Scapa Flow Attractions & Things to do

This is an excellent way to see some of what Orkney has to offer in a single day. Hop on the ferry in Scrabster that departs at 8.45am, visit Orkney and return in the same day. (Please note ferry fares are not included. Ferry fares are £22.65 each way for an adult, £20.39 each way for 60+, please see Northlink Ferries website for more information.)

Take in Orkney's beautiful scenery and visit some fantastic sites, that includes standing stones, a Neolithic village and dramatic cliff's.

The Orkney Travel Day Trip departs from Stromness Travel Centre where the Northlink Ferry arrives from Scrabster. The tour returns to Stromness Travel Centre at 4pm in plenty of time for the 4.45pm ferry back to Scrabster.

THIS TOUR IS NOT SUITABLE IF YOU ARE ARRIVING ON A CRUISE SHIP IN KIRKWALL, PLEASE LOOK AT THE WEST MAINLAND TOUR INSTEAD. (The starting point is in Stromness which is 15 miles from the cruise port in Kirkwall.)
Duration: 5 hours 30 minutes.

Get ready for an incredible tour around Orkney!! Orkney is unique because of its Neolithic monuments. The group of monuments constitutes a major prehistoric cultural landscape which depicts life in this remote archipelago 5000 years ago.

We will drive through agricultural land to the shores of Scapa flow, a natural harbour located off the coast of Scotland

Then we will stop at Unstan Chambered Cairn

A quick visit to The Stones of Stennes

Ring of Brodgar is our next attraction to visit

Skara Brae is one of the best-preserved stone-built Neolithic settlements. It is one of the most fascinating prehistoric villages

We will also stop at Skaill House.

Our last stop is Italian Chapel: our driver/ tour guide will let you know about the fascinating history of this well know church on the island

PLEASE NOTE: WALKING INVOLVED
MISSING YOU ALREADY!!
Duration: 7 hours.

This private tour is a great way to visit the main sites in Orkney in around 5-6 hours. Ideal if you are on a day trip or a cruise ship and you want to see some of the main highlights of the island. You will be given commentary while driving around Orkney's beautiful scenery and tell you about local customs and traditions of the islands.

This tour takes you through the Heart of Neolithic Orkney visiting some of the most spectacular archaeological sites in the UK and then a coastal drive with panoramic views of the beautiful Scapa Flow to discover Orkney's wartime history with a stop at the Italian Chapel.

This tour is fully customisable, please contact us if you have a specific request.

Our vehicle can take up to 7 passengers. For larger groups, please contact us for a quote.
Duration: 6 hours.

A small group tour of the Orkney Islands offers a uniquely intimate and personalized experience for cruise guests. Unlike larger tour groups, a smaller group size allows for greater flexibility in itinerary planning and more personalized attention from knowledgeable guides.

Here are a few reasons why a small group tour of the Orkney Islands is particularly special for cruise guests.
Duration: 6 hours.

As a UNESCO World Heritage Site and known as the “Heart of Neolithic Orkney”, there is a variety of attractions all guaranteed to make this trip something of wonder and beauty, where the sky, land and water converge together. On this tour you visit all 4 major sites of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, Skara Brae, Maeshowe, Ring of Brodgar and Standing Stones of Stenness.

We include a visit to the peculiar and characteristic Italian Chapel, built by Italian prisoners during the course of WW2. We also pass by the famous Churchill Barriers, which are fundamental for protecting the British Navy.

We may make changes to the itinerary due to closures and availability for some of the attractions.

This tour is fully customisable, please get in touch for more information.


Duration: 8 hours.

The West Mainland Tour takes you to some of the most fabulous spots on the West Mainland of Orkney.

The tour takes a scenic drive looking at the magnificent Scapa Flow before stopping at a Neolithic burial chamber.

Next is a photo stop at the Cliffs of Yesnaby, some of the most stunning coastal scenery on the Orkney Islands.

Next on the agenda is a guided tour of Skara Brae, discovered in 1850, it is considered the best-preserved Neolithic Village in Northern Europe. Your guide will tell you all about this magnificent 5000-year-old village. After the guided tour, you will get free time to have a look at the 400-year-old Skaill House or have a look around the Skara Brae visitor centre.

The tour then goes on to the Ring of Brodgar. A spectacular henge monument dating back 4500 years. This stone circle has been part of the Orkney landscape for thousands of years.

Finally, we will stop at the Standing Stones of Stenness, which is believed to be the oldest stone circle in the UK.

Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes.

Now in my second season, I’m offering truly customizable and unique guided tours of Orkney and its outer islands. As a native Orcadian with a lifetime of experience, I’ll share stories and insights that you won’t find online! With four generations of my family living in Orkney and Island roots that trace back to the 1700s, I aim to make each tour a personal and unforgettable experience, reflecting my deep passion for these islands.

Born in Kirkwall and a lifelong resident of the islands, I’ve worked in many fields, most recently as a Telecommunications Engineer with British Telecom, covering all the inhabited islands, come rain or shine.

Drawing on my own international travel experiences and valuable feedback from both clients and local experts during the 2024 season, I’m committed to offering a truly unique experience. I have no fixed routes or rehearsed scripts, allowing me to meet your interests. All my tours are private, ensuring you get the best possible experience.


Duration: 5 hours.

Your tour will immerse you in everything Orkney. Travelling back in time over 5000 years you will get a real insight into life in this Northerly archipelago. Your guide lives and works in Orkney and will be on hand throughout the day. Paul has a real passion for wildlife and will help you spot some of our most unique and interesting species. Your guide also runs a food manufacturing business in Orkney. So you will get lots of locally made treats on the day. And a real insight into what makes Orkney such a world leading food and drink producer. The tour is delivered in an all electric Mercedes Evito so not only will your tour be comfortable and silent but you will travel in as green a way as possible. You will also learn about and see Orkneys world leading renewable industry in action. This tour is a great taster for those with only a short time in Orkney.
Duration: 7 hours.

Now in my second season, I’m offering truly customizable and unique guided tours of Orkney and its outer islands. As a native Orcadian with a lifetime of experience, I’ll share stories and insights that you won’t find online! With four generations of my family living in Orkney and Island roots that trace back to the 1700s, I aim to make each tour a personal and unforgettable experience, reflecting my deep passion for these islands.

"This all day tour is my flagship product and is, in my opinion the best day tour I can offer to people wanting to take in the history and way of life of us (Orcadians), relaxed and full of information My aim is to make this the best tour you have been on!"

I have no fixed routes or rehearsed scripts, allowing me to meet your interests. All my tours are private, ensuring you get the best possible experience.

Duration: 7 hours.

Embark on “Orkney Spirits” a tour blending Orkney’s ancient historical sites with its proud whiskey heritage. Start in the bustling town of Kirkwall, exploring its Viking past and magnificent cathedral. Journey through time at the Neolithic sites of Stenness and the Ring of Brodgar, then visit Skara Brae to connect with the island’s Stone Age inhabitants. Traverse the Churchill Barriers, poignant reminders of wartime resilience, and visit the Italian Chapel, a testament to human spirit and artistry. Conclude your tour with a visit to Scapa distillery, where traditional whiskey-making comes to life. This tour offers a unique blend of history and flavor.

Please note: The availability and accessibility of attractions may vary based on time of day and crowd conditions, ensuring each visit is a unique experience. Additionally, if the Scapa Distillery is closed, we will make an effort to arrange a visit to another distillery.
Duration: 5 hours.

Get ready for the history, stories, myths and legends that make Orkney such a special place to visit.

With a maximum of eight guests, our Orkney Day Trip is a way to leave behind the crowds and join a few like-minded travellers on a tour of Orkney's key sites.

It is possible to do this tour as a day trip from mainland Scotland - it connects with the NorthLink morning and evening sailings.

Welcome to the edge of the map.
Duration: 5 hours 30 minutes.