I will pick up to 4 passengers up from any location In Kirkwall, Kirkwall Airport or from the Ferry ports of Stromness or St Margarets Hope on the Orkney mainland, This short tour is ideal for those visiting the island on a day trip via the link ferries from the Scottish mainland, visiting Orkney by cruise liner or even a day out while visiting the island for longer.

If a specific pickup location is required please message me through the system or directly via my email calum@historicorkney.com and it can be logged manually.

We will then visit many sites around Orkney as a private group, the duration and number of sites is totally up to You! I run my base tour at 5 hours but I would be more than happy to extend this on the day at an additional cost. I operate all of my tours as a hybrid of a guided tour and with free time to explore sites at your own pace. I will provide local knowledge from a lifetime of experience and information on Orkney history for the duration of the tour.

Below is an example itinerary of My standard 5 hour tour leaving Kirkwall at 0900 hrs (Assumed start time unless informed otherwise)

9 am - Leave pickup location

• Pass by the Rendall Doocot after a scenic drive.

• Visit the brough of Gurness (30 mins)

• Pass by the Swannay Brewery

• Visit Kirbuster Farm Museum (approx 20 mins)

• Visit the Brough of Birsay (20 mins on base tour)

• Pass by the Barony mill and the option to stop at Kitchener Memorial (an extra 60 minutes would be required)

• Pass by the site of Skara Brae prehistoric village (There is a Cafe on site and toilets)

• Visit the cliffs of Yesnaby

• Visit the Stromness museum

• Visit Logins well and the cannon Via Stromness high street for a true Local experience! (5-10 mins)

• Visit Ness Point for a photo opportunity. This is also the site of Ness Battery (20 mins)

• Arrive back in Kirkwall with the choice of going up Wideford hill for a photo opportunity or visit a hidden gem local produce store for a true taste of Orkney.

2 pm - Tour End

I do not enforce strict timings or set routes on my tours to allow my clients the time and freedom to explore sights their own way and make every tour unique in its own way.

I currently use a midsize SUV for my tours but also drive a 4x4 estate car, both have a capacity of 4 mid sized adults or 3 with extra space. These offer more room than most minibus platform vehicles.

Please ensure at the time of booking there is a pickup location and start time filled in or alternatively contact me to let me know what cruise ship/flight you are booked on and an estimated tour start time.

(Update Feb 2024) I am having difficulty replying to clients who contact me through the message platform please message me directly if you do not receive a response within 24 hours.