Norse Orkney —
Private Viking Heritage Tour
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Explore Kirkwall, Maeshowe, Orkney's Viking Parliament & Birsay with a Private Guide
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From £700 (tickets included) • Cruise & ferry pickup • Full refund guarantee
BOOK NOW
Runic graffiti, earls and tides: walk the Viking story written into Orkney’s stones
In the late 8th and 9th centuries, Norse settlers sailed across the North Sea, drawn by Orkney’s rich farmland, sheltered anchorages, and strategic seas. They left Scandinavia to raid, trade, and ultimately rule — carving runes, raising earls, and anchoring their power in these islands. They also left their mark on our guide, Ciaran: from his surname to his right hand (ask him on the day, and you’ll hear the tale). From Maeshowe’s 12th-century runes — the largest collection of Viking inscriptions in a single prehistoric monument — to Kirkwall’s Norse heart and the tidal stronghold of Brough of Birsay, once seat of the Earls of Orkney, this is the definitive Viking heritage tour of Orkney.
Ciaran & Tour Orkney specialise in private tours filled with memorable moments and enriching experiences. Check out our Google reviews.
What you’ll see - typical route
(Order adapts to tides, light and crowds. Brough of Birsay requires a low-tide window.)
Maeshowe — Chambered tomb later used by Vikings for winter shelter, with world-famous runic graffiti.
Broch of Gurness — Iron Age broch adapted by Norse farmers into longhouses.
Kirkwall walking tour — Explore medieval streets, the Viking parliament (Thing) site, and Norse-founded St Magnus Cathedral.
Brough of Birsay — Cross the causeway (tide-permitting) to Norse settlement ruins, church foundations and dramatic sea views.
At a glance
Format: fully private tour in a comfortable vehicle with space for 8 passengers
Duration: 7 hours (can be shortened if tight on time)
Pick-up options: Kirkwall, Stromness, cruise terminal, airport, or your accommodation
Price: from £700 total (private vehicle, guiding & all entry tickets included). Capacity: up to 8 guests. Only £112pp with 8 guests — book now
Owen: "Ciaran was an amazing tour guide. He was very knowledgeable about all the Viking sites we visited as well as the beautiful landscape as we were driving. We would highly recommend Ciaran to anyone looking to get a tour of Orkney"
☆☆☆☆☆
Krätzler: "Very interesting tour around Kirkwall, great and funny tour guide!! I would love to go on another tour with Ciaran."
☆☆☆☆☆
Jresnick4: "Thumbs up for Ciaran the guide. Knowledgeable positive person guiding you through the Norse history of the Orkneys and more. Excellent day."
☆☆☆☆☆
Other Private Tours from Stromness
(We can shorten any of these to work within the ferry timetable - get in touch to request)
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Puffin Adventurer: Spend the day searching dramatic coastlines for our cutest visitors (our most flexible itinerary) .
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Whisky & History Tour: Highland Park or Scapa distillery visit, plus stone circles and wartime stories.
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Neolithic Wonders: A deeper dive into Orkney’s UNESCO World Heritage sites.
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Orkney at War: Ness Battery, Churchill Barriers, Scapa Flow, Italian Chapel and the Royal Oak story.
Visiting on the Scrabster (Thurso) – Stromness ferry? See Orkney Day Trip from Thurso (Scrabster).
Want to see the best of Orkney on a cruise day? See Orkney Highlights — Private Shore Excursion
FAQ: Viking & Norse Tours of Orkney
What is included in a Viking heritage tour of Orkney?
A private vehicle, expert local guide, entry tickets, and a full-day itinerary of Norse highlights including Maeshowe, Birsay, Kirkwall and more.
Do I need a timed ticket for Maeshowe?
Yes. We arrange this in advance. If unavailable, we visit Unstan chambered tomb instead.
Is Brough of Birsay always accessible?
No. It’s tide-dependent. We plan around the tide; if it doesn’t fit, we add an alternative stop.
How much walking is involved?
Short walks on uneven paths. Maeshowe/Unstan require stooping through low entrances. The Birsay causeway can be slippery. We adapt pace and provide easier viewpoints if needed.
Can children join a Viking tour?
Absolutely. Viking stories and rune graffiti fascinate younger explorers. We adjust pacing and stops.
Ready to step into the Viking age?
Enquire now to reserve your Private Viking Heritage Tour. Tell us your dates, group size and pick-up point (Kirkwall, Stromness, cruise pier, airport). We’ll shape the day to tides, stories and your interests.