Build Your Own Orkney Day
Build Your Own Orkney Day is designed for visitors who want a private vehicle and experienced island driver without the structure of a fully guided tour. You decide where you would like to go, how long you would like to stop, and what pace suits you. I handle the driving, timing, and practicalities so the day runs smoothly. Some guests arrive with a clear plan. Others simply know the places they would like to see. Either way, the day is shaped around you. This service suits travellers who value independence but would rather not navigate unfamiliar roads, parking, and distances themselves. It is relaxed, flexible, and entirely private.
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
Physical intensity: As chosen by you
Family friendly: All ages
Dog friendly: Yes (up to 1)
Parrots Negotiable
Includes:
• Private vehicle and driver
- • Pickup and drop-off anywhere on Orkney Mainland
- • Flexible routing
- • Help with timing and distances
- • Adjustments throughout the day
- • Local knowledge where useful
Typical itinerary
There is no fixed itinerary. You tell me where you would like to go and how you would like the day to feel. I shape the route so it is achievable and comfortable, keeping travel times realistic and the flow of the day smooth. Popular requests include:
• Visiting major archaeological sites
• Coastal scenery and viewpoints
• Photography stops
• Distillery or brewery visits
• Revisiting favourite places
• Scenic drives across the Mainland You are free to explore sites independently while I remain with the vehicle. Timing remains flexible throughout the day.
9:00am (ish)
Anywhere on Orkney mainland. Start time is flexible to suit you.
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13:00(ish)
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2pm (ish)
Anywhere on Orkney mainland.
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
. Site entry tickets
• 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.
This suits those who want independence with the reassurance of local knowledge.
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.
Buy this tour
The Odyssey private tour lasts approximatelt 5 hrs and costs £450 per group
*A group is up to 4 people, that's how many fit in the car. Get in touch if you want a bigger group size.
This is a private tour so you won't have to rub shoulders with randoms.
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.
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.