Orkney Through the Ages

Step back in time on this captivating 6 hour journey through Orkney’s rich and layered history. This tour offers a unique blend of archaeology, breathtaking views, viking history and wartime heritage.

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Highlights

Embark on a remarkable 6 hour journey through Orkney’s extraordinary past, visiting some of its most iconic ancient and historic sites. Begin at the Stones of Stenness, a powerful prehistoric stone circle steeped in mystery and legend, where towering standing stones evoke the spiritual life of Neolithic Orkney. From there, you will visit the Ring of Brodgar, an impressive stone circle set amidst stunning countryside and straddling two lochs—a breathtaking testament to ancient ritual and community.

Next explore Skara Brae, Europe’s best-preserved Neolithic village, where you will step back more than 5,000 years and glimpse the daily lives of Orkney’s earliest settlers. Then enjoy the dramatic coastal beauty of the Yesnaby Cliffs, with their rugged and elemental beauty—perfect for taking in the islands’ natural grandeur.

Drive along the northern shore of Scapa Flow (the largest natural harbour in Europe)—a vital wartime anchorage and glimpse into Orkney’s strategic naval history. Visit the Italian Chapel, a beautifully crafted sanctuary built by WWII Italian prisoners of war—an enduring symbol of hope and creativity amid hardship. Finally, conclude your tour at the magnificent St Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall, Orkney’s medieval spiritual heart, where centuries of history and stunning architecture come to life.

This tour perfectly blends Orkney’s ancient marvels, breathtaking landscapes, and poignant wartime heritage, providing an immersive experience that captures the islands’ unique spirit through the ages.

What’s Included

Complementary 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 or client accommodation.

Key Highlights/Stops

Explore Orkney’s rich history with visits to the Stones of Stenness, Ring of Brodgar, Skara Brae and the dramatic Yesnaby Cliffs. Along the way, discover poignant wartime history at the Italian Chapel, admire stunning coastal scenery and finish at the magnificent St Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall.

Sustainability Features of This Tour

At Orkney Odyssey we’re proud to offer this eco-friendly tour in a fully electric vehicle powered by Orkney’s renewable energy. With small groups, support for local businesses and a commitment to protecting wildlife and historic sites, your journey is designed to as kind to the environment as it is unforgettable.

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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