One Day in Kirkwall: A Private-Guide Cruise Excursion

Docking in Kirkwall for a day? Here’s how to see Orkney’s highlights — comfortably, flexibly, and with a private cruise excursion that brings the islands to life.

Why Orkney is the Perfect Cruise Stop

When your ship drops anchor at Kirkwall, you’re stepping into 8,000 years of history. Within an hour’s drive you’ll find Neolithic villages older than the Pyramids, Viking cathedrals, wartime relics, and coastlines that still take the locals breath away.

The challenge? Cruise calls are short. Between docking, tendering, and “all aboard,” most guests only have 5–7 hours. That’s just enough — with a well-planned shore excursion.

A Private Cruise Excursion Itinerary from Kirkwall

Here’s how to experience the best of Orkney in one day, starting and ending right at the cruise pier.

Pick-up at the Cruise Pier

Your private guide meets you at the gangway or tender landing point. Forget waiting in a line for a coach bus — you step straight into a comfortable private minivan and set off on your own bespoke cruise excursion.

Morning — Stones of Stenness & Ring of Brodgar

First stop: the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• Stones of Stenness: over 5,000 years old and still commanding silence.

• Ring of Brodgar: Britain’s most impressive stone circle, surrounded by lochs and sky.

With a private guide, you can beat the big coach excursions and enjoy these monuments at your own pace.

Midday — Skara Brae & Lunch

Europe’s best-preserved Neolithic village, with stone beds, hearths, and dressers still intact. Learn how these houses were lived in long before Stonehenge was built.

Allow 60–90 minutes here. There’s a café for a quick bite, or you can bring a packed lunch overlooking the Bay of Skaill.

Afternoon — Italian Chapel & Scapa Flow

Drive across the Churchill Barriers, built during WWII, with dramatic views over Scapa Flow. Make a photo stop or two before reaching the Italian Chapel — a tiny but unforgettable chapel built by Italian prisoners of war.

Final Stop — St Magnus Cathedral, Kirkwall

Finish with a short visit to St Magnus Cathedral, the 12th-century Viking cathedral at the heart of Kirkwall. If time allows, stroll the nearby streets or pick up a keepsake at a local shop before heading back to your ship.

Book with Confidence — Full Refund if Your Ship Can’t Dock

Cruise calls to Orkney are usually smooth, but weather sometimes wins. If your ship is unable to dock in Kirkwall, you don’t lose out — Tour Orkney offer a 100% money-back guarantee. No fees, no stress.

That means you can reserve your private Orkney cruise excursion today knowing your booking is completely risk-free.

Why Choose a Private Cruise Excursion Instead of a Ship Tour?

• Risk-free booking: full refund if your ship can’t dock

• Flexibility: timings shaped around your call window, not a rigid schedule

• Crowd avoidance: slip into sites before or after the buses

• Personal stories: archaeology, folklore, wartime drama — not just the basics

• Comfort: modern private transport with space for up to 8 passengers, door-to-door pier pick-up

Practical Notes for Cruise Visitors

• Tour length: 4–7 hours (flexible with ship schedule)

• Pick-up: Kirkwall cruise pier or tender dock

• Walking: short, manageable walks with options for more/less

• Weather: layers and waterproofs recommended — Orkney likes four seasons in a day
  

Want it Done for You?

You can explore independently — but if you’d rather step off the ship and have everything handled, our Private Orkney Highlights Tour is built as the ideal Orkney cruise excursion.

• Pier pick-up and drop-off

• Flexible itinerary covering Orkney’s must-sees

• Local stories and insights

• 100% money-back guarantee if your ship can’t dock

👉  to reserve your private one-day Orkney cruise excursion from Kirkwall.

FAQs

What if my cruise ship can’t dock?

You receive a full refund — no admin fees, no hidden costs.

How long do we have ashore in Kirkwall?

Most cruise calls allow around 6–8 hours. Our private cruise excursion is designed to fit within this window.

Will I make it back to the ship in time?

Yes — we tailor the route to your ship’s schedule and guarantee to have you back on time.

Do you pick up directly from the pier?

Yes — we meet you at the gangway or tender dock with a clear sign.

Can you adapt for limited mobility?

Absolutely. Walks are short and flexible, and we can adjust as needed.