Scotland's Shetland Islands

Trip Type: Explorer
United Kingdom | 6 Days | 1 - 12 People
Starts From:

NZD 3,430.00 /Person

Discover the many charms of the Shetland Islands on a small group adventure featuring dramatic coastlines, towering sea cliffs, wildlife and histor...

Scotland's Shetland Islands

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Meals
5 Breakfast(s), ,

Transport
Private vehicle , Taxi and On foot

Accommodation
Guesthouse (5 nights)

Included Activities
  • Lerwick - Leader led Walking Tour
  • Lerwick - Shetland Museum Tour
  • Sumburgh - Jarlshof and Sumburgh Head Hike
  • Shetland - Hermaness Nature Reserve and Muckle Flugga private trip
  • Eshaness - Coastal Hike
  • 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’.
  • On Days 3 and 5, 5-8 km hikes are scheduled along coastal paths. These treks aren’t too demanding and they follow established paths, but you will need a basic level of fitness and reasonably sturdy footwear to fully enjoy them. Scotland can be cold and windy throughout the year, especially at the start and end of the season. Please bring appropriate clothing for adverse weather conditions, including base layers, hat, gloves, scarf, waterproof clothes/umbrella and anything else that you think may be applicable.

Departing

Finishing

Availability

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Provided by
Intrepid Travel
Reference Code:
BWSL
Trip Location
Trip Starts:
Lerwick, Shetland Islands, United Kingdom
Trip Finishes:
Lerwick, Shetland Islands, United Kingdom
Countries Visited:
United Kingdom
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Booking Enquiry

Destination Details
United Kingdom | 6 Days | 1 - 12 People

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