Frequently Asked Questions

You can book through our online booking form, or get in touch by phone (07775 590830) or email (info@orkneyodyssey.com) to discuss your requirements and receive a personalised quote.

Yes. A 25% non-refundable deposit is required to secure your booking.

The remaining 75% balance must be paid no later than one month before the date of your first day’s tour. We’ll send you an invoice with payment details.

We accept bank transfer (preferred) or card payment via our secure online payment system. If you prefer, we can also take payment over the phone.

Yes. Once we receive your deposit, you’ll receive a booking confirmation by email with all the details of your tour.

4 weeks or more before the tour by the customer – 100% refund, less £15pp admin fee.

4 weeks or less before the tour by the customer – no refund.

4 weeks or less before the tour by the customer due to cruise ship cancellation – 75% refund, less £15pp admin fee.

Please contact us as soon as possible if you experience travel delays. We’ll do our best to accommodate you and reschedule where possible. However, Orkney Odyssey cannot be held liable for travel disruptions. We strongly recommend taking out travel insurance.

Orkney’s weather is changeable, and we operate in most conditions. If weather makes a location unsafe or inaccessible, we’ll adjust the itinerary to ensure you still have a wonderful experience. Tours are rarely cancelled due to weather.

We’ll do our best to accommodate changes where possible. Please contact us as soon as you know you need to make changes. Depending on timing and availability, changes may be subject to the cancellation policy.

Yes! Gift vouchers are available for any amount or specific tour. Contact us to arrange a gift voucher for someone special.

Yes, we strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance that covers cancellations, delays, and unforeseen circumstances.

Tour prices include transport and expert guidance. Entry fees, meals and drinks are not included unless specified. Any optional extras (such as additional distillery tastings) will be discussed with you in advance.

Please bring a waterproof and windproof jacket, trousers, comfortable walking footwear, warm layers, a hat, gloves, any personal medication, and a reusable water bottle if you have one. Please remember your camera!

Absolutely! All our tours are private and can be tailored to your interests, pace, and accessibility needs. Just let us know what you’d like to experience.

We take a maximum of 6 guests to ensure a personal, intimate experience and minimise environmental impact.

Yes! We can create bespoke multi-day itineraries to help you explore Orkney in depth. Get in touch to discuss your ideal journey.

Orkney’s weather is part of its character! We will continue offering tours in most weather conditions, and with appropriate clothing, you will remain comfortable. If weather makes a site unsafe or inaccessible, we’ll adjust the itinerary to ensure you still have a wonderful experience.

Yes! Families are very welcome. We can adapt tours to suit different ages and interests. Please let us know the ages of any children when booking.

We carry water for guests in reusable containers. Lunch stops can be arranged at local cafés, hotels, or restaurants featuring Orkney produce. Packed lunches using local, sustainable ingredients can also be arranged on request.

Some highlights include Skara Brae (Europe’s best-preserved Neolithic village), the Ring of Brodgar, St Magnus Cathedral, the Italian Chapel, and Scapa Flow. We’ll assist you in finding both well-known sites and undiscovered treasures; for ideas, take a look at our tours.

May to September offers the best weather, long daylight hours, and active wildlife. Spring and autumn bring quieter landscapes, spectacular light for photography, and migrating birds. We operate year-round, so there’s never a bad time to visit!

You can reach Orkney by ferry from Scrabster, Gills Bay, or Aberdeen, or by flights from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, or Aberdeen to Kirkwall Airport.

Orkney’s weather is changeable with cool summers and frequent wind. Dress in layers and bring waterproof, windproof clothing. Even in the summer, a warm hat and gloves can be handy for coastal walks.

This is especially true during the winter months on clear, dark nights. Sightings are never guaranteed but definitely possible.

Absolutely! Orkney is known for its seafood, cheese, baked goods, craft beer, gin, and whisky. You’ll also find high-quality local crafts and gifts throughout the islands.

Yes! Visitors often see puffins, seals, otters, seabirds, and occasionally orcas. Birdwatching is especially popular, particularly in spring and summer.

Some sites are more accessible than others. Our private tours can be tailored to suit individual needs and mobility levels. Just let us know your requirements.

In general, the answer is yes, especially in towns like Kirkwall and Stromness. Some rural or coastal areas may have limited coverage.

A minimum of 2-3 days is recommended to see the main highlights. For a more in-depth exploration, five or more days are ideal.

Orkney leads in renewable energy projects (wind, tidal, and wave power) and marine conservation. The islands support sustainable farming and fishing, and organisations like the RSPB work to protect vital habitats and species.

Yes. Recycling facilities are available throughout the islands, and most accommodations provide guidance for sorting waste correctly.

Some guesthouses and hotels operate with eco-friendly practices such as energy efficiency, water conservation, and use of local products. We’re happy to recommend sustainable accommodation options.

Choose tours with electric vehicles (like ours!), walk or cycle on shorter routes, bring reusable items, and choose locally sourced food and services.

Occasionally, yes. Some local charities and conservation projects welcome donations or short-term volunteering. Ask us for recommendations.

Overtourism is not a major issue yet, but visitors can help by traveling in off-peak seasons, using responsible tour operators like Orkney Odyssey, respecting the local culture and environment, and supporting small local businesses.