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Scotland’s Shetland Islands

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Scotland’s Shetland Islands

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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
  • Visit Shetland for stunning landscapes, rich wildlife, and a unique blend of Norse heritage and vibrant culture. Settle in Lerwick, charming, historic capital, with narrow, winding streets and a picturesque harbor.
  • Learn of Shetland’s Norse history dating back to the 8th century, with Viking settlers shaping its culture, language, and place names. The heritage is seen in archaeological sites and traditions as well as the Shetland Museum.
  • Uncover the ancient ruins of Jarlshof, a remarkable archaeological site, before hiking to Sumburgh Head for breathtaking coastal views and seabird colonies.
  • Keep a lookout for sea and native birdlife on a private daytrip to Hermaness Nature Reserve and Muckle Flugga Lighthouse – the most northerly point in the United Kingdom.
  • Discover Eshaness, where dramatic sea cliffs, crashing waves, and rich history make it a must-visit destination.

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 guide and fellow travellers at 6 pm at the guesthouse. If you arrive in Shetland's largest town earlier, take a stroll along the harbour to get a feel for the place. Founded in the 17th century to service Dutch herring fleets, Lerwick is rich in history, with charming streets and historic buildings to explore. Ask your guide for some dinner recommendations, and perhaps end your first day at a local pub, soaking in the atmosphere.
Day 2 - Sumburgh / Lerwick
After breakfast, meet to catch the public bus to Sumburgh, where we’ll begin a scenic hike to the historic Jarlshof site, rich in archaeological discoveries from the Iron Age to the Vikings. As we explore this fascinating site, we’ll learn about the ancient settlers who once called this land home. Continuing along the rugged coastline, we make our way to the Sumburgh Head lighthouse, where we’ll delve into the area’s maritime history, from early Iron Age inhabitants to the lighthouse keepers who protected sailors for centuries. After a day of stunning coastal views and historical exploration, we return to Lerwick in the late afternoon, leaving you free to explore. Start by taking a leisurely stroll along the waterfront to get your bearings, then try out one of the town's many bustling eateries.
Day 3 - Lerwick
Start your day with a visit to the Shetland Museum, where your guide will take you through this captivating cultural hub that celebrates the islands' rich history and heritage. With engaging exhibits and world-renowned collections, the museum takes you on a journey through Shetland’s past, from its ancient Norse origins to its maritime legacy. The islands' unique traditions, craftsmanship, and wildlife are also beautifully showcased, making it a true must-see. Later, join your guide for a walking tour of Lerwick, exploring the town's most notable sights. As the capital of Shetland, Lerwick grew rapidly during the 1800s herring boom, becoming a bustling port. Its name, "Harbour of the Cairn," reflects its strategic maritime location. Over time, Lerwick has developed into a vibrant town, blending Scottish and Norse influences. Today, its narrow streets are lined with historic buildings, offering a glimpse into its rich maritime past. The rest of the afternoon is free to enjoy the lively harbour town at your own pace, perhaps visit the Lerwick Brewery to sample some local ales. For dinner, relax at one of Lerwick’s cozy pubs.
Day 4 - Muckle Flugga / Lerwick
After breakfast, we’ll embark on a private minibus journey to the Hermaness Nature Reserve, where we’ll hike to the Muckle Flugga Lighthouse, the northernmost point of the United Kingdom. In fact, Shetland is actually closer to Norway than to mainland Scotland, located just 170 miles north of Scotland and around 200 miles from Norway. This proximity is reflected in Shetland’s strong Norse heritage, with the islands having been part of the Norse Kingdom for centuries before joining Scotland in the 15th century. Muckle Flugga Lighthouse is located on Muckle Flugga, a small rocky islet off the coast of Unst, the northernmost island in Shetland. Built in 1854, the lighthouse stands at the edge of the cliffs, guiding ships through the treacherous waters of the North Sea. Its strategic location was particularly important during the Crimean War, when it helped protect British vessels. Returning to Lerwick late afternoon.
Day 5 - Eshness / Lerwick
Today, travel by private minibus as we head north to Eshaness for a scenic hike. Eshaness is a rugged and stunning coastal area in Shetland, known for its dramatic sea cliffs, volcanic history, and abundant wildlife. As you walk, keep an eye out for seals and otters that inhabit the area. Geologists believe that Eshaness was once a volcanic area, with its dramatic cliffs and rocky landscape formed by ancient volcanic activity. It’s a fascinating example of how natural processes have created Shetland’s unique scenery. For your final evening meal in Lerwick, consider joining your group at a local eatery to share stories from the week and enjoy a memorable meal together.
Day 6 - Lerwick
With no activities planned for the day, your adventure will conclude after breakfast. If you'd like to extend your stay on the islands, contact your booking agent in advance to arrange additional accommodation. For those wishing to continue exploring Scotland, consider joining one of our other adventures on the mainland or the Orkney Islands, just reach out to your booking agent for more details.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
27-04-202502-05-2025AUD $ 2,724-
11-05-202516-05-2025AUD $ 3,240-
18-05-202523-05-2025AUD $ 3,415-
08-06-202513-06-2025AUD $ 3,240-
23-06-202528-06-2025AUD $ 3,560-
06-07-202511-07-2025AUD $ 3,675-
20-07-202525-07-2025AUD $ 3,330-
03-08-202508-08-2025AUD $ 3,370-
18-08-202523-08-2025AUD $ 3,480-
31-08-202505-09-2025AUD $ 3,460-
14-09-202519-09-2025AUD $ 3,460-
26-04-202601-05-2026AUD $ 3,280-
10-05-202615-05-2026AUD $ 3,280-
24-05-202629-05-2026AUD $ 3,280-
15-06-202620-06-2026AUD $ 3,125-
05-07-202610-07-2026AUD $ 3,410-
19-07-202624-07-2026AUD $ 3,410-
02-08-202607-08-2026AUD $ 3,410-
09-08-202614-08-2026AUD $ 3,125-
23-08-202628-08-2026AUD $ 3,545-
30-08-202604-09-2026AUD $ 3,545-
13-09-202618-09-2026AUD $ 3,545-
20-09-202625-09-2026AUD $ 3,125-

Accommodation

Guesthouse (5 nights)

Transport

Public transport,private vehicle and on foot.

Map

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