Introducing the Private Odyssey Tour of Orkney
If you’re seeking a personalized way to experience Orkney’s ancient ruins and rugged scenery, the Historic Orkney Private Odyssey Tour offers a tailored, intimate adventure. Crafted by a local guide with over a century of combined island experience, this 5-hour tour promises flexibility, exclusive access, and deep local insights. Unlike large bus tours, this is a completely private experience designed just for your group — up to four people.
What makes this tour stand out? First, it’s fully customizable, so you can decide whether to focus on prehistoric sites, scenic views, or local stories. Second, the local guide, Calum, delights in sharing both the well-known highlights and hidden gems of Orkney, blending humor, personal stories, and expert knowledge. That said, a potential consideration is that entry fees to sites like Skara Brae are not included, although they can be purchased on the spot or in advance to save time.
I especially appreciate the flexibility of the itinerary, as there are no strict schedules or routes. This allows you to linger at sites or skip ahead as you please, making for a more relaxed, authentic experience. Perfect for day-trippers arriving by ferry or cruise, you’ll enjoy a tailored tour that respects your pace and interests — something you might find rare in more rigid, group-focused offerings.
Key Points & Takeaways
- Flexible, private experience tailored to your interests and pace
- Native guide with personal stories and local knowledge
- Visit a mix of Neolithic sites, scenic viewpoints, and modern-day landmarks
- Includes pick-up and drop-off at multiple locations on Orkney mainland
- Entry tickets to sites like Skara Brae are optional and can be purchased on the day or in advance
- Comfortable vehicles (SUVs or estate cars) for a smooth, relaxed ride
- Tour duration is 5 hours, with options to extend for additional cost
- Ideal for day-trippers, cruise passengers, or those with limited time but a desire for depth
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Exploring Orkney: A Closer Look at the Itinerary
Starting Point: Your Choice of Pickup Locations
The tour begins with your pickup from anywhere on the Orkney mainland, including busy spots like Kirkwall, Stromness, Saint Margaret’s Hope, or even the ferry terminals and hotels. This flexibility means you won’t need to navigate or wait around; Calum ensures a smooth start. One reviewer mentions the ease of being collected “punctually in a pristine car,” which sets the tone for a relaxed day.
Scapa Flow: Scenic Drive and Views
Your journey kicks off with a scenic drive through the iconic Scapa Flow area, famous for its WWII shipwrecks and sweeping waters. The views here are stunning, and the drive itself offers a chance to soak in the rugged landscape. Expect around 30 minutes of scenic viewing, giving you a taste of Orkney’s maritime history and natural beauty.
Unstan Chambered Cairn: An Intimate Neolithic Site
Next, you’ll visit the Unstan Chambered Cairn, a less-frequented but significant Neolithic monument. A guided 20-minute tour offers insights into early Orkney life and burial practices. A reviewer notes that this site, often skipped by larger groups, provides a special, personal encounter with prehistoric history.
Yesnaby Cliffs: Dramatic Coastal Views
Your guide might take you to Yesnaby, known for its dramatic cliffs and seabird colonies. A brief 15-minute guided stop allows you to take in breathtaking vistas and get some fresh island air. This stop is especially appreciated by birdwatchers and landscape lovers.
Skara Brae: The Star Attraction
No visit to Orkney is complete without Skara Brae, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here, you’ll spend about an hour exploring the remarkably preserved Neolithic village, with its stone houses and ancient tools. One reviewer mentions that Calum’s knowledge adds a lot of depth, making the site come alive with stories and context.
Ring of Brodgar and Standing Stones of Stenness: Monumental Megaliths
The iconic Ring of Brodgar and the nearby Standing Stones of Stenness are next. With 45 and 20-minute guided tours respectively, you’ll learn about their mysterious origins and purpose. Many visitors, like one who describes Calum as “knowledgeable and personable,” find these sites awe-inspiring and full of stories.
Ending the Day: Drop-offs in Your Preferred Location
The tour concludes with drop-offs at your chosen location, just as seamlessly as pickup. Whether you started in Kirkwall or Saint Margaret’s Hope, the plan is to make the return as easy and comfortable as possible.
What to Expect at Each Site
Every stop is designed to give you a personalized experience, balancing guided insights with free time. Calum’s approach ensures you can spend as much time as you like at each site, avoiding the hurried feeling of larger tours. For instance, at Skara Brae, you can linger and explore the archaeological remains at your own pace, or ask questions about how ancient people lived.
At the Ring of Brodgar, the large stone circle is visually stunning, especially with a knowledgeable guide to explain theories about its purpose. Many reviews highlight Calum’s ability to share fascinating stories that bring ancient monuments to life, transforming them from mere rocks into stories of early island communities.
Transportation and Comfort
The tour runs in a mid-size SUV or estate car, providing more space and comfort than typical minibuses. This means a quieter, more relaxed ride, especially important when exploring multiple sites in a limited time. The vehicles accommodate four adults comfortably, and the driver (Calum) is known for his friendly demeanor and local expertise.
Pricing and Value
At $592 per group, which covers up to four people, the price might seem steep compared to larger group tours. However, this is a fully private experience, offering flexibility, personalized attention, and the ability to focus entirely on your interests. Many reviewers find this a fair value for such an exclusive, tailored experience — especially considering the local knowledge, comfort, and convenience.
Entry fees to sites like Skara Brae are not included but are available at cost price, either paid on the day or booked ahead to avoid queues. This allows you to control your spending while enjoying the freedom to visit at your own pace.
Who Will Love This Tour?
If you’re someone who appreciates customized experiences and wants to avoid the crowds, this tour is perfect. It’s ideal for cruise passengers with limited time, day visitors arriving by ferry, or small groups seeking a more authentic, relaxed look at Orkney’s highlights. History enthusiasts, nature lovers, and those interested in local stories will particularly enjoy Calum’s personalized approach.
This tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or those over 110 kg/243 lbs, due to vehicle and accessibility constraints. Also, if you’re traveling alone, the cost per person might be higher than group tours, but the intimacy and flexibility can make it worthwhile.
Weather and Gear
Orkney’s weather can be unpredictable, but Calum provides waterproofs free of charge if needed, ensuring your experience remains comfortable regardless of rain or wind. Be sure to bring comfortable shoes and some cash for optional site entry fees or small purchases.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
This private tour offers a rare combination of local expertise, customization, and comfort. For travelers who want to see the highlights without feeling rushed or dictated by a set schedule, this is a perfect choice. The knowledgeable guide, Calum, turns a standard sightseeing trip into a meaningful journey through Orkney’s landscapes and history.
While the price is on the higher side, the exclusivity, flexibility, and depth of experience justify it for those seeking a personal connection with the island’s past and present. It’s especially well-suited for small groups, couples, or solo travelers who value authentic storytelling and a relaxed pace.
If your goal is to really feel you’ve experienced the real Orkney, this tour delivers a memorable, bespoke adventure—one that highlights the island’s layers of history, sweeping vistas, and the warmth of a native guide.
FAQ
Can I customize the itinerary?
Yes, the tour is fully flexible. You can decide which sites to focus on, spend more time at certain places, or skip some altogether.
What is included in the price?
The price covers your private guide, vehicle, and pickup/drop-off at your chosen location. Entry fees to sites like Skara Brae are not included but can be purchased on the day or in advance.
How many people can join?
This experience is for groups up to four people. Larger groups would need a different arrangement.
What vehicles are used?
A midsize SUV or estate car that comfortably seats four adults, offering more space than minibus-style vehicles.
Is the tour suitable for families?
It’s best for travelers comfortable with car rides and walking. It’s not wheelchair accessible and not suitable for those over 243 lbs.
Can I extend the tour?
Yes, the 5-hour base tour can be extended on the day for an additional fee, allowing more time at sites or to explore hidden spots.
What if it rains?
The tour takes place regardless of weather. Waterproofs are provided at no charge, so don’t let rain dampen your plans.
Where do I start the tour?
Pickup is available from multiple locations like Kirkwall, Stromness, Saint Margaret’s Hope, and ferry terminals. Just specify your preferred pickup point.
How do I pay?
You can reserve your spot now and pay later, giving you flexibility in your travel planning.
Is this tour suitable for solo travelers?
While designed for small groups, solo travelers can book, but the price per person might be higher; the personalized experience can be very rewarding.
To sum it up, the Historic Orkney Private Odyssey Tour offers a rare chance to explore the island’s treasures at your own pace, guided by a local who genuinely loves his land. Perfect for those who want intimacy, flexibility, and a deeper understanding of Orkney’s past and present — all wrapped in a comfortable, private setting.