Bespoke Private Guided Tours

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

• 1
  Skara Brae

  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.

  1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket included
• 2
  Yesnaby Cliffs

  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.

  30 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 3
  Unstan Chambered Cairn

  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.

  25 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 4
  Ring of Brodgar

  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.

  20 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 5
  Standing Stones of Stenness

  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.

  15 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 6
  The Italian Chapel

  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

  15 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 7
  Broch of Gurness

  The Broch of Gurness is one of the best-preserved ancient villages in northern Europe, located on the northwest coast of the Orkney Mainland in Scotland. It dates back to around 500–200 BCE and is centred around a broch—a large, circular stone tower typical of Iron Age Scotland. The site was likely a fortified farmstead or small community. The Broch Tower, a massive round structure with thick stone walls (originally several meters high). It probably served as a home for an important family or as a defensive stronghold. Surrounding Village Around the broch are the remains of small stone houses, workshops, and storage areas, showing a tightly organized settlement. Defensive Structures. The settlement was protected by a ditch and rampart, suggesting concern about attacks or the need for status display. Underground Passages (Souterrains) Some buildings include hidden or semi-subterranean chambers, possibly used for storage or refuge.

  30 minutes • Admission ticket not included
• 8

  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.

  30 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 9

  The Bishop’s Palace and Earl’s Palace are two impressive historic ruins located right beside St Magnus Cathedral in the heart of Kirkwall. Together, they show the power of both church and nobility in medieval Orkney.Built in the 12th century, around the same time as the cathedral, it was the residence of the bishops of Orkney. One of the best-preserved medieval bishop’s palaces in Scotland Includes a large hall, private chambers, and a chapel Thick stone walls and small windows typical of the period Associated with William the Old, who likely built much of it Later used by powerful bishops like Robert Reid. Shows the importance and wealth of the medieval church in Orkney. Earls Palace, Built much later, in 1606, by Patrick Stewart, also known as “Black Patie.” A Renaissance-style palace, very different from the Bishop’s Palace Large windows, ornate stonework, and a grand hall Designed more for comfort and display of power than defense.

  45 minutes • Admission ticket not included

Additional info

• 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
• Booster seats can be provided

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