Orkney Day Trip

Key Points

• Price and Duration: The tour costs $163.92 per person and lasts approximately 5 hours 30 minutes.
• Location and Meeting Point: It departs from the Stromness Ferry Terminal at 10:30 am.
• Highlights and Stops: Visitors explore Skara Brae, Ring of Brodgar, Standing Stones of Stenness, Yesnaby Cliffs, and get free time in Kirkwall.
• Small-Group Experience: Limited to 8 participants, ensuring a personal and relaxed atmosphere.
• Inclusions: Bottled water and entry fees for Skara Brae and Italian Chapel (if selected) are included.
• Considerations: No lunch is provided, and ferry fares are extra; parking at the start point is available.
• Highly Praised Guides: Tour guides like Garry and Dougie earn top reviews for their knowledge and friendliness.
• Booking: The tour is typically booked 92 days in advance and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours ahead.

Exploring Orkney’s Top Sites with Ease

This Orkney Day Trip offers a straightforward way to see the island’s most renowned sights without the hassle of planning or hiring a car. For $163.92, travelers enjoy a small-group experience that balances guided insight with some free time to explore independently. The approximate 5.5-hour itinerary makes it ideal for those with limited time but a desire to experience key historic and scenic locations.

The tour starts from the Stromness Ferry Terminal at 10:30 am, with round-trip transport included. This arrangement eliminates the need to navigate unfamiliar roads, allowing all focus to go into enjoying the sites.

From the Dramatic Yesnaby Cliffs to the Ancient Skara Brae

The first stop is the Yesnaby Cliffs, where visitors can take a 15-minute photo stop at the impressive cliffs known for their rugged beauty. While brief, this stop offers stunning views and perfect photo opportunities of the remote coastal landscape.

Next up is the Neolithic village of Skara Brae, where a guided tour lasts about 1.5 hours. Visitors explore the 5,000-year-old village, gaining insight into its history and significance. Free time after the tour allows for visits to Skaill House, the visitor center, or a quick bite at local cafes. The admission fee is included in the tour price, making it a hassle-free visit.

The Ring of Brodgar follows, with a 30-minute guided tour of this iconic Neolithic stone circle. Its impressive circular formation and archaeological importance make it a highlight. A short 15-minute visit to the Standing Stones of Stenness completes the trio of major prehistoric sites, offering a glimpse into Orkney’s ancient past.

Exploring Kirkwall and War History Narratives

After visiting the archaeological sites, the tour offers one hour of free time in Kirkwall, the main town of Orkney. This gives space to stroll, browse local shops, or enjoy a meal at cafes. While the tour does not include lunch, many visitors bring snacks or utilize the cafes, especially since lunch options are available at Skara Brae café and Kirkwall.

A notable aspect is the drive around Scapa Flow, where the guide shares stories about the area’s naval and war history. This adds a layer of cultural interest and context to the natural and archaeological sights.

The final stop is the Unstan Chambered Cairn, where a 20-minute guided tour uncovers the chamber tomb’s significance in prehistoric burial practices. The admission is included, completing the tour’s focus on ancient history.

Practical Details and Comfort

The small vehicle, accommodating up to 8 guests, features generous legroom but seat widths between 48cm and 51cm, which may feel tight for some. The tour provider suggests purchasing an additional seat if extra space is needed. The meeting point is easy to find, and the service animals are allowed.

The tour does not include ferry fares, so travelers should budget separately for this. The ferry ride from Scrabster is considered part of the full experience, with some reviews mentioning that the ferry ride past Hoy is worth the trip alone.

The Highlights and Guide Expertise

The guides receive high praise for their knowledge, friendliness, and storytelling ability. Guides such as Garry and Dougie are noted for sharing local anecdotes, historical facts, and ensuring guests feel well cared for. Their engaging manner turns what could be a busy day into a relaxed, informative experience.

Reviews emphasize that the small-group setting allows for personal interaction and easy access to sites, avoiding the crowds and rush often associated with larger tours. Guests appreciate the balance between guided tours and free time, especially in Kirkwall.

Booking, Cancellation, and Practical Tips

The tour is typically booked around 92 days in advance, indicating good interest and availability. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start, providing flexibility for changing plans.

Travelers should bring some lunch or snacks, as there is no included meal, but plenty of options are available at certain stops. The tour departs promptly at 10:30 am, so arriving a little early at the Stromness Ferry Terminal ensures a smooth start.

This tour is not suitable for cruise ship guests due to the location of the starting point, so those arriving via cruise should consider other options.

Why Choose This Orkney Day Trip?

This well-organized, small-group tour offers a rundown of Orkney’s most famous sites in a manageable timeframe. It’s perfect for first-time visitors or those short on time who want to see the neolithic monuments, coastal scenery, and historic town in one day.

The expert guides and comfortable transport make it a relaxed yet engaging experience. The inclusion of entry fees for major sites and bottled water enhance convenience and value.

While the tour doesn’t include lunch and extra ferry costs are separate, the overall experience is praised for its informative narration, site access, and small-group intimacy. This trip provides a solid taste of Orkney’s history and landscape, leaving travelers eager to return.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price of the tour?
The tour costs $163.92 per person.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts about 5 hours 30 minutes.

Where does the tour start?
It begins at the Stromness Ferry Terminal at 10:30 am.

Are meals included?
No, lunch is not included, but food options are available at some stop points.

What sites are visited?
The tour visits Yesnaby Cliffs, Skara Brae, Ring of Brodgar, Standing Stones of Stenness, Kirkwall, Scapa Flow, and Unstan Chambered Cairn.

Is transportation provided?
Yes, round-trip transport is included in a small vehicle with limited seats.

Can I cancel reservation?
Yes, free cancellation is possible up to 24 hours before the tour.

Is this tour suitable for all travelers?
Most travelers can participate, but cruise ship guests may find the starting point inconvenient, and seating comfort should be considered if sensitive to tight space.

Are entry fees included?
Yes, for Skara Brae and Italian Chapel (if selected), entry fees are included.

What makes this tour stand out?
The small-group size combined with expert guides and the opportunity to visit Orkney’s key prehistoric and scenic sites makes this a highly recommended choice for a comprehensive, hassle-free day trip.