Flagship guided tour

Orkney Minibus Tours

Private & small-group guided tours of Orkney in a comfortable 8-seat minibus, led by local Green Badge guide Jean Ross.

In short

Great Orkney Tours runs private and small-group guided minibus tours of Orkney in an 8-seat minibus, led by local Green Badge guide Jean Ross. Tours cover Orkney’s standing stones, Skara Brae, wildlife, Scapa Flow and more, with pickups across the Mainland including cruise and ferry arrivals at Stromness and Kirkwall.

Jean Ross, Great Orkney Tours Tour Guide behind blue minibus

Your guide

Hi, I’m Jean Ross

Born and brought up in Orkney, and a Green Badge Tourist Guide since 2008. I’ll show you the islands from the comfort of my 8-seat minibus, with the time and freedom to take it all in. Whether you’d like a private tour for your own group or to join a small group for the day, I’d love to show you my home.

Why see Orkney by minibus?

Orkney may look small on the map, but once you’re here it’s huge: 9,000 years of history set in breathtaking scenery. Travelling in a small minibus means we can reach the quiet corners the big coaches can’t, stop whenever something catches your eye, and keep the whole day relaxed and personal.

With just eight seats, it never feels rushed or crowded.

A Great Orkney Tours group on the cliffs at Yesnaby, with sea stacks behind
Great Orkney Tours blue eight-seat minibus parked on the grass in Orkney
Inside the Great Orkney Tours minibus: leather seats with room for eight passengers

Are tours private or shared?

Both. Book a private tour for your own party, or join a small group for a shared day out. Every tour is tailored. Tell me what you’re most keen to see and we’ll shape the day around it.

How long is a tour, and what does it cost?

Tours are planned around the time you have, from a few hours to a full day. Tell me what you would like to see and how long you have, and I will suggest a route and a price to match.

What can I see on a tour?

Each tour has its own page so you can see exactly what’s included, or ask me for something completely bespoke.

Skara Brae

Skara Brae & Orkney’s archaeology

5,000 years of Neolithic history

Read more

A grey seal in Orkney

Orkney wildlife & birdwatching

Puffins, gannets & seabird cliffs

Read more

The Italian Chapel on Lamb Holm

Scapa Flow & wartime history

Churchill Barriers & the Italian Chapel

Read more

The Barony Mill at Birsay

A taste of Orkney food & drink

Distilleries, tastings & local fare

Read more

Kirkwall Cathedral with a view over Kirkwall Harbour

Kirkwall & South Ronaldsay

St Magnus Cathedral & the Italian Chapel

Read more

The Brough of Birsay on Orkney's west coast

Scenic Route

Gurness, Birsay & the Yesnaby cliffs

Read more

Prefer something completely bespoke? I’m always happy to build a tour around your own list of must-sees.

Arriving by cruise, ferry or plane?

If you’re coming in on a cruise ship, the ferry or a flight, I can collect you and have you back in good time.

Frequently asked questions

Up to 8 passengers in the minibus. Tours can be private for your group, or a small shared group.

Yes, I collect from the piers and terminals at Stromness and Kirkwall, and can drop you back in good time for departure.

Absolutely. Every tour is shaped around your interests, whether that’s archaeology, wildlife, wartime history or food and drink.

Yes. I keep a child seat in the minibus and can arrange a second one if you need it. Just tell me the children’s ages when you book.

Get in touch and I’ll help you plan your day.

Book your Orkney minibus tour

Tell me what you’re most keen to see and we’ll shape the day around it: a private tour for your own party, or join a small group. Up to 8 passengers, with pickups across the Mainland including cruise and ferry arrivals at Stromness and Kirkwall.

Guest reviews

What my clients have said about my Orkney tours

Tripadvisor

“Jean met six of us at Stromness and delivered us safely back to St Margaret’s Hope four days later. She gave us a wonderful three and a half days of touring, was indefatigable, patient and extremely knowledgeable throughout, and showed us sights large and small with grace and friendliness. We all had a wonderful time – Orkney never disappoints but this was the best trip I have been on. Well worth while.”

— Reviewed by a Tripadvisor traveler