UP HELLY AA

Your Up Helly Aa 2027 adventure kicks off in the with a morning departure from Edinburgh as we head north through the rolling countryside of Fife. Our first stop is the seaside town of St Andrews, known for its historic university and famous golf links. Grab an early lunch, stretch your legs by the ....

Your Up Helly Aa 2027 adventure kicks off in the with a morning departure from Edinburgh as we head north through the rolling countryside of Fife. Our first stop is the seaside town of St Andrews, known for its historic university and famous golf links. Grab an early lunch, stretch your legs by the beach, or wander past the cathedral ruins. Next up is a visit to Angus Alchemy, where

you’ll learn how their moonshine is made and sample a few flavours. Later we reach Aberdeen and board the overnight ferry, sailing north across the North Sea toward Shetland. Overnight: Ferry

Arriving in Shetland, we start with one of the islands’ most striking beaches – St Ninian’s Beach. A natural sand tombolo connects the mainland to St Ninian’s Isle, creating a wide stretch of pale sand surrounded by Atlantic views. Next, step deep into the past at Jarlshof Prehistoric Village. This ....

Arriving in Shetland, we start with one of the islands’ most striking beaches – St Ninian’s Beach. A natural sand tombolo connects the mainland to St Ninian’s Isle, creating a wide stretch of pale sand surrounded by Atlantic views. Next, step deep into the past at Jarlshof Prehistoric Village. This is an amazing archaeological site revealing over 4,000 years of settlement, including Bronze Age houses, Iron Age brochs, Viking longhouses, and medieval farmsteads. We finish the day at Sumburgh Head Lighthouse, located on dramatic cliffs that are home to seabirds including puffins in the warmer months. Overnight: Lerwick

Today we explore some of Shetland’s wilder corners. We head north to Hillswick before exploring the rugged coastline of Eshaness, shaped by ancient volcanic activity and Atlantic storms. Expect towering cliffs, sea stacks, and some seriously fresh air. Next up is Mavis Grind, a narrow strip of land ....

Today we explore some of Shetland’s wilder corners. We head north to Hillswick before exploring the rugged coastline of Eshaness, shaped by ancient volcanic activity and Atlantic storms. Expect towering cliffs, sea stacks, and some seriously fresh air. Next up is Mavis Grind, a narrow strip of land where the North Sea and Atlantic Ocean sit only a short walk apart. Lunch is optional at the legendary Frankie’s Fish & Chips, also nicknamed the UK’s most northerly fish and chip shop. We finish the day with a visit to historic Lunna Kirk, once a secret base for wartime Norwegian resistance operations.

Today is the reason we’re here – the legendary Up Helly Aa 2027! The celebrations begin with the morning parade through Lerwick, where Viking squads march in full costume. Your guide will lead a walk through town so you can soak up the atmosphere and watch the action unfold. Later in the day we join....

Today is the reason we’re here – the legendary Up Helly Aa 2027! The celebrations begin with the morning parade through Lerwick, where Viking squads march in full costume. Your guide will lead a walk through town so you can soak up the atmosphere and watch the action unfold. Later in the day we join the Fiery Sessions for a concert of traditional Shetland music. As night falls, the torchlit procession begins. Hundreds of guizers march through the streets before the Viking galley is set ablaze in a spectacular fire ceremony. Afterwards, the halls fill with music, dancing, and celebrations that carry on well into the night. Overnight: Lerwick

After a big night, today is all about easing back into things. We start with a relaxed walking tour of Lerwick, wandering along its waterfront lanes and old harbour where fishing boats and ferries still shape daily life. You’ll hear stories about the town’s trading past and how Shetland culture has ....

After a big night, today is all about easing back into things. We start with a relaxed walking tour of Lerwick, wandering along its waterfront lanes and old harbour where fishing boats and ferries still shape daily life. You’ll hear stories about the town’s trading past and how Shetland culture has been shaped by both Scotland and Scandinavia. There’s time to explore the Shetland Museum and Archives, a modern museum that brings the islands’ history to life with exhibits on Viking heritage, fishing traditions, and island life in the North Atlantic. Overnight: Lerwick

This morning, we visit Clickimin Broch, a well-preserved Iron Age stone tower that once stood at the centre of a fortified settlement. After exploring the site, we take part in a small beach clean – a chance to give something back while spending time on Shetland’s rugged coastline. Later we cross to....

This morning, we visit Clickimin Broch, a well-preserved Iron Age stone tower that once stood at the centre of a fortified settlement. After exploring the site, we take part in a small beach clean – a chance to give something back while spending time on Shetland’s rugged coastline. Later we cross to the neighbouring islands of Isle of Burra and Trondra, linked by bridges and known for their quiet harbours and sea views. Before boarding the evening ferry south, we stop at the Scalloway Museum, which tells the story of the famous “Shetland Bus” wartime operations. Overnight: Ferry to Aberdeen

Back on the mainland, we travel along the northeast coast to the storybook-like ruins of Dunnottar Castle. Perched on a rocky headland above the North Sea, the medieval fortress once sheltered the Scottish Crown Jewels during Oliver Cromwell’s invasion. After exploring the cliffs and castle paths, w....

Back on the mainland, we travel along the northeast coast to the storybook-like ruins of Dunnottar Castle. Perched on a rocky headland above the North Sea, the medieval fortress once sheltered the Scottish Crown Jewels during Oliver Cromwell’s invasion. After exploring the cliffs and castle paths, we continue south to Dundee for lunch. If you fancy a wander, you might check out the design exhibitions at V&A Dundee or step aboard the Antarctic research ship RRS Discovery. We arrive back in Edinburgh later in the afternoon.