Month :
| M | T | W | T | F | S | S |
|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
| 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 |
| 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 |
| 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 |
| 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | | | |
| | | | | | |
From $899.00
Prices in US Dollars
SOLD OUT!
Few have heard of it, let alone been. Our destination is the remote Shetland Islands in the far north of Scotland for one of the most incredible festivals in Europe. On the last Tuesday of January, the town of Lerwick goes more than a little mad. Up Helly Aa is a lot more than a sub-arctic bonfire and booze-up. It's a superb spectacle, a celebration of Shetland history, and a triumphant demonstration of the islanders' skills and spirit. Fifty horny-helmeted Vikings, a burning Norse galley and an all night party. Unmissable.
Highlights
- Viking parade and longboat burning
- All-night party with the locals
- St Andrews, home of golf
- Full tour of the Shetland islands
- Traditional Music
Free time
- Explore Lerwick and the Shetland Museum
- Party all night with the locals
Inclusions
- All accommodation
- Breakfasts and evening meals in Lerwick
- All taxes and ferries
- Transport on one of the famous yellow HAGGiS buses
- Your legendary local Guides
Day 1: Edinburgh to Shetland
North across the shimmering River Forth and through beautiful Perthshire. A stop at Royal Braemar, then past Crathie Kirk where the Royal Family worship when at their Highland residence. We also visit the resting place of John Brown, ghillie to Queen Victoria and made famous in the movie starring Billy Connolly. To the east coast, heading for Aberdeen and from here the adventure really begins as we board the ferry and embark upon our voyage on the North Sea. This overnight journey, via Kirkwall in the Orkney Islands, will arrive in Lerwick the next morning.
Day 2: Shetland
We explore the island, taking in Scalloway, the original capital of Shetland then onto the Scalloway islands with their gorgeous beaches and quaint villages. We sample the scenery of the south of the island and climb amongst the huge bird population within the Nature Reserve of Sumburgh Head. We then visit the ancient site of 'Jarlshof', named by Sir Walter Scott. There will undoubtedly be some revelling in town with the locals in preparation for tomorrow’s festivities.
Day 3: Up Helly Aa!
The big day dawns! The morning sees the Viking procession and a chance to have your picture taken beside this year’s 'Jarl' (Chief Viking). In the afternoon there is a celebration of Shetland folk music and a good chance to get warmed up with a dance (and perhaps try some whisky) for the long night ahead. The evening starts with the Junior Jarl Squad procession which is the youngster’s version of the full blown affair. After a torchlight street procession of up to a thousand ‘guizers’ (local performers), the festival reaches a crescendo as a full-size replica Viking longship is ceremonially burnt.
Day 4: Shetland to Scotland
The next morning (or at the end of the night, depending on how much fun you have!) we will join the ‘guizers’ again as they sing away their hangovers. We then venture north taking in the ancient Tynwald parliament and explore the northern area of the island before returning on the overnight ferry back to Scotland (as Shetlanders refer to the mainland).
Day 5: Return to Edinburgh
After docking into Aberdeen, we’ll head south through stunning scenery, castles and whisky country, stopping along the way to appreciate the beautiful wintry Scottish scenery. A visit to the ancient university town of St. Andrews with time to explore the home of golf before our return to Edinburgh.