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Orkney Private Tour: Skara Brae & Ring of Brodgar

2 Reviews 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 2 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 100% of reviewers | Scotland, Scotland

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On average, this is booked 31 (0) days in advance.

6 hours (approx.)
Hotel pickup offered
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Overview

I’m an Orcadian born and brought up right here in Orkney. Join me on a relaxed private tour exploring some of the islands’ most remarkable places, including Skara Brae, the Ring of Brodgar and the Standing Stones of Stenness.
Whether it’s your first time here or your tenth, I’ll show you the Orkney I know — the hidden spots, the ancient sites that still feel alive, and the simple joys of island life. We’ll walk, chat, and take things at a relaxed pace. I’m not here to lecture — just to share what I know and love in a way that’s friendly, honest, and real.

If you enjoy a bit of fresh air, good company, and stories that go back thousands of years (with maybe a few sheep and sea views along the way), I’d be chuffed to show you around.

What's Included

  • Entrance fee
  • Private tour - Ford Custom Tourneo, seven passengers max
  • Snacks
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Meeting and Pickup

Pickup point
Pickup details

I can collect directly from the Cruise Liner Port

OR
Meeting point

West Castle Street
Kirkwall KW15 1GU, UK

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

What To Expect

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Ring of Brodgar

The Ring of Brodgar is a large Neolithic stone circle located in Orkney, Scotland, dating back to around 2500–2000 BCE. It is one of the most impressive prehistoric monuments in Britain and forms part of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney UNESCO World Heritage Site.The circle originally had 60 standing stones, though 36 remain today. They are arranged in a perfect circle over 104 metres wide, surrounded by a large rock-cut ditch. The size and precision of the monument suggest it was built for ceremonial or ritual purposes.Unlike other Neolithic sites, there is no sign of domestic use, reinforcing its likely spiritual or communal role. The ring sits dramatically between two lochs and is aligned with nearby monuments, indicating it was part of a larger sacred landscape.Although its exact purpose is unknown, the Ring of Brodgar remains a powerful reminder of the beliefs, organisation, and astronomical knowledge of prehistoric people in Orkney.
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30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Skara Brae

Skara Brae is a prehistoric stone village located on the Orkney Islands in Scotland. Dating back over 5,000 years (around 3200 BCE), it is one of the best-preserved Neolithic settlements in Europe—older than Stonehenge and the Pyramids of Egypt.Uncovered by a storm in 1850, the site consists of eight stone houses, each with stone furniture like beds, dressers, and a central hearth. The homes were built into the ground for warmth and protection from the harsh climate. Artifacts found suggest a skilled and peaceful community, with no signs of warfare.Skara Brae is part of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and gives an extraordinary glimpse into everyday life in prehistoric times.
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1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Barnhouse Neolithic Settlement

Barnhouse is a Neolithic village located near the Standing Stones of Stenness on the Orkney Islands, dating to around 3200 BCE. Discovered in 1984, the site includes the remains of stone-built houses used by some of Orkney’s earliest farming communities.The village had at least 15 houses, each with a central hearth and stone furniture, similar to nearby Skara Brae. The layout suggests everyday domestic life, including cooking, sleeping, and possibly craftwork.One building, known as Structure Eight, is larger and more complex than the others. It may have had a ceremonial or communal purpose, hinting at some form of leadership or shared gathering in the village.Barnhouse sits close to major ceremonial sites like the Standing Stones of Stenness and the Ring of Brodgar, suggesting it was part of a wider sacred and social landscape in Neolithic Orkney.
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30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

The Italian Chapel

The Italian Chapel is a beautifully crafted Roman Catholic chapel located on Lamb Holm, a small island in Orkney. It was built during World War II by Italian prisoners of war who were held on the island while working on the construction of the Churchill Barriers—defensive causeways protecting Scapa Flow.The chapel was created inside two Nissen huts joined together, and transformed using limited materials like concrete, scrap metal, and paint. Led by prisoner Domenico Chiocchetti, the men decorated the interior with intricate artwork, including a painted altar, frescoes, and religious symbols, turning the humble structure into a stunning place of worship.Completed in 1944, the Italian Chapel stands as a symbol of faith, resilience, and peace. It remains a popular visitor attraction and a powerful reminder of the human spirit, even in times of war.
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40 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Standing Stones of Stenness

Standing Stones of Stenness is one of the oldest known stone circles in the British Isles, located on the Orkney Islands in Scotland. Dating back to around 3100 BCE, it predates both Stonehenge and the Ring of Brodgar. This ancient site is part of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that includes several key prehistoric monuments.Originally, the circle may have consisted of up to 12 massive stones, set within a circular ditch and bank. Today, four large stones remain standing, some over 5 metres (16 feet) tall. Despite its incomplete appearance, the scale and design of the monument are impressive and suggest significant ceremonial or ritual use.The site’s location—close to the Ring of Brodgar and other Neolithic structures—indicates it was part of a larger sacred landscape. Although the exact purpose remains unknown, the Standing Stones of Stenness are believed to have played an important role in the spiritual and communal life of Orkney’s early inhabitants.
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30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Stromness

Stromness is a picturesque Orkney harbor town known for its winding streets, local craft shops, galleries, and rich maritime history. Don’t miss the Pier Arts Centre and the town’s unique handmade goods and island crafts.
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30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Yesnaby Cliffs

Yesnaby Cliffs are dramatic sea cliffs on Orkney’s west coast, famed for their towering rock formations, sea stacks, and powerful Atlantic views. A great spot for coastal walks, birdwatching, and photography, they showcase Orkney’s wild natural beauty.
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30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Operated by a business

Frequently Asked Questions

(6)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Orkney Private Tour: Skara Brae & Ring of Brodgar?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (BST). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

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Activity code: C-5583687P1

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Reviews

5.00
2 reviews

Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 2 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and partner sites such as Trustpilot, Viator, and TripAdvisor

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What's Included

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  • Entrance fee
  • Private tour - Ford Custom Tourneo, seven passengers max
  • Snacks

Additional Info

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  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Operated by a business

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You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (BST).

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