Neolithic Orkney Tour

UNESCO Prehistoric Sites

Step back over 5,000 years on a private Neolithic tour of Orkney, exploring one of the most remarkable prehistoric landscapes in the world. This immersive experience visits Orkney’s iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites and chambered tombs, revealing how Neolithic communities lived, built, and believed.

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Explore Prehistoric Orkney

Orkney contains some of Europe’s best-preserved Neolithic monuments, offering rare insight into early farming societies.

Skara Brae Neolithic Village (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Explore Europe’s best-preserved Neolithic settlement, where stone houses, hearths, and furniture reveal daily life over 5,000 years ago.

Ring of Brodgar (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Walk among this vast ceremonial stone circle, set within a dramatic ritual landscape of lochs and hills.

Standing Stones of Stenness (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Visit one of Britain’s earliest stone circles, central to Orkney’s Neolithic ceremonial life.

Unstan Chambered Cairn
Enter a beautifully preserved tomb showcasing distinctive Neolithic burial practices and pottery.

Cuween Chambered Cairn
Discover this atmospheric hilltop tomb, famous for its connection to Neolithic beliefs and animal symbolism.

Tomb of the Eagles
Explore a dramatic cliff-edge burial site revealing centuries of ritual use and ancestral tradition.

Private Neolithic Tour Experience

Flexible itineraries tailored to your interests, pacing and interpretation
Ideal for archaeology enthusiasts, cultural travellers, and first-time visitors
Suitable for cruise passengers and land-based guests
Start and finish in Kirkwall (or alternative arrangements by request)

What’s Included

Complimentary pick up and drop off.

What to Bring/Wear

Bring a waterproof and windproof jacket and trousers, comfortable footwear, hat and gloves. Don’t forget any personal medication and please bring a reusable water bottle if you have one.

Meeting Point

Kirkwall Harbour Basin, Kirkwall Airport, St Margarets Hope, Stromness Pier Head or your accommodation.

Key Highlights/Stops

Skara Brae Neolithic Village (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Ring of Brodgar (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Standing Stones of Stenness (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Unstan Chambered Cairn
Cuween Chambered Cairn

Sustainability Features of This Tour

Fully electric vehicle travel powered by Orkney’s renewable energy. Support for local cafés, restaurants and suppliers. Plastic-free encouragement – bring your reusable water bottle or cup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are admissions included?
Admissions are usually booked in advance by us. We take care of that ahead of your tour, once we have agreed the itinerary for your tour. Should you wish to change things on the day and include additional stops, then the admission fee will be paid on the day. Please note that during the busy times of the season, the most popular sites may not have availability.
Can we focus on a specific theme?
Absolutely — it’s your tour. While most of our tours already have a theme, we’re always delighted to tailor the experience to your interests. Whether you’d like to dive deeper into local history, landscapes, or culture, we’ll shape the day around what inspires you most.
Suitable for kids?
Yes, all of our tours are family-friendly and designed to be enjoyed by guests of all ages. Very young children may find a full 5–6 hour tour a little long, but we’re happy to adapt the pace or add breaks so everyone feels comfortable and engaged throughout the day.

Reviews

“Loved every minute of our time in Orkney and our tour with Iain made it extra special. A truly special day in a magical place with a fantastic guide.”
— Y S, UK 🇬🇧
“Absolutely first class! Our guide, Iain was so interesting, knowledgeable and passionate about Orkney. We had a very memorable tour, seeing some amazing sites and learning about the history and landscape. Definitely recommend this tour and Iain as your guide.”
— Paula O, USA 🇺🇸
“Great welcome at the port. Iain is a very kind, prepared and helpful guide. He organised a tour for us following our requests. Highly recommended!”
— Maria M, Italy 🇮🇹
“As a solo traveller meeting other guests for a tour can sometimes feel a little awkward, but Iain’s enthusiasm, friendliness and knowledge made me feel completely at ease immediately. It was a fascinating tour. Thank you very much Iain!”
— Janelle N, USA 🇺🇸
“We had an amazing tour with our guide Iain who showed us around all the important places on the island. Iain could answer all of our questions and was very friendly! Highly recommended!”
— Annagret H, Germany 🇩🇪
“Iain was a passionate and knowledgeable guide and made a wet and windy day enjoyable for all. Learned so much and had fun at the same time.”
— Scott D, Australia 🇦🇺
“We were a group of four on this tour. In five hours, we managed to see the main sites of the Orkney mainland. I enjoyed this tour very much!”
— Robert D, Canada 🇨🇦
“Our trip started with the wonderful Iain. When any of us asked a question Iain would repeat it so that everyone could hear, then answered the question knowledgeably. What a fabulous and thoughtful addition to our tour. Handsdown, that started a tour off on a high note having such a high calibre guide.”
— Jannine C, Australia 🇦🇺
“Iain was so informative. There was never a dull moment, something always interesting or funny was shared. There was never any doubt he was making sure we were getting everything we wanted out of our tour.”
— Jannine C, Australia 🇦🇺
“We were lucky to have Iain as our guide for this tour. Of course he is one of the certified guides in Orkney, but he has also worked at Skara Brae for several years. An expert guide really helped to bring the tour alive. I would highly recommend Iain as your guide.”
— Vince HK, Hong Kong 🇭🇰
“The tour was wonderful! Iain was very knowledgeable and you could tell he has a deep passion for Orkney‘s history. Everything was well paced, fascinating and very enjoyable. I would highly recommend a tour with Iain!”
— Patricia J, UK 🇬🇧
“Loved every minute of our time in Orkney and our tour with Iain made it extra special. A truly special day in a magical place with a fantastic guide.”
— Y S, UK 🇬🇧
“Absolutely first class! Our guide, Iain was so interesting, knowledgeable and passionate about Orkney. We had a very memorable tour, seeing some amazing sites and learning about the history and landscape. Definitely recommend this tour and Iain as your guide.”
— Paula O, USA 🇺🇸
“Great welcome at the port. Iain is a very kind, prepared and helpful guide. He organised a tour for us following our requests. Highly recommended!”
— Maria M, Italy 🇮🇹
“As a solo traveller meeting other guests for a tour can sometimes feel a little awkward, but Iain’s enthusiasm, friendliness and knowledge made me feel completely at ease immediately. It was a fascinating tour. Thank you very much Iain!”
— Janelle N, USA 🇺🇸
“We had an amazing tour with our guide Iain who showed us around all the important places on the island. Iain could answer all of our questions and was very friendly! Highly recommended!”
— Annagret H, Germany 🇩🇪
“Iain was a passionate and knowledgeable guide and made a wet and windy day enjoyable for all. Learned so much and had fun at the same time.”
— Scott D, Australia 🇦🇺
“We were a group of four on this tour. In five hours, we managed to see the main sites of the Orkney mainland. I enjoyed this tour very much!”
— Robert D, Canada 🇨🇦
“Our trip started with the wonderful Iain. When any of us asked a question Iain would repeat it so that everyone could hear, then answered the question knowledgeably. What a fabulous and thoughtful addition to our tour. Handsdown, that started a tour off on a high note having such a high calibre guide.”
— Jannine C, Australia 🇦🇺
“Iain was so informative. There was never a dull moment, something always interesting or funny was shared. There was never any doubt he was making sure we were getting everything we wanted out of our tour.”
— Jannine C, Australia 🇦🇺
“We were lucky to have Iain as our guide for this tour. Of course he is one of the certified guides in Orkney, but he has also worked at Skara Brae for several years. An expert guide really helped to bring the tour alive. I would highly recommend Iain as your guide.”
— Vince HK, Hong Kong 🇭🇰
“The tour was wonderful! Iain was very knowledgeable and you could tell he has a deep passion for Orkney‘s history. Everything was well paced, fascinating and very enjoyable. I would highly recommend a tour with Iain!”
— Patricia J, UK 🇬🇧

Ready to Experience Orkney Your Way?

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