The Orkney experience
Neolithic settlements, Iron age villages, Viking heritage, and a dram of whisky. Over five thousand years of island history, before dinner.
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. Trows negotiable.
Includes
- Site tickets: Skara Brae & Gurness
- Highland park welcome experience (standard)
- 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.
Highland Park Whisky Distillery
Welcome experience included. Tasting upgrades are available.
Broch of Gurness
An exceptionally well-preserved iron age village dominated by a massive stone tower.
Around 1:00pm (ish)
A stop for lunch in the winding, flagstoned streets of Stromness.
Souvenir Hunting, Stromness
Time to browse local shops without anyone breathing down your neck.
Skara Brae
Older than the pyramids, buried in sand until an 1850 storm uncovered it. a proper walk through the village.
Around seven hours after pickup
Back wherever you started. Return anywhere on the Orkney Mainland.
what this means for youthis route trades the southern neolithic heartland for the northern edge, stopping at a coastal broch and highland park before finishing at skara brae.the pace stays relaxed throughout. room to linger, adjust for weather, or follow a good tangent.as always, it is private and flexible. we stick to the plan or bend it, whatever suits.guaranteed return so you are back in good time for flights, ferries, and departures, unless you fancy staying at the bar.
What this means for you
This route trades the southern neolithic heartland for the northern edge, stopping at a coastal broch and Highland Park before finishing at Skara Brae. The pace stays relaxed throughout. Room to linger, adjust for weather, or follow a good tangent. As always, it is a private tour and flexible. We stick to the plan or bend it, whatever suits.
Island time: Seven-plus hours, what I call island time. We go at the pace the story needs, not the clock.
Important note: Highland Park access is strictly timed around the chosen package, so the day is built around that window. If you want the really old stuff then it will cost a bit more.
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. Seven hours is enough to understand what you are 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 Historic Orkney Experience
Seven hours is enough to understand what you are looking at, with enough slack to dodge the weather or the crowds when they turn up uninvited.
Reserve with a £375 deposit now, settle the remaining £375 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.
(I'll be here. The date might not be.)
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