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Scotland’s Shetland Islands

Sale!

Scotland’s Shetland Islands

Was From $ 3,125 AUD
Now From $ 2,656 AUD
Sale!

Description

Discover the many charms of the Shetland Islands on a small group adventure featuring dramatic coastlines, towering sea cliffs, wildlife and history. Stay in Lerwick – home to the Shetland Museum & Archives, a collection of exhibits that paint a colourful picture of medieval and modern times on the island. Scenic drives in a private minibus will take you to the rugged landscapes of Eshaness and Muckle Flugga – the most northerly inhabited point in the United Kingdom – where you can spot local wildlife like puffins, seals and otters. End your days in atmospheric pubs with friendly locals and experience the magic of the Northern Scottish Isles for yourself.

Trip Name
Scotland's Shetland Islands
Last Updated
2024-08-27
Days
6
Capacity
12
Overview
Discover the many charms of the Shetland Islands on a small group adventure featuring dramatic coastlines, towering sea cliffs, wildlife and history. Stay in Lerwick – home to the Shetland Museum & Archives, a collection of exhibits that paint a colourful picture of medieval and modern times on the island. Scenic drives in a private minibus will take you to the rugged landscapes of Eshaness and Muckle Flugga – the most northerly inhabited point in the United Kingdom – where you can spot local wildlife like puffins, seals and otters. End your days in atmospheric pubs with friendly locals and experience the magic of the Northern Scottish Isles for yourself.
Highlights
  • Escape the daily grind on the Shetland Islands – an archipelago in Scotland that lies between Orkney, Faroe Islands and Norway.
  • Settle in Lerwick, filled with historic buildings to explore. This will be the base for your trip and you can enjoy a warm, cosy welcome at the end of each day.
  • Tour the Shetland Museum, which celebrates local history with engaging interactive exhibits and world-renowned collections of historic artifacts and documents.
  • Keep a lookout for puffins on a private daytrip to Hermaness Nature Reserve and Muckle Flugga Lighthouse – the most northerly point in the United Kingdom.
  • Explore Eshaness and be captivated by the crashing waves, dramatic sea cliffs and history that makes this destination a Shetland Islands ‘must visit’.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk. MUSEUM VISITS & OPENING TIMES Many sites, attractions and museums are closed on Mondays (and sometimes Tuesdays). We recommend checking the opening times of anywhere you're interested to visit and making reservations where required/possible.

Day 1 - Lerwick
Welcome to Scotland! Meet your leader and the rest of your group at 6 pm. If you arrive in Shetland’s largest town before then, maybe get your bearings with a stroll along the harbour. As a fishing village that was founded unofficially as a place to service Dutch herring fleets in the 17th century, Lerwick is home to many historic buildings and streets. Ask your leader for some dinner recommendations this evening – and maybe round your first day off in a pub listening to traditional Shetland music.
Day 2 - Lerwick
After breakfast meet with your fellow travelers before heading out for a guided walking tour of Lerwick where you will see some of the more popular sites. 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.
Day 3 - Sumburgh
Go on a short walk to the Shetland Museum & Archives, where your guide will take you around and explain the local history. 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 stand on the prehistoric site of Jarlshof, with ruins dating back to 2500 BC, and then continue to the Sumburgh Head lighthouse. After you learn about its history – from the early Iron Age settlers to the lighthouse keepers who kept sailors safe from harm – return to Lerwick for a free evening.
Day 4 - Muckle Flugga
After breakfast, take a trip via private minibus 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. Keep an eye out for puffins and other seabird colonies along the cliffs as you take in the wild beauty of this remote location.
Day 5 - Eshness
Travel by private minibus again today as you head north to Eshaness for a hike. Eshaness has it all – crashing waves, dramatic sea cliffs and history galore. While you walk along the west coast, you might spot the seals and otters that call this area home. Geologists have determined that Eshaness was once a volcano — so look out for its volcanic origins on the coastline. When you return to Lerwick, perhaps head out with your group for one final evening meal in a Shetland pub.
Day 6 - Lerwick
With no activities planned, your adventure will come to an end after breakfast. If you would like to spend more time on the islands, reach out to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation. If you’d like extending your exploration of Scotland, consider joining one of our other adventures on mainland or Orkney Islands. Again, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
27-04-202502-05-2025AUD $ 2,656-
11-05-202516-05-2025AUD $ 2,656-
18-05-202523-05-2025AUD $ 2,656-
08-06-202513-06-2025AUD $ 2,656-
23-06-202528-06-2025AUD $ 2,656-
06-07-202511-07-2025AUD $ 2,762-
20-07-202525-07-2025AUD $ 2,762-
03-08-202508-08-2025AUD $ 2,762-
18-08-202523-08-2025AUD $ 2,869-
31-08-202505-09-2025AUD $ 2,869-
14-09-202519-09-2025AUD $ 2,869-
26-04-202601-05-2026AUD $ 3,280-
10-05-202615-05-2026AUD $ 3,280-
17-05-202622-05-2026AUD $ 3,280-
07-06-202612-06-2026AUD $ 3,280-
21-06-202626-06-2026AUD $ 3,410-
05-07-202610-07-2026AUD $ 3,410-
19-07-202624-07-2026AUD $ 3,410-
02-08-202607-08-2026AUD $ 3,410-
16-08-202621-08-2026AUD $ 3,545-
30-08-202604-09-2026AUD $ 3,545-
13-09-202618-09-2026AUD $ 3,545-
27-09-202602-10-2026AUD $ 3,545-

Accommodation

Guesthouse (5 nights)

Transport

Private vehicle,Taxi and On foot

Map