fun. Travelers note that the guide tailors the experience to their interests, whether that’s ancient sites, landscapes, or modern life on Orkney.

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Visiting Skara Brae and Other Key Sites

Skara Brae stands out as a major highlight, offering a full hour to explore the well-preserved Neolithic village. You’ll see stone homes, with the guide sharing details about daily life thousands of years ago. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage location, and the guide ensures you understand its significance beyond just viewing the stones.

The Ring of Brodgar and Standing Stones of Stenness are powerful monuments that evoke the prehistoric past. The guide’s expert commentary helps make sense of their purpose and history, enriching the experience.

At Unstan Chambered Cairn, a short guided tour reveals the burial practices of ancient Orcadians, adding a deep historical context. The stop at Yesnaby offers a brief but scenic visit, with stunning views and the chance to hear local stories about the landscape.

Flexibility and Personalization in the Tour

One of the main advantages of this private tour is the no strict route or timing. The guide adapts and responds to your preferences, making each trip unique. Whether you want extra time at a particular site or prefer to explore some hidden spots, the tour can be tailored accordingly.

The option to extend beyond the standard 5 hours is available, though additional costs apply. This feature allows for a more relaxed pace or a longer visit to sites that pique your interest.

Vehicle Comfort and Group Size

The vehicles used for this tour are a mid-size SUV or 4×4 estate car, providing more comfort and space than typical minibus options. They comfortably accommodate 4 mid-size adults, making the journey pleasant even during longer drives around the island.

This setup ensures that your group remains comfortable, with ample legroom and a smooth ride. The vehicles are well-maintained, adding to the overall quality of the experience.

Weather Preparedness and Practical Tips

The tour takes place regardless of weather, and waterproofs are provided free of charge if needed. Travelers are advised to bring comfortable shoes and cash for entrance fees or small purchases at ticketed sites.

Since the tour is private and flexible, you can choose to skip sites that are less interesting or spend more time at your favorites. The guide’s local knowledge helps you navigate the weather and find the best viewpoints or lesser-known sites.

Overall Value and Suitability

While the price of $592 covers a private 5-hour experience for up to 4 people, the personalized approach and expert guidance make it worthwhile for those seeking a deep, tailored exploration. The absence of strict schedules and the focus on your interests set this tour apart from larger group options.

This tour suits history enthusiasts, nature lovers, and people wanting a flexible, intimate experience of Orkney. It’s particularly well-suited for cruise passengers, day visitors, or long-term residents who want to uncover the island’s secrets at their own pace.

Final Thoughts on the Historic Orkney Private Odyssey Tour

The private, customizable nature of this tour makes it an excellent choice for travelers seeking personalized attention and local insights. The knowledgeable native guide shares stories and history with warmth and enthusiasm, enriching each stop.

The vehicles’ comfort, flexible itinerary, and ease of pickup and drop-off enhance the overall experience. The ability to extend the tour or skip less interesting sites ensures your time on Orkney is tailored precisely to your desires.

While entry fees to sites like Skara Brae are not included, they can be purchased at cost on the day or booked in advance. The tour weather proceeds regardless, with waterproofs provided free of charge, making it practical in any conditions.

In summary, the Historic Orkney Private Odyssey Tour offers a rich, flexible, and locally-led exploration of the islands, perfect for those who want to see the highlights without the crowds or rigid schedules. It’s a highly-rated, well-reviewed experience that balances informative storytelling with personalized adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of the tour?
The standard tour lasts 5 hours, but it can be extended on request for an additional fee.

How many sites are included in the basic itinerary?
Major sites include Skara Brae, Ring of Brodgar, Standing Stones of Stenness, Unstan Chambered Cairn, and Yesnaby.

Where does the tour pick me up?
Pickup is available from Saint Margaret’s Hope, Stromness, Kirkwall, and ferry terminals such as Kirkwall, Stromness, and St Margaret’s Hope.

Is the tour suitable for disabled visitors or wheelchair users?
No, the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.

What vehicles are used for this tour?
The tour uses a mid-size SUV or 4×4 estate car, both offering ample comfort for groups of up to 4 adults.

Are entrance fees included?
No, entry tickets to sites like Skara Brae are not included but can be purchased on the day at cost price or booked in advance.

Can the tour be customized?
Yes, the itinerary is fully flexible, allowing you to prioritize sites or add extra stops.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes and cash for entrance fees or small purchases. Waterproofs are provided if needed.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour proceeds regardless of weather, with waterproofs supplied free of charge.

How do I book and pay?
You can reserve now and pay later, with full refunds available if canceled 24 hours in advance.

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