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Discover Orkney with a Small Group Tour

When you visit Orkney, we know how far you’ve come. With a maximum of 8 guests, our Orkney Day Trip is designed to provide a rewarding, fun, and immersive experience. We started Tour Orkney as a way to share our home with visitors - we want our guests to be able to explore and enjoy as much as possible of this unique landscape at the edge of the world. And for those who fall in love with the medieval streets of sandstone and the sea-torn coast, don’t worry - the house prices are surprisingly reasonable.


What’s Included:

  • Easy online booking

  • 09:30: Pick-up at Kirkwall Harbour

  • 10:25: Pick-up at Stromness Ferry Terminal (perfectly timed with the 08:45 NorthLink ferry from Scrabster)

  • A guided tour of the Stones of Stenness with an introduction to the Heart of Neolithic Orkney UNESCO World Heritage Site

  • A guided walk around the Ring of Brodgar—one of the largest stone circles in Britain.

  • A guided tour of Skara Brae, Europe’s best-preserved Neolithic village (Note: on the rare occasion Skara Brae is unavailable due to an event or wild weather, we will arrange an alternate Neolithic site and offer a full refund if you’re not satisfied).

  • Scenic photo stops at the Churchill Barriers and Scapa Flow.

  • A guided visit to the beautifully crafted Italian Chapel (ticket included in price)

  • A short visit to St Magnus Cathedral

  • Photo stops of Scapa Flow

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“Our tour guide, Ciaran, was fabulous.  He was so very knowledgeable and full of history."

Sarah, PTH

Price: £125 per person - Book your Orkney day trip here

​​Includes all entry costs - experience a full day of guided exploration through Orkney's most iconic sites, including the Heart of Neolithic Orkney UNESCO World Heritage sites and the Italian Chapel. You can also ask Ciaran any questions you like - although we have one rule: NO GOOGLING IN THE BUS! ​

 

Key Tour Information:

  • Group Size: Limited to 8 people for a great atmosphere and personalised experience. We are extremely lucky in that those who choose to travel with us are always exceptionally intelligent, have great taste, and are particularly discerning (oh shut up Ciaran). But we do guarantee a day full of wonder and laughter - especially if it rains.

  • Local Guide: Ciaran will lead the way, sharing the rich history, myths, and legends of Orkney. Whether it's tales of Vikings or ancient Neolithic people, Ciaran brings the stories of Orkney to life. If you don’t agree then please tell him - his family would thank you. 

  • Convenient Connections: Our pick-up times align with NorthLink ferry schedules, so if you're arriving on the morning ferry from Scrabster, we'll be ready and waiting.

  • Eco-Friendly Experience: As part of our commitment to sustainable travel, we offset our carbon footprint and actively contribute to rewilding projects in Scotland (Ciaran even plants the trees). 
     

Guided Neolithic tours in Orkney: Practical Details:

  • Footwear: We recommend wearing sturdy shoes, as some locations involve walking on uneven ground.

  • Accessibility: Guests should be able to get in and out of the minibus comfortably. If you have any mobility concerns, please reach out ahead of time—we’ve accommodated wheelchair users, guide dogs, and travellers with various needs. In our experience, all that's needed is a little extra planning and a can-do attitude.

  • Weather Preparation: Bring layers and waterproofs for Orkney's ever-changing weather. On warmer days (we do get them), make sure to have water on hand to stay hydrated. On wild days we have oilskins specially for guests use - be prepared to stand amongst the tempest and commune with our ancestors.

  • Lunch: After our visit to Skara Brae, we’ll take a 30-minute lunch break. Feel free to bring a packed lunch, or enjoy the local food options like the museum café or nearby seafood van.​​

Useful Information for our Orkney Day Trip:

  • Travelling from Mainland Scotland to Orkney via Ferry

  • NorthLink Ferries operate a daily service which links up with our Orkney day trip. For up-to-date schedules, bookings, and ferry details, please visit NorthLink Ferries.

  • Departure: The ferry departs Scrabster at 08:45, arriving at Stromness Ferry Terminal at 10:15. Our pick-up time is then 10:25 inside the terminal.

  • Check-in: Check-in closes 30 minutes before sailing time, so please plan to arrive early.

  • Parking at Scrabster is managed by Scrabster Harbour Trust:

  • Cost: £10 for 1 to 14 days

  • Payment: Tokens (cash only) can be purchased from the NorthLink vehicle terminal upon your return.

  • Location: The long-stay car park is 400m from the passenger terminal, so please allow yourself 10 minutes to walk back to the terminal. For more information, contact Scrabster Harbour Trust on +44 (0) 1847 892779.

  • Tip: Make sure to bring cash for the token, as card payments are not accepted. If you have mobility concerns, please contact us for assistance.

  • Taxi to Scrabster Ferry Terminal - if you're staying in Thurso or nearby, Caithness Cabs can transfer you to the ferry terminal. Tel: +44 (0) 1847 895677

Morning of the Tour:

  • Please arrive at least 5 minutes early at your pick-up point. Look out for Ciaran holding the Tour Orkney Flag and being generally conspicuous. 

  • Departing Kirkwall Harbour: 09:30

  • Departing Lynnfield Hotel: 09:45

  • Departing Stromness Ferry Terminal: 10:25

  • Drop-off Times

  • Kirkwall: 15:15

  • Stromness: 16:00 (in time for the NorthLink ferry back to Scrabster)

  • Accessibility Considerations: for guests with mobility concerns, please reach out to us for assistance. We’ll do our best to ensure your experience is comfortable, from parking logistics to managing pick-up locations.


Book your Orkney Day Trip now and embark on an unforgettable adventure, and for those taking the ferry,  visit NorthLink Ferries to book your crossing. Whether you’re joining a small group or booking a private tour, Tour Orkney promises an adventure rich with history, culture, and stunning landscapes.

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Small group tours Orkney - Tip for the North Coast 500 Travellers
If you’re driving the NC500, leave your car behind and join our small group day trip for a stress-free exploration of Orkney. There’s no better way to experience the islands than with a local guide and like-minded adventurers. 

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