Tour Highlights
- Skara Brae: the best preserved 5000 year old Neolithic village in Northern Europe;
- Ring of Brodgar: enormous ceremonial site dating built sometime between 2500BC and 2000BC;
- Standing Stones of Stenness: one of the earliest henge monuments in the Britsih Isles; simply stunning;
- Scapa Flow: scenic coastal views of this famous natural anchorage; hear about its fascinating wartime heritage and importance as a haven for wildlife;
- Natural highlights such as the Cliffs of Yesnaby: dramatic Atlantic coastline, geology and WW2 history;
- Viking Orkney: hear about Orkney's viking past to experience the Norse heritage of the islands;
- Return to Kirkwall, the historic capital of Orkney, and home of the magnificent St Magnus Cathedral (External view)
What to expect
You will be welcomed to Orkney at your cruise ship by Graham, your local guide, and head into the heart of Orkney ‘mainland’, where you will discover the headline attractions, and learn a few words of the local dialect like ‘peedie’! You will see 5000 years of history right in the middle of modern, lush green farm fields and along our dramatic coastlines. Whether we are standing at ancient Skara Brae or the beautiful St Magnus Cathedral, my stories will bring the spirit of their builders to life for you. As a passionate local and history teacher, I want you to feel why these places are so revered in our culture.
Enjoy a personal and relaxed tour available as a private booking or shared with a small group of fellow travelers in my comfortable vehicle. The schedule will ensure that you will enjoy every moment and still get safely back to your liner in plenty of time.
At a glance:
- Tour duration: approx 4 hours (Timings are adjusted to fit your ship's schedule)
- Tour ends in Kirkwall: next to St Magnus Cathedral: you will have the option of either being dropped off at your ship or you may wish to explore the historic streets and shops of Kirkwall and return to your ship by using the regular free shuttle service between the travel centre and your ship ( Hatson port).
What’s included
- Personalised, shared (or private tour).
- Travel in style in our spacious, air-conditioned, and fully licensed and insured vehicle.
- For cruise liner passengers, a pier side pick up and drop off is included.
- New for 2026: 100% REFUND guarantee ( less entry fees) if your cruise ship cancels due to bad weather.
Why choose Graham:
- A native islander with deep family roots stretching back to at least the 1600s, offering you an authentic connection to our history, culture and heritage.
- Local history teacher and qualified STGA guide: offering in-depth knowledge, personal insights and captivating stories to bring your tour to life
- Discover the local dialect or try my Orkney Quiz!
What our guests say:
Amazing tour experience! We booked Graham for a private tour during a cruise stop in Kirkwall..he provided excellent service throughout every aspect of planning and execution..As a teacher and a true local, his explanations of Orcadian history, culture, economy, and key attractions were top shelf..Got us back to the ship with plenty of time to spare. Super friendly and an all around great guy. Highly recommend a tour with Graham.
Jeremy Brann, Google Review: ( private Highlights tour)
We took the Highlights tour with Graham and it was fantastic! Having a guide who grew up and lives in Orkney provided an authentic local experience. Graham's knowledge of the area's history was incredible, and he made every story engaging and informative.
Jaimi Luhrmann, Google Review: ( private Highlights tour)
Good to know:
Do I need to book in advance? Yes-tours are private and spaces fill up quickly, especially during cruise season (May-September). Contact Graham early to check availability.
What's included in the price? All prices are for the vehicle and guide and include pick-ups and drop-offs for up to eight passengers and entrance fees where indicated.
Where does the cruise excursion tour leave from? For cruise ship customers, we provide a pier side pickup and drop off service at the port (Kirkwall).
How long is the tour and do we stop for lunch? The cruise excursion tour (4 hours) has been designed to ensure you maximise your time in Orkney and see as much as possible in the given time. As such, there is no lunch stop however you can pick up on-the-go snacks/refreshments, payable at the time, from Skara Brae cafe.
What should I wear? The weather in Orkney is changeable, even in summer. Please wear sensible footwear as the ground we visit is often uneven and may be slippery. Layering of clothes is recommended and another sensible precaution is to carry light waterproof clothing.
How is the cruise excursion tour different from the Essential Orkney tour? The 6-hour Essential Orkney Tour features a brief stop for lunch and a trip to the churchill barriers & Italian chapel.
