Overview
Available languages
6 hours
Mobile ticket
Discover the heart of Orkney on this immersive 6-hour West Mainland Tour, combining breathtaking scenery, ancient history, and authentic local stories. Journey through Scapa Flow, explore the mystical Stones of Stenness and Ring of Brodgar, and step back 5,000 years at Skara Brae. Experience the dramatic cliffs of Yesnaby, the haunting ruins of the Earl’s Palace in Birsay, and the timeless charm of Kirbuster Farm Museum. Led by friendly Orkney guides, this small-group tour offers a personal, relaxed way to uncover Orkney’s past and present — with plenty of photo stops and local insight along the way.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please note: The seats in our vehicle are between 48cm and 51cm wide. While there is generous legroom, the seat width may feel restrictive for some guests. If you think this may affect your comfort, you're welcome to purchase an additional seat. Feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns – we're happy to help.
What To Expect
Scapa Flow
A scenic drive with amazing views of Scapa Flow, the main British naval base during both World Wars
Skara Brae
Guided tour of the best preserved neolithic village in Northern Europe, the 5000-year-old Skara Brae.
Options
Orkney West Mainland Tour
What‘s Included
Skara Brae / Skaill House entrance fee
Lunch
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
153 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A great day, well organised, entertaining and never rushed.
Br0nny,Jun 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Mel was a wonderful guide and we had a great day seeing all the major sites and a number of other interesting places. He adjusted the route to allow for the mist to clear, and extended the tour at the end of the day to show us the Italian Chapel that he had spoken about. We had plenty of time at each of the neolithic sites, and never felt rushed anywhere. He also told us a lot of information about Scapa Flow during both wars, and how the 'Churchill' barriers were built.
Excellent guide. Not massive. Approx 16 people in a van. You see the scenic views and things you have to see.
petersB7129HF,Jun 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent tour. Highly recommended
Great Tour
Trixie81,Jun 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We loved this tour. George was our guide and was very knowledgeable and funny. Highly recommend.
Amazing trip with lots packed in
X7475ROdougp,May 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00This was a really fascinating tour with a lot - probably too much - packed in. Our guide was hugely knowledgeable and kept up a stream of info and local knowledge for a lot of the 6 hours of the tour, and from the QnA clearly knew a lot more we didn't get to hear. I'd have been perfectly happy for it to last 7 hours rather than 6 - at times we had to rush from place to place and not be able to take in the true amazingness of the places we were being shown. The other point is - and I know tour guides have been asking the local council about this - the lack of public toilets. This didn't create difficulty for me but it did for others in the party, and it was quite difficult to bear
You thought the pyramids were old?
Ann H,May 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Book this tour early because seats are limited & the tour is amazing. There is no easy way to see Orkney's neolithic sites in one day without booking a guided tour. As a cruise passenger this tour was easy to find. Our guide George was good & the van/minibus nice. The vehicle is tight & they limit the number of guests for this reason.
Great trip
Fairport77,May 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A great and extensive introduction to the history and top places to visit in the West Orkney
Educational, well paced, unforgettable
Beth H,May 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was my favorite tour of the cruise. Dougie was interesting and helpful
A fabulous tour with George a fantastic Tour Guide!
Kerstin W,May 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We just got back to our ship from this wonderful tour. Hands down one of the top tours we’ve been on. Our tour guide George was just awesome and you can tell he loves doing this. He absolutely loves Orkney, the history and the love of the land and his people. The van that was used was very comfortable. There were only 11 on the tour so we had some elbow room. With so few of us vs the big buses the cruise line uses it made the experience so much more enjoyable. George explained things very clearly and he was so knowledgeable. We also learned that George will help his fellow humans. At one of the stops Yesnabe (the cliffs) a fellow coworker’s vehicle got stuck in the mud and was trying to assist her. She only had 4 guests and we had room. They were also going to Skara Brae. He saw someone with a 4 wheel drive and they had a tow kit. George and the other guys managed to get her unstuck! Yay! Her guests got off our van, got in their van and all were pleased. That is until George realizes that he left his set of keys inside the other van! We laughed so hard. Someone he knew eventually dropped them off and we were on our way too! I couldn’t tell you what my favorite stop was. They were all great for different reasons. And a visit with Snowdrop and Treacle topped off the trip nicely! You have a gem with George. I hope he stays on for a long time so others can learn from about beautiful Orkney!
Wonderful Orkney tour
Beth H,May 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Dougie was a wonderful guide, patient knowledgeable and interesting. He made this the best tour of the cruise.
A great day
Carol G,May 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00I had a wonderful day with Jim as our tour guide/driver. He was so knowledgeable and I left feeling like I knew so much about the Orkney history and people. I highly recommend this tour.
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Operated by Orkney Travel