The Norse Legacy Expedition
Embark on this odyssey adventure, see a lot of Orkney and understand it properly in a single, well-shaped day. The Historic Orkney Odyssey tour is designed for visitors where time matters and poor routing can quietly ruin the experience. It brings together Orkney’s defining stories: Neolithic ingenuity, Norse power, wartime legacy, and the landscapes that connect them.
You leave with a clear mental map of Orkney. Not a blur of stops, but an understanding of how the islands fit together historically, culturally, and geographically.
Daytrip friently for:
- NorthLink Ferries & Pentland Ferries
- Cruise ship shore excursions
- Kirkwall Airport arrivals
- Visitors already staying in Orkney
Physical intensity: Low
Family friendly: All ages
Dog friendly: Yes (up to 2)
Includes:
- Tour tailoring
- Private guide
- Private transportation
- Pickup/ drop off anywhere on the Orkney Mainland
Typical itinerary
This is the typical itinerary, yours will be tailored to suit you.
9:00am (ish)
Anywhere on Orkney mainland. Start time is flexible to suit you.
Italian Chapel & Churchill Barriers
A moving WWII story of creativity, faith, and survival, set within the wider naval history of Scapa Flow.
Scapa Flow Viewpoints
Explore Orkney’s strategic role in both World Wars, with landscape context that brings the story together.
Unstan Chambered Tomb
A quieter Neolithic site offering real insight into early Orcadian life, burial, and belief.
12:00(ish)
Quick stop for lunch and refreshments. There are several lovely family friendly local restaurant and pubs to choose from.
Yesnaby Cliffs
Atlantic cliffs, geology, seabirds, and space. Where natural and human history meet.
Skara Brae
Timing and entry discussed in advance. A world-class Neolithic village, approached with context rather than crowds.
Ring of Brodgar & Stones of Stenness Peninsula
Ceremonial landscapes that tie Orkney’s prehistoric story together.
2pm (ish)
Anywhere on Orkney mainland.
What to expect from this tour
A private, intelligently paced guided tour of Orkney, led by a local guide.Rather than focusing on a single period, Odyssey connects multiple layers of Orkney’s past into one coherent narrative. Routing is efficient. Transitions are smooth. Time is used deliberately.
This is not box-ticking. It is range with meaning.The tour remains flexible and responsive to weather, access, and your interests on the day.
Not included
- Site entry tickets
- Lunch or refreshments
- Personal expenses
Flexibility & Tour Enhancements
This Orkney tour is intentionally adaptable to suit your interest and pace:
- Spend longer at certain sites
- Add quieter or lesser-known locations
- Extend the tour by hours or days
- Adjust the balance between historic periods
Hi I'm Callum, let me take you on an adventure around Orkney
I was born in Orkney. I understand how these sites relate to each other, not just individually, but as part of a much larger story.
People love this private Orkney tour because it is clear, grounded, and adaptable. I explain what matters, why it matters, and how it connects, without rehearsed scripts or theatrics.
I take only one tour per day. That means the itinerary can stretch, compress, or change direction if something deserves more time.
Get a free 20min trip consultation with Calum
This allows you to confirm timing, priorities, and pacing, removing guesswork and ensuring you experience the most complete and rewarding Orkney day tour possible.
Buy this tour
£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.
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.
Re-scheduling
Tour can typically not be re-scheduled. But we'll accommodate if possible
Cancellations
All bookings are final with no cancellations or refunds. Please make sure you have adequate travel insurance to cover you for any unforeseen events.
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