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  • Private Sightseeing Tours
  • Archaeology Tours
  • Port Pickup
  • Ports of Call Tours

Bespoke Private Guided Tours

5.0(6 reviews)Scotland, ScotlandOperated by Experience Orkney
  • Duration8 hours
  • GroupPrivate tour
  • TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
  • LanguagesEnglish
  • BookingInstant confirmation

About this activity

My tours, including sites like the Skara Brae, Italian Chapel, Scapa Flow, Yesnaby Cliffs, Ring of Brodgar, Standing Stones of Stenness, and many more are unique for several reasons:

Skara Brae is Europe's best-preserved prehistoric village, dating back over 5,000 years.

Italian Chapel was built by Italian POWs during World War II, making it a symbol of hope and resilience.

Ring of Brodgar and Standing Stones of Stenness are both part of a UNESCO World Heritage site known as the Heart of Neolithic Orkney.

Yesnaby Cliffs and Marwick Head are known for their dramatic sea cliffs, offering breath taking coastal views.

Overall, these tours are unique because they offer a fascinating blend of ancient history, dramatic natural beauty, and wartime significance, all while experiencing Orkney’s exceptional landscape and wildlife.

What to expect

8 hours8 stopsPrivate tour

  1. Skara Brae

    KW16 3LR, United Kingdom

    1 hour 30 minAdmission included

    Over 5000 years old Neolithic Village. It is one of the best-preserved Neolithic sites in Europe and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dating back to around 3100 BCE, Skara Brae provides a remarkable glimpse into the daily life of early humans during the Neolithic period, long before the construction of the Egyptian pyramids or Stonehenge. The site is often compared to a prehistoric version of a modern suburb, highlighting its significance in understanding human history and settlement patterns during the Stone Age.

  2. Yesnaby Cliffs

    Yesnaby Rd, Stromness, United Kingdom

    30 minutes

    Geology of Orkney Dated back to about 380-400 millions years old. These dramatic cliffs offer some of the most breath taking coastal views in the Orkney archipelago. The area is renowned for its geological features, including impressive rock formations and sea stacks that have been shaped by centuries of erosion. The cliffs are composed mainly of sandstone and are home to a variety of seabird species, making it a popular spot for birdwatching. Puffins, guillemots, and kittiwakes are often seen nesting along the cliffs in the summer months. The site offers a sense of wilderness and isolation, making it a must-see for visitors to Orkney who appreciate natural beauty and dramatic landscapes.

  3. Unstan Chambered Cairn

    Stenness, United Kingdom

    25 minutes

    Unstan Tomb is a chambered cairn, a type of tomb constructed from large stones and covered with a mound of earth. Unstan Tomb is a prehistoric burial site located on the Orkney Islands, Scotland, and is part of the rich archaeological landscape that makes up the Heart of Neolithic Orkney UNESCO World Heritage Site. The tomb is located on the island of Stenness and dates to around 2500 BCE, during the late Neolithic period.

  4. Ring of Brodgar

    Brodgar B9055, Stromness, KW16 3JZ, United Kingdom

    20 minutes

    4600 years Stone henge. it is one of the most impressive and significant archaeological sites in Europe, dating back to the late Neolithic period, around 2500 BCE to 2000 BCE. This ancient monument is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the Heart of Neolithic Orkney.

  5. Standing Stones of Stenness

    Stenness, KW16 3JY, United Kingdom

    15 minutes

    This site is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, which also includes other ancient sites such as Skara Brae, the Ring of Brodgar, and Maeshowe. The Standing Stones of Stenness date back to around 3000 BCE, making them older than Stonehenge in England.

  6. The Italian Chapel

    Lamb Holm, St. Mary's, KW17 2SF, United Kingdom

    15 minutesAdmission included

    Miracle of camp 60, built by Italian prisoners of war. The Italian Chapel is not only a piece of art but also a symbol of hope and resilience. During the war, the chapel provided the Italian POWs with a place of solace and spiritual refuge. Despite the harsh conditions of captivity, they poured their heart and soul into building the chapel

  7. Saint Magnus Cathedral

    Broad Street, Kirkwall, KW15 1NX, United Kingdom

    30 minutes

    St Magnus Cathedral is the most famous historic building in Orkney and one of the finest medieval cathedrals in Scotland. Built between 1137 and the 15th century, it stands in the town of Kirkwall. It is often called the “Light of the North” because of its striking red and yellow sandstone. The cathedral is dedicated to Magnus Erlendsson, an Earl of Orkney who was killed around 1117 and later made a saint. He was known for his peaceful and religious character, and his death led to his veneration. Founded by his nephew Rognvald Kali Kolsson. Built in the Romanesque style, with later Gothic additions Constructed using local sandstone, giving it its distinctive color. Long nave and massive pillars – strong, rounded Norman architecture. Stained glass windows – many added later, telling religious and local stories. Vaulted ceilings – impressive stone craftsmanship St Magnus’s relics – believed to be buried within the cathedral.

  8. Bishop's Palace and Earl's Palace

    Watergate, Kirkwall, KW15 1PD, United Kingdom

    45 minutesAdmission included

    Visitors to Bishop’s and Earl’s Palaces in Kirkwall will find two connected but very different historic ruins right beside St Magnus Cathedral. At the medieval Bishop’s Palace, you can explore one of the best-preserved 12th-century buildings in Scotland. Visitors walk through stone halls, vaulted rooms, and the remains of the bishop’s residence where King Haakon IV of Norway died in 1263 after the Battle of Largs. Much of the ground floor survives, giving a strong sense of medieval life in Norse Orkney. Across the road is the later Earl’s Palace, built around 1606 by Patrick Stewart, Earl of Orkney (“Black Patie”). Here visitors see dramatic Renaissance architecture, including ornate façades, grand fireplaces, impressive staircases, chambers for guests and servants, and the remains of a lavish great hall designed to impress visitors and display power. The experience is mostly self-guided and atmospheric rather than museum-like.

Pickup & meeting point

You can choose either hotel/location pickup or to meet the guide at the start point.

Pickup starts about 30 minutes before the departure time.

You can request a pickup location of your own.

Start

Go to the back of the information centre which is also the bus station and look for bus station stand 5

End / drop-off

Go to the back of the information centre which is also the bus station and look for bus station stand 5

Pickup locations27

The operator lists 27 pickup points. 25 are shown here; choose yours from the full list when you book.

Hotels & residences24

  • Murray Arms Hotel and RestaurantBack Road, St. Margaret's Hope, KW17 2SP, United Kingdom
  • The Mey HotelMey, Thurso, KW14 8XH, United Kingdom
  • Northern Sands HotelB855, Dunnet, KW14 8XD, United Kingdom
  • Kettletoft HotelKettletoft Village, Kettletoft, KW17 2BJ, United Kingdom
  • Skaill FarmSkaill, Sandwick, United Kingdom
  • The Sands HotelSands Hotel Pier Road, Burray Village, KW17 2SS, United Kingdom
  • Kirkwall HotelHarbour Street, Kirkwall, KW15 1LE, United Kingdom
  • The Orkney Hotel40 Victoria Street, Kirkwall, KW15 1DN, United Kingdom
  • The Ayre HotelAyre Road, Kirkwall, KW15 1QX, United Kingdom
  • Pierowall HotelPierowall, KW17 2BZ, United Kingdom
  • West End Hotel14 Main Street, Kirkwall, KW15 1BU, United Kingdom
  • Standing Stones HotelStenness, KW16 3JX, United Kingdom
  • Smithfield HotelA986, Dounby, KW17 2HT, United Kingdom
  • Belsair HotelKettletoft, United Kingdom
  • Lynnfield HotelHolm Road, St Ola, Orkney, Kirkwall, KW15 1SU, United Kingdom
  • Albert HotelJunction Road, Kirkwall, Kirkwall, KW15 1LB, United Kingdom
  • Merkister HotelHarray Loch, Harray, KW17 2LF, United Kingdom
  • The StorehouseBridge Street Wynd, Lunch 12-2.30pm Dinner 5-9pm, Kirkwall, KW15 1JD, United Kingdom
  • The Creel B&BFront Road, St. Margaret's Hope, KW17 2SL, United Kingdom
  • Polrudden Guest HousePickaquoy Rd., Kirkwall, KW15 1UH, United Kingdom
  • Taversoe HotelKW17 2PT, United Kingdom
  • St. Ola HotelHarbour Street, Kirkwall, KW15 1LE, United Kingdom
  • The FoveranFoveran Foveran Foveran, St.Ola, Kirkwall, KW15 1SF, United Kingdom
  • Orca Hotel76 Victoria Street, Stromness, KW16 3BS, United Kingdom

Airports1

  • Kirkwall AirportUnited Kingdom
  • You may choose to meet the guide at the departure point.
  • You can arrange your pickup point with the operator after booking.

Pickup instructions

Behind kirkwall information centre, bus station stand 5, Look out for a White, Black and orange minivan with inscription of Experience Orkney on it.

What's included

Included

  • Bottled water
  • Italian Chapel Entry Fee
  • Guide/Driver
  • Skara Brae Entry Fee
  • Bishop & Earls Palaces Entry Fee

Not included

  • Alcoholic Beverages
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Good to know

Accessibility & suitability

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Traveller requirements

  • Minimum 1 traveller per booking
  • Maximum 8 travellers per booking
  • At least one adult must be included in the booking
  • Age bands: Youth (13–17), Adult (18–63), Senior (64–100)

Additional information

  • Booster seats can be provided

Languages

Audio
English
Guide
English

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

  • 1+ days before100% refund
  • 0–1 days before0% refund
  • This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it's cancelled because the minimum isn't met, you'll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Important booking information

Booking cut-off
Bookings close 1 hour before the activity starts.
Confirmation
Confirmed immediately after booking.
Tickets
One per booking
Local time zone
Europe/London
Product code
5527948P3

What you'll be asked when booking

  • Age of each traveller
  • Date of birth
  • First name of each traveller
  • Last name of each traveller
  • Your preferred pickup point
  • Any special requirements
  • Arrival airline
  • Arrival flight number
  • Departure airline
  • Departure flight number
  • Drop-off address
  • How you are arriving
  • Your arrival time
  • Transfer departure date
  • How you are departing
  • Departure pickup address
  • Transfer departure time
  • Cruise arrival time
  • Cruise ship name
  • Cruise departure time

Traveller reviews

5.0/ 56 reviews
  • 56

Ratings aggregated from Viator (3) and Tripadvisor (3).

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Activity information provided by Viator, an authorized travel partner. Gateera does not operate this activity.

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