Daily Departures from Aberdeen.
Tour Highlights
- Remarkable Archaeology and World-Class Wildlife
- Stunning Vistas
- World-Famous Shetland Ponies
- Explore Fascinating Island Culture & Heritage
- Travel to the Most Northerly Point of the British Isles
- Cruise the North Sea
- Discover Six Magical Isles
- 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 three nights.
Day Three ~ Wildlife Cruise & Lerwick
After breakfast, embark on 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 which has been tethered to a mini submarine. Note: This excursion operates weather permitting.
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.
Day Four ~ Isle of Unst
Get an early start this morning when you meet your guide for your adventure to Shetland’s most northerly inhabited isle. Travel through Shetland’s scenic North Mainland and across Yell, Shetland’s second largest isle, to the island of Unst. See the world-famous Shetland Ponies by the roadside en route to the beach and dunes of Norwick and Saxa Vord, Unst’s highest hill, from which you can enjoy fantastic views of the lighthouse at Muckle Flugga, Britain’s most northerly point. Then, visit Unst Heritage Centre which traces island life over the centuries; Unst Boat Haven where you will find a unique collection of traditional boats and fishing handicrafts; the recently renovated 19th century Hagdale Horse Mill; and Muness Castle, Britain's northernmost stronghold.
Day Five ~ North Mainland / Depart Shetland
Check out of your accommodation and meet your guide for your discovery of Northmavine, described as "the largest, wildest and most beautiful parish in Shetland". Travel through the picturesque village of Voe then cross Shetland’s narrowest point Mavis Grind, which separates the North Sea from the Atlantic Ocean. Marvel at the superb views across Ronas Voe, a narrow fjord cutting deep into North Mainland, to the red granite cliffs and Shetland’s highest summit at Ronas Hill. Stop for photos of Da Drongs, dramatic stacks in St Magnus Bay, en route to the fascinating Tangwick Haa Museum, which is accommodated in a 17th century laird’s house (Haa) and illustrates the way of life in Northmavine through the ages. Then, visit the peninsula of Esha Ness where you will find the Esha Ness Lighthouse established by David A. and Charles Stevenson in 1929, and stunning coastal views of the cliffs and sea stacks.
Return to the ferry terminal and embark on the overnight sailing to Aberdeen. Check into a comfortable cabin for the journey.
Day Six ~ Arrive Aberdeen |
