Cruise & ferry arrivals

Orkney Tours from Kirkwall

Private minibus tours from Hatston pier and the ferry terminal with local Green Badge guide Jean Ross, shaped around your time ashore.

In short

Great Orkney Tours runs guided minibus tours of Orkney from Kirkwall, with pickup at Hatston cruise pier, the ferry terminal or your Kirkwall accommodation. Led by Green Badge guide Jean Ross, each tour is shaped around your time ashore and has you back in good time for departure.

Jean Ross, Green Badge tourist guide, Great Orkney Tours

I’m Jean, your Orkney tour guide

Tell me how long you’ve got ashore and I’ll shape the day so nothing feels rushed.

Arriving in Kirkwall by cruise or ferry?

Kirkwall is Orkney’s capital and a great base for a day’s touring. From here we can reach the Neolithic sites in the west, the wartime history of Scapa Flow to the south, or explore the cathedral and old town on the doorstep, whatever suits your time ashore.

What can we see on a tour from Kirkwall?

St Magnus Cathedral and the Earl’s and Bishop’s Palaces in the heart of Kirkwall.
The Italian Chapel and the Churchill Barriers: built during the Second World War.
Skara Brae, Brodgar and Stenness: the Heart of Neolithic Orkney.
South Ronaldsay and St Margaret’s Hope: across the barriers.

Prefer to focus on one theme? See the individual tours:

Frequently asked questions

A full day is normally around 8 hours, but there’s no fixed length here. The route is built to fit the time between your arrival and last boarding, and it’s worth allowing a margin at the end so the run back to the pier is never rushed. Tell me your ship and your times ashore and I’ll plan the day around them.

I’ll meet you at Hatston pier or the Kirkwall ferry terminal, or at your Kirkwall accommodation if you’re staying locally. I’ll be waiting with the minibus, so we can set off as soon as you’re ready.

Yes, I plan around your all-aboard time and keep an eye on the clock, so you’re back at the pier with time to spare.

Yes, private for your group, or join a small group. Up to 8 passengers in the minibus.

Sailing into the other port?

Orkney Tours from Stromness

Flying in instead?

Tours from Kirkwall Airport

Plan your day ashore from Kirkwall

Let me know your ship and date and we’ll plan the day. A private tour for your group, or join a small group. Up to 8 passengers, collected at Hatston pier or the ferry terminal.

Book Your Tour

Your guide: Jean Ross, Green Badge Tourist Guide since 2008, born and brought up in Orkney.