Orkney Islands Tours – Private & Guided Experiences
• Full refund guarantee • Private guided tours • Carbon-negative travel • Expert local guide • Crowd-smart timing • Book online
Welcome to the edge of the map. At Tour Orkney we create private Orkney Islands tours that bring the islands’ culture, history, and scenery vividly to life. From standing stones to Viking cathedrals and sweeping coastlines, our tours show Orkney as it’s meant to be: monumental, wild, unforgettable.
Join Ciaran — once shepherd and now island storyteller — for a private journey through Orkney’s rich history, captivating myths, and dramatic landscapes.
We are: • Green Tourism member • Registered with Orkney Harbour Authority • OIC taxi-licensed driver • Private hire & public liability insured. Check out our Google reviews.
Our Orkney Islands Tours
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Book With Confidence
🛳️ Ferry & Cruise Safe Guarantee
Full refund if your ferry, flight, or cruise ship can’t reach Orkney on the day of your private tour.
For every tour we run, we plant a tree in Scotland. We're keeping Tour Orkney carbon negative.
👣 Crowd-Smart Promise
We know all the short-cuts dodge the big buses.
📖 Local Insight Guarantee
Stories not on the signs. From folklore to hidden histories — we love making Orkney's story engaging
Featured Reviews
Stella: “AAA+ We highly recommend Ciaran and his Orkney Islands Tour. Deep local knowledge, a personalised and adaptable approach, and Ciaran’s responsive interpersonal humour ensured that we all (teenagers to 50 year olds) had an excellent experience. Worth every penny."
★★★★★
Lisa: "Our half day Orkney Islands tour with Ciaran was one of the most enjoyable experiences of our entire trip. As a writer, Ciaran has a gift for storytelling! He was so knowledgeable, funny and personable and brought the history and culture of Orkney to life. His van and audio equipment were great so no one missed anything even when sitting in the back. A fantastic visit to The Orkney islands"
★★★★★
Jodi: "We had an amazing tour of the Orkney Islands with Ciaran as our guide. He was friendly, funny, and incredibly knowledgeable—he made the history feel alive and kept us engaged the entire day. Ciaran gave us just the right amount of information and stories. Highly recommend this tour."
★★★★★
"Ciaran grew up in Scotland’s mountains and has guided travellers across the world — from white-water rivers to Highland trails. Featured in National Geographic and The Times, he is a highly qualified tour guide passionate about the Orkney islands. Join him for a private Orkney islands tour filled with history, folklore, and the stories you won’t find on the signs..."
Want to know the full story? Visit our About page
Meet Ciaran – Your Orkney Guide
Private Orkney Island Tours for Small Groups & Cruise Visitors
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See our Orkney Day Trip from Thurso (Scrabster Ferry)
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Explore our Kirkwall Shore Excursion for cruise guests.
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Learn more about our Neolithic Wonders archaeology tour.
FAQs
It is possible to explore the Orkney islands for a lifetime and still only scratch the surface. New discoveries and uncovered myths mean the story is in a state of flux, 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 the surf-washed land.
But if you don’t have a lifetime, we’ve put together some useful information on how to visit Orkney for a day or two.
How long do Orkney tours take?
Most Orkney private tours last 4–7 hours, covering highlights at a relaxed pace. Longer or multi‑day itineraries are available on request.
What’s included in an Orkney islands tour?
A private vehicle, qualified local guide, entrances and tickets, flexible route and photo stops. Meals and drinks are extra.
Are Orkney private tours worth it?
Absolutely. A private Orkney tour means no big buses, flexible timing, and a guide focused entirely on your group’s interests. On average a private tour can visit twice the number of sites a coach tour can. For a group of 4-8 a private tour often costs less than the official cruise excursions.
When is the best time to take an Orkney islands tour?
April–October offers long days and lush scenery. Winter tours bring quieter sites and dramatic skies. Both have their magic.
What group size do you take?
Private tours for up to 8 guests in a modern minibus. We can accommodate larger groups by request.
Do you run tours in winter?
Yes. Shorter daylight, moodier skies and quieter sites make winter superb with the right timing. Contact us for availability