Private Tour
Historic Orkney Showcase Private Tour By a native Islander
Overview
Available languages
7 hours 10 minutes
Mobile ticket
This is the definitive, full-day narrative of the islands and the only expedition anchored by the interior of Maeshowe. I treat this 5,000-year-old monument as a technical lens to understand Neolithic engineering and astronomical alignments. This is an intelligently paced journey shaped by archaeology and archival research.
I avoid off-the-shelf itineraries and scripted lectures. Instead, I utilize a dedicated MPV platform (max 4) to ensure the experience remains unhurried, integrating Neolithic landscapes, Norse cathedrals, and the naval legacy of Scapa Flow into a single story. The route is recalibrated in real-time to prioritize the quiet, elemental scale of the sites.
We move at your pace, with adaptability for specific interests. You leave with a grounded understanding of how these monuments function as a unified landscape.
To see what we've been up to lately from multi-day island expeditions to our latest wreck dives, find our Historic Orkney logs on your socials
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
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.
Scapa Flow
A cinematic vantage point overlooking the iconic natural harbour. We trace the naval legacy and view the marker buoy of the HMS Royal Oak.
What‘s Included
Private transportation
Guide
Lunch
Gratuities
Site tickets to Skara Brae and Maeshowe
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Historic Orkney Showcase Private Tour By a native Islander
Pickup included
Reviews
19 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Fabulous experience - highly recommend.
Sandra T,Apr 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great experience having the insights of a local that brings a better perspective to each sight visited. Highly recommend
Tour made this the best cruise port
weeziesnap,Jan 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00First, I apologize for not writing this sooner. Calum was an incredible tour guide. He met us at the port. A side note: my hubby's former mother in law gave him a chair made in Orkney about 35 years ago. Before we left on our cruise, I turned the chair upside down looking for a makers mark. Lo and behold, the chair craftsman's name was written on the frame. When we arrived at the port we mentioned this to Calum and the lovely ladies there to greet travelers. They knew who he was! The tour itself was wonderful and I really felt like I immersed in the history. But the icing on the cake was when Calum said he contacted the chair maker and made arrangements for us to meet him. That was way above and beyond what we expected and truly made the tour all that more awesome. Thanks, Calum
Exceptional Tour Guide
Explore49902985071,Sep 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a fantastic day. We were able to experience several Neolithic sites during the Showcase tour, and with Calum’s vast knowledge of the island, learned plenty. He is incredibly friendly and has a great sense of humor. Don’t miss this tour with an amazing guide and person.
Best tour guide ever
rareshake,Sep 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Calum gave the best tour we’ve ever had. He is a native Orcadian with a massive knowledge about the area and its history. He was prompt, friendly, professional and personable. Very calm and laid back but still got us to every sight we wanted to see as well as ones we didn’t know existed. He gave us suggestions and helpful hints for the rest of our stay on Orkney and was willing to help us figure that out. If I could have given him more than 5 stars I would have! Meg
Positive experience between Kirkwall and Stromness in Orkney
rosaliac383,Sep 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Calum is a delightful person, very nice, prepared, sweet and caring. We chose the 5 hour tour paying £320 in 4 (2 couples) , we saw the Italian Church, the skara brae, the Brodgar ring, the Neolithic tombs, and the city center. Also not to be underestimated, the purchase by him of an instant translator because we do not speak fluent English, we appreciated it so much. The icing on the cake was the souvenir she gave me (a handmade candle) as a sign of Welcoming and welcome. We recommend it 100%
Amazing day in Orkney!
Brenda G,Aug 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Calum met us at the Visitor Center and whisked us back in time for an extraordinary visit to the unbelievable archeological sites of Orkney! He had planned the entire day and we saw more than I thought was possible. Along the way we heard about WWII stories and sites, the indomitable spirit of the people of Orkney, and found us a great lunch place. Calum was so knowledgeable, friendly and flexible…just a perfect day!
Great local guide
Adrienne E,Jul 29, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Callum was an amazing guide. His knowledge and insight made our visit. He tailored the tour to fit our interests so it was a perfect day! I highly recommend him for an interesting day with a local touch.
Magical day on Orkney
shirleyhW6517IU,Jul 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This day was magical seeing ancient sites and hearing Callum's knowledge of the history and of his experiences growing up and living on Orkney. Callum was very thoughtful in asking if we wanted to stop certain places. His passion for his homeland is evident. Thanks for a memorable day, Callum.
Great day in Mainland Orkney.
O2312ZJmarcb,Jul 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had limited time on Mainland. We originally planned on a self-guided tour, then decided to invest in a tour, and this was the RIGHT choice. Our main interest was in the Neolithic history of Orkney, and Calum customized the day for us. As a native Orcadian, Calum demonstrated a lifetime of knowledge; but what really stood out was his affection, passion, and pride in his home. Aside from 5000 year old sites, and some more recent history, our day included lunch at Orkney Brewing (our choice) which provided a nice respite during a busy day. We had some additional questions about agriculture and contemporary economics on the islands. Calum had the answers, and when he didn't he introduced us to a friend and local beef farmer who provided insight. This tour was the highlight of our time on Mainland. We learned so much more than we would have on our own, and the experience was so much deeper than getting on a tour bus! We highly recommend spend the day on this tour!
An Excellent Day Tour of Orkney
11jennat,Jul 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was the perfect way to spend our only full day in Orkney! While initially there was a hiccup with Viator not notifying Calum that we had booked a tour (not at all his fault), he dropped everything to meet us within the hour and managed to still get us in to every item in the excellent itinerary (probably calling in some favors), including Maeshowe, which was the biggest reason I had booked this specific tour. He was so knowledgeable and having grown up in Orkney, he was able to share with us that strong sense of place and so many stories about the locations we visited. We never felt rushed and yet visited so many places, from the fascinating Unstan Chamber, the incredible Skara Brae, to two different standing stone circles, each powerful in their own right. Our lunch at the Orkney Brewery was excellent and so filling (as was the flight of beers that allowed me to sample some of the local brews). Calum's passion for understanding the history of his home was very evident and made the experience so much more personal, like a friend sharing their favorite spots. I am so glad that we booked this tour with him!
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Operated by Historic Orkney