The Orkney: West Mainland Group Day Tour offers travelers an opportunity to uncover the rich Neolithic heritage of the Orkney Islands. This intimate tour takes visitors on a captivating 4.5-hour journey, exploring archaeological wonders like the Unstan Chambered Cairn and the renowned Skara Brae settlement. With stunning coastal views and seamless access to the attractions, the tour provides a personalized experience for a maximum of 8 participants. But the true allure of this tour lies in the insights shared by the knowledgeable guides, who bring the islands’ history to life.
Key Points
- This guided 4.5-hour tour explores the archaeological sites of the Orkney Islands, including the 5,300-year-old Unstan Chambered Cairn, Skara Brae, and the Ring of Brodgar.
- The tour is priced from $140.83 per person, with a maximum group size of 8, and offers flexible booking options and free cancellation.
- Highlights include a guided tour of Skara Brae, photo stops at Yesnaby Cliffs, and visits to the iconic Ring of Brodgar and Standing Stones of Stenness.
- The tour includes entry tickets, knowledgeable site guides, and transportation, providing a seamless and immersive experience for visitors.
- The tour has received an overall rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars, with praise for the knowledgeable guides and quality transportation.
Tour Overview
The Orkney: West Mainland Group Day Tour is a comprehensive 4.5-hour guided excursion that takes visitors to the most iconic archaeological sites on the Orkney Islands.
A 4.5-hour guided tour of the Orkney Islands’ most iconic archaeological sites, including Unstan Chambered Cairn and Skara Brae.
Priced from $140.83 per person, the tour has a maximum group size of 8 participants and is conducted in English.
Booking is flexible, with options to reserve now and pay later, and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
The tour starts and ends at the Kirkwall Travel Centre, with the possibility of drop-off at the cruise ship port if required.
The tour includes guided visits to Unstan Chambered Cairn, Skara Brae, Ring of Brodgar, and other ancient landmarks.
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Itinerary Highlights
Starting at the Kirkwall Travel Centre, the tour takes visitors on a journey through Orkney’s rich history and stunning landscapes.
The first stop is the 5,300-year-old Unstan Chambered Cairn, where a 15-minute guided tour provides insight into this ancient burial site.
Next, the tour visits the dramatic Yesnaby Cliffs for a 15-minute photo stop, capturing the area’s breathtaking coastal scenery.
The highlight is the 85-minute guided tour of Skara Brae, the best-preserved Neolithic village in Northern Europe.
The tour also includes stops at the iconic Ring of Brodgar and the Standing Stones of Stenness.
Attractions
Unstan Tomb, a 5,300-year-old burial chamber, offers a glimpse into Orkney’s rich Neolithic heritage.
The rugged Yesnaby Cliffs showcase the region’s stunning coastal scenery.
Skara Brae, a 5,000-year-old Neolithic village, is the best-preserved of its kind in Northern Europe.
The iconic Ring of Brodgar, a 4,500-year-old stone circle, stands as a testament to the engineering prowess of the island’s ancient inhabitants.
The Standing Stones of Stenness, the oldest stone circle in the UK, further illustrate the enduring fascination with monumental architecture in Neolithic Orkney.
Included Features
This Orkney day tour offers several included features to enhance the experience.
Travelers will enjoy an in-vehicle sound system that provides clear guidance throughout the tour. Knowledgeable site guides lead tours at key locations, sharing insights about the ancient landmarks.
Entry tickets to all sites are included, allowing seamless access. For cruise ship passengers, the tour also offers drop-off at the cruise port.
With these thoughtful inclusions, visitors can enjoy the rich history and stunning landscapes of Orkney without worrying about logistics.
More Great Tours NearbyCustomer Feedback
According to the available customer feedback, the Orkney: West Mainland Group Day Tour has received an impressive overall rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars based on 53 reviews.
Travelers have particularly praised the knowledgeable guides, who provide engaging tours at the key locations. The transportation received a 4.9/5 rating, indicating a high level of satisfaction.
While most found the tour to be excellent value for money, some suggested allowing more time for lunch breaks.
Booking and Cancellation
The Orkney: West Mainland Group Day Tour offers booking flexibility, allowing visitors to reserve their spot now and pay later.
The tour has a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance, ensuring travelers can get a full refund if their plans change. This provides peace of mind and the ability to book with confidence.
The maximum group size is 8 participants, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience. With English as the primary language and knowledgeable guides, the tour caters to an international audience.
Tour Duration and Group Size
Though the Orkney: West Mainland Group Day Tour lasts 4.5 hours, it packs in a wealth of historical and scenic highlights.
Though the Orkney: West Mainland Group Day Tour lasts 4.5 hours, it packs in a wealth of historical and scenic highlights.
The tour keeps groups small, with a maximum of 8 participants, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience. This allows for:
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Navigating narrow pathways with ease
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Ensuring everyone can hear the guide’s insights
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Providing ample opportunities for questions and discussions
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Capturing the best photos without crowds
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Enjoying a more immersive exploration of the region’s ancient wonders
The tour’s compact duration and small group size make it an efficient and enriching way to discover the highlights of Orkney’s West Mainland.
Starting and Return Points
The Orkney: West Mainland Group Day Tour begins and ends at the Kirkwall Travel Centre, a convenient starting point within the town of Kirkwall.
From here, the tour takes visitors to various historical sites across the West Mainland region, including the Unstan Chambered Cairn, Yesnaby Cliffs, Skara Brae, the Ring of Brodgar, and the Standing Stones of Stenness.
At the end of the tour, the group is returned to the Kirkwall Travel Centre or, if required, can be dropped off at the nearby cruise ship port, ensuring a seamless transportation experience throughout the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are There Any Wheelchair-Accessible Options Available?
The tour offers wheelchair-accessible options, with sites and transportation accommodating guests with mobility needs. Customers are advised to discuss any special requirements when booking to ensure a comfortable and inclusive experience.
Can I Bring My Own Snacks and Drinks on the Tour?
Yes, participants can bring their own snacks and drinks on the tour. The tour does not provide food or beverages, so bringing personal items is allowed and encouraged to ensure a comfortable experience throughout the day.
How Much Walking Is Involved During the Tour?
There is moderate walking involved during the tour, with short stops at each site. Guests should expect to walk for around 15-30 minutes at a time, with opportunities to take breaks. The terrain is generally flat and well-maintained.
Can I Extend the Tour to Visit Additional Sites?
Yes, you can extend the tour to visit additional sites. The tour operator offers flexibility to customize the itinerary, though additional fees may apply. Travelers can discuss their preferences with the operator when booking.
What Should I Bring to Make the Most of the Tour?
Bring comfortable walking shoes, warm layers, and a camera to capture the stunning coastal scenery and ancient historical sites. Pack a snack or light lunch to enjoy during the tour breaks. Remember to bring any necessary medications and sun protection.
The Sum Up
The Orkney: West Mainland Group Day Tour offers a captivating journey through the Orkney Islands’ rich Neolithic heritage. With knowledgeable guides, seamless access to top attractions, and flexible booking options, this intimate tour provides a personalized experience for visitors seeking to explore the archaeological wonders of this stunning region.
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