+44 203 026 1075
Orkney Mainland Private Tour
Orkney, GB
100% of travellers recommend this
From US$1,228.58
/ Person
Non-refundable - Your booking can not be cancelled, modified or refunded.
Guaranteed Lowest Prices - Find a lower price? We'll match it!
Highlights
- Guided tour of the ornate Italian Chapel
- Panoramic route around the world's largest natural harbour
- Guided tour of the ancient Standing Stones of Stenness
- Visit to the Neolithic Ring of Brodgar
- See the Neolithic Village and stunning views at Skara Brae
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Duration 7 hours
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Private Tour
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Expert Local Guide
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Admission included
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Comfortable Electric Vehicle
Experience the magic of Orkney with the Orkney Mainland Private Tour. Immerse yourself in the rich history of this archipelago as you journey back in time over 5000 years. Your knowledgeable guide, Paul, will give you a real insight into life in Orkney, from its fascinating wildlife to its world-leading food and drink industry. Travel in style and comfort in an all-electric Mercedes Evito, experiencing the beauty of Orkney in a green and sustainable way. Explore iconic sites such as the Italian Chapel, Scapa Flow, the Standing Stones of Stenness, the Ring of Brodgar, Skara Brae, and the Brough of Birsay. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Atlantic and indulge in delicious locally made treats along the way. This tour is the perfect introduction to Orkney, allowing you to make the most of your time on this stunning island.
At a Glance
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7 hours
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Instant Confirmation
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Available in English
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Mobile voucher
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Private Tour
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Guided
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Family friendly
Please wait, fetching options!
Featured Reviews
Viator
Aug 24
Orkney was at its best, sunny weather, some wind and peedie showers - and lots of interesting sites.
Together with Jane and Paul, we had designed a great itinerary. Already on the first day, we were impressed by Paul (or driver and guide for the two days). There was immense wealth of knowledge combined with on the fly adaptations of the itinerary> If a site wast too crowded, we moved to the next site and doubled back later. Paul’s style is very social and the topics with deep dives were adapted based on our questions and interests.
In addition to sites, we were also treated to lovely drives through the Orkney landscape with a wonderful picnic consisting sandwiches with homemade chutney, biscuits and jam, yum!
Viator
Jul 24
My husband and I booked a full day private tour with Jane and Paul in early May 2024. We wanted to see the major Neolithic and World War II sites on the Orkney Islands. In addition, we wanted to see St. Peter’s Church and cemetery, as my husband has ancestors buried there. Paul was our guide, and he designed the tour itinerary. When we asked to add another site, Paul was flexible and easily incorporated it without short-changing any of the other sites we were interested in.
Paul arrived promptly at our hotel to pick us up in a fully electric Mercedes van. The van was clean, quiet and very comfortable. Paul is a certified guide, with substantial training and knows a great deal about the Islands, including what happened there during World War II. He is also well-versed in the Neolithic history of the Islands and more. He cheerfully answered all of our questions, and we both felt we learned a great deal in a short period of time. In addition, he knew the church and cemetery we wanted to see, and he even helped us find my husband’s ancestors’ grave, which we really appreciated.
One of the unique features of our tour was a delicious lunch with ingredients sustainably grown by Jane and Paul at their home farm. Paul did the cooking for our lunch, which was made up of traditional Orkney Island foods. Paul and Jane offer vegetarian options for non-meat eaters. They bake the yummy desserts themselves. They sell their products on their website.
Paul has an engaging personality and a good sense of humor. He made the learning experience fun and interesting. He and Jane have a thoughtful, sustainable business designed to give those interested in the Orkney Islands a rewarding, enriching experience.
Our Orkney Islands adventure was a highlight of our trip. We would book with Paul and Jane again in a heartbeat!
Viator
Jul 24
This tour was by the best and most fun tour we have taken ever! Paul was informative, friendly, funny and was just the best! we even had lunch that he prepared in his house! This was a great day ... if you are going to Orkney don't miss it!
Viator
Jul 24
We can't recommend this tour highly enough. Jane and Paul provide a wonderful service, and we thoroughly enjoyed exploring some of the amazing sites on Orkney Mainland. From the Italian Chapel to the Standing Stones of Stenness, the Ring of Brodgar, the Brough of Birsay and Skara Brae, we learned so many fascinating details from Paul. And he took special notice of things we were interested in, and made sure we had the best experience possible. Kudos to Jane and Paul for making our trip to Orkney very special!
Viator
Jul 24
Paul did an AMAZING job taking us all around Orkney! We spent 3 days with him. He is incredibly knowledgeable, he knows how to get you to the best places, and make sure you have a great time.
His vehicle is a spacious Mercedes van, seats probably 6 (maybe 7)- we were only 4. Very comfortable ride, and he has a speaker in the vehicle so all can hear. He tells you all about the surrounding area as you go from breathtaking place to breathtaking place.
We learned so much! We had a mixed group- a 20 yr old boy, his parents and grandmother. Paul was thoughtful about everyone’s needs and wants. This included making sure grandmother could enjoy with less walking/stair climbing, and (picky eater) could enjoy a simple meal (ham sandwich) with Jane and Paul’s delicious brownies.
We saw the standing stones at the ring of Brodgar, the Neolithic village at Skara Brae, the cairn at Maeshowe, Ness of Brodgar, Earl’s Palace, Broch of Gurness, Kirkwall, St. Magnus Cathedral, shopping in Kirkwall, lunch at a lovely cafe in a Jewelry shop, and so much more!
Paul took us for a beautiful picnic lunch he prepared with delicious local foods, homemade soup, yummy chutneys and baked goods he and his wife make, vegetables grown by them as well. So Good!! Plus we met his dog and his chickens. His cat went on a stroll with us as well :)
Hands down the best tour we could have taken. We are leaving Orkeny with so much education, and having had a wonderful time thanks to him.
1
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10
Orkney Mainland Private Tour
Discover Orkney's rich history and wildlife on a private 7-hour tour with a local expert guide, featuring stunning Neolithic sites and local treats.
Included
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Site entrance fees at skara brae (£12/person) and italian chapel (£3.50/person)
Excluded
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Lunch -
Gratuities- this is at the discretion of the guest
Meeting Point
Kirkwall KW15 1LE , United Kingdom
End Point
Kirkwall KW15 1LE , United Kingdom
Pickup
Check if pick-up is available from your location, you will select during checkout (providers may allow other pickup locations)
We can organise other pick up points at most places on Orkney Mainland.
What to expect
1
Guided tour around this highly ornate chapel built by Italian prisoners of war
30 minutes
Admission Included
2
Scapa Flow
Take the panoramic route around the worlds largest natural harbour. Known as Skalpai Floi by the Vikings, discover why this body of water was so significant to them and the British in both world wars
30 minutes
Admission Included
3
Guided tour around this 3100 BC henge monument site.
30 minutes
Admission Included
4
Henge site. Visit this large circle of Neolithic Stones dating back to 3000 BC. Originally there were 60 stones, 27 remain today. Great place to spot Curlews, Oyster Catchers and Sky Larks.
60 minutes
Admission Included
5
3100 BC. See great presentations, the Neolithic House mock-up and guided walk to and around the Neolithic Village. Amazing views of the Atlantic.
90 minutes
Admission Included
6
Dependent on tidal times – to be advised. Short drive to the Brough of Birsay. Walk over the causeway at low tide to access this island. Visit a Pictish and Viking settlement from the 7th-13th Centuries. Fantastic views over the Birsay coastline.
60 minutes
Admission Included
7
Orkney Islands
We will spend some of our tour travelling between sites. This is a great opportunity to sit back and enjoy the comfort of a luxuy electric vehicle and watch the beautiful back drop of Orkney. Also, you will have Paul on hand to answer any questions. Lunch is not included in the tour but we will give time and stop somewhere to allow you to buy lunch.
120 minutes
The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.
Additional Information
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Service animals allowed -
Public transportation options are available nearby
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Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Provided by JP Orkney
What our experts say
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Try local delicacies from Orkney -
Bring a camera for stunning views
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Check tide times for Brough of Birsay
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Visit nearby Stromness for lunch options
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Wear comfortable shoes for walking
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Reviews for this experience over the last year
Guest Reviews (37)
Viator
October 2024
Paul lead my family and I (6 adults) on an amazing tour around Orkney, showing us both ancient and WWII sites, helping us get a peek into the beauty of the island and what makes it so special. He worked with us to customize the itinerary around our interests and included some extra special touches along the way. Paul made it easy with the pick up and drop off at our hotel, and during planning he was responsive and efficient. He shared some wonderful stories as we drove along and we got to meet some locals (and even got to see a Laird up close!). I highly recommend touring with JP Orkney, and as a special bonus I highly recommend their other business which is tasty treats, just check out their website JPOrkeny. Thanks Paul!
Viator
October 2024
We toured the Orkney mainland and two other islands during a five day private tour with Paul. He did a fabulous job on all fronts. From the pre-trip planning to the daily adventures he was enthusiastic, friendly, funny, knowledgeable, timely, organized, accommodating, and a pleasure to be with. He picked us up each morning in our hotel in Kirkwall and each day was filled with amazing history and natural beauty. He even took us to his wonderful house and greenhouse, and brought his sweet dog Bingo along on the last day. I would highly recommend Paul to anyone wanting an unforgettable Orkney experience.
Viator
October 2024
Our family of 4 adults took this tour on July 2. It we our first time on the Orkneys and we were keen to see as much as possible in the time we had. Paul was a terrific guide and showed us some amazing and memorable sights. We learned a lot and had our appetites whetted for a return trip some day,
Viator
October 2024
We have never booked a "private" guide and we were unsure how it would turn out to spend 2 days with our guide to sightsee Orkney. It was wonderful!! Paul was very well prepared and asked us in advance what our interests were so that our 2 days were custom made for us. Paul is very thorough and well certified for his job - however he takes it beyond a "job" and offers a lot of information and advice. A highlight was sampling his other "job" : running a food supply company with yummy sandwiches, jams, jellies, cakes, etc. Paul took us to local artisans such as Deerness Distillery and Sheila Fleet Jewelry. We spent 2 out of our 4 days in Orkney with Paul and worth every penny/pound!! Paul picks up, drops off and is extremely knowledgeable about historical sights, natural environs and the best sights to see - very dramatic cliffsides!
Highly recommended for a custom and up close meaningful visit to Orkney. Thank you Paul!
Viator
October 2024
Paul did an excellent job informing us about the historical sites on Orkney. WE all enjoyed our day with him as we got to see and learn about the people and land of the Orkney Islands.
Viator
September 2024
Our family was so fortunate to take this tour with Paul. We booked it well in advance as we knew he was good per his reviews. It did not disappoint. Paul was so personable, knowledgeable and engaging. We learned so much at each of his stops, and thoroughly enjoyed each one. He made us feel so comfortable and by the end of the day he felt like part of our family. Orkney is a beautiful part of Scotland and Paul is very proud to show it off!
Viator
September 2024
Adding St. Magnus cathedral to our tour and Paul's personal stories. We highly recommend Paul as your guide.
Viator
August 2024
Orkney was at its best, sunny weather, some wind and peedie showers - and lots of interesting sites.
Together with Jane and Paul, we had designed a great itinerary. Already on the first day, we were impressed by Paul (or driver and guide for the two days). There was immense wealth of knowledge combined with on the fly adaptations of the itinerary> If a site wast too crowded, we moved to the next site and doubled back later. Paul’s style is very social and the topics with deep dives were adapted based on our questions and interests.
In addition to sites, we were also treated to lovely drives through the Orkney landscape with a wonderful picnic consisting sandwiches with homemade chutney, biscuits and jam, yum!
Viator
July 2024
My husband and I booked a full day private tour with Jane and Paul in early May 2024. We wanted to see the major Neolithic and World War II sites on the Orkney Islands. In addition, we wanted to see St. Peter’s Church and cemetery, as my husband has ancestors buried there. Paul was our guide, and he designed the tour itinerary. When we asked to add another site, Paul was flexible and easily incorporated it without short-changing any of the other sites we were interested in.
Paul arrived promptly at our hotel to pick us up in a fully electric Mercedes van. The van was clean, quiet and very comfortable. Paul is a certified guide, with substantial training and knows a great deal about the Islands, including what happened there during World War II. He is also well-versed in the Neolithic history of the Islands and more. He cheerfully answered all of our questions, and we both felt we learned a great deal in a short period of time. In addition, he knew the church and cemetery we wanted to see, and he even helped us find my husband’s ancestors’ grave, which we really appreciated.
One of the unique features of our tour was a delicious lunch with ingredients sustainably grown by Jane and Paul at their home farm. Paul did the cooking for our lunch, which was made up of traditional Orkney Island foods. Paul and Jane offer vegetarian options for non-meat eaters. They bake the yummy desserts themselves. They sell their products on their website.
Paul has an engaging personality and a good sense of humor. He made the learning experience fun and interesting. He and Jane have a thoughtful, sustainable business designed to give those interested in the Orkney Islands a rewarding, enriching experience.
Our Orkney Islands adventure was a highlight of our trip. We would book with Paul and Jane again in a heartbeat!
Viator
July 2024
This tour was by the best and most fun tour we have taken ever! Paul was informative, friendly, funny and was just the best! we even had lunch that he prepared in his house! This was a great day ... if you are going to Orkney don't miss it!
More About this Experience
Introduction
Welcome to the Orkney Mainland Private Tour! Immerse yourself in everything Orkney and travel back in time over 5000 years to get a real insight into life in this Northerly archipelago. Your experienced guide, Paul, lives and works in Orkney and will be with you throughout the day to provide a truly unforgettable experience.What to expect?
During this tour, you can expect to explore the best of Orkney's attractions and natural beauty. Your adventure begins with a visit to the highly ornate Italian Chapel, built by Italian prisoners of war. Then, take a panoramic route around Scapa Flow, the world's largest natural harbor, and learn about its historical significance. Next, discover the Standing Stones of Stenness, a captivating 3100 BC henge monument site that your guide will provide a guided tour of. Marvel at the Ring of Brodgar, a large circle of Neolithic Stones dating back to 3000 BC, and spot unique bird species such as Curlews and Oyster Catchers. Your journey continues with a visit to Skara Brae, a Neolithic Village where you can explore the reconstructed houses and enjoy breathtaking views of the Atlantic. If the tidal conditions allow, you'll have the opportunity to walk over the causeway to the Brough of Birsay, a fascinating island with Pictish and Viking settlements. Throughout the tour, you'll travel in an all-electric Mercedes Evito, ensuring a comfortable and environmentally-friendly experience. Paul, your guide, will also treat you to locally made treats, showcasing Orkney's reputation as a world-leading food and drink producer. Plus, you'll learn about Orkney's renewable industry, adding an educational aspect to your journey.Who is this for?
The Orkney Mainland Private Tour is suitable for everyone who wants to delve into the rich history and natural beauty of Orkney. Whether you're a history enthusiast, nature lover, or simply looking for a unique and educational experience, this tour is perfect for you. Families, couples, and solo travelers will all find enjoyment in exploring Orkney's treasures.Why book this?
By booking the Orkney Mainland Private Tour, you'll have the opportunity to discover the essence of Orkney with an experienced guide who is passionate about wildlife and local cuisine. The all-electric Mercedes Evito will transport you in comfort and style, while also minimizing your environmental impact. As you explore Orkney's ancient sites and breathtaking landscapes, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the island's rich history and its connection to the modern world.Good to know
Throughout the tour, there will be opportunities to take in the stunning scenery of Orkney. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the luxury of the electric vehicle as you travel between sites. Lunch is not included, but there will be stops along the way where you can purchase food. Prepare to be amazed by the incredible beauty and hidden gems that Orkney has to offer.Reviews
Customer reviews rave about the Orkney Mainland Private Tour, praising the knowledgeable and friendly guide, Paul. Travelers have described the tour as an unforgettable experience, providing a perfect balance of history, nature, and local insights. The comfortable electric vehicle and delightful locally made treats were also highly appreciated. Visitors have left positive feedback about each attraction visited, highlighting the beauty and significance of Orkney's historical sites. Book this tour and embark on an adventure that will leave you with lasting memories of Orkney's fascinating heritage and breathtaking landscapes.
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