If you are going to the Orkney Islands on an ocean cruise stop, my recommendation to you is to forgo taking a cruise ship tour and book a private tour with Mary Durr. We covered more ground and saw more sights than any bus based tour could ever provide. We visited the Italian Chapel built by WWII Italian prisoners of war, stopped for pictures of the Highland Coo’s, visited Neo-lithic stone circles that predated Stonehenge, toured a Neo-lithic stone community by the ocean and visited an early Orkney farm with stone buildings, and early farming implements. But what made the trip extra special was how Mary made the places all come to live with her historical commentary. So, if you are going to the Orkney Islands, contact Mary for an experience a cruise ship tour could never provide. Thanks again Mary!
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Private tour in Orkney Mary D
Explore and See Orkney 7 hours
4.9
(17) reviews
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7 hours
1
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7 hours
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Mary D.
5.0
Guide rating
55
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Tours delivered
10 hrs
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Hello, I'm Mary. Welcome to Orkney. We are (almost) 59 degrees north of the equator and 524 miles from the Arctic Circle. After a surprise birthday visit to Orkney in November 2012, we relocated our family here six months later. Becoming a driver guide was a natural progression for me, I love to meet people from all over the world I love history and I love driving, all these combined means I can show you the historical marvels and beautiful scenery I see every day. I am happy to tailor your tour to your requirements, from 4 hours to multiple days. Shore excursions are very welcome, there is a lot to see in one day. Orkney has thousands of years of human habitation on these islands. There are many relics of the distant past and also the not so distant past to be explored from standing stones and Neolithic homesteads to towering turbines of renewable energy, throw into the mix Vikings, Scottish rule, the Hudson Bay Company, herring fleets, World Wars, distilleries, breweries and even an Arctic Explorer, it's hard to know where to start and where to finish. I would be delighted to help you choose. Wish you were here? Mary Green Badge guide for Orkney, awarded by the Scottish Tourist Guide Association (STGA) 2017 A member of the Orkney Tourist Guide Association (OTGA) FULLY licensed and FULLY insured Taxi driver with Operators licence as LEGALLY required in Orkney. Verification can be viewed at Orkney Islands Council - Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 under Mary Durr. None
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Mary D.
Orkney in a Day
Overview of your Orkney tour
A full day of visiting the MAIN sites in Orkney and also some of the sites coaches cannot access such as Unstan cairn a 5000 year old cairn/tomb This tour is perfect for travellers with limited time or an extensive list of historic sites they would like to see on the Orkney Mainland. We will have short stops for photos and most of the guiding and history will be given in the vehicle en route. If there is anywhere you are keen to see let me know. Its YOUR tour. Also suitable for travellers wanting a scenic panoramic drive with light walking.
Recent Reviews
This is the best tour for the Orkney Islands! Mary was an incredible guide, ensuring she customized the tour and engaged all members of the family. She was knowledgeable, extremely friendly and it felt like we were traveling with a long time friend. From the history to ensuring we saw the best scenery on the island, she made the whole day interesting and fun. You can’t go wrong choosing this tour!
What an amazing day in Orkney, only enhanced by Mary Durr. Mary was very knowledgeable and entertaining and made the day a most enjoyable experience. I cannot recommend Mary highly enough and anyone who needs to see Orkney will be lucky to have Mary as their guide.
We had a wonderful day touring the most interesting neolithic sites with Mary. She put together the perfect itinerary for us.
We had a great tour with Mary! We told her what we wanted to see and she went above and beyond to make it happen! We saw so many amazing places! She really knows her history and her stories were fascinating! We would do a tour with her again for sure! Thanks Mary for such a wonderful day and for going the extra mile to make it a perfect day!
Mary was a fabulous guide on our day in the Orkney Islands! She was so informative and enthusiastic that by the end of the day, we all felt like good friends. We give her our very highest rating!
Your Orkney tour itinerary
Collection from the cruise ship, ferry, airport or accommodation on the Orkney Mainland - The Italian Chapel is a World War 2 relic. Thought provoking and inspirational building left by the Italian prisoners of war. - The Churchill Barriers are a permanent fixture built as defences during WW2, it also serves as a highway to the South Isles. - Blockships, the remains of ships used to block the eastern approaches to Scapa Flow during WW1 before the building of the Churchill Barriers. - Scapa Flow is a sheltered natural harbour of about 120 square miles. Scenic drive to Stromness via Standing Stones of Stenness, Ring of Brodgar, Yesnaby Cliffs, Skara Brae, Kirbuster museum 'firehouse' - Lunch when convenient or packed lunch can be requested please enquire for price. Return to drop off location.
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Transport details
Type: Private Transportation / Category: Minibus
Ford Tourneo Custom minibus
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Meeting location
Scotland, Scotland, United Kingdom
Airport: ,Cruise: ,ByGuide:
- You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
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7 hours
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If your tour is valued over $200 USD and booked at least 45 days before the tour date, you can book with a 20% deposit!
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