Can I combine an Outer Hebrides and Orkney private tour to explore Scotland’s best Neolithic sites?
Absolutely! Standing within the towering Calanais (Callanish) Standing Stones on the Isle of Lewis, along with exploring the exceptionally preserved neolithic village of Skara Brae, the Ring of Brodgar, and the Maeshowe chambered cairn on Orkney is a must for prehistory enthusiasts.
To understand why combining the Outer Hebrides and Orkney into an extended multi-day private tour is worth the logistical effort, you have to look at what makes these two island groups so distinct:
- Outer Hebrides (The West): Home to the Calanais Stones, a cross-shaped setting of Lewisian gneiss erected over 5,000 years ago. Standing among them offers a raw and dramatic connection to the past, framed by wild Atlantic coastlines.
- Orkney (The North): Home to the UNESCO Heart of Neolithic Orkney. Here you will find Skara Brae (older than the Egyptian pyramids), the Ring of Brodgar, and Maeshowe chambered cairn — three of the most important Neolithic sites in Western Europe.
How to combine the Outer Hebrides and Orkney tours
The most rewarding way to structure this trip is by splitting it into two dedicated island private tours with a built-in mainland breather between the tours in Inverness.
How many days do I need for the Outer Hebrides?
We begin by heading west from Inverness. The 4 Day Outer Hebrides Private Tour takes you across the Minch, to delve into the rich archaeological and cultural landscapes of Harris and Lewis. The tour is designed to give you ample time to experience Calanais and other ancient sites around the islands without rushing.
Where should I stay between island tours?
After catching the ferry back to the mainland and arriving in Inverness, we break our west and northern journeys with a relaxed free day resting in the city. Alternatively, for those interested in a touring day, the daily itinerary for either Day 1 or 2 of the 2 Day Highlands Tour can be offered as a 1 Day Highlands Private Tour to bridge the gap.
What is included in the Orkney Neolithic tour phase?
Refreshed from your mainland break, you head north through spectacular coastal scenery to catch the ferry to Orkney. Our 3 (or 4) Day Orkney and Highlands Private Tour covers 5000 years of history including Skara Brae, the Ring of Brodgar, Maeshowe and the Broch of Gurness along with Kirkwall, St Magnus Cathedral and the Italian Chapel.