Showcase tour
The original Showcase provides the luxury of time needed for the complete narrative. This is the only one day tour adapted to Maeshowe, a site often excluded from standard routes due to its precise scheduling and the time it demands. We move through the Neolithic heartland and into the Norse era on a single, focused journey.
This tour is built for:
- Guests staying in Orkney: For those already on the island.
- Cruise ship guests: For those with longer port calls.
- Airport arrivals: Direct transport from your flight.
Max group size: 4 people.
Physical intensity: Low.
Family friendly: All ages.
Route Includes
- Site tickets: Skara Brae and Maeshowe.
- 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 12 noon.
St Magnus Cathedral, Kirkwall
The most northerly cathedral in the UK. Built from local sandstone, it remains the most significant physical record of the islands Norse era and defines the medieval center of the town.
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 personal favorites.
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 relaxed pause is built into the day. We often stop at the Orkney Brewery or a similar spot along the route. It’s time to reset the pace without breaking the flow of the experience.
Ring of Brodgar & Stones of Stenness Peninsula
The ceremonial heart of prehistoric Orkney. We explore these as a single ritual landscape rather than isolated sites, allowing their true scale and purpose to make sense.
Maeshowe Chambered Cairn
The focal point of the ritual landscape. A Neolithic chamber precisely aligned to the winter solstice, later marked by Viking runic graffiti. This is the only one-day tour providing the luxury of time required to include entry to this world-famous site.
Around seven hours after pickup
Return anywhere on the Orkney Mainland.
What this means for you
This is my flagship tour and personally, my favourite way to show the islands.
The Showcase allows the full story of Orkney to unfold properly. With more time available across the day, we move through the Neolithic heartland and into the Norse period in a way that makes the connections between sites clearer.
A key part of that is the Maeshowe tour. Access to the chamber is tightly scheduled and can be difficult to secure during the busy season, which is why most one day tours exclude it entirely. In my opinion it is essential for anyone with a serious interest in the Neolithic or Viking Age sagas.
The additional time also means the day flows at a more relaxed pace. We can take time at the sites, adjust for weather and light, and follow the occasional side path of curiosity without being rushed.
Like all Historic Orkney journeys, the tour remains private and flexible. We can follow the tour as planned or adjust parts of the day to suit your specific interests. Whether the focus is orkney archaeology, Norse history, landscape, or simply experiencing the island properly, the day is built around you.
The itinerary is 7+ hours, that's what I call island time. I value the spirit of the islands over a stopwatch and the day is paced to allow the story to unfold naturally.
Important note
Maeshowe entry operates on strict timed access, so the schedule for the day is built around that window. In the unlikely event that access cannot be secured I will take you to a lesser known chambered cairn where you can experience something very similar.
I gurantee guests are returned in time for flights, ferries, and cruise departures "unless you decide to get lost at the bar".
Beyond the Showcase
- 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.
The Showcase is the journey I would choose for myself. It provides the necessary time to move beyond the surface. I focus on the context that matters, ensuring your time in the north is met with high level expertise and the professional standard it deserves.
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 Showcase
Pricing & Logistics
Duration: approx 7 hours.
Cost: £600 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.
Odyssey tour
Perfect for visitors seeking intimate shore excursions and half-day trips rather than crowded buses. We focus on the Heart of Neolithic Orkney.
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.