Orkney Day Trip

The Orkney Day Trip: A Perfect Snapshot of Scotland’s Northern Gems

If you’ve got limited time but want to get a true flavor of Orkney’s remarkable landscape and ancient sites, this small-group tour offers a thoughtfully curated taste. Starting from the Stromness Ferry Terminal, your day begins at 10:30 am with a friendly guide, and over approximately five and a half hours, you’ll visit iconic sites such as Skara Brae, the Ring of Brodgar, Stenness Stones, and the Yesnaby Cliffs. For a reasonable $163.92 per person, this experience is tailored for travelers eager to explore without the hassle of planning logistics or renting a car.

What we love about this tour is its personalized small-group approach—most tours of this kind are larger and less intimate. Plus, the expert guides seem to genuinely love sharing their knowledge, making each stop more meaningful. The inclusion of Skara Brae and the Neolithic stone circles ensures a deep dive into the islands’ ancient past, while the scenic drive around Scapa Flow adds a dash of WWII history.

A consideration to keep in mind is that this tour is not suitable for cruise ship guests due to its starting point, and the limited seat width in the vehicle might be a concern if you’re on the larger side. Also, since lunch isn’t included, we suggest bringing some snacks or a packed lunch to maximize your exploration time.

This tour suits first-time visitors wanting a rundown, travelers with limited time, or anyone excited to see the highlights without the stress of self-driving. If you’re after a relaxed, informative, and well-paced experience, this is an excellent pick.

Key Points

• Focused Itinerary: Covers Orkney’s most iconic sights in a single day, including Skara Brae, stone circles, and dramatic cliffs.
• Expert Guides: Guides like Dougie or Rachel are praised for their knowledgeable, friendly, and caring approach.
• Small Group: Typically no more than 8 travelers, promoting more interaction and personalized attention.
• Value for Money: For just over $160, you get admission to major sites and a full day of exploration without the hassle of planning.
• Flexible Free Time: Ample opportunity at certain stops, like Kirkwall, to explore on your own.
• Limited Seating: Seat width is between 48cm and 51cm, so if comfort is a concern, consider an extra seat.

A Detailed Look at the Orkney Day Trip Experience

Arriving at the Stromness Ferry Terminal in the morning, you’ll be greeted by your guide, often Dougie or Rachel, who are lauded for their enthusiasm and local knowledge. The journey starts with a scenic drive along the coast, with the first stop at Yesnaby Cliffs—a quick 15-minute photo opportunity. The cliffs showcase raw, rugged beauty, and if you love dramatic seascapes, you’ll find this spot well worth the short stop.

Next, your group heads to Skara Brae, the star of the tour. This neolithic village is an incredible window into prehistoric life, with stone houses that have survived for over 5,000 years. Your guide will offer a guided tour of the site, giving you context about its significance, but you’re also free to wander the visitor center and Skaill House afterward. Reviewers consistently praise the depth of knowledge guides like Dougie provide, making the history come alive, whether through anecdotes or detailed explanations.

After Skara Brae, the tour continues to the Ring of Brodgar, a massive stone circle that exudes an aura of mystery. The guided walking tour offers insight into its purpose and construction, with reviews highlighting how well the guides bring the stones’ history and significance to life. Only 30 minutes are allocated here, but the site is captivating enough to warrant extra moments if you wish.

Next, the Standing Stones of Stenness provide another Neolithic marvel. With just 15 minutes, you’ll get a quick but impactful look at this ancient site, often described as a “must-see” highlight of Orkney.

Lunch or free time in Kirkwall allows for a relaxed exploration. Most travelers appreciate the opportunity to wander the town’s quaint streets, visit local shops, or enjoy a casual meal at the Skara Brae café or other local eateries. Some reviews mention bringing their own lunch to maximize site time, as the tour schedule is quite packed.

The drive around Scapa Flow offers a fascinating detour into WWII history, with stories of shipwrecks and military installations that add a layer of depth beyond the ancient sites. This optional stop provides a contrast between Orkney’s prehistoric past and wartime history, enriching the overall experience.

Finally, your trip concludes with a guided visit to the Unstan Chambered Cairn, a less-visited but equally impressive ancient tomb. Its inclusion underscores how this tour balances well-known sites with those less crowded but no less significant.

Throughout the day, reviewers consistently praise the friendly, knowledgeable guides who respond to questions and share stories that personalize the experience. The small size of the group fosters a relaxed atmosphere, allowing everyone to engage and absorb more than a typical large bus tour would permit.

The Value of This Experience

Given the price point of around $164, this tour offers remarkable value—admission to Skara Brae, the stone circles, and a full day of sightseeing without the stress of navigation or planning. While lunch isn’t included, the flexibility to choose where and when to eat is a bonus for those wanting to tailor their day.

The limited group size and personalized approach are significant advantages, especially for travelers who prefer intimacy and interaction. The expert guides’ enthusiasm and wealth of knowledge turn what could be a cookie-cutter trip into a memorable adventure.

However, the short duration means you’ll only scratch the surface of Orkney’s numerous sites. Those seeking a deep dive into every corner might find this tour a quick snapshot rather than an exhaustive exploration.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip is perfect for first-time visitors who want an efficient overview of Orkney’s highlights. It’s also ideal for time-pressed travelers eager to see the main sights without the hassle of self-driving or extensive planning. If you value small-group intimacy and guides who genuinely enjoy sharing their local knowledge, you’ll find this tour a real treat.

It’s well-suited for travelers who appreciate scenic drives, historical storytelling, and a comfortable pace. Keep in mind, if you’re a cruise passenger or dislike tight seating, you might want to explore other options or inquire about vehicle comfort beforehand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for cruise ship passengers?
No, this tour isn’t suitable for cruise ship guests because of the starting point at Stromness, which is outside the cruise terminal area.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes, including travel time from the Stromness Ferry Terminal.

What sites are included in the tour?
Highlights include Yesnaby Cliffs, Skara Brae, Ring of Brodgar, Stenness Stones, a drive around Scapa Flow, Kirkwall, and the Unstan Chambered Cairn.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch isn’t included. There are options at Skara Brae café and in Kirkwall, but many travelers prefer to bring their own to maximize sightseeing time.

What is the group size?
Most tours are limited to 8 travelers, promoting a more intimate experience and easier access to sites.

Are tickets included?
Yes, admission to Skara Brae, the Italian Chapel (if selected), and the stone circles are included in the price.

What should I bring?
Comfortable clothing, some snacks or a packed lunch, and perhaps a camera. Also, if you’re sensitive to vehicle seat size, consider whether an extra seat might be necessary.

Is this tour family-friendly?
Most travelers say yes, and it’s suitable for most ages, but always consider your family members’ mobility and comfort with the vehicle.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can get a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance. Cancellations less than 24 hours before the start are not refundable.

How do I book this tour?
You can easily reserve through the provided Viator link, and the confirmation is immediate once booked.

Final Thoughts

This Orkney Day Trip offers a well-balanced mix of ancient sites, scenic landscapes, and local stories, wrapped in a small-group format that’s rare to find in such a short tour. Guided by passionate, knowledgeable locals, you’ll see Skara Brae, the Stone Circles, and more, without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

Ideal for first-timers or those with limited time, it provides great value and a personal touch that larger tours often miss. While it’s a quick snapshot rather than a deep dive, it’s perfect for getting a meaningful taste of Orkney’s unique heritage and stunning scenery.

If your goal is to experience Orkney’s highlights comfortably and informatively, this tour will serve you well. Just remember to bring your curiosity, some lunch, and an open mind to enjoy a truly memorable day on Scotland’s northern islands.