You booked this experience
Make your trip unforgettable

Historic Orkney Private Showcase by a Native Islander 7h

29 Reviews 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 29 reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 100% of reviewers | Scotland, Scotland
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 29 (0) days in advance.

7 hours 10 minutes (approx.)
Hotel pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

Overview

The ideal full-day introduction to Orkney, paced properly and completely crowd-free. Led by a born-and-bred local guide, this private tour focuses on Orkney’s Neolithic sites, Viking heritage, with 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

  • Private transportation
  • Tour customisation
  • On site guiding
  • Lunch
  • Gratuities
  • Site tickets to final itinerary.
See 1 moreSee 3 more

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup point
Pickup details

I will be holding a sign with the lead travellers initials on it.

OR
Meeting point

West Castle Street
Kirkwall KW15 1GU, UK

Show on Google Maps

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

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability.
Read more

Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free

Saint Magnus Cathedral

A walkthrough of our 12th-century Viking Cathedral. A masterpiece of red sandstone and a fantastic photo stop, timed strategically to beat the crowds.
Read more

20 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Scapa Flow (pass by)

A cinematic vantage point overlooking the iconic natural harbour. We trace the naval legacy and view the marker buoy of the HMS Royal Oak.
Read more

Unstan Chambered Cairn

Visit and enter 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.
Read more

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.
Read more

20 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.
Read more

1 hour Admission Ticket Free

Merkister Hotel

A scheduled lunch stop at one of the premier locations in Orkney, with the alternative option of the Orkney Brewery. A relaxed break to sample local flavours and recalibrate for the afternoon’s narrative.
Read more

1 hour Admission Ticket Free

Maeshowe Chambered Cairn

The archipelago’s premier Neolithic masterwork. A profound immersion into the ritual heart of Orkney, this 5,000-year-old chambered tomb represents the pinnacle of ancient engineering and solar alignment.Note: Access involves a long, low tunnel and may not be possible for those with limited mobility. Entry is strictly subject to official ticket availability.
Read more

1 hour 10 minutes 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.
Read more

30 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Standing Stones of Stenness

Visit the oldest henge monument in the UK. These massive, towering slabs form the central ritual heart of the archipelago—a profound encounter with over 5,000 years of history and the early stages of the Neolithic story.
Read more

20 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Show 8 more stops

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
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • 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 Showcase by a Native Islander 7h?

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?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-447797P2

Traveler Photos

Reviews

5.00
29 reviews

Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 29 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
29
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 29 (0) days in advance.

Similar Tours & Activities

Private Walking Tour in Inverness with a Local

Explore Inverness the way you want to, spend quality time with a local and get a real taste for our beautiful city. With flexible meeting …More

Explore Inverness the way you want to, spend quality time with a local and get a real taste for our beautiful city. With flexible meeting...

1 hour 30 minutes Free Cancellation
4.8 (29)
from
$185

Private West Coast, Waterfalls, and Walking Tour (£600 per group)

Our Private West Coast, Walking and Waterfalls tour is a unique blend of history, unbelievable scenery and remarkable geological sites! It takes you up the …More

Our Private West Coast, Walking and Waterfalls tour is a unique blend of history, unbelievable scenery and remarkable geological sites! It takes you up the...

8 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
5.0 (6)
from
$136

Private Tour South Invergordon Port–Loch Ness, Culloden, Cawdor

Travelling on a cruise ship to Scotland? No problem. You can explore the Highlands of Scotland straight off your cruise ship at Invergordon port. Arrangements …More

Travelling on a cruise ship to Scotland? No problem. You can explore the Highlands of Scotland straight off your cruise ship at Invergordon port. Arrangements...

7 to 8 hours Free Cancellation
5.0 (23)
from
$891

Edinburgh Historical Gems Tour with Whisky & Local Flavours

Excellent storytelling as you explore the Old Town, finishing at The Palace of Holyrood House. Plus, a taste of whisky, haggis and artisan Scottish fudge, …More

Excellent storytelling as you explore the Old Town, finishing at The Palace of Holyrood House. Plus, a taste of whisky, haggis and artisan Scottish fudge,...

120 to 130 minutes Free Cancellation
4.9 (55)
from
$55

Travelers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought

Port of Leith Distillery Tour and Tasting

The Port of Leith Distillery is a remarkable new landmark in Edinburgh’s historic whisky district of Leith. This is the UK’s first vertical whisky distillery …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

The Port of Leith Distillery is a remarkable new landmark in Edinburgh’s historic whisky district of Leith. This is the UK’s first vertical whisky distillery...

1 hour 30 minutes Free Cancellation
4.9 (1,015)
from
$34

Loch Ness, Scottish Highlands, Glencoe and Pitlochry Tour

Embark on an unforgettable 1-day adventure into the heart of the Scottish Highlands where the legendary Loch Ness await. Experience a day packed with incredible …More

Embark on an unforgettable 1-day adventure into the heart of the Scottish Highlands where the legendary Loch Ness await. Experience a day packed with incredible...

12 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation
4.8 (6,919)
from
$67

The Chocolatarium Chocolate Tour Experience in Edinburgh

A chocolate experience to remember! Fully indoors and perfect come rain or sunshine! See and touch the fruit of the chocolate tree, and learn all …More

A chocolate experience to remember! Fully indoors and perfect come rain or sunshine! See and touch the fruit of the chocolate tree, and learn all...

1 hour 30 minutes Free Cancellation
5.0 (4,835)
from
$38

Edinburgh Castle: Guided Walking Tour with Entry Ticket

Scotland’s second-most-popular tourist attraction as you learn about the bloody history including stories of the kings and queens who lived in this castle. There is …More

Scotland’s second-most-popular tourist attraction as you learn about the bloody history including stories of the kings and queens who lived in this castle. There is...

1 hour 30 minutes Free Cancellation
4.9 (6,177)
from
$56

What's Included

Activity name

  • Private transportation
  • Tour customisation
  • On site guiding
  • Local 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
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Specialized infant seats are available

Report Product Issue

Activity name