GoOrkney
GoOrkney
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About
At GoOrkney, we 'Go the extra mile' offering a range of book now and bespoke luxury guided tours of the Orkney Islands to discerning leisure and corporate visitors. Our tours are carefully created and designed to ensure your Orkney experience exceeds your expectations, leaving you with wonderful memories and a desire to return. Our small, personalised private tours of Orkney will make your trip simply unforgettable.
Kirkwall, Scotland
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2024
Why book with GoOrkney
- Formal training and qualification with Scottish Tourist Guide Association and 30 years working in public service
- English
- Professional tour guide
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
90 reviews
Excellent
89
Very good
0
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
0
jennymY4497ZV
Denver, CO3 contributions
Jun 2022 • Family
Our tour with Gordon with GoOrkney Tours was fantastic! Gordon was amazing right from the start. He was always quick in responding to emails, even though we had a 7 hour time difference. He created an itinerary based on the things I told him we wanted to see, and emailed it to me several weeks in advance. A few days before our tour, I emailed him and asked if I could add two more people to our tour. He responded in less than an hour, and said that would be no problem. His pricing is very fair. Gordon was extremely knowledgable and entertaining. We got to see everything on our itinerary and Gordon had us back at the port exactly when the itinerary said we would arrive. There were 7 of us in the tour group (my sister and her 2 kids, and my 3 kids and me), ranging in age from 18 to 50, and every one of us thouroughly enjoyed the tour. We did 4 other tours during our vacation, and all of us agreed that our tour with Gordon was our favorite. My husband and I are planning an anniversary trip to Scotland, and we will definitely be hiring Gordon as our tour guide when we are in the Orkney Isles. I highly recommend Gordon and GoOrkney tours.
Written July 11, 2022
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.
Thank you so much Jenny for your kind words and amazing review. It was an absolute pleasure to spend time with your wonderful family and share with you all our incredible treasures. Orkney has something for everyone and appeals to all ages, interests and abilities. At GoOrkney, we strive to ensure our tailored experiences capture the imagination and interests of all of our guests so it is great to get such positive feedback. I would be privileged to guide you again on your next 'special' visit and look forward to meeting again soon. Cheers. Gordon
Written July 23, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
whitehaas
1 contribution
Oct 2023
As a native Orcadian, Gordon knows everything there is to know about the Orkney Islands, and he loves sharing his infectious passion for his homeland. He is thoughtful, detailed, and a pleasure to be around.
We found Gordon thanks to Allister who ran the front desk at the Kirkwall Hotel. We had a hard time booking something in advance due to the cruise ships that come to the Orkneys. Gordon decided to take on two stragglers and give us a tailored tour even though it was at the very end of his working season. He met us at the hotel and discussed what we were interested in seeing, and e-mailed us an amazing itinerary for the next day that also included a lunch stop and some home tours since he knew I was interested in old homes! In the midst of planning our tour day, we learned that the ferries were stopping service due to bad weather on the North Sea. We found one ferry that was going to Mainland Scotland and booked it. Gordon pivoted with us and made sure that we would be able to see everything that we wanted to see and even included dropping us off at the ferry in Stromness. He even went another extra mile and made sure that we had a taxi when we arrived at the terminal since we were getting there later in the evening. He made our trip to the Orkneys memorable and special!
We found Gordon thanks to Allister who ran the front desk at the Kirkwall Hotel. We had a hard time booking something in advance due to the cruise ships that come to the Orkneys. Gordon decided to take on two stragglers and give us a tailored tour even though it was at the very end of his working season. He met us at the hotel and discussed what we were interested in seeing, and e-mailed us an amazing itinerary for the next day that also included a lunch stop and some home tours since he knew I was interested in old homes! In the midst of planning our tour day, we learned that the ferries were stopping service due to bad weather on the North Sea. We found one ferry that was going to Mainland Scotland and booked it. Gordon pivoted with us and made sure that we would be able to see everything that we wanted to see and even included dropping us off at the ferry in Stromness. He even went another extra mile and made sure that we had a taxi when we arrived at the terminal since we were getting there later in the evening. He made our trip to the Orkneys memorable and special!
Written November 5, 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.
Thank you for your kind words, wonderful review and recommendation. It was a pleasure for me to spend time with you both and share some of our amazing, world class treasures. I'm delighted that you enjoyed your relatively short time in Orkney and hope you find the time to return and see more of what we have to offer, including plenty more old houses! Cheers. Gordon
Written November 14, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Beth S
9 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
Gordon and Sharon took wonderful care of us throughout planning, arrival, and during our trip to the Orkneys. Always professional, they accommodated our wishes in the planned itinerary, and quickly adapted when we requested small changes while there. We saw the great Neolithic sites of the main island of Orkney, visited the Isle of Hoy and hiked to the Old Man of Hoy and the Dwarfie Stane, and spent a day in Papa Westray island to see the Knap of Hower as well as the amazing birds on migration. Gordon is an engaging and lively conversationalist, we talked about Scottish history, life in Scotland, as well as anecdotes from his interesting life. We simply had a wonderful time, saw everything we wanted to see, and more.
Written May 9, 2024
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.
Thank you Beth for your wonderful review and kind words. It was an absolute pleasure to spend a few days with you both which gave us the opportunity to see much more of our incredible Islands and plenty off the usual beaten track. As you are now regular visitors to Scotland, I hope you find the time to return and explore some more.
Cheers. Gordon
Written May 10, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Andy Blackborough
Berkhamsted, UK1 contribution
Aug 2021
I was picked up from my hotel by Gordon, on the morning of my six or seven hour tour, in a totally immaculate, inside and out, Mercedes Benz luxury vehicle, Gordon was also immaculate 😂
Gordon had tailored my day to pack in as much history about the HMS Royal Oak as possible, and all the other wartime history Orkney was heavily involved in.
In addition to that, Gordon took me to all the best sites Orkney has to offer, showing me Historical sites from Neolithic to Viking times.
Who new history could be so interesting, if my teachers at school was as good as Gordon, maybe I wouldn’t be a lorry driver.
The whole day from start to finish was great I honestly can’t fault it at all.
Gordon has also been helping me with the British Legion in Kirkwall, to pay tribute to my great uncle Jack who was one of the 833 men and boys lost on the Royal Oak in 1939.
Thanks for everything Gordon I will never forget my trip, and definitely want to return.
Gordon had tailored my day to pack in as much history about the HMS Royal Oak as possible, and all the other wartime history Orkney was heavily involved in.
In addition to that, Gordon took me to all the best sites Orkney has to offer, showing me Historical sites from Neolithic to Viking times.
Who new history could be so interesting, if my teachers at school was as good as Gordon, maybe I wouldn’t be a lorry driver.
The whole day from start to finish was great I honestly can’t fault it at all.
Gordon has also been helping me with the British Legion in Kirkwall, to pay tribute to my great uncle Jack who was one of the 833 men and boys lost on the Royal Oak in 1939.
Thanks for everything Gordon I will never forget my trip, and definitely want to return.
Written August 25, 2021
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.
Thank you Andy for your wonderful review and recommendation and sorry for not responding to this review sooner, although we have been in touch by email. It was an absolute pleasure to spend the day with you touring Orkney and a privilege to learn from you about your great uncle Jack. I share the horrors of the Royal Oak tragedy with many guests who visit our Islands but the story becomes particularly poignant and real when discussed in the company of a relative of one of those heroic men who were lost. You, as are we all, rightly proud of his sacrifice and I will be sure to share his story with future guests and do my bit to keep his, and the memory of all those lost alive. As for teaching, a lovely complement, thank you Andy but I will stick to guiding....for now. Cheers and hope to meet again. Gordon
Written September 6, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Im4rays
Tampa, FL40 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
We enjoyed a wonderful day with GoOrkney tours after arriving in Kirkwall on a cruise. Gordon was a terrific guide. He customized the tour visiting the ancient sites in the morning, including Skara Brea (highly recommend). He arranged a stop for lunch at our request. He also arranged a tour of the distillery and finished with a visit to the Italian chapel and then St Magnus cathedral. Choose GoOrkney tours with confidence.
Written June 26, 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.
Thank you for such a wonderful review and recommendation. I'm delighted you all enjoyed your tour with GoOrkney. We always focus on tailoring our experiences to the requirements of our guests and nothing is ever too much trouble. Visiting by cruise ship is a great way to get a taste of what Orkney has to offer and our smaller tailored tours allow you to maximise your time and see so much more than the usual ships excursions. I hope you will consider returning to see more of what we have to offer. Thanks again. Cheers Gordon
Written June 27, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
beatricecarter
Edinburgh, UK1 contribution
Jul 2022 • Family
Gordon was an exceptionally well informed and pleasant guide whom I would recommend again.
we got to visit all the major Orkney sites in a package that he had put together beforehand.
he had hired a bigger vehicle than his as we were 10 people in all - that was very comfortable.
Beatrice CARTER former STGA guide
we got to visit all the major Orkney sites in a package that he had put together beforehand.
he had hired a bigger vehicle than his as we were 10 people in all - that was very comfortable.
Beatrice CARTER former STGA guide
Written August 25, 2022
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 Béatrice. Thank you for your kind words and for taking the time to leave a wonderful review. This is particularly appreciative coming from a former experienced STGA guide. It really was a pleasure to spend two fun-packed days with your lovely family and I'm delighted you all had such a great experience in our incredible Islands. I hope to meet again soon. Cheers. Gordon
Written August 26, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Wendy C
Morgan, UT16 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
We had such a fun time with Gordon showing us the sights and beauty of Orkney while sharing the fascinating history. We got to see the Neolithic UNESCO World Heritage sites of Skara Brae (prehistoric Village), the Ring of Brodgar and the Standing Stones of Stenness, as well as the Scapa Flow and the stunning St. Magnus Cathedral. We were on a cruise and had a limited amount of time in Orkney and Gordon helped put together an itinerary that included all we wanted to see, plus extra sites he recommended. My husband is in a manual wheelchair and Gordon organized a fully accessible tour for us, then helped my husband get from site to site. We highly recommend GoOrkney Tours!
Written October 9, 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.
Thank you so much for your kind words, wonderful review and recommendation. I am delighted that you found the day enjoyable and that, despite the limited time, it exceeded your expectations. We have such a wealth of amazing history and sites in Orkney, many of which are fully accessible and at GoOrkney we pride ourselves in tailoring each experience to the interests and requirements of our valued guests. Thanks again and I hope you consider a future visit. Cheers. Gordon
Written October 14, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Cindy R
3 contributions
Jun 2023 • Friends
We booked with GoOrkney for a private tour as we were on a cruise and wanted to see the best of Orkney without the crowds. Gordon was wonderful to work with as we had many changes in the beginning of our planning - he was always helpful and prompt with responses. Gordon was there to greet us as we got off the ship and the day was amazing - he is so informative and pleasant. It was a fantastic day and would highly recommend GoOrkney and Gordon! Awesome day!
Written June 25, 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 Cindy and thank you for such a wonderful review and your kind words. I'm delighted you all enjoyed your tour with GoOrkney. We always focus on tailoring our experiences to the requirements of our guests and nothing is ever too much trouble. Visiting by cruise ship is a great way to get a taste of what Orkney has to offer and our smaller tailored tours allow you to maximise your time and see so much more than the usual ships excursions. I hope you will consider returning to see more of what we have to offer. Thanks again. Cheers Gordon
Written June 27, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Gary Moinet
Olney, UK1 contribution
Nov 2019
We were quite specific on our requirements to experience the Islands involvement in both World Wars, specifically from a Royal Navy perspective.
Gordon not only came up with an itinerary that fulfilled this objective, he completely surpassed it! Gordon's historical knowledge on the subject was simply outstanding and the memory of our brief day on the island will remain with me for some considerable time.
So, if you are considering a trip to the Orkney's, take Gordon with you! You won't be disappointed !!
Gordon not only came up with an itinerary that fulfilled this objective, he completely surpassed it! Gordon's historical knowledge on the subject was simply outstanding and the memory of our brief day on the island will remain with me for some considerable time.
So, if you are considering a trip to the Orkney's, take Gordon with you! You won't be disappointed !!
Written February 14, 2020
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.
Thank you for your kind words and very positive review. I am delighted that your day exceeded your expectations. We were very fortunate with the weather. Sunshine, blue skies and no wind...in November! Thanks again for choosing to tour with GoOrkney and I hope you consider returning soon to see and experience more of our amazing islands. Gordon
Written February 19, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Debster28
Philadelphia, PA19 contributions
Aug 2022
We were a group of 6 who booked a private tour with Gordon of GoOrkney. Communication while booking and deciding what sites to visit was excellent. The information shared by Gordon while touring the sites was interesting and more than we could have ever understood on our own. He was very knowledgeable of the area, it's history and proud of the area. The tour was well planned and well paced for our group. We enjoyed Gordon's company and the stories he shared with us. With the fact that we had people in age from 16 - 64 he kept us active and kept the teens engaged. The country scenery was spectacular. Walking across the tidal island of the Brough of Birsay was one of the many highlights. We would highly recommend him and we would definitely plan a tour with him again should we ever get back to this part of the world!!! Thanks Gordon for a wonderful day!
Written September 13, 2022
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 Deb and thank you so much for your kind words, wonderful review and recommendation. It is a pleasure to showcase our amazing treasures and sharing our extensive history in an engaging way with all age groups, particularly younger visitors is always very rewarding. I'm delighted that you all enjoyed your visit and hope that a seed has been planted which will leave some of you wanting to return and experience more of our Islands in the future. Thanks again. Gordon
Written September 16, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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