Skara Brae Attractions & Things to do

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 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.

The archipelago of Orkney hides many treasures: and on our new three-day tour, your experienced driver-guide will ensure you find the best of them.

You’ll unearth some of the most well-preserved prehistoric sites in Europe, examine a beautiful red sandstone coast, and discover the vibrant culture of remote island communities. All from the comfort of a luxury, 16 seat mini-coach.

It’s an experience you’ll treasure for a lifetime.
Duration: 3 days.

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.

A private tour that is tailored to your wants needs and wishes. To see our magnificent views of the scenery, bird and sea life as well as our iconic neolithic and bronze age monuments. If there are specific sites you wish to see that has not been mentioned please let me know so I can adjust the itinerary.

If you require a lunch stop please give me plenty notice to book in advance

Collection and drop offs can altered to your choice
Duration: 5 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.

Leave mainland Scotland behind and travel across the North Sea to reach the Orkney Islands on this incredible 3-day trip from Inverness. Remote yet enticing, this breathtaking little collection of islands boast stunning scenery, an abundance of wildlife and untold amounts of archaeological treasures. Visit the poignant Italian Chapel that was built during the Second World War, and discover the monuments known as the Heart of Neolithic Orkney – collectively listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Duration: 3 days.

Now live for my second season, truly customisable unique guided tours of Orkney and its outer Islands by a native Orcadian with a lifetime of experience and stories which you will not find online! I look forward to getting to know all of my guests from around the world.

It was my goal, from my own experiences gained through international travel and valuable feedback gained from clients and expert guides locally during the 2024 season to provide a truly unique, stress free local experience with no set routes or rehearsed scripts and full flexibility to my clients. All of my tours are truly private tours and I do not sell spare seats in order to give you the best experience possible when visiting the Historic Orkney archipelago.

I currently use a midsize SUV for my tours but also drive a 4x4 estate car, both have a capacity of 4 mid sized adults or 3 with extra space. These offer more room than most minibus platform vehicles.

My message response time is usually within 12 hours.

Duration: 5 hours.

My tours, including sites like the Skara Brae, Italian Chapel, Scapa Flow, Broch of Gurness, Brough of Birsay, Marwick Head, Yesnaby Cliffs, Ring of Brodgar, Standing Stones of Stenness, and many more are unique for several reasons:

Skara Brae is Europe's best-preserved prehistoric village, dating back over 5,000 years.

Italian Chapel was built by Italian POWs during World War II, making it a symbol of hope and resilience.

Maeshowe is a Neolithic chambered cairn, known for its winter solstice alignment and its Viking graffiti.

Ring of Brodgar and Standing Stones of Stenness are both part of a UNESCO World Heritage site known as the Heart of Neolithic Orkney.

Yesnaby Cliffs and Marwick Head are known for their dramatic sea cliffs, offering breath taking coastal views.

Overall, these tours are unique because they offer a fascinating blend of ancient history, dramatic natural beauty, and wartime significance, all while experiencing Orkney’s exceptional landscape and wildlife.


Duration: 6 to 8 hours.

The tour will be led by a knowledgeable local who will provide information at each site, allowing you to explore at your leisure.

Additional sites can be included, or the itinerary can be adjusted according to your preferences.
Duration: 4 hours.

Venture to the far-flung Orkney Islands on a 5-day tour from Edinburgh with 3-star accommodation included, and visit top Highland towns and attractions, too! With a friendly guide, travel through the Highlands, visiting Loch Ness and Glencoe, and pass John o’Groats on route to the stunning Orkney Island archipelago. With Kirkwall (Orkney’s capital) as your base, discover the area’s historical highlights such as Skara Brae, Maeshowe and the Standing Stones of Stenness. On route back to Edinburgh, call in at the 15th-century ruins of Ardvreck Castle and Culloden Moor, an important Jacobite battlefield. Overnight stays in Inverness and Ullapool are included, plus two nights in Kirkwall.

*Tour Price includes entrance to Skara Brae, Maeshowe and Culloden Battlefield.
Duration: 5 days.

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.

An adventure to the Orkney Isles – experience Scotland’s incredible history, nature and people on this fantastic four day tour! Visit the pre-historic sites of Skara Brae, Maes Howe and the standing stones of the Ring of Brodgar. Learn about the Churchill Barriers, the Italian Chapel and St Magnus Cathedral.
Duration: 5 days.

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.

Experience an extra small group tour of up to only 8 Clients

Explore some of the most gorgeous and historic locations in the Highlands of Scotland and the Orkney Islands over 5 wonderful days.

Visit the Kings estate of Balmoral, walk in beautiful Woodlands, travel through the Cairngorms and Loch Lomond National Park and visit Culloden Battlefield and search for Nessie on a cruise of Loch Ness

Drive the scenic NC500 route and get a wonderful experience at Dunrobin Castle before drinking delicious Scotch Whisky on a Highland Distillery Tour, then walk to a historic ruined Castle before getting the boat across to the Orkney Islands

Experience the historic Viking town of Kirkwall.
Travel back in time and get up close to 5000 year old Standing Stones, Stone Circles and enter ancient Chambered Burial Cairns

Enjoy a lovely walk at Dunnet Head Nature Reserve.
Visit John O Groats the most northerly settlement on the British mainland and discover the beauty of Glencoe & the Highlands.


Duration: 5 days.

Spend an unforgettable 8 days with us as we explore Scotland's North Coast 500. Discover Scotland's most beautiful sites from Dunrobin Castle to Skara Brae, the Isle of Skye and the world-famous Jacobite Steam Train. Immerse yourself in Scotland's rich history with one of our fantastic guides, and make lifelong memories along the way.
Duration: 8 days.

Now live for my second season, truly customisable unique guided tours of Orkney and its outer Islands by a native Orcadian with a lifetime of experience and stories which you will not find online! I look forward to getting to know all of my guests from around the world.

It was my goal, from my own experiences gained through international travel and valuable feedback gained from clients and expert guides locally during the 2024 season to provide a truly unique, stress free local experience with no set routes or rehearsed scripts and full flexibility to my clients. All of my tours are truly private tours and I do not sell spare seats in order to give you the best experience possible when visiting the Historic Orkney archipelago.

I currently use a midsize SUV for my tours but also drive a 4x4 estate car, both have a capacity of 4 mid sized adults or 3 with extra space. These offer more room than most minibus platform vehicles.

My message response time is usually within 12 hours.

Duration: 7 hours.

Experience an extra small group tour of up to only 8 Clients

Explore some of the most gorgeous and historic locations in the Highlands of Scotland and the Orkney Islands.

Day 1
Drive the scenic NC500 route and get a wonderful experience at Dunrobin Castle before drinking delicious Scotch Whisky on a Highland Distillery Tour, Then walk to a historic ruined Castle before getting the boat across to the Orkney Islands

Day 2
Experience the historic Viking town of Kirkwall.
Travel back in time and get up close to 5000 year old Standing Stones, Stone Circles and enter a ancient Chambered Burial Cairn.

Day 3
Travel by boat over the Sea to the mainland before enjoying a lovely walk at Dunnet Head Nature Reserve.
Visit John O Groats the most northerly settlement on the British mainland.
Crawl on your hands and knees to reach the center of historic burial Cairns.
Experience coastal scenery on the stunning drive to Inverness

Duration: 3 days.

This tour takes you to the West coast, through the Highlands over to Skye and then up to the Orkney Isles with incredible driver-guides and comfortable panoramic windowed mini-buses and midi-coaches. Ride the Jacobite Steam Train, visit Loch Lomond and the Trossachs and The Cairngorms National Parks, Loch Ness, Culloden, Glen Coe, Eilean Donan Castle, Skara Brae, Maes Howe, the Ring of Brodgar and other landmarks of Scotland's rich history.
Duration: 8 days.

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.

These tours, which include sites like the Italian Chapel, Yesnaby Cliffs, Skara Brae, Ring of Brodgar, Standing Stones of Stenness, and the Unstan Burial Tomb are unique for several reasons.
These sites collectively offer a blend of historical, archaeological, natural, and cultural significance.
The Italian Chapel is a remarkable example of resilience and creativity. Built by Italian prisoners of war (War II).
Yesnaby Cliffs are famous for their dramatic sea cliffs and rugged coastline.
Skara Brae is one of the most complete and well-preserved prehistoric villages in Europe, dating back over 5,000 years.
The Ring of Brodgar is a Neolithic stone circle and part of the UNESCO-listed Heart of Neolithic Orkney.
The Standing Stones of Stenness are part of an ancient ritual complex and are among the oldest stone circles in Britain, dating back to around 3,000 BCE.
The Unstan Burial Tomb is a Neolithic chambered cairn and one of several burial sites found on Orkney and the oldest of all.
Duration: 6 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.

Stepping back in time and delving into the rich tapestry of Orkney’s past with our expertly guided tours. The Orkney Islands are a treasure trove of Neolithic wonders, boasting some of the world’s most well-preserved archaeological sites. From the ancient village of Skara Brae to the majestic Ring of Brodgar, our tours offer you a unique opportunity to walk in the footsteps of those who shaped history thousands of years ago. Discover the secrets of Orkney’s ancient landscape and uncover the stories behind these remarkable sites. And not forgetting the role Scapa Flow did play in both world wars and the magnificent "Miracle of camp 60" The Italian Chapel and many more.


Duration: 6 to 8 hours.

Maximum 8 Clients - Extra Small Group Tours

Consistently awarded 5 Star Reviews

Explore some of the most gorgeous and historic locations in the Highlands of Scotland and the Orkney Islands over 5 wonderful days.

Walk in beautiful Woodlands, travel through the Cairngorms and Loch Lomond National Park visit Culloden Battlefield, and search for Nessie on a cruise of Loch Ness

Drive the scenic NC500 route and get a wonderful experience at Dunrobin Castle before drinking delicious Scotch Whisky on a Highland Distillery Tour, then walk to a historic ruined Castle before getting the boat across to the Orkney Islands

Experience the historic Viking town of Kirkwall.
Travel back in time and get up close to 5000-year-old Standing Stones, and Stone Circles and enter ancient Chambered Burial Cairns

Enjoy a lovely walk at Dunnet Head Nature Reserve.
Visit John O Groats the most northerly settlement on the British mainland and discover the beauty of Glencoe & the Highlands.


Duration: 5 days.

This tour is designed with relaxation and authenticity in mind and will only follow the schedule provided. All Valkyrie tours will be run by a local Orcadian with a lifetime of experience and stories of this magical island and its spectacular history dating back over 5000 years. All fees and lunch are included in the price to save the hassle of bookings and timings for the client. This tour departs the main travel centers and it is not possible to pick up from cruise ship docks without confirmation from the tour provider first, If arriving via cruise ship You will need to take the free shuttle bus to the travel center from Hatston port, Kirkwall or walk from Shore street. We committed to sustainable tourism and giving its clients the best experience possible when visiting Orkney and its archipelago of Islands.
Duration: 6 hours.