Explore the ancient wonders of Neolithic Orkney on this comprehensive full-day guided tour. Led by an expert, discover the remarkably preserved village of Skara Brae, the mysterious Stones of Stenness, and the grand Ring of Brodgar – all UNESCO World Heritage sites. With comfortable transportation and tailored to cruise ship passengers’ interests, this tour immerses visitors in the rich history of these captivating Neolithic landscapes. Prepare to be transported back in time as you uncover the secrets of this remarkable region.

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Key Points

A 7-hour guided tour showcasing Orkney’s best-preserved Neolithic sites, including Skara Brae, Stones of Stenness, and Ring of Brodgar.
Customizable itinerary and private guide available to cater to individual interests.
Transportation provided via a comfortable minibus, accommodating up to 8 passengers.
Entrance fees to Skara Brae not included, and guests must purchase tickets separately.
Proper attire and preparation, such as warm clothing and water, recommended for the tour.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This Neolithic Orkney Full Day Guided Tour offers an immersive exploration of Orkney’s prehistoric treasures. Lasting 7 hours, the tour takes visitors to key Neolithic sites like Skara Brae, Stones of Stenness, and the Ring of Brodgar.

Designed for cruise ship passengers, the tour provides a flexible booking option with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. A private guide leads the way, tailoring the itinerary to guests’ interests and providing transportation via a comfortable minibus.

While entrance fees to Skara Brae are excluded, the tour includes guided visits, unique experiences, and the chance to discover hidden gems across this UNESCO World Heritage site.

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Neolithic Orkney Full Day Guided Tour

Tour Highlights

The tour highlights a guided exploration of key Neolithic sites in Orkney. Guests will visit Skara Brae, Europe’s best-preserved Neolithic village, and the Stones of Stenness, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The itinerary also includes the Barnhouse Settlement, House 8, and the Ring of Brodgar – one of Britain’s largest stone circles. Plus, the tour covers the Unstan Chambered Tomb and the Brough of Birsay tidal island. Visitors will have the opportunity to discover hidden gems and iconic landmarks throughout the day.

| Site | Significance | Highlights |

| — | — | — |

| Skara Brae | Europe’s best-preserved Neolithic village | Glimpse into ancient life |

| Stones of Stenness | Introduction to UNESCO World Heritage Site | Monumental stone circle |

| Ring of Brodgar | One of Britain’s largest stone circles | Stunning archaeological marvel |

Guided Experience

Although the tour is private, the guide, Ciaran, tailors the itinerary to cater to guests’ specific interests and preferences. He provides a live guided experience in English, sharing his deep knowledge of Orkney’s Neolithic history and heritage.

Guests travel in a comfortable minibus accommodating up to 8 passengers. Ciaran ensures a personal and flexible tour, allowing guests to explore hidden gems and iconic sites at their own pace.

The guided visits cover key sites like Skara Brae, Stones of Stenness, and the Ring of Brodgar, providing an immersive look into Orkney’s Neolithic past.

Inclusions and Exclusions

While the tour includes guided visits of key sites, transportation, and unique itineraries tailored to guests’ interests, it excludes entrance tickets to Skara Brae, which must be paid by the customer on the day or booked in advance for a fee.

Meals, drinks, and personal expenses are also not included. Customers are advised to dress warmly and bring water, as smoking isn’t allowed in the vehicle.

The tour guide, Ciaran, provides a live guided experience in English, and the itinerary can be customized by contacting the guide.

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Preparation and Restrictions

Customers are advised to come prepared for the tour by dressing warmly. The weather on Orkney can be unpredictable, so layers and waterproof clothing are essential.

Bringing a water bottle is also recommended, as there may be few opportunities to purchase drinks during the tour. Smoking is strictly prohibited inside the tour vehicle, and guests are expected to respect this policy.

The tour guide will provide any necessary equipment or gear. With the right preparation, guests can fully enjoy the fascinating Neolithic sites without worrying about the elements.

Booking Information

When checking availability, guests can inquire about starting times for the Neolithic Orkney Tour. The tour is designed to be flexible, allowing travelers to customize their itinerary by contacting the guide directly.

Some key booking information includes:

Availability can be checked online or by contacting the guide
Guests can reserve their spot now and pay later
Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance
Entrance tickets to Skara Brae can be purchased on the day or booked in advance for a fee

Exploring Skara Brae

One of the highlights of the Neolithic Orkney Tour is the guided visit to Skara Brae, Europe’s best-preserved Neolithic village. This 5,000-year-old settlement offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of Orkney’s Neolithic inhabitants. Visitors can explore the remarkably well-preserved stone houses, furnishings, and artifacts that have been unearthed at the site. The tour guide will provide insights into the daily routines, social structures, and technological advancements of this ancient community. Exploring Skara Brae is an immersive and educational experience that brings the distant past to life.

| Feature | Description |

| — | — |

| Preservation | Europe’s best-preserved Neolithic village |

| Age | 5,000 years old |

| Highlights | Stone houses, furnishings, artifacts |

| Experience | Immersive, educational |

Discovering the Stones of Stenness

The Stones of Stenness introduce visitors to the UNESCO World Heritage site known as the Heart of Neolithic Orkney.

This impressive Neolithic monument consists of four remaining stones, remnants of a once larger stone circle.

Visitors can:

Learn about the astronomical alignment and ritual significance of the site.
Appreciate the immense scale and craftsmanship of the stones, some reaching up to 6 meters in height.
Explore the nearby Barnhouse Settlement, a remarkably well-preserved Neolithic village that provides insights into daily life over 5,000 years ago.

The Stones of Stenness offer a profound connection to the ancient inhabitants of this remarkable landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lunch Provided During the Tour?

Lunch is not provided during the tour. The tour inclusions cover guided visits, transportation, and unique itineraries, but meals and drinks are excluded. Participants will need to bring their own lunch or purchase it separately.

Can Children Participate in the Tour?

Yes, children can participate in the tour. The group size is limited to 8 participants, so families with children are welcome. However, the tour may not be suitable for very young children due to the length and nature of the activities.

Are There Any Discounts for Seniors or Students?

The tour does not offer any discounts for seniors or students. Pricing is based on the tour for up to 8 participants, regardless of age or student status. Discounts aren’t mentioned in the tour details provided.

Is Photography Allowed at the Sites?

Photography is generally allowed at the sites, but visitors should check with the guide or site staff for any restrictions. Visitors are advised to be respectful and avoid disrupting the sites or other guests.

Can We Customize the Tour Duration or Stops?

The tour can be customized by contacting the guide to adjust the itinerary and duration. Guests can tailor the experience to their interests and schedule. However, the standard tour lasts 7 hours and visits the key Neolithic sites.

The Sum Up

The Neolithic Orkney Full Day Guided Tour offers a captivating journey through ancient history. Guests can enjoy the remarkable Skara Brae, the monumental Stones of Stenness, and the grand Ring of Brodgar, all under the expert guidance of Ciaran. With comfortable transportation and tailored to cruise ship passengers, this tour provides an unforgettable experience of UNESCO World Heritage sites.