Private Orkney Mainland tour with pickup: Neolithic sites

Four Neolithic stone circles and a 5,000-year-old village, built around your schedule

A private tour of Orkney Mainland with pickup from your hotel or chosen location, guided in English and built around your interests. You choose which sites to visit: Skara Brae (a UNESCO village from 3100 BC), Ring of Brodgar, Standing Stones of Stenness and coastal stretches for wildlife, and set the pace. The itinerary is flexible, start times adapt to your plans, and the tour runs up to 36 hours from your scheduled start if weather or delays require a reschedule.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Skara Brae1h 30m
2. Ring of Brodgar1h
3. Standing Stones of Stenness30m

Explore Orkney's Neolithic sites and nature

• Visit Skara Brae Neolithic village
• See nearby Skaill House (optional)
• Enjoy dramatic shore and wildlife spotting
• Explore Ring of Brodgar stone circle
• Visit Standing Stones of Stenness
• See the ancient thumb by Loch of Stenness

The experience

How do you see four Neolithic sites without renting a car or joining a fixed group? This tour picks you up from your hotel or anywhere on Orkney Mainland and takes you to the sites you want, when you want them. The guide speaks English and knows the archaeology and landscape well enough to answer questions or step back and let you explore independently. You decide how much commentary you want at each stop. The vehicle is a compact SUV, comfortable for up to three adults, though four can fit on request.

Skara Brae is a UNESCO village built around 3100 BC, one of Europe's oldest, with intact stone houses showing how a sophisticated ancient society lived. The Ring of Brodgar is a stone circle raised 5,000 years ago, older than Stonehenge, set in a nature reserve where you might spot seabirds and cetaceans offshore. Standing Stones of Stenness predates even Brodgar and sits at the heart of Orkney's Neolithic landscape. Between the monuments, the tour follows scenic routes and can include dramatic coastline, though most sites involve substantial walking outdoors. Orkney weather is typically windy and wet, so layers matter.

Flexible start times mean you can begin early or mid-morning to fit the rest of your day. The tour lasts four to five hours including transport, though you can request a longer or shorter version. If bad weather or your own delays mean you can't start on time, the operator guarantees availability for up to 36 hours from your scheduled start, so you're not locked into one morning. Skara Brae requires advance ticket booking through Historic Environment Scotland. The guide can help you plan around opening hours.

What’s included

• Pickup and drop-off from your hotel or any location on Orkney Mainland.
• English-speaking guide.
• transport in a compact SUV.
• flexible itinerary tailored to your interests.
• scenic routes at an unrushed pace.
• the option to explore sites independently or with guide commentary.
• access to sites you choose, though Skara Brae tickets must be booked separately in advance.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 22 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Paid on site£ 14

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Orkney Mainland Private Tour with pick-up

Is this one for you?Your guide speaks English throughout, so you can follow the history and landscape easily without a language barrier. The private format and flexible itinerary suit anyone who wants to linger at one stone circle or skip ahead to the next, and the compact vehicle works well for couples, small families or friends traveling together, though if your group is larger than three adults, let the operator know when you book.

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Top questions

What is Skara Brae and why do I need to book tickets in advance?

Skara Brae is a Neolithic village built around 3100 BC with stone houses still standing, one of Europe's oldest settlements and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Entry is timed and must be reserved ahead through Historic Environment Scotland's website to guarantee your slot during the tour.

Can I customize which sites we visit, or is the itinerary fixed?

The itinerary is entirely bespoke. You tell the guide which sites interest you (Skara Brae, Ring of Brodgar, Standing Stones of Stenness, coastal stretches for wildlife), and the tour is built around your choices. You can also request changes after the tour starts if you want to spend more time somewhere or skip a stop.

How much walking is involved at each site?

Most sites require substantial walking, though many routes can be adapted to your fitness level or mobility needs. The guide can discuss options in advance, and the operator has accommodated guests with walking aids and foldable wheelchairs before. Contact them before booking if you have specific concerns.

What if the weather is bad or I'm running late on the morning of the tour?

The tour is guaranteed to be available for up to 36 hours from your scheduled start time, so if Orkney's typical wind and rain delay you or if conditions worsen, you can reschedule without losing your booking. Flexible start times also let you pick a morning that suits your plans.

Is the guide included, and what language do they speak?

Yes, an English-speaking guide is included with the tour. They can provide commentary on the archaeology and landscape or let you explore independently. You choose how much guidance you want at each stop.

How many people can fit in the vehicle?

The tour vehicle is a compact SUV most comfortable for up to three adults. Four guests can be accommodated on request, though space is tighter. Infant seats are available if you're traveling with young children.