Scotland's Shetland Islands

Welcome to Aberdeen! Meet your leader and the rest of your group in the late afternoon at Aberdeen Ferry Terminal, a designated space where passengers can wait comfortably and grab some refreshments or a light meal before boarding the overnight ferry to Lerwick in Shetland. On the overnight ferry you will have a designated comfortable ‘sleeping pod’ that reclines 70 degrees to help you get a good night’s rest before your Shetland Island adventure begins tomorrow.

After you disembark the ferry at around 8 am, you’ll jump in a taxi to the guest house, where you can drop off your luggage before taking a walking tour of Lerwick, Shetland’s main 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 this morning, you’ll go on a short walk to the Shetland Museum, where your guide will take you for a tour that celebrates the local history through engaging interactive exhibits and world renowned collections of historic artifacts and documents. You might like to grab a bite to eat here before catching the public bus to Sumburgh for a hike to Jarlshof and Sumburgh Head. Enjoy stunning coastal views as you take in the prehistoric sites of Jarlshof, then walk to the Sumburgh Head lighthouse where you’ll learn about the area’s history, from the early Iron Age settlers to the lighthouse keepers who kept sailors safe from harm. After your return to Lerwick in the late afternoon, you might want to grab dinner at a local restaurant. (B)

After breakfast, you’ll take a trip to Hermaness Nature Reserve and Muckle Flugga, home to the Muckle Flugga Lighthouse and the most northerly inhabited island 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. Getting there can be a bit of an adventure, so today, your group will have a private minibus. Keep an eye out for puffins and other seabird colonies along the cliffs, 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 one final evening meal in a cosy Shetland pub. (B)

Today, travel via private minibus to Eshaness for an enjoyable 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 that call this area home. You’ll then return to Lerwick mid-afternoon in time to catch the overnight ferry back to Aberdeen. Once again, you’ll be able to enjoy some rest and relaxation in your designated reclining ‘sleeping pod’. (B)

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).