Orkney Island Tours
Join us for an adventure of culture, history and scenery. Tour Orkney creates rewarding travel experiences. See Orkney as it's meant to be: vivid, monumental, wild. Discover the rich history, captivating myths, and stunning landscapes of the Orkney Islands with Tour Orkney. Whether you're seeking a guided day trip to Orkney's most iconic sites or a private, tailor-made adventure, we’re here to offer you an unforgettable journey. Welcome to the edge of the map.
The Orkney Day Trip: Discover the Best of Orkney
Leave the crowds behind and embark on an Orkney Day Trip. Explore the islands' most iconic landmarks with a small group of like-minded travellers. Our day trip is strictly limited to a maximum of eight guests to ensure the best possible experience (we don’t believe in treating people like sheep (although Ciaran wants to point out he used to be a shepherd and treated his sheep very well)).
Highlights of the Orkney Day Trip
-
Skara Brae: Step back in time over 5,000 years and visit the best preserved Neolithic village in Europe, part of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our neolithic ancestors were far more advanced than we realise - they even had plumbing.
-
The Ring of Brodgar: One of the largest stone circles in Britain, a few recent discoveries have begun to unravel its mysteries. That being said, there is still so much we don’t know. What we do know is that dancing around them naked, whilst freeing, is discouraged on the group tour - please see private tour section).
-
The Italian Chapel: a monument to peace built during the most turbulent of times and created mostly from salvaged materials. Domenico Chiocchetti’s masterpiece blends artistry with endeavour.
-
Scapa Flow & the Churchill Barriers: Visit the largest natural harbour in the Northern Hemisphere and the causeways built to keep the British navy safe.
-
St Magnus Cathedral: Orkney's grand cathedral in Kirkwall, a 12th-century architectural masterpiece (although ask us about the leaning pillar of Kirkwall).
Tour Schedule & Details
The Orkney Day Trip departs from:
-
Kirkwall Harbour at 09:30
-
Stromness Ferry Terminal at 10:25 (linking with the 08:45 NorthLink ferry from Scrabster).
After a full day of exploring Orkney’s best historical sites, we’ll drop you back in time for the 16:45 NorthLink ferry from Stromness (or at your Kirkwall accommodation or at the harbour).
Tour Orkney Day Trip Promise:
-
Small Group Size: Avoid the crowds and enjoy a more intimate exploration with a maximum of 8 guests. In our experience this makes for the best experience (Ciaran is particularly adept at making sure no one holds up the group (see earlier sheep mentions)).
-
Expert Local Guide: Experience the history, myths, and legends of Orkney, brought to life by your guide. Although the Vikings were particularly terrifying so he’ll try not to bring them too much to life…
-
Convenient Ferry Connections: Connect with the NorthLink ferry for a stress-free day trip. Unless the boat sinks; but as we say here at Tour Orkney, a disaster survived is the stuff of great stories.
Ready for a day packed with history, stunning landscapes, and unforgettable stories (Ciaran sometimes forgets them so not so sure about that)? Book your Orkney Day Trip now and explore Orkney in a day.
“I loved the whole experience - I had been to Orkney Islands with another tour group which was not as interesting. I found Ciaran very informative and presented the information in an entertaining way."
James, NY
Private Tour of Orkney: Bespoke Adventures
Looking for a more personalised experience? Our Private Tour of Orkney allows you to explore the islands at your own pace. Whether you're drawn to the wild beauty of the Old Man of Hoy, fascinated by Orkney’s traditional crafts and local food, or wanting a week-long Orkney Odyssey, Tour Orkney is passionate about designing itineraries that blend must-see sites with off the beaten track gems.
Why Choose a Private Tour?
-
Tailor-Made Itinerary: Mix Neolithic sites with hidden gems, or scenic hikes with traditional experiences. Orkney is brimming with culture and history. We’re extremely flexible on timing including evening tours which catch the most popular sites at their most peaceful.
-
Luxury Minibus: Travel in comfort in our spacious minibus, which seats up to 8 passengers. It’s even got leather seats (Ciaran wanted to mention this as he’s very proud of the seats - you can take the boy from the farm…).
-
Dedicated Guide: Your guide, Ciaran, will be with you every step of the way (except comfort breaks), offering insights, local knowledge (especially gossip), and a bit of humour to enhance your experience. Above all else we want your visit to be engaging.
Popular Private Tour Highlights
-
Old Man of Hoy: Hike to one of Orkney’s most dramatic landmarks, a towering sea stack. For an added fee, Ciaran will carry you the 2 and a half miles there.
-
Off-the-Beaten-Track Gems: Discover Orkney’s lesser-known treasures, away from the usual tourist routes.
-
Crafts and Food: Experience traditional Orkney crafts like pottery and jewellery making, and indulge in local delicacies like bere bannocks and hand-dived scallops. The Rollmop Herring is a particular favourite.
Why Tour Orkney with Us?
-
Small Group and Private Tours: Whether you prefer a group setting or a personalised experience, we have tours to suit every traveller.
-
Local Guide: Ciaran will offer insights into Orkney's history, culture, and landscapes (did we mention the local gossip yet?).
-
Sustainable Travel: We believe in responsible tourism, offsetting our carbon footprint and supporting local rewilding projects.
Get in touch to book Your Orkney Tour Today
Explore the ancient history, myths, and breathtaking scenery of the Orkney Islands with Tour Orkney. Whether you join us for a day trip or opt for a private, tailor-made adventure, we look forward to welcoming you to our home at the edge of the map.
How to Tour Orkney in a Day
It is possible to explore Orkney for a lifetime and still only scratch the surface. New discoveries and uncovered myths mean the story changes and flows, yet remains immovable and great. The Ness of Brodgar dig took nigh on 21 years to scratch the surface of the neolithic village below. It is only one of the silent wonders beneath these surf-washed islands.
But if you don’t have a lifetime, we’ve put together some useful information on how to visit Orkney for a day or 2.
By Air:
Loganair offers frequent flights from Glasgow (1.5 hours), Inverness (1 hour), Aberdeen (1 hour), and Edinburgh (1.5 hours) to Kirkwall Airport. Once you arrive, it’s only a short five-minute transfer into Orkney’s capital, Kirkwall. Flying is ideal for multi-day trips, though flight schedules can vary. For the best fares, book at least two months in advance—mid-week flights often come with additional savings. Check for further details [here].
NorthLink Ferry:
The NorthLink ferry departs from Scrabster Ferry Terminal (just outside Thurso) 2-3 times daily, depending on the season. You can find the latest schedules [here]. Between April and October, this ferry is a convenient way to visit Orkney for a day trip. This is especially true if you’re looking for great things to do on the North Coast 500.
The 08:45 sailing arrives in Stromness at 10:15 and returns at 16:45, getting you back to the mainland at 18:15. This schedule allows time to explore the Heart of Neolithic Orkney UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as the Italian Chapel, Scapa Flow, the Churchill Barriers, and Kirkwall. Plan your itinerary in advance to make the most of your day on Orkney. Local knowledge can be invaluable for avoiding crowds, finding tickets, and understanding the stories and history that make these places so special.
How to Leave the Car Behind:
Join a Guided Day Trip:
The best way to explore Orkney is to leave the car behind and join our Orkney Day Trip (we’ll admit we may be biassed), perfectly timed with the NorthLink ferry schedule. With a maximum of 8 guests, our small groups get to visit all the key sites and also discover lesser-known gems. Forget about navigation, don’t worry about the quirky parking, just sit back and enjoy the journey in our 9-seater mini-bus (although we must apologise - there will be little sitting back and mostly exploration and wonder. It’s a hard life).
After a full day of adventure, we'll return you in time for the 16:45 ferry back to the Scottish mainland. For a more customised experience, we also offer private tours, allowing you to create your own itinerary.
North Coast 500 Travellers:
If you’re already exploring the North Coast 500, you'll be surprised by how Orkney differs in both culture and scenery from mainland Scotland. There’s a reason why so many explorers, artists, writers, and musicians have made Orkney their home over the centuries (please don’t ask Ciaran about George Mackay Brown or you’re in danger of being poemed).
Parking for NorthLink Ferry:
When leaving your car behind, there are a couple of parking options. NorthLink Ferries offers a car park within walking distance of the terminal, with full details available [here]. Alternatively, you can leave your vehicle in Thurso’s free car parks and either walk the two miles along the coastal path (for the masochists) or take a short taxi ride to the terminal (for the slugs). Either way you’ll have views of Dunnet Head and the Pentland Firth - ask Ciaran about Thor’s River when you arrive.
Arriving by Public Transport:
ScotRail operates daily train services between Inverness and Thurso. We recommend staying a night or two in Thurso and using it as a base for your Orkney day trip. A simple walk or quick taxi ride will get you to the Scrabster ferry terminal.
Stagecoach operate a bus service between Inverness and Thurso. This also links up with the NorthLink ferry. More details can be found [here].
Taking public transport allows you to link Scotland’s breathtaking locations and adds a sense of adventure. It also reduces your carbon footprint allowing for more environmentally friendly travel. Our Orkney Day Trip pairs perfectly with the NorthLink ferry and allows for car-free exploration at its best.
Our Orkney Day Trip pairs perfectly with the ferry, offering a seamless car-free experience. Plus, with our "One Tree a Trip" program, we exceed standard carbon offsetting by actively participating in Scottish rewilding projects.
Pentland Ferries:
Another way to reach Orkney is via Pentland Ferries, which operates between Gills Bay and St Margaret’s Hope. More details are available [here]. This route lets you explore the southern islands of South Ronaldsay, Burray, and Glim Holm, known for their rich history and windswept scenery. If you’re planning a longer stay, this route offers a great starting point for more in-depth exploration. The good - Pentland Ferries route is gorgeous, although it doesn't pass the Old Man of Hoy. The bad - brilliant bacon roll, not so brilliant coffee.
Helicopter:
The grandest option is a helicopter tour of Orkney. It’s only a two-hour flight from Glasgow or Edinburgh, and with Orkney’s 74 islands, a helicopter or private plane offers the best chance of visiting them all in a day (although we advise against it on the grounds that it would be exhausting and disturb livestock).
