Discover Orkney’s Viking past on a private guided tour exploring the islands at the heart of the Norse world. For over 600 years Orkney was ruled by Viking earls, shaping its culture, law, language, and identity. With Orkney Odyssey, experience this history where it happened.
This history and story-led tour brings the Orkneyinga Saga to life through key Norse sites and landscapes, including:
St Magnus Cathedral, Kirkwall – a masterpiece of Viking architecture and power.
The Bishop’s and Earl’s Palaces, Kirkwall – seats of Norse and medieval authority.
Saga landscapes and coastal settlements – the world of jarls, saints, and seafarers.
Thing sites and Norse law – how Vikings governed Orkney
The Broch of Gurness – dating to around 300 BC, the site was continuously inhabited around 1000 years. The latter occupants were Norsemen. The site was both incredibly well preserved and sits in a stunning location.
The Brough of Birsay – a tidal island, accessed by a causeway at low tide, the seat of the Vikings in the early part of Norse rule in Orkney. Here you will find not only Norse and Viking structures, including a church but also puffins in the summer.
This tour reveals how Orkney became the Viking capital of northern Scotland and a hub of the North Atlantic world.
This is not a standard sightseeing tour — it is a deep, place-based Viking experience.
Complimentary pick up and drop off.
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.
Kirkwall Harbour Basin, Kirkwall Airport, St Margarets Hope, Stromness Pier Head or your accommodation point.
St Magnus Cathedral, Kirkwall
The Bishop’s and Earl’s Palaces, Kirkwall
The Broch of Gurness
The Brough of Birsay
Earls Bu & Round Kirk
Thing (Norse parliament) sires
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.
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.
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.
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.
