Showcase tour
Our flagship day out, and the only one-day tour built around Maeshowe's fiddly opening hours. One day, no rushing, from the Neolithic right through to the Vikings.
Ideal for
- The curious traveller
- Guests staying in Orkney
- Cruise ship guests with a decent port call
- Airport arrivals, straight off the flight
Max group size: Up to 4 (3 for extra comfort)
Intensity: Low
Families: All ages welcome
Dogs: Yes. Parrots negotiable.
Includes
- Site tickets: Skara Brae & Maeshowe
- On-site guiding
- Private door-to-door transport
- Weather, tide & crowd monitoring
- Tailored itinerary
Typical itinerary
Here's how a typical day unfolds. The map shows the usual flow, but we'll happily wander off it.
From 9:00am onward
Anywhere on the Orkney Mainland. Flexible start between 9:00am and 12 noon.
St Magnus Cathedral, Kirkwall
The UK's most northerly cathedral, built from local sandstone. Still the heart of Kirkwall, then and now.
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
A proper Neolithic tomb, minus the tour bus queue. One of my favourites, and you'll see why.
Yesnaby Cliffs
Big cliffs, big weather, big views. The Atlantic doesn't do subtle here.
Skara Brae
Older than the pyramids, buried in sand until a storm uncovered it in 1850. I'll walk you through the village properly, no audio guide needed.
Around 1:00pm (ish)
A stop at the Orkney Brewery or similar. Pint optional, breather essential.
Ring of Brodgar & Stones of Stenness Peninsula
The ceremonial heart of ancient Orkney. Seeing both together is what makes the scale click.
Maeshowe Chambered Cairn
A Neolithic tomb aligned to the winter solstice, later scrawled on by bored Vikings. I handle the strict timed entry, so you don't have to.
Around seven hours after pickup
Back wherever you started. Return anywhere on the Orkney Mainland.
What this means for you
This is my flagship tour, and the one I'd choose myself. Extra time means we can properly connect the Neolithic sites to the Norse era, not just tick them off.
Maeshowe is the big one. Entry is tightly timed and most one-day tours skip it altogether, this is the only one built around it.
The pace stays relaxed throughout. Room to linger, adjust for weather, or follow a good tangent.
As always, it's private and flexible. We'll stick to the plan or bend it, whatever suits you.
Island time: Seven-plus hours, what I call island time. We go at the pace the story needs, not the clock.
Important note: Maeshowe access is strictly timed, so the day is built around that window. If it ever falls through, I'll take you to an equally atmospheric cairn instead.
Guaranteed return
I keep an eye on the clock so you're back in good time for flights, ferries and cruise departures, unless you fancy staying at the bar.
Items not included:
- Lunch
- Personal expenses
- Bad moods
Hi, I’m Calum.
Let me show you how this place actually works. The Showcase is the tour I'd pick for myself, seven hours is enough to actually understand what you're looking at, with enough slack to dodge the weather or the crowds when they turn up uninvited.
Got tour questions? Let's talk
Skip the chatbots, talk to an actual human. A free, no-pressure ten-minute call to sort logistics, timings, tides and accessibility.
Bring your oddest requests. I like a challenge.
Book the Showcase
Our flagship Orkney day out. Neolithic, Norse and wartime history in one timeline, Maeshowe and Skara Brae included.
Reserve with a £325 deposit now, settle the remaining £325 on the day.
Next steps
The details: Covers up to 4 people, the most that'll fit in the vehicle. Fully private, no strangers along for the ride. Bigger group? Just ask.
Vehicle upgrades: Fancy a BMW 5 or 7 series? Just ask and I'll sort it for a bit extra.
Alterations & special requests: Want to tweak the stops or timing? Just let me know.
(I'll be here. The date might not be.)
Your questions answered
What about site tickets?
All listed tickets are included in the price.
Do you charge per person?
Nope. All tours are priced per group, so bring the whole gang along.
When's the best time to visit Orkney for decent weather and fewer crowds?
April, May, September and October 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, depends on timing and my extended team's availability. Let's chat.
Can you accommodate four larger adults comfortably?
Usually, yes. Our roads (and parking) are narrow, but I use the biggest, comfiest vehicles I can find. For extra elbow room, three's the sweet spot.
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