Build Your Own Orkney Day
We'll design a completely personalised 1 day tour of Orkney for you. Tailored around your interest and pace to make sure you get the most complete experience possible.
Ideal for:
- Visitors who prefer not to drive
- Returning guests with their own plans
- Cruise passengers wanting flexibility
- Photographers and explorers
- Couples and small private groups
Max group size: 4 people
Physical intensity: As chosen by you
Family friendly: All ages
Dog friendly: Yes (up to 1), Parrots Negotiable
Includes:
- Pickup and drop-off anywhere on Orkney Mainland
- Private vehicle and driver
- Flexible routing
- Help with timing and distances
- Adjustments throughout the day
- Local knowledge where useful
What to expect from this tour
A calm, private day of exploration with an experienced local driver managing the practical side of travel.
This is not a fully guided tour. Instead, it provides comfortable transport, realistic pacing, and local awareness without structured site interpretation. Light context and practical suggestions are always available, but the day remains informal and shaped around you.
It is often chosen by travellers who want independence without the stress of driving unfamiliar roads or managing logistics.
If you later decide you would prefer a fully guided experience, upgrades can sometimes be arranged depending on availability.
Not included
- Meals or refreshments
- Formal guiding at sites
- Personal expenses
Flexibility & Tour Enhancements
Your day can be shaped around:
• Half-day or full-day availability
• Scenic driving routes
• Photography stops
• Adjusted pacing
• Weather-based changes
• Spontaneous detours
The aim is to keep the day relaxed, realistic, and enjoyable.
Hi, I’m Calum.
I was born and raised in Orkney and spend most of the year guiding across the islands. This service is a simpler, more flexible way to explore for those who prefer a private driver without the structure of a full guided tour.
I manage the distances, timing, and island logistics so you can focus on enjoying where you are. The day remains calm, adaptable, and shaped around what you would like to experience.
Got questions about this tour?
Schedule a free 10 minute call lets you ask questions and explore options. We’ll cover sites, timings, cruise schedules, accessibility and special requests, so your Orkney experience is thoughtfully planned and truly memorable.
Create your own Orkney adventure today
To book the 'Build Your Own Orney Day' fill in the enquiry and we'll be in touch within 24 hours to help you plan out the perfect trip.
You'll pay 50% (£400 when we confirm your booking, and the rest (£400) on the day.
Expect to hear back within 24 hours
Special requests
We'll be in touch, a day or two, after your booking to tailor your itinerary.
It you want to add extras, like more stops or entry tickets. Let us know after booking, we'll let you know how much it will cost and charge that separately.
More Historic Orkney tours
Let's explore Orkney together. Tours from 5hrs, to multi-day adventures.
Odyssey tour
A carefully paced half-day introduction to Orkney for travellers wanting depth and clarity within limited time. Includes all tickets.
The Norse Legacy Expedition
Walk in the footsteps of the Orkneyinga Saga on a private tour exploring Orkney and Shetland's powerful Norse legacy.
Your questions answered
What about site tickets
All tickets are included in the price for guided tours.
Do you charge per person?
Nope! All of my tours are priced per group. So bring your friends, family, or favourite travel companions the price stays the same.
When’s the best time to visit Orkney for decent weather and fewer crowds?
April, May, October, and November are ideal - fewer crowds, a more relaxed atmosphere, and (hopefully) some decent weather. Just pack a jacket… We are north of northern Scotland, after all.
Can I alter a suggested itinerary to add or remove a site or experience?
Certainly! Just give me a heads up to ensure it is both safe and practical to do so within our time.
Can you accommodate groups larger than 4?
Possibly! It depends on the timing and availability of my extended team. Let’s chat.
Can you accommodate four larger adults comfortably?
Compared to some U.S. vehicles yes. Our roads are narrow, and our parking is even narrower. But I use the largest, most comfortable vehicles I can source.
If physical space is a concern, I usually recommend a group size of three for maximum comfort.