Scotland's Shetland Islands

Welcome to Aberdeen! Meet your leader and the rest of your group in the late afternoon and catch the overnight ferry to Lerwick in Shetland. On the overnight ferry you will have a comfortable ‘sleeping pod’ that reclines 70 degrees to help you get a good night’s rest before your Shetland Island adventure begins tomorrow.

After we disembark the ferry at 8am, we will drop our bags at the hotel and take a walking tour of Lerwick, Shetland’s only town. This afternoon is yours to discover Lerwick your way, perhaps by raising a glass at the Lerwick Brewery, spotting local wildlife on a boat tour, or taking a stroll along the waterfront. Tonight you may like to have dinner at one of Lerwick’s cosy pubs.

After breakfast, join your guide for a tour of the Shetland Museum which celebrates the local history with engaging interactive exhibits and world renowned collections of historic artefacts and documents. You may like to grab a bite to eat before we catch the public bus to Sumburgh for a hike to Jarlshof and Sumburgh Head. Enjoy stunning coastal views as you take in the historic sites of Jarlshof and walk to the Sumburgh Head lighthouse where we will learn about the area’s history, from the early Iron Age settlers to the lighthouse keepers who kept sailors safe from harm. After our return to Lerwick in the late afternoon, you may like to head out for dinner at a local restaurant.

After breakfast, we will take a private minibus trip to Muckle Flugga which is home to the Muckle Flugga Lighthouse and the most northerly point in the United Kingdom. Perched on jagged rocks rising out of the sea just off the coast of Unst, the lighthouse was built to protect British ships heading into battle during the Crimean War and was originally tended to by three lighthouse keepers. Keep an eye out for puffins as you take in the wild beauty of this remote location. On your return to Lerwick, you may like to head out with your group for an evening meal at a cosy pub.

Today we will take another private minibus trip, this time to Eshaness for an easy coastal hike. Eshaness has it all – crashing waves, dramatic sea cliffs, and history galore. While you’re enjoying the scenic views, keep an eye out for the seabirds, seals, and otters which call this area home. We will return to Lerwick mid-afternoon in time to catch the overnight ferry back to Aberdeen. Once again, you will be able to enjoy a good night’s rest in a comfortable reclining ‘sleeping pod’.

On your arrival in Aberdeen at approximately 7am, your Shetland Islands adventure will come to an end. If you would like to spend some time in Aberdeen, we will be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).