Orkney Tours: Day Trips with Accredited Local Guides
Enjoy the wild beauty of Scotland’s north with Experience Orkney, a specialized tour operator dedicated to providing Orkney tours led by accredited local guides. Explore the island’s Neolithic history, Viking past, wildlife and wartime stories with experts. Book your full day or half-day guided tour today to secure your seat, with prices starting from £145 per person.
Orkney Islands Tours: History, Nature, and Culture Combined
Experience Orkney offers a range of guided tours across the Orkney Archipelago. Our historical itineraries focus on the Neolithic heartland, taking you to Skara Brae, the Stones of Stenness, and the Ring of Brodgar, which are key to Orkney’s UNESCO World Heritage site. We also cover sites dedicated to the naval history of Scapa Flow in our popular wartime tour and offer excursions to the Island of Hoy. Specialized tours are available to book, including dedicated Walking tours, Boat Tours perfect for whale and bird watching, and tasting experiences such as a local Distillery Tour to sample Orkney whisky and gin.
Featured Orkney Guided Tours
- 8 Hours
- 160 / Person
Discover the highlights tour of the archipelago of Orkney in one unforgettable day. Visit iconic attractions like Skara Brae, the Ring of Brodgar, and Scapa Flow, while your local guide shares stories of Vikings, Neolithic life, and island folklore.
- 6 Hours
- 145 / Person
Perfect for visitors short on time, this half-day excursion explores Orkney’s best-known landmarks, coastal scenery, and wildlife habitats. Learn about Orkney’s deep-rooted history, enjoy scenic walks, and capture the essence of this magical site.
- 3-4 Hours
- 400 / Group
Wander through the heart of Kirkwall on a relaxed guided walk featuring St Magnus Cathedral, charming local shops, and harbour views. Along the way, discover tales of Norse settlers, Viking Heritage, and the unique culture that defines Orcadian life.
- 8 Hours
- 160-170 / Person
Create your own itinerary with our bespoke tour option. Let our accredited guides tailor your perfect trip. We’ll craft a private journey that captures your interests and showcases Orkney’s beauty. Ask about our specialized wartime tour itineraries or tailor-made Orkney tours for multi-day adventures.
What Our Guests Say
Our visitors don’t just see Orkney, they feel it. Read what recent guests had to say about their journeys with Experience Orkney.
Meet Our Expert Orkney Guides
At Experience Orkney, every journey is led by Ebenezer Quansah, a certified member of the Scottish Tourist Guide Association (STGA) with the prestigious Green Badge Scotland accreditation. After nearly two decades living and working in Orkney, Ebenezer has become part of the Orkney Islands’ fabric, guiding guests through its history with warmth, humour, and genuine local insight.
Blending his background in history, community life, and storytelling, Ebenezer transforms every tour into a shared discovery, whether tracing Viking footsteps at the Ring of Brodgar or hearing local tales beside the waves of Scapa Flow. Learn more about our guide and values.
When you tour Orkney with Experience Orkney, you’re not just booking a trip, you’re joining a journey guided by passion, heritage, and genuine local knowledge.
Why Choose Experience Orkney For Your Journey
When you travel with Experience Orkney, you’re not just booking a trip, you’re joining a journey guided by passion, heritage, and genuine local knowledge.
Local Expertise
Our guides are proud Orcadians who know every legend, landscape, and hidden corner of the islands. From Neolithic wonders to coastal trails, their stories bring Orkney’s history, folklore, and culture vividly to life.
Personalised Service
Every itinerary is designed around you whether it’s a quick Orkney day trip, a full-day exploration, a bespoke tour, or an Orkney island-hopping adventure across the Archipelago of Orkney. Expect warmth, flexibility, and a touch of local storytelling in every moment. We offer private tours and private tours tailored to your interests.
Sustainable Travel
We’re committed to preserving Orkney’s natural beauty and supporting local communities through eco-friendly tours that celebrate the islands’ wildlife, heritage, and authentic way of life.
Booking Advantages
- Fast and easy booking - reserve your tour in minutes
- Instant confirmation and e-tickets sent straight to your inbox
- Secure online payment with SSL encryption
- 24/7 website access - plan your trip anytime
- Guaranteed prices with no hidden fees
- Stress-free reservations - your place is always secured
Step into the story of Orkney, where every journey reveals something extraordinary.
Start Your Journey with Experience Orkney Today
Orkney Tours deliver the most genuine, bespoke way to explore Scotland’s northern isles tour. With expert local guides, seamless itineraries, and private transport, every detail is designed for comfort, discovery, and connection.
Experience the Ring of Brodgar, Skara Brae, and Scapa Flow, taste local flavours, and uncover the stories that make the Archipelago of Orkney one of the world’s most fascinating destinations. Whether it’s your first visit or a long-awaited return, your journey with us will stay with you long after you’ve left the islands.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time of year to visit Orkney?
May to September offers the best weather, longest daylight hours, and ideal conditions for Orkney day tours and wildlife watching.
What’s included in our Orkney islands tours?
Professional guide, Private transportation, Bottled water, Entry fees to key sites
Is there a hop-on, hop-off bus in Orkney?
No, but private guided tours and transfers make exploring the islands easy and flexible.
Is Orkney walkable?
Yes, especially in Kirkwall and Stromness, although many historic sites are best accessed with transport or guided tours.
What language does Orkney speak?
English, with touches of Scots and echoes of Old Norse in the local dialect, a nod to the islands’ Viking heritage.
What to wear in Orkney?
Layered, waterproof clothing is best, as island weather can change quickly, even in summer.
How long is the ferry ride to Orkney?
Around one hour from Scrabster or about 40 minutes from Gill’s Bay, depending on your route.
Can you see the Northern Lights from the Orkney Islands?
Yes, on clear winter nights, especially between October and March, the aurora borealis often lights up the sky.
Can you drink tap water in Orkney?
Absolutely. The water here is fresh, safe, and delicious, drawn from the islands’ clean natural sources.