Orkney Island Tours
We here at Tour Orkney know how far you’ve come. That’s why we want to make your visit a once in a lifetime experience. With over 8,500 years of datable history, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and 74 islands to explore Orkney is full of possibilities. The challenge? Fitting it all in.
Why Choose a Private Tour of Orkney?
A private tour with us is about exploring away from the crowd. We blend hidden gems and unsung spots with the must-see destinations that brought you here. Timing is everything—knowing when and where to go ensures that Orkney feels like your own.
Whether you’re looking for a half-day adventure or a week-long island odyssey, we design each tour to be unique to you. With space for up to 8 guests in our comfortable minibus, you can bring your family or close friends along for the journey.
Our experienced guide, Ciaran Stormonth, has been in the tourism industry for over a decade. He has taken hundreds of travellers on bespoke adventures including The Times and National Geographic. Ciaran’s passion is crafting days full of wonder that are personal to you, including:
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Tracing ancestors
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Special interests like hiking, the Neolithic, Vikings, food and history
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Unique experiences like nighttime tours and craft experiences
Must-Visit Locations on Orkney Mainland:
The Heart of Neolithic Orkney
Orkney Mainland is home to the Heart of Neolithic Orkney UNESCO World Heritage Site, which includes:
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Skara Brae: Europe’s best-preserved Neolithic village, offering a glimpse into life over 5,000 years ago.
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Maeshowe: One of the finest chambered cairns in Northern Europe, known for its winter solstice alignment and viking graffiti.
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The Ring of Brodgar: A spectacular stone circle, rich with mystery and archaeological significance.
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The Stones of Stenness: A smaller, yet equally impressive, stone circle with stories dating back millennia.
They help to tell the extraordinary story of the hunter-gatherers who settled here and began work on what would become one of the richest landscapes of its age. Archaeological discoveries have helped us understand the complexity and advanced nature of Orkney’s neolithic society. Several recent and unexpected finds have only increased our wonder at the genius of these ancient peoples.
Towns Steeped in History
Kirkwall
Kirkwall’s medieval streets have been dominated by the towering St Magnus Cathedral for nearly 1,000 years. The red sandstone walls echo Orkney's Viking heritage, and the surrounding Earl's Palace and Bishop's Palace offer more layers of history, full of treachery and power struggles.
Stromness
Mercantile Stromness was for centuries the last stop for British ships in need of provisions and English speaking crewmen. For such a small town it is brimming with history and stories. Both the Franklin Expedition and Captain Cook's ships Resolution and Discovery visited. The vikings called it Hamnavoe, Old Norse for safe harbour. The great 19th Century explorer Dr John Rae left Stromness at 18 and joined the Hudson Bay Company. He discovered the Northwest passage and yet died in relative obscurity thanks to Charles Dickens. Finally George Mckay Brown Called Stromness his home, the Bard of Orcadia who wove history and local beauty into his poetry and fiction.
“Our tour guide, Ciaran, was fabulous. He was so very knowledgeable and full of history."
Sarah, PTH
Unique Island Experiences
Hoy
Hoy’s rugged landscape sets it apart from the rest of Orkney. With towering sea cliffs and stacks, like St John’s Head and the famous Old Man of Hoy, the island is a paradise for walkers. Notable spots include:
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Lonely Rackwick Bay, where Sir Peter Maxwell-Davies found the solitude to create modern classics of composition
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WWII sites and the mysterious Dwarfie Stane, offering both historical and natural intrigue.
South Ronaldsay and the Churchill Barriers
Linked to the Mainland by the Churchill Barriers, South Ronaldsay and nearby islands like Burray and Lamb Holm offer a wealth of wartime history. These concrete causeways were constructed during WWII, and the Italian Chapel stands as a beautiful reminder of the resilience of Italian POWs who built it.
Scapa Flow: A Maritime Legacy
The largest natural harbour in the Northern Hemisphere, Scapa Flow has been a strategic naval base for centuries. Its waters hold the remnants of both British and German fleets, including the war grave of the Royal Oak. Visitors can learn about the scuttling of the German fleet in 1919 and explore the wartime legacy that continues to shape Orkney today.
Off the Beaten Path
Orkney’s Smaller Islands
Each of Orkney’s smaller islands, from Rousay (known as the Egypt of the North) to Westray, Stronsay, and North Ronaldsay, offers its own unique character. Whether it’s the neolithic marvels of Midhowe Tomb or the thrill of taking the world’s shortest scheduled flight between Westray and Papa Westray, these islands provide fascinating adventures.
Ready to Explore Orkney?
Get in touch by emailing us at hello@tourorkney.com or contact us via WhatsApp at +447921888385.
We’re here to craft a once-in-a-lifetime experience, whether you're keen to uncover Neolithic wonders or enjoy the breathtaking landscapes. It’s time you were here.
