Exploring Orkney’s captivating history and stunning landscapes has never been easier. The "Historic Orkney 5 Hour Tour #1 by a Local Islander" offers a unique opportunity to uncover the archipelago’s rich heritage with the guidance of a knowledgeable native. This private tour whisks visitors through iconic sites, from the majestic St Magnus Cathedral to the enigmatic Skara Brae, while providing a personalized experience tailored to individual interests. With convenient pickup options and comfortable transportation, travelers embark on an unforgettable journey that promises to leave them enchanted by Orkney’s remarkable past and natural beauty. What secrets await those who venture forth on this captivating tour?
This experience made our list of the 2 Best Tours In Orkney.
Key Points
- Explore Orkney’s rich history and prehistoric sites on a 5-hour guided tour led by a local islander.
- Visit iconic landmarks like St Magnus Cathedral, Skara Brae, and the Ring of Brodgar during the tour.
- Customize the itinerary to suit your specific interests, from Neolithic archaeology to birdwatching.
- Enjoy comfortable transportation and personalized attention from the guide, with pickup from various locations.
- The tour caters to most visitors, though it may not be suitable for those with certain physical limitations.
Tour Overview and Customization
The Historic Orkney Tour by a Local Islander prides itself on its flexibility, allowing visitors to tailor the experience to their preferences.
The base 5-hour tour is priced at £395 for up to 4 participants, but the duration can be extended at an additional cost. The itinerary is fully customizable, with no strict timings or set routes enforced.
The tour is a private experience, with options for 1-on-1 tours available. Pickup can be arranged from Kirkwall, Kirkwall Airport, or ferry ports in Stromness and St Margarets Hope.
Whether you’re interested in Neolithic sites or bird watching, the knowledgeable and friendly guide can curate the tour to your specific interests.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Orkney.
Itinerary Highlights
Typical itinerary includes visits to St Magnus Cathedral and the Bishops/Earls Palaces, where visitors can explore the architectural grandeur and rich history of these iconic sites.
Guests then venture to the HMS Royal Oak memorial and Scapa Flow, learning about the region’s naval significance.
Next, they discover the ancient Unstan Tomb and the dramatic Yesnaby cliffs.
At Skara Brae, they step back in time to a 5,300-year-old prehistoric village, wandering through the remarkably preserved structures.
The tour culminates at the Ring of Brodgar and Standing Stones of Stenness, two renowned Neolithic monuments.
Time permitting, visitors enjoy free time to explore Kirkwall before their return.
Tour Logistics
When booking the tour, visitors must specify their preferred pickup location and start time.
The tour utilizes a midsize SUV or 4×4 estate car, which can accommodate up to 4 adults or 3 with extra space.
Regardless of the weather, the tour will operate as scheduled, and waterproofs are provided if needed.
The tour includes pickup from arrival destinations, transfers, local knowledge, and entry fees to ticketed sites.
However, the tour excludes food, drinks, and gratuities.
It’s important to note that the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or individuals over 243 lbs (110 kg).
Inclusions and Exclusions
The tour package includes pickup from the arrival destinations, as well as all necessary transfers and local expertise from the guide.
Admission fees to the various ticketed sites along the route are also covered. However, the cost of food, drinks, and gratuities aren’t included in the tour price.
It’s important to note that this tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or individuals over 243 lbs (110 kg), due to the nature of the transportation and accessibility at some of the historic sites.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyCustomer Feedback and Ratings
Customers have consistently raved about their experiences on the Historic Orkney Tour, awarding it an impressive 4.9/5 rating based on 13 reviews.
Highlights of their feedback include:
- Knowledgeable and friendly guide (Calum) who provides a personalized experience tailored to specific interests, such as Neolithic sites and bird watching.
- The relaxed and informative nature of the tour, allowing participants to explore at their own pace.
- Positive comments on the overall quality and value of the experience, with customers appreciating the flexibility and attention to detail.
These stellar reviews underscore the tour’s ability to deliver an engaging and unforgettable journey through Orkney’s rich history and stunning natural landscapes.
Pickup Locations and Start Time
Pickup locations and start times for the Historic Orkney Tour must be specified at the time of booking. Customers can choose to be picked up from Kirkwall, Kirkwall Airport, or any of the ferry ports in Stromness or St Margarets Hope. The tour start time is flexible, allowing visitors to coordinate with their travel schedules.
| Pickup Location | Distance from Start | Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| Kirkwall | 0 miles | 0 minutes |
| Kirkwall Airport | 3 miles | 10 minutes |
| Stromness Ferry | 17 miles | 30 minutes |
| St Margarets Hope | 26 miles | 45 minutes |
This ensures a smooth and convenient start to the tour, catering to the needs of each individual group.
Vehicle Used for Tours
For the tours, a midsize SUV or 4×4 estate car is used to transport up to 4 adults comfortably.
These vehicles provide ample space and a smooth ride, ensuring a comfortable experience throughout the day.
Some key features of the tour vehicles include:
- Spacious interior with room for luggage and personal belongings
- Reliable 4-wheel drive capabilities to navigate the island’s varied terrain
- Comfortable seating with adjustable settings for optimal support
Regardless of the weather, these well-equipped cars are the perfect transportation choice for exploring the historic wonders of Orkney at your own pace.
Suitability and Accessibility
The historic Orkney tour is suitable for most visitors, though individuals with certain physical limitations may find the experience challenging.
The tour isn’t accessible for wheelchair users or those over 243 lbs (110 kg), as the vehicle used is a midsize SUV or 4×4 estate car.
While waterproofs are provided if needed, the tour operates regardless of weather, so visitors should come prepared for the elements.
Despite these limitations, the tour offers a personalized experience catering to various interests, from Neolithic sites to bird watching.
With a knowledgeable and friendly guide, the tour provides an informative and relaxed exploration of Orkney’s rich history and stunning landscapes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Guide a Local Orcadian With Expertise in the Region’s History?
Yes, the guide is a local Orcadian with expertise in the region’s history. The tour overview indicates the guide provides local knowledge, suggesting they are a knowledgeable native of Orkney who can offer in-depth insights into the area’s rich historical and cultural heritage.
Can the Tour Be Extended Beyond 5 Hours for an Additional Cost?
Yes, the tour can be extended beyond the base 5-hour duration, at an additional cost. The flexible itinerary allows the tour to be customized to the group’s preferences, with no strict timings or set routes enforced.
Are Refreshments or Meals Provided During the Tour?
The tour does not include any refreshments or meals. Participants are responsible for bringing their own food and drinks during the tour. Additional costs would apply for any catering or dining options requested.
What Is the Maximum Group Size for a Private Tour?
The tour accommodates up to 4 participants for a private experience. Larger groups can be arranged, but the default maximum group size is 4 adults or 3 adults with extra space.
Is There Any Flexibility in the Itinerary to Accommodate Special Interests?
Yes, the tour itinerary is fully customizable based on group preferences. Travelers can work with the guide to tailor the experience and focus on specific areas of interest, such as Neolithic sites or birdwatching, without strict timings or set routes.
Recap
The "Historic Orkney 5 Hour Tour #1 by a Local Islander" offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the captivating history and stunning landscapes of Orkney. Led by a knowledgeable local guide, this private tour provides a personalized experience, allowing visitors to enjoy the archipelago’s rich heritage. With convenient pickup options and comfortable transportation, this tour ensures an unforgettable journey through Orkney’s ancient wonders and natural beauty.
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