Exploring Orkney with a Private Guide: An Honest Look at the Historic Odyssey Tour
If you’re planning a trip to Orkney and want to get a real feel for the island’s rich tapestry of sites and stories, the Historic Orkney Private Odyssey Tour by a Native Islander might just be what you’re after. We haven’t personally taken this exact tour, but based on rave reviews and detailed descriptions, it’s clear that it offers a personalized, flexible experience that prioritizes your interests.
What really stands out is the fully private and customizable nature of the tour—you’re not stuck on a bus with strangers but instead enjoy a tailored journey through some of Orkney’s most iconic spots. The second big plus? The guide is a true local, which means you’ll get insights and anecdotes you simply can’t find in guidebooks. On the flip side, if you’re hoping for a very structured or group-based experience, this might feel a bit too flexible or personal for your taste.
This tour is best suited for travelers who want to see the highlights at their own pace and appreciate local knowledge over pre-set itineraries. It’s ideal if you’re arriving on a cruise, taking a day trip via ferry, or spending a short stay and want to maximize your time on the island with a personalized guide.
Key Points
- Fully private and customizable experience tailored to your interests
- Led by a native Orcadian with extensive local knowledge
- Flexible itinerary with no strict timings, allowing you to explore at your own pace
- Includes pickup and drop-off from various locations on the mainland
- Duration typically 5 hours, with options to extend for an extra fee
- Ideal for small groups of up to 4 people, ensuring personalized attention
Why This Tour Stands Out
The first thing that strikes about this experience is its intimate, private nature. Unlike larger coach or group tours, this one is designed solely around your preferences. You’re in the driver’s seat—literally—and can choose where to spend more time. Whether you’re fascinated by prehistoric sites, like Skara Brae, or want to soak up the scenic beauty of Yesnaby, your guide will focus on what excites you most.
Another highlight is the local expertise. As one enthusiastic reviewer put it, Calum, the guide, is a native Orcadian who loves sharing his land’s stories. His in-depth knowledge and personal anecdotes make the experience more than just a sightseeing trip—they turn it into a story-rich journey that helps you truly understand the place.
Plus, the flexibility with timing and route is a major draw. The tour is not locked into a strict schedule, and the number of sites visited is up to you. This means you can spend longer at a favorite spot or skip something that doesn’t appeal. As one reviewer shared, “He showed us what we asked to see, and a lot that we didn’t know to ask for,” which perfectly captures how personalized this experience can be.
The Itinerary Breakdown
While the tour is adaptable, the standard route includes several must-see highlights, making sure you get a good taste of Orkney’s history and scenery. Here’s what you might expect, along with some insights:
Stop 1: Pickup from Your Location
Your guide offers multiple pickup points, including Kirkwall, Stromness, Saint Margaret’s Hope, and even the ferry terminals. This flexibility helps streamline your day, especially if you’re arriving via cruise or ferry. They’ll collect you in a comfortable midsize SUV or estate car, both offering more space and comfort than typical minivans. This means you’ll travel in relative ease, with plenty of room for all your gear and any stops along the way.
Stop 2: Scapa Flow
On the way to your main sites, you’ll enjoy scenic views of Scapa Flow, a significant body of water full of history, especially related to naval activity. The views alone make this a worthwhile stop, even if just for a few moments to take pictures.
More Great Tours NearbyStop 3: Unstan Chambered Cairn
This site offers a guided tour of one of the Neolithic tombs—an ancient burial site that predates many other historic sites. Visitors often find these tombs fascinating, and the guide’s stories add layers of context that bring the stones to life.
Stop 4: Yesnaby
Known for its rugged cliffs and dramatic coastal scenery, Yesnaby offers a quick but stunning stop. The guide provides a 15-minute guided tour, giving you a taste of this wild landscape, perfect for photography or just soaking in the views.
Stop 5: Skara Brae
Arguably the most famous prehistoric site in Orkney, Skara Brae is a must-visit. The guide’s 1-hour tour here helps you understand the Neolithic village, its layout, and its significance in human history. Reviewers say this site is especially captivating, with some noting that it’s often missed on larger tours.
Stop 6: Ring of Brodgar
This impressive stone circle is a highlight, with a 45-minute guided tour providing detailed insights into its construction and purpose. The stones are massive, and the sense of history and mystery makes this a memorable stop.
Stop 7: Standing Stones of Stenness
Adjacent to the Ring of Brodgar, these stones are smaller but equally intriguing. The short 20-minute visit offers a chance to consider how ancient peoples arranged and used these monuments.
Stop 8: Drop-off
At the end of the tour, you’ll be returned to your initial pickup point, giving you flexibility about your next plans or accommodations.
The Experience of a Private, Custom Tour
One of the most praised aspects of this tour is the lack of strict timings and fixed routes. Instead, your guide will tailor the day based on your interests and pace. For instance, if you’re really into prehistoric sites, more time can be allocated there; if landscape views are your priority, the itinerary adjusts accordingly.
Many reviewers mention how the guide’s local knowledge adds depth to the experience. As one person said, “He shared interesting facts and stories about his grandfather and what it’s like to grow up on the island.” These personal touches turn a sightseeing trip into a genuine journey into Orkney life.
The vehicles used—a midsize SUV or 4×4 estate—are comfortable, even for longer drives or rougher roads near coastal and rural sites. This makes a difference over many tours that rely on cramped minibuses. Plus, with only up to 4 passengers, everyone gets personalized attention.
Pricing and Value
The tour costs $592 for up to 4 people, which breaks down to about $148 per person. While that’s not cheap, the private and flexible setup offers a level of intimacy and customization you won’t get elsewhere. Entry tickets to sites like Skara Brae are not included but can be purchased at cost price on the day or pre-booked to save time.
Considering the private guide, vehicle, and the tailored experience, many travelers find this to be good value—especially if you’re after a relaxed, personalized day without the stress of large group tours or rigid schedules.
Practical Tips for Booking and Going
- Book early if you have specific sites you want to see or prefer a particular start time, especially during peak season.
- It’s best to confirm pickup locations and times ahead of your tour day.
- Pack comfortable shoes and some cash for entrance fees or small purchases.
- Waterproofs are provided if needed; the tour runs regardless of weather.
Is This Tour Right for You?
If you appreciate personalized service and local insights, this tour is a real winner. It’s perfect for those who want to avoid cookie-cutter group trips and instead craft their own day on Orkney. The small-group, private setting fosters a relaxed atmosphere where your interests take center stage.
However, if you’re someone who prefers a fixed itinerary or more structured schedule, this might feel too flexible. Also, it’s not suitable for those with mobility issues or who prefer wheelchair-accessible options, as the tour isn’t designed for wheelchairs. The size limit of 243 lbs and the vehicle type might also influence some travelers.
Overall, seasoned travelers who value storytelling, bespoke experiences, and scenic exploration will find this tour a memorable way to connect with Orkney’s unique character.
Historic Orkney Private Odyssey Tour By a Native Islander
“Don´t miss the opportunity to book this crazy guide! Not dusty like lots of others, but funny, full of historic knowledge about Orkney and constan…”
FAQs
Can I customize the itinerary?
Yes, the tour is fully customizable, with no fixed route or timings. You can prioritize sites you want to see most or explore at your own pace.
Where does the tour pick me up from?
Pickup is available from various locations including Kirkwall, Stromness, Saint Margaret’s Hope, and ferry terminals. Just specify your location when booking.
Are entry tickets included?
No, tickets to sites like Skara Brae are not included but can be purchased at cost price on the day, or you can book in advance to avoid capacity issues.
How long does the tour last?
The standard tour is 5 hours long, but there’s flexibility to extend on the day if you want to see more.
What vehicles are used?
A midsize SUV or 4×4 estate, both offering more comfort and space than typical minibuses, suitable for groups up to 4 people.
Is this tour suitable for families or children?
While the data doesn’t specify family suitability, the relaxed, private nature and short stops make it potentially suitable for travelers with older children interested in history and scenery.
What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour proceeds regardless of weather, with waterproofs provided at no extra charge, so you can still enjoy the day’s highlights.
If you’re after a flexible, private way to experience Orkney’s memorable sights with a local guide who genuinely loves his land, this tour offers a thoughtful, tailor-made approach. It’s particularly well-suited for curious travelers who value stories, scenic beauty, and the freedom to explore on their own terms.
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