Odyssey tour
The original Odyssey. Crafted for those with limited time or those looking for a light island orientation. This route has been tried and tested over the years and consistently delivers, while remaining customisable within reason. If you want to understand the sites beyond the surface level, this is a solid place to begin.
This tour is built for:
- Guests staying in Orkney: For those already on the island.
- Ferry & Cruise day trips: NorthLink ferries, Pentland Ferries, and shore excursions.
- Kirkwall Airport arrivals: Direct transport from your flight.
Max group size: 4 people.
Physical intensity: Low.
Family friendly: All ages.
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Route Includes
- Site tickets: Skara Brae and the Italian Chapel.
- Private guide
- Private transport
- Pickup/drop off: Anywhere on the Orkney mainland.
- Tailored route: Can be customised to your specific interests.
Typical itinerary
Here is an example of a route that works well. The map shows the typical flow of the day. Flexibility is part of the design.
From 9:00am onward
Anywhere on the Orkney Mainland. Start times are flexible around you between 9:00am and 2:00pm, allowing for either a morning or afternoon start.
Italian Chapel & Churchill Barriers
A WWII story of creativity and resilience in the Scapa Flow naval landscape. See how conflict physically reshaped Orkney’s geography and daily life.
Scapa Flow Viewpoints
Perspective on a strategic naval anchorage that defined modern history. See how both World Wars placed this quiet archipelago at the center of the global stage.
Unstan Chambered Tomb
An intimate Neolithic encounter. Grasp the human side of prehistoric burial and community life, away from the bus crowds. One of my favourites.
Yesnaby Cliffs
Elemental, Atlantic scale. See how geology and weather dictated where people lived, shaped by the open horizon.
Skara Brae
A UNESCO World Heritage site. Older than the Pyramids and preserved in a sand-dune "time capsule" for millennia. One of the best preserved Neolithic villages in Europe.
Around 1:00pm (ish)
A pause for local food, coffee or Ale and a chance to reset and discuss the mornings sites before we head into the heart of the Neolithic.
Ring of Brodgar & Stones of Stenness Peninsula
The ceremonial heart of prehistoric Orkney. We explore these as a single ritual landscape, allowing their true scale and purpose to make sense.
Around five hours after pickup
Return anywhere on the Orkney Mainland.
What this means for you
This tour is built around you.
We can follow the tour exactly as described, or adjust parts of the day to suit your interests. That’s the advantage of a private tour, there are no strangers in the car and no fixed bus schedule to follow.
Some guests want a strong Neolithic tourfocus, others are curious about whisky trails along the way. Or sometimes it’s a quick side mission to find puffins (we call them Tammy Norrie’s). A small detour often ends up being the most memorable moment of the day.
Because every group is different, it’s impossible to list every option here. Think of the Odyssey as a Swiss army knife tour, a flexible all rounder that works equally well whether you’re staying on the island, arriving by ferry or cruise ship for aday trip or Orkeny shore excursion or flying into Kirkwall via the airport.
You’ll notice the itinerary is 5+ hours, that’s what I call island time. I value the spirit of the islands over a stopwatch which works out in my clients favour.
Important note:
I always ensureguests are back in time for flights, ferries, and cruise departures unless youdecide to get lost at the bar.
I gurantee guests are back in time for flights, ferries, and cruise departures "unless you decide to get lost at the bar". If anything is unclear or you simply want to ask a question about the tour, feel free to reach out as no question is too small.
Beyond the Odyssey
- Multi-day travel: Dedicated experiences to the outer islands for deeper exploration.
- Scottish continuity: Linking your journey across the archipelago and the Highlands.
Items not included
- Lunch
- Personal expenses
- Bad moods
Hi, I’m Calum.
I understand how these monuments relate as part of a larger, living story. I provide the context that matters, ensuring your time in the north is met with professional integrity.
Got questions about this tour?
Skip the chatbots and speak in real time. This ten minute briefing is a no-pressure technical check to answer questions and check over your ideas. We’ll focus on the logistics, timings, tides, and accessibility.
To ensure your journey is built without compromise. Bring your "weird and wonderful" ideas, I enjoy a challenge.
Book the Odyssey
Pricing & Logistics
Duration: approx 5 hours.
Cost: £500 per group.
The details
The rate covers up to 4 people, that’s how many fit in the car. This is a private tour, you won’t be sharing the space with strangers.
If your group is larger, get in touch to discuss the logistics.
Next steps
Tailoring your itinerary
I will be in touch a day or two after your booking to discuss the details.
Additions & Special requests
If you want to add more stops or include more entry tickets, let me know. I will provide a separate estimate for any additions.
Booking protection & insurance
Deposits are non-refundable to reflect our small scale, personal service. To protect your booking, we recommend independent travel insurance including CFAR (Cancel for any reason) coverage.
(I’ll be here. The date might not be.)
More Historic Orkney tours
Let's explore Orkney together. Tours from 5hrs, to multi-day adventures.
Showcase tour
Our flagship Orkney experience. We weave the threads of Neolithic, Norse, and wartime narratives into one timeline. Delivered with unhurried pacing, Maeshowe, and Skara Brae.
The Norse Legacy Expedition
Our pre-made multi-day tour offers a specialist study of the Orkneyinga sagas ripples across the northern isles. An expansive exploration of Viking archaeology, ancient architecture, and the enduring ties to Scandinavia.
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.