Orkney Uncovered
Orkney Uncovered
5
Cultural ToursHistorical & Heritage ToursPrivate ToursNature & Wildlife Tours
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Full view
About
Orkney Uncovered Private Tours, provides private guided tours of the Orkney Islands. We cover all of Orkney’s history, culture, economy, food and drink. We specialise in Military history and Scapa Flow. We provide bespoke Ancient Orkney private tours with a focus on Neolithic Orkney, the Iron Age and the Viking Ages. All our tours are tailored to meet our clients requirements. Orkney Uncovered Private Tours are open 365 day a year and offer professional,fun and informative private touring experience.
Kirkwall, Scotland
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2023
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5.0
606 reviews
Excellent
606
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Sightsee219406
Big Lake, AK1 contribution
Sep 2023 • Couples
My wife and I spent a month touring Scotland as independent tourists. The four days we spent with Kinlay Francis of Orkney Uncovered was the best tour we experienced, principally because of Kinlay's enthusiasm for deep Orkney history, but also for his love of life, evident in every element of his every performance.
Written 8 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Linda K
82 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Kinlay was an amazing guide who helped us fall in love with Orkney. Kinlay is one-of-a-kind native of Viking descent, and we highly recommend booking with him for an unforgettable experience in Orkney. Kinlay picked us up at the hotel; ready with all kinds of coats and protective gear since rain and wind were expected the entire day. Because of the weather, he focused mostly on the indoor Sites (or sites we could see from the van) to include Skapa Flow, the St. Magnus Chapel, the Italian Chapel, Scara Brae (when we thought we had a break in the weather). Luckily, Kinlay volunteered to finish our tour the next day when the weather was expected to be better. And it was, so the next day we explored the Standing Stones of Stenness, the Ring of Brodgar, and then the Broch of Gurnoss. It was a great weekend and Kinlay is absolutely the best!
Written 31 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Linda,
Thank you so much for your amazing review and for booking with Orkney Uncovered.
We sure did have a stormy day but we pushed through everything that Thor sent us 😄.
Thank you for being so flexible and allowing us to continue your tour on a better weather day. I do hope to welcome you back to Orkney in the future.
Kind regards,
Kinlay
Orkney Uncovered
Written 14 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Muriel M
2 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
Meeting Kinlay and having 2 guided tours with him was undoubtedly the highlight of our recent trip to Orkney. Kinlay is a warm, outgoing person who has such a genuine love for Orkney and the people there. We have twin daughters aged 10 and Kinlay made every effort to make the tours accessible for them, bringing them books and fun toys to use as part of the tour. Our twins were amazed to meet an Orkney Viking and at over 6”7 he really does fit the bill! The tours were so interesting and we felt we could ask lots of questions about what we were seeing. I would definitely recommend that if you are visiting Orkney you book a tour with Orkney Uncovered. We left Orkney with the best memories and a new friend!
Written 29 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Muriel and Family,
Thank you so very much for taking the time to write such a fab review. It was amazing to meet such a lovely wee family unit from the Hebrides.
Your twins are so lovely and very intelligent. There is a job here for them when they are older, I could do with their Valkyrie look and skill set.
Your husband is a big lad, it’s not often I look at someone who is eye height with me.
Thank you for doing some great social media with me. I do hope to welcome you and your family back to Orkney in the future.
Kind regards,
Kinlay
Orkney Uncovered
Written 29 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Naugatuckian
Santa Monica, CA26 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
For us, the ONLY way to visit the fabulous sites on Orkney is with Kinlay and Orkney Uncovered. Kinlay knows not onlywhere to go but when, and can give you its history in as much (or little) detail as you want. You have your own personal guide who focuses on making your trip outstanding. We have been Orkney twice now and have used Orkney Uncovered both times, including a two-day visit this past month that covered not only Mainland but also Westray. Many thanks to the Scotland guide by Rick Steves, which is how we found out about Orkney Uncovered. Kinlay and Kirsty are THE BEST!!!
Written 6 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi,
Thank you for this fabulous review. Kirsty and I are super chuffed that you booked us again for your Orkney island hopping adventures.
That’s great that you found myself in the Rick
Steves guide. You might be interested to know that I did some podcasts with Rick recently about our rich Viking history and culture.
Thank you for your valued custom, we do hope to welcome you back in the future for a third trip.
Kind regards,
Kinlay and Kirsty
Orkney Uncovered
Written 29 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Christina B
Oldenburg, Germany1 contribution
Sep 2023 • Solo
I was on a two-day-tour with Kinlay from Orkney Uncovered and I couldn’t have chosen a better guide! He is brilliant with a wealth of expert knowledge, be it the neolithic area or WWI and II, and the region. He provides so much interesting detail about all the sites and really makes you think about the way the buildings were constructed and how our ancestors lived. Certainly will choose Orkney Uncovered again!
Written 29 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi,
Thank you so much for the excellent review, we really appreciate feedback as do our prospective clientele.
Thank you for booking a two day tour, it was a pleasure to guide you around the ancient and military sites that Orkney has to offer.
I look forward to welcoming you back to Orkney in the future.
Kind regards,
Kinlay
Orkney Uncovered
Written 29 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
annie427
London, UK27 contributions
Sep 2023
We had a two day visit with Kinlay as our guide. He was knowledgable, informative and good company. Communication with the company was very efficient. We learnt a lot more about Orkney by having Kinlay as our guide.
Written 18 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Annie,
Thank you very much for your superb review. Super glad you had a lovely and enjoyable private tour.
Thank you very much for booking with Orkney Uncovered we look forward to welcoming you back in the future.
Kind regards,
Kinlay
Orkney Uncovered
Written 29 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Anna Rivera
1 contribution
Oct 2022 • Friends
What a good humored viking! My friends and I couldn't have had a better experience with any other tour company; he barely rolled his eyes when asked if touching the stones would usher back into the 18th century. 😆
We most wanted to take in Neolithic Orkney and soggy or not we did with Kinlay championing the way. Thank you Orkney Uncovered for entertaining the antics of a bunch of clumsy American gals with such grace! Skal!
We most wanted to take in Neolithic Orkney and soggy or not we did with Kinlay championing the way. Thank you Orkney Uncovered for entertaining the antics of a bunch of clumsy American gals with such grace! Skal!
Written 9 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi,
Thank you for this great review, it made me laugh about the ‘Outlander’ stone.
Super happy you and a great day. Thank you for booking with Orkney Uncovered and I hope to welcome you back to Orkney in the future.
Kind regards,
Kinlay
Orkney Uncovered
Written 29 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Peter A
2 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
Booking a tour with Orkney uncovered proved to be an excellent decision. We spent two full days with Kinlay and learned and saw far more than we imagined was possible in that time. Kinlay is a very fun and likeable guy with an interesting background. He has a passion for history and it shows. His depth and breadth of knowledge is extraordinary and he capably fielded all of our questions. In addition to his explanation of the famed ancient features of Orkney, we loved Kinlay’s deep knowledge of military history and the role of Orkney and Scapa Flow in WWI and WWII. Kinlay customised two full days of touring based our interests expressed prior to booking. His vehicle is new and very comfortable for driving between locations. It was also fun to be given a tour by a modern-day Viking… Kinlay very much looks the part! Would absolutely book with Orkney Uncovered all over again.
Written 8 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi,
Thank you so much for your excellent review. We appreciate you taking the time to write such a comprehensive and kind review.
Really glad you enjoyed my military history knowledge. Scapa Flow played a vital part in both world wars as the British fleet base, so I am happy you enjoyed the history.
Thank you for booking with Orkney Uncovered I hope to welcome you back to Orkney in the future.
Best regards,
Kinlay
Orkney Uncovered
Written 29 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Margaret A
1 contribution
Sep 2023 • Couples
Kinlay, our guide, was so knowledgeable and considerate, tailoring our 2-day tour to our objectives. I can’t say enough about his vast information and his cheerful, fun personality. His touring vehicle was extremely comfortable and has a good visibility from a passenger’s perspective . A tour with Kinlay is well worth it!
Written 8 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Margaret,
Thank you so much for the excellent review. I am so glad you thoroughly enjoyed your two day private tour.
Appreciate the kind feedback about the vehicle and the visibility.
Thank you very much for booking with Orkney Uncovered, I hope to welcome you back to Orkney in the future.
Kind regards,
Kinlay
Orkney Uncovered
Written 29 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Melanie M
6 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
100% Recommend Kinlay and Orkney Uncovered. Kinlay is super friendly, great story teller and historian. You will love Orkney!
Written 7 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Melanie,
Thank you very much for the superb review and for booking with Orkney Uncovered.
Glad you had a great day on Orkney.
I hope to welcome you back in the future.
Kind regards,
Kinlay
Orkney Uncovered
Written 27 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
poss60
Trangie, Australia16 contributions
Hi.
I am a single traveller who will arrive by ferry on 17/0918 and get the early ferry back on the 19th.
Do you have any spare seats with fellow customers who would be happy to share?
If so which day and cost would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Cheers,
Deb Cayzer.
Australia.
Ruggedadventurer
Kirkwall, UK244 contributions
Hi Deb,
Many thanks for your enquiry, unfortunately we only offer private tours of he Orkney Islands.
We hope you enjoy your time in Orkney when you visit.
Best wishes,
Kinlay
Orkney Uncovered
astroian
Preston, UK233 contributions
I'm visiting to give a talk at the Science Festival and wondered of you had any availability for 2 of us on Saturday Sept 8th?
Ruggedadventurer
Kirkwall, UK244 contributions
Hi thanks for your question. We offer private tours and we are delighted to say we have availability on the 8th September.
For full details and the types of tailored tour we offer please visit and contact us through our website Orkney Uncovered.
Best wishes,
Kirsty and Kinlay
Vinny56
Shreveport, LA1 contribution
Do you have any openings for July 11, 2018?
Ruggedadventurer
Kirkwall, UK244 contributions
Hi,
I thought we had answered this, it seems not, so apologies for the delay.
I’m afraid we are fully booked for July. There are a few other companies you could try. Perhaps Reds Tours of Orkney.
Hope you have a great time on Orkney.
Best wishes,
Kinlay
Tibby2010
Bay Saint Louis, MS24 contributions
We will be in Inverness in Sept and wish to spend several days in the Orkneys exploring. Would you advise hiring a car to get there and then hiring your company for day tours or come by train and ferry then hire you? Do you supply the car?
Ruggedadventurer
Kirkwall, UK244 contributions
Hi,
Thanks for your enquiry. Please can you let me know when you are looking to come over to Orkney in September, as we have only a couple of days remaining.
Many thanks,
Kinlay
Orkney Uncovered
JHilt_51
Mission Viejo, CA
Do you have any availability for September 28, 2018? We have people for a large group or we could do a small group.
Kinlay F
12 contributions
Hi,
Many thanks for your enquiry, unfortunately we are already fully booked for the 28th September.
If you have a look on Google for group tours in Orkney, you should be able to find some options.
Best regards,
Kirsty
Orkney Uncovered
JHilt_51
Mission Viejo, CA
Do you have anything available on September 28, 2018?
Ruggedadventurer
Kirkwall, UK244 contributions
Hi thanks for your question. We are not sure why this has gone unanswered, there has been some issues with my TripAdvisor account so we are sorry that it is only now appearing.
I’m afraid we are already fully booked for the 28th September. We would recommend trying Reds Tours of Orkney.
Have a great time on Orkney.
Best wishes,
Kirsty
pubnix
1 contribution
Hi. Party of 4 Canadians arriving on Monday September 24, 2018 at 8:00 am aboard the Norwegian Jade with departure at 5:00 pm for a private car tour of Okrney. What time is pick up at the ship and the return time to the ship, and the rate please. Thank you. Chris
Ruggedadventurer
Kirkwall, UK244 contributions
Hi,
Thanks for your message. I am afraid that we have been booked for this day for many months.
You should check with the ships concierge and see if they have access to any private cars.
That or please do try another tour firm as there are several in Orkney.
Best wishes,
Kinlay
Orkney Uncovered
janep
Phoenix, AZ18 contributions
We will be in Kirkwall on July19, 2018. What is the tour availability for two adult? What is the cost?
Ruggedadventurer
Kirkwall, UK244 contributions
Hi,
Apologies for the delay in getting back to you. Unfortunately we are already fully booked for July 19th.
Best wishes,
Kinlay
Orkney Uncovered
Trisha_Elliott
Edinburgh, UK443 contributions
Hi, do you have any availability in the next 2-3 days? Thank you!
Ruggedadventurer
Kirkwall, UK244 contributions
Hi Trisha,
Many thanks for your enquiry, unfortunately we are fully booked for the rest of May.
Sorry we cannot be of assistance on this occasion but we hope you enjoy your time on Orkney when you arrive.
Kind regards,
Kinlay
Orkney Uncovered
calabs1082
East Brunswick, NJ
my wife and I will be cruising to Kirkwall on June 4th on Norwegian line, arriving at 11am and leaving 7pm. We're looking for a tour that will take us to the Quaholm farmhouse (my wife's ancestors lived there), as well as some of the Neolithic sites. Is there any availability on this date, and if so, what would be the cost. Hope to hear from you soon!
Ruggedadventurer
Kirkwall, UK244 contributions
Hi,
Many thanks for your message, unfortunately we are already fully booked for this date.
Sorry we cannot be of assistance on this occasion but hope you enjoy your time on Orkney when you arrive.
Kind regards,
Kinlay
Orkney Uncovered