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Historic Orkney Private Odyssey by a Native Islander 5h

78 Reviews 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 78 reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 100% of reviewers |
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards.
Scotland, Scotland
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 27 (0) days in advance.

5 hours (approx.)
Hotel pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

Overview

The ideal half-day introduction to Orkney, paced properly and completely crowd-free. Led by a born-and-bred local guide, this private tour covers Orkney’s Neolithic sites, Viking heritage, and wartime history without the rush of a group bus. Enjoy dedicated on-site guiding, plenty of rest time, and travel in an immaculate vehicle with no strangers sharing your space.

Because this is entirely private, your itinerary is never fixed. If you want to linger longer or change direction, your guide can adapt the route around your preferences. Originally built as a reliable shore excursion for cruise guests, it works just as well for first-time visitors staying on the islands seeking an introduction.

Standard booking is set to 3 guests, but I can accommodate families of 4 or larger groups by arrangement.

Listing space is limited, so for custom routes or specific historical focuses, reach out for my full service portfolio.

As a top-rated local operator for years, I enjoy a challenge.

What's Included

  • Tour customisation
  • On site guiding
  • Private transport
  • Lunch
  • Gratuities
  • Site tickets to final itinerary.
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Meeting and Pickup

Pickup point
Pickup details

I am able to pick you up from anywhere in Orkney including Kirkwall the main cruise port (Hatston Pier) please let me know via chat any information you have if you are unsure of an exact location.

OR
Meeting point

West Castle Street
Kirkwall KW15 1GU, UK

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

What To Expect

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The Italian Chapel

A scenic navigation of the historic Churchill Barriers with a stop at the Italian Chapel. We trace the wartime legacy of the Eastern Approaches with strategic timing for clear, unhurried photos of this resilient masterpiece.
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20 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Scapa Flow (pass by)

Iconic views over the sheltered natural harbour. We trace the silent naval history and the enduring legacy of the Churchill Barriers with a strategic vantage point overlooking the Western Approaches.
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Scorradale Road

A breath-taking panorama from the crest of the Orphir hills. One side reveals the "Dark and Lofty" hills of Hoy and the harbour of Stromness, while the other offers a vast perspective of Scapa Flow and the southern isles.
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Unstan Chambered Cairn

Explore a 5,300-year-old Neolithic burial mound. A profound, intimate encounter with ancient craftsmanship and human-scale history.Note: Access involves a low entrance and may not be possible for those with limited mobility.
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20 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Yesnaby Cliffs

A dramatic photo stop overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Experience the raw power of the sea against the archipelago, with sheer sea stacks and open horizons shaped by geology and time.
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15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Skara Brae

Visit one of Orkney’s top attractions: the 5,000-year-old Neolithic village of Skara Brae. The best-preserved in Europe, it is a remarkably intact lived space revealed by the Atlantic sands and explored through a specialist lens.
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1 hour Admission Ticket Free

Ring of Brodgar

Visit the world-renowned henge and stone circle at the epicentre of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney UNESCO World Heritage site. An ethereal landscape of towering monoliths, this ritual masterpiece is explored as a single, connected narrative of ancient belief.
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20 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Kirkwall

Time permitting, enjoy some unhurried time in the capital before drop-off. A chance to explore the medieval heart of the town, from the towering red sandstone of St Magnus Cathedral to the hidden old wynds.
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

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Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Specialized infant seats are available

Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Historic Orkney Private Odyssey by a Native Islander 5h?

A: This tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded. Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

This tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

Still have questions?

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Activity code: C-447797P1

Traveler Photos

Reviews

5.00
78 reviews

Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 78 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
78
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 27 (0) days in advance.

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What's Included

Activity name

  • Tour customisation
  • On site guiding
  • Private transport
  • Private Orkney Guide
  • Lunch
  • Gratuities
  • Site tickets to final itinerary.

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Specialized infant seats are available

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Activity name