Bespoke Private Guided Tours

My tours, including sites like the Skara Brae, Italian Chapel, Scapa Flow, Yesnaby Cliffs, Ring of Brodgar, Standing Stones of Stenness, and many more are unique for several reasons: Skara Brae is Europe's best-preserved prehistoric village, dating back over 5,000 years. Italian Chapel was built by Italian POWs during World War II, making it a symbol of hope and resilience. Ring of Brodgar and Standing Stones of Stenness are both part of a UNESCO World Heritage site known as the Heart of Neolithic Orkney. Yesnaby Cliffs and Marwick Head are known for their dramatic sea cliffs, offering breath taking coastal views. Overall, these tours are unique because they offer a fascinating blend of ancient history, dramatic natural beauty, and wartime significance, all while experiencing Orkney’s exceptional landscape and wildlife.

1. 1

   Skara Brae

   1.5 hours

   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.

2. 2

   Yesnaby Cliffs

   30 min

   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.

3. 3

   Unstan Chambered Cairn

   25 min

   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.

4. 4

   Ring of Brodgar

   20 min

   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.

5. 5

   Standing Stones of Stenness

   15 min

   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.

6. 6

   The Italian Chapel

   15 min

   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

7. 7

   Saint Magnus Cathedral

   30 min

   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.

8. 8

   Bishop's Palace and Earl's Palace

   45 min

   Visitors to Bishop’s and Earl’s Palaces in Kirkwall will find two connected but very different historic ruins right beside St Magnus Cathedral. At the medieval Bishop’s Palace, you can explore one of the best-preserved 12th-century buildings in Scotland. Visitors walk through stone halls, vaulted rooms, and the remains of the bishop’s residence where King Haakon IV of Norway died in 1263 after the Battle of Largs. Much of the ground floor survives, giving a strong sense of medieval life in Norse Orkney. Across the road is the later Earl’s Palace, built around 1606 by Patrick Stewart, Earl of Orkney (“Black Patie”). Here visitors see dramatic Renaissance architecture, including ornate façades, grand fireplaces, impressive staircases, chambers for guests and servants, and the remains of a lavish great hall designed to impress visitors and display power. The experience is mostly self-guided and atmospheric rather than museum-like.

• 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

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.