Private Tour
Orkney Mainland Private Tour
Overview
Available languages
7 hours
Mobile ticket
Your tour will immerse you in everything Orkney. Travelling back in time over 5000 years you will get a real insight into life in this Northerly archipelago. Your guide lives and works in Orkney and will be on hand throughout the day. Paul has a real passion for wildlife and will help you spot some of our most unique and interesting species. Your guide also runs a food manufacturing business in Orkney. So you will get lots of locally made treats on the day. And a real insight into what makes Orkney such a world leading food and drink producer. The tour is delivered in an all electric Mercedes Evito so not only will your tour be comfortable and silent but you will travel in as green a way as possible. You will also learn about and see Orkneys world leading renewable industry in action. This tour is a great taster for those with only a short time in Orkney.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
What‘s Included
Site entrance fees at Skara Brae (£12/person) and Italian chapel (£3.50/person)
Gratuities- This is at the discretion of the guest
The tour stops at a local eatery a typical lunch will cost around £10-£20
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
What To Expect
The Italian Chapel
Guided tour around this highly ornate chapel built by Italian prisoners of war
Scapa Flow
Take the panoramic route around the worlds largest natural harbour. Known as Skalpai Floi by the Vikings, discover why this body of water was so significant to them and the British in both world wars
Options
Orkney Mainland Private Tour
Pickup included
Reviews
40 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Amazing! A day full of making great memories!
KLG1414,
Sep 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00If you're heading to Orkney and crave an unforgettable journey through history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes, look no further than JP Orkney Tours. From the moment our tour began, Paul was more than just a guide—he was a storyteller, weaving centuries of history and folklore into every site we explored. Despite winds roaring at over 30mph and the unexpected closure of one of our planned stops, Paul didn’t miss a beat. He quickly pivoted, tuning into our interests and taking us off to explore the oldest church in the UK—an awe-inspiring detour we hadn’t even imagined. Midday, we indulged in a handcrafted lunch prepared by JP Orkney Tours, a feast as thoughtful as it was tasty. Paul took us to the perfect spot for our picnic, where the views were as delicious as the meal. This wasn’t just a tour—it was an experience. Personal, immersive, and packed with character. If you want to see Orkney through the eyes of someone who truly loves and understands its soul, JP Orkney Tours is the way to go. Thank you, Paul, for a magical day—and give your lovely pup (Bingo?) some extra belly rubs from all of us!
A Perfect Day in the Orkneys
Debra M,
Jul 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We spent a fabulous day on the Orkney islands with Paul as our private tour guide today! What sets this tour apart is the special attentions such as the delicious homemade picnic lunch by the sea, the little detours, Paul’s knowledge of the area, not just of the history (he’s a history buff), but also of the plants and birds. We never felt rushed, we loved the way the day was planned, and we learned so much about the Orkney islands beyond the places we visited. Paul had some fun ideas for photos too, and gladly took pics of us together! This tour was a highlight of our trip! We highly recommend JP Orkney Tours!
Wonderful Orkney with the best guide.
Venture68564688782,
Jun 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What more can I add to the very many 5 star reviews. We had a 4 day private tour and thoroughly enjoyed every minute. Paul was fantastic throughout and seemed to know everyone in Orkney. The planned itinerary touched on all of our interests and Paul proved to be both knowledgeable and entertaining in equal measure. We felt safe and in good hands. It was definitely the best way to see the Islands and we will retain many happy memories of a fantastic short holiday. Very highly recommended.
Stone Age, Churchill, a Laird and Tasty Treats in amazing Orkney!
shannonmX9214SY,
Oct 26, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Paul lead my family and I (6 adults) on an amazing tour around Orkney, showing us both ancient and WWII sites, helping us get a peek into the beauty of the island and what makes it so special. He worked with us to customize the itinerary around our interests and included some extra special touches along the way. Paul made it easy with the pick up and drop off at our hotel, and during planning he was responsive and efficient. He shared some wonderful stories as we drove along and we got to meet some locals (and even got to see a Laird up close!). I highly recommend touring with JP Orkney, and as a special bonus I highly recommend their other business which is tasty treats, just check out their website JPOrkeny. Thanks Paul!
Fabulous tour with JP Orkney
andrewmG2577SL,
Oct 16, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We toured the Orkney mainland and two other islands during a five day private tour with Paul. He did a fabulous job on all fronts. From the pre-trip planning to the daily adventures he was enthusiastic, friendly, funny, knowledgeable, timely, organized, accommodating, and a pleasure to be with. He picked us up each morning in our hotel in Kirkwall and each day was filled with amazing history and natural beauty. He even took us to his wonderful house and greenhouse, and brought his sweet dog Bingo along on the last day. I would highly recommend Paul to anyone wanting an unforgettable Orkney experience.
Perfect Introduction to a Beautiful and Interesting Place
Destination26114,
Oct 7, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our family of 4 adults took this tour on July 2. It we our first time on the Orkneys and we were keen to see as much as possible in the time we had. Paul was a terrific guide and showed us some amazing and memorable sights. We learned a lot and had our appetites whetted for a return trip some day,
Custom Tour for Orkney
sandrafZ5462DY,
Oct 7, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We have never booked a "private" guide and we were unsure how it would turn out to spend 2 days with our guide to sightsee Orkney. It was wonderful!! Paul was very well prepared and asked us in advance what our interests were so that our 2 days were custom made for us. Paul is very thorough and well certified for his job - however he takes it beyond a "job" and offers a lot of information and advice. A highlight was sampling his other "job" : running a food supply company with yummy sandwiches, jams, jellies, cakes, etc. Paul took us to local artisans such as Deerness Distillery and Sheila Fleet Jewelry. We spent 2 out of our 4 days in Orkney with Paul and worth every penny/pound!! Paul picks up, drops off and is extremely knowledgeable about historical sights, natural environs and the best sights to see - very dramatic cliffsides! Highly recommended for a custom and up close meaningful visit to Orkney. Thank you Paul!
Highly recommend
ricp345,
Oct 7, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Paul did an excellent job informing us about the historical sites on Orkney. WE all enjoyed our day with him as we got to see and learn about the people and land of the Orkney Islands.
A must do tour!
bruce s,
Sep 27, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00Our family was so fortunate to take this tour with Paul. We booked it well in advance as we knew he was good per his reviews. It did not disappoint. Paul was so personable, knowledgeable and engaging. We learned so much at each of his stops, and thoroughly enjoyed each one. He made us feel so comfortable and by the end of the day he felt like part of our family. Orkney is a beautiful part of Scotland and Paul is very proud to show it off!
Paul was an exceptional guide and provided a wealth of personal information and local culture to our tour. He was great!
Kurt H,
Sep 24, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00Adding St. Magnus cathedral to our tour and Paul's personal stories. We highly recommend Paul as your guide.
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Operated by JP Orkney