Private tour in Orkney Ewan C

Mysteries of Ancient Orkney - Full Day Shore Excursion

-
Hours icon 6 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-8 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 6 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-8 people
Your party size

1

View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later

Ewan C.

5.0

Guide rating

1

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Tours delivered

4 hrs

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I’m a proud Orcadian, born and raised on this fine island of Orkney. From a very young age, my dad used to take me fishing, and that’s really where my love of the outdoors began. I was always happiest outside, exploring, climbing down cliffs to find the perfect fishing spot and discovering just how stunning Orkney’s landscapes can be. Growing up here teaches you to appreciate everything from wild weather and dramatic coastlines to the deep sense of history woven into the land. I’ve been a tour guide since April 2025 and I absolutely love it. I always knew I wanted to work with people since I'm happiest when I’m around others. After always being told I'm friendly and inviting, I think guiding felt like the perfect fit. For me, being an Orcadian means feeling a real sense of freedom, surrounded by beaches, rugged scenery and even spectacular winter snowstorms and thunder. Some of my favourite places are the Birsay cliffs and, especially, the island of Hoy. We camped there often when I was a kid, and I loved the peace & quiet, escaping from any city lights. It’s still my favourite place in Orkney and now I take my own children there to camp and hike the hills of Hoy, passing on those memories. Sharing the landscapes, stories, and personal connections I’ve built over a lifetime in Orkney is what makes this job so special to me.

Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Ewan C.

Overview of your Orkney tour

On this tour, we’ll step inside a remarkable place of worship built by Italian prisoners of war during WWII. Although they had limited materials, they still accomplished a beautifully crafted temple which stood beside the Churchill Barriers constructed to protect Scapa Flow. Besides addressing how the Italians managed to build this chapel, I’ll shed light into how the natural harbour of the Orkney Islands shaped wartime history. We’ll also lay foot around ancient stone circles as I share insights about their role in the Neolithic world’s ceremonial life, and visit a five thousand year old village to see how Orkney’s early inhabitants went about everyday life.

Your Orkney tour itinerary

-After picking you up from an agreed point, we’ll first visit the Italian Chapel. -Next, we’ll enjoy a scenic drive with views over one of the world’s most historic natural harbours; the Scapa Flow Coastline. -We’ll then explore the Standing Stones of Stenness, one of the oldest stone circles in Britain. -Afterwards we’ll walk around the impressive Ring of Brodgar as I tell you about the design of this ceremonial monument and address its significance in prehistoric Orkney. -Later we’ll reach Skara Brae, an exceptionally preserved Stone Age village. -We’ll finish our tour at the dramatic Yesnaby cliffs, known for their striking geology, sea stacks, and sweeping Atlantic views.

Want to customize this tour?

Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.

Transport details
Type: Private Transportation / Category: Minibus

Ford Transit Custom (8 seater).

What's included
Private Guide
Tickets: Admissions to all sites
Private Transportation
Meeting location

Kirkwall, Scotland, United Kingdom

I can collect you from your cruise ship or ferry port, from the airport or from your lodging, so please specify your preferred address when booking.

  • You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
Religious Sites
Day Trip
Architecture
Art And Culture
City Highlights
History
Tour reference number
1443801
Languages
English
Activity level
Moderate

FAQs

Who is this private tour in Orkney best suited for?

This private tour in Orkney is perfect for travellers interested in history, archaeology, and scenic landscapes. It's especially suitable for those who want to explore ancient sites and learn about wartime history with a knowledgeable local guide, Ewan C. The tour is also ideal for cruise ship passengers looking for a shore excursion.

Where does the tour start and end?

Is transportation included?

Is this private tour in Orkney suitable for cruise ship passengers as a shore excursion?

What languages is this tour offered in?

What's included in this private tour, and what should I budget for separately?

Is this a private tour? What is the maximum group size and the starting price?

AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide

-
Hours icon 6 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-8 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 6 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-8 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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