Orkney: Private Day Tour Skara Brae, Brodgar & Italian Chapel

Summary

Orkney’s ancient stones, wartime echoes and wild coastlines in a day

You’ll step into ancient homes at Skara Brae, walk among towering stones at Brodgar and Stenness, feel salt wind at Yesnaby cliffs, and pause inside Orkney’s Italian Chapel—all with stories from a local guide. Expect small surprises along the way—maybe oatcakes or laughter—and leave with more than just photos in your pocket.

What’s the experience like?

We hadn’t even left Kirkwall when our guide, Ewan, started telling us about his gran’s favorite Orkney baking. He handed out these little oatcakes he’d packed — not part of the official tour, but honestly, that first bite set the tone. There’s something about traveling around Orkney with someone who’s lived here forever; you get all the small details, like how the wind always smells faintly salty near Scapa Flow (it really does), or why everyone waves at passing cars. I tried it once — my wave was too enthusiastic, apparently. Ewan just grinned.

The drive out to Skara Brae felt like slipping into another century. The grass was still wet from last night’s rain and my shoes squelched a bit as we followed Ewan along the stone paths. He pointed out marks on the stones where Neolithic folk had cooked or maybe played games — I don’t know why but touching those cold rocks made me quiet for a minute. It’s strange to stand in someone’s kitchen from 5,000 years ago and hear seabirds overhead instead of traffic. We stopped again at the Ring of Brodgar and I tried counting all the stones but lost track halfway through (Ewan says nobody agrees on the exact number anyway).

After that we wound our way past Yesnaby’s cliffs — wild spray in the air, sheep just ignoring us completely — before heading to the Italian Chapel. That place surprised me most: painted ceilings by POWs who missed home so much they built beauty out of scrap metal and concrete. The air inside smelled faintly of candle wax and old paint; it was quiet except for someone whispering in Italian behind me. I didn’t expect to feel so moved by a tiny chapel on an island far from everything.

By the time we circled back toward town, Scapa Flow stretched out grey-blue under low clouds. Ewan told us stories about wartime secrets and sunken ships — some funny, some sad — while we sipped water in his van (included in the tour, which is good because my mouth was dry from all that sea breeze). I still think about that view over Scapa Flow, honestly. We said goodbye with a slightly awkward handshake because none of us wanted it to end just yet.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Orkney main archaeological and coastal sites

• Tour Skara Brae
• Visit Ring of Brodgar
• See Stones of Stenness
• Visit Italian Chapel
• View Yesnaby cliffs
• Drive past Scapa Flow

Top questions

How long is this Orkney highlights tour?

The private tour lasts around 5-6 hours.

Does this day trip include pickup?

Yes, private transportation with pickup is included.

What sites are visited on this Orkney day trip?

You’ll visit Skara Brae, Ring of Brodgar, Stones of Stenness, Yesnaby cliffs, Scapa Flow and the Italian Chapel.

Is lunch included during this Orkney tour?

No lunch is included but bottled water is provided.

Can larger groups book this private tour?

The vehicle fits up to 8 passengers; contact for larger group quotes.

Are infant seats available?

Yes, specialized infant seats are available upon request.

Is this tour suitable for cruise ship passengers?

Yes—it’s ideal for cruise visitors or anyone on a short stay in Orkney.

Are service animals allowed on this tour?

Yes, service animals are permitted.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation with pickup anywhere locally (including cruise port), bottled water throughout the journey, stories and commentary from your local guide as you travel between Skara Brae, Ring of Brodgar, Stenness stones, Yesnaby cliffs and Scapa Flow—with time to pause at each site before returning to town together.