Scotland's Shetland Islands
Scotland's Shetland Islands
Scotland's Shetland Islands
6 Days Starting and ending in Lerwick, Shetland Islands
Visiting: Lerwick, Sumburgh, Muckle Flugga, Eshness
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BWSL
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 12
Age range:
15-99 years
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Tour Overview
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.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Lerwick
Location: Lerwick
Accommodation: Guesthouse
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.
Day 2: Lerwick
Location: Lerwick
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Meals Included: breaksfast
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.
Included Activities:
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Day 3: Sumburgh
Location: Sumburgh
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Meals Included: breaksfast
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.
Included Activities:
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Day 4: Muckle Flugga
Location: Muckle Flugga
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Meals Included: breaksfast
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.
Included Activities:
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Day 5: Eshness
Location: Eshness
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Meals Included: breaksfast
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.
Included Activities:
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Day 6: Lerwick
Location: Lerwick
Meals Included: breaksfast
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.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Guesthouse (5 nights) -
Lerwick - Leader led Walking Tour
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Lerwick - Shetland Museum Tour
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Sumburgh - Jarlshof and Sumburgh Head Hike
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Shetland - Hermaness Nature Reserve and Muckle Flugga private trip
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Lerwick - Overnight Ferry Lerwick to Aberdeen
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Eshaness - Coastal Hike
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Meals
3 breakfasts
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
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International Travel
Transport
- TRANSPORT
- One of the highlights of this trip is our use of a combination of public and private transportation. Public transport is not only a cost-effective way to travel but also provides a unique glimpse into Scottish life as we traverse picturesque landscapes. Private vehicles, on the other hand, allow us to make frequent stops at intriguing points of interest that may not be reachable via public transport. Need a taxi, no problem, please speak to your group leader should you require a taxi outside of what is included. We believe that this blend of travel options is the ideal approach for exploring Scotland as a group.
Accommodation
- OCCASIONAL ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION
- The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances.
- TWIN SHARE BASIS
- Accommodation on this trip is on a twin/multishare basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender as per the gender marker on each of their passports. Please note there may be times where facilities will be shared rather than ensuite and rare occasions when you share a room with passengers travelling on different Intrepid trips than your own.
- CHECK-IN TIME
- Throughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check in time. However this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination.
- PRE/POST TRIP ACCOMMODATION
- If you've purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (if available), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights.
- FACILITIES
- Your accommodation may not always have private en suite facilities or air-conditioning. European hotels generally don't provide kettles or fridges.
Important Information
- 1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights in Lerwick, and is subject to limited availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
- 2. If you’d like extending your exploration of Scotland, consider joining one of our other adventures on mainland or Orkney Islands. Just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
Mode of Transport
- TRANSPORT
- One of the highlights of this trip is our use of a combination of public and private transportation. Public transport is not only a cost-effective way to travel but also provides a unique glimpse into Scottish life as we traverse picturesque landscapes. Private vehicles, on the other hand, allow us to make frequent stops at intriguing points of interest that may not be reachable via public transport. Need a taxi, no problem, please speak to your group leader should you require a taxi outside of what is included. We believe that this blend of travel options is the ideal approach for exploring Scotland as a group.
Check out our Q&As
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Is this trip right for you
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. -
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
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Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions