Historic Orkney Showcase Private Tour By a native Islander

Exploring the Unique Charm of the Historic Orkney Showcase Private Tour

This 7-hour private tour in Orkney offers an intimate exploration of the islands’ most significant historical sites and stunning landscapes. Priced at $743.18 per group of up to four people, this tour stands out for its fully private, tailored experience led by Calum, a guide with over 100 years of combined local knowledge. The tour is perfect for those arriving on a day trip from the Scottish mainland via ferry or cruise liner, as well as visitors spending longer on the islands.

One of the key strengths of this experience is the flexibility it offers. Every route is customizable, allowing the guide to focus on specific interests or skip sites if desired. While entry tickets for attractions like Skara Brae and Maeshowe are not included, the guide can purchase them on the day at cost price, or travelers can buy tickets in advance to avoid capacity issues during peak season.

This tour is designed to be informative and relaxed, with the guide sharing local insights and historical details that come from generations of living on Orkney. The small, private group setting ensures a personalized experience that feels both authentic and engaging, making it an excellent choice for history enthusiasts, nature lovers, or anyone keen to see the islands with a local’s perspective.

Key Points

• Private, fully customizable 7-hour tour led by a local Orcadian guide
• Price of $743.18 per group (up to 4 guests), booked 159 days in advance on average
• Stops at historic sites like Saint Magnus Cathedral, Skara Brae, and Maeshowe
• Scenic stops at Yesnaby Cliffs and HMS Royal Oak buoy in Scapa Flow
• Lunch at the Merkister Hotel or Orkney Brewery, with flexible timing
• Entry tickets for some sites are not included, but can be purchased on the day

Customizable Routes and Cultural Insights in Orkney

What sets this tour apart is its fully private nature, offering full flexibility to tailor each day to your interests. Since every booking is exclusively for your group, you avoid the typical bus crowds and rigid schedules common on group tours. This allows the guide to focus on landmarks of personal significance or spend more time at certain sites, such as the Neolithic village of Skara Brae or the ring of Brodgar.

The local guide, Calum, is a fifth-generation Orcadian with deep roots in the islands. His wealth of knowledge draws from over 100 years of combined family and local experience, ensuring you gain authentic insights into both history and daily life in Orkney. His storytelling style is friendly, approachable, and engaging, making complex history accessible and enjoyable.

Detailed Look at the Itinerary and Stops

Saint Magnus Cathedral: A Viking Heritage Landmark

The tour begins with a walkthrough of the 12th-century Viking Saint Magnus Cathedral. This photo-worthy stop is designed to avoid crowds and allows a 20-minute exploration of the cathedral’s impressive architecture. The site is a significant symbol of Orkney’s medieval past and offers fantastic photo opportunities.

Passing by Scapa Flow and HMS Royal Oak

While not a scheduled stop, the tour passes by the iconic Scapa Flow natural harbour, with a view of the buoy marking the HMS Royal Oak wreck. This site holds historical importance due to its role in WWI and WWII naval history. The pass-by provides a brief but meaningful scenic moment.

Unstan Chambered Cairn: A Neolithic Burial Site

Next, the group visits a 5,300-year-old neolithic burial mound, the Unstan Chambered Cairn. Visitors can enter the site for about 20 minutes, exploring its ancient chambers. Limited mobility may affect access, so it’s worth considering if physical accessibility is a concern.

Yesnaby Cliffs: Spectacular Atlantic Views

The tour then moves on to the Yesnaby Cliffs, where visitors enjoy 20 minutes taking in dramatic sea cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. This stop offers breathtaking scenery perfect for photos and appreciating Orkney’s rugged natural beauty.

Skara Brae: One of Europe’s Best-preserved Neolithic Villages

A highlight of the tour is the visit to Skara Brae, a 5000-year-old Neolithic village. As one of Orkney’s top attractions and the best-preserved in northern Europe, it offers an hour of exploration. Entrance tickets are not included, but can be bought separately. The site features stone dwellings and fascinating insights into prehistoric life.

Lunch at Merkister Hotel or Orkney Brewery

The scheduled lunch stop lasts about one hour and takes place at the Merkister Hotel, renowned for its scenic location. Alternatively, guests may choose to visit the Orkney Brewery for a local beer tasting. The flexibility in timing ensures a relaxed pace.

Maeshowe Chambered Cairn: Neolithic Tomb and UNESCO Site

The tour aims to start around 14:00, if ticket availability allows, and includes a 1 hour 10 minutes visit to Maeshowe, a Neolithic chambered cairn famous for its Viking runic inscriptions. Entrance tickets are not included, but can be purchased in advance or on-site.

Ring of Brodgar: A UNESCO World Heritage Stone Circle

Next is the world-renowned Ring of Brodgar, where the group spends about 30 minutes exploring this Neolithic stone circle in the center of the UNESCO site. It offers a powerful glimpse into prehistoric ceremonial practices and is perfect for photos.

Standing Stones of Stenness: The Oldest Henge in the UK

Finally, the Standing Stones of Stenness are visited for around 20 minutes. As the oldest henge monument in Britain, it completes the tour’s focus on Orkney’s prehistoric heritage.

Logistics, Comfort, and Booking Details

The tour starts at the VisitScotland Kirkwall iCentre on W Castle St, making it easy to access via public transportation. The pickup service is available, and the entire experience includes private transportation, ensuring a comfortable and exclusive journey.

Since the tour is fully private, only your group participates, and the guide adapts the route to your interests. The moderate physical activity involved makes it suitable for most guests, provided they are comfortable walking at sites like Skara Brae and Maeshowe.

Booking in advance is recommended, as the tour is popular and booked an average of 159 days ahead. The cost covers guiding and transportation, but entrance fees for certain sites are not included — these can be purchased beforehand or on the day.

Why This Tour Excels for Enthusiasts of Orkney

The expert local guide, Calum, brings a passion for his homeland that elevates the experience. His wealth of local and historical knowledge, combined with the personalized approach, makes each tour truly one-of-a-kind. Guests consistently praise Calum’s friendliness, storytelling ability, and flexible itinerary.

The scenic stops such as Yesnaby Cliffs and the pass-by of Scapa Flow supplement the historical sites with stunning views, making the day both educational and visually rewarding. The lunch options at a renowned Orkney hotel or local brewery add a touch of local culture and relaxation.

While some sites require optional entry tickets, the tour’s customizable nature allows you to skip or include sites based on your interests and ticket availability, ensuring a personalized experience.

Final Thoughts on the Historic Orkney Showcase Private Tour

This fully private, flexible tour offers a balanced mix of history, scenery, and local culture in Orkney. The expert guidance and customizable itinerary make it an ideal choice for anyone seeking an authentic, tailored experience on the islands. Its day-long format ensures plenty of time to enjoy key sites without feeling rushed.

The cost of $743.18 for a group of up to four reflects its premium, personalized nature, but the value lies in the expert local insights and the freedom to shape your day. Visitors who enjoy history, archaeology, and scenic landscapes will find this tour particularly rewarding.

The combination of local expertise, scenic stops, and flexible planning makes this tour a standout option for exploring Orkney’s most impressive sights with a knowledgeable guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for people with limited mobility?
Some sites, such as Unstan Chambered Cairn, may not be accessible for those with mobility challenges. It’s best to check with the guide beforehand for specific needs.

Are entrance fees included in the tour price?
No, tickets for Skara Brae and Maeshowe are not included. They can be purchased on the day at cost price or booked in advance.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Yes, since the tour is fully private and flexible, the guide will tailor the route based on your preferences.

What is the average booking window?
The tour is typically booked 159 days in advance, so early planning is advised.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 7 hours and 10 minutes, including stops for sightseeing and lunch.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is a scheduled stop at the Merkister Hotel or Orkney Brewery, but the meal or drinks are not included in the tour price.

What kind of vehicle is used?
The experience includes private transportation, ensuring a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle suitable for small groups.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins and ends at the VisitScotland Kirkwall iCentre on W Castle St.

Is this tour suitable for large groups?
No, the maximum group size is up to four people, emphasizing an intimate, private experience.

What makes this tour stand out from others in Orkney?
The local guide’s deep roots in Orkney, customizable route, and small-group exclusivity create a personalized, authentic experience that larger tours can’t match.