Daily Departures from Aberdeen.
Tour Highlights
- Remarkable Archaeology and World-Class Wildlife
- Stunning Vistas
- Fascinating Island Culture & Heritage
- Cruise the North Sea
- Marvel at Shetland’s Wild Beauty
Day One ~ Travel to Shetland
Embark on the overnight sailing to Aberdeen. Check into a comfortable cabin for the journey.
Day Two ~ South Mainland
Arrive Lerwick, receive a warm welcome from your Shetland guide and depart for your tour of Shetland’s scenic South Mainland, including a walk across the sand tombolo to the famous St. Ninian’s Isle for a visit to the medieval chapel where an ancient treasure was found. Continue to the fascinating Croft House Museum to learn about 19th century life on the island, and to Old Scatness Iron Age broch and village, site of an ongoing archaeological dig and living history exhibition. Then, discover the first lighthouse in Shetland at spectacular Sumburgh Head, established by Robert Stevenson in 1821, and walk along the imposing cliffs of Sumburgh Head R.S.P.B. Nature Reserve, home to thousands of seabirds in the summer, including a thriving puffin colony. Make an optional stop at Jarlshof, described as “one of the most remarkable archaeological sites ever excavated in the British Isles”, and explore the ancient settlements spanning the late Bronze Age through to the Middle Ages.
Return to the Lerwick in the late afternoon and check into your comfortable accommodation for the night.
Day Three ~ Central Mainland or Wildlife Cruise / Depart Shetland
After breakfast, check out of your accommodation. Choose one of the following exciting excursions:
Excursion 1 ~ Shetland Central Mainland Tour (3 hours): Meet your guide for a scenic morning tour including visits to the picturesque islands of Trondra and Burra as well as Shetland’s ancient capital of Scalloway and Earl Patrick’s 17th century Scalloway Castle. Travel through the historic valley of Tingwall, location of the Norse parliament, and enjoy spectacular vistas from the Whiteness and Weisdale viewpoints.
Excursion 2 ~ Shetland Wildlife Cruise (3 hours): Take a spectacular morning wildlife cruise around the Islands of Bressay and Noss with an expert guide. Spot razorbills, guillemots, puffins, gannets and much more at the Noss National Nature Reserve, explore cliffs and caves, and watch for seals, whales, dolphins and otters. View fascinating aquatic life, including starfish, crabs, sea urchins, soft corals and jellyfish, with an underwater camera tethered to a mini submarine.
Then, return to Lerwick for an afternoon exploring Shetland’s capital. Discover the 18th century lodberries, historic buildings along Old Lerwick’s harbour front; Fort Charlotte, an 18th century artillery fortress; and the fantastic new Shetland Museum and Archives which will captivate you with the story of Shetland.
Later, transfer to the ferry terminal, and embark on the overnight sailing to Aberdeen. Check into a comfortable cabin for the journey. |
