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;
- Italian Chapel: beautiful Roman Catholic chapel built by resourceful Italian POWs in WW2;
- Churchill Barriers: hear the story of these concrete causeways built after the sinking of HMS Royal Oak in Octobe 1939;
- Return to Kirkwall, the historic capital of Orkney, and home of the magnificent St Magnus Cathedral, ( and your tour guide's home town.)
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. There's no group to keep up with, and 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: 4hours to 4.5hour tour;
- 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
- Scottish Tourist Guides Association Approved Guide
- For cruise liner passengers, a pier side pick up and drop off is included
Extra benefits
- Orkney by an Orcadian history teacher for a truly authentic experience;
- Learn a few words and phrases of the local dialect or try my Orkney Quiz!
- New for 2026: 100% REFUND guarantee ( less entry fees) if your cruise ship cancels due to bad weather.
