Up Helly Aa

Name: Edinburgh to Aberdeen

Short Description: 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

Description: 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

Highlights

• St Andrews(Andrews)

Name: Lerwick

Short Description: 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

Description: 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

Highlights

This item has no highlights added

Name: Lerwick

Short Description: 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.

Description: 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.

Highlights

• Eshaness(Eshaness)
• Lunna Bay and Kirk(Lunna)

Name: Lerwick

Short Description: 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

Description: 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

Highlights

• Up Helly Aa(Helly)

Name: Lerwick

Short Description: 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

Description: 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

Highlights

• Shetland Museum(ShetlandMuseum)

Name: Lerwick to Aberdeen

Short Description: 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

Description: 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

Highlights

• Clickimin Broch(Clickimin)

Name: Aberdeen to Edinburgh

Short Description: 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.

Description: 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.

Highlights

• Dunnottar Castle (Dunnottar)
• V&A Dundee (Dundee)

Inclusions

Item 1: Legendary Local HAGGiS Guide

Item 2: All Transport Around Scotland in our Famous Yellow HAGGiS Bus

Item 3: All Ferry Charges

Item 4: 6 Nights Accommodation (4 Nights Multi-Share Mixed-Gender Hostel, 2 Overnight Ferry Quad-Share Cabin)

Item 5: Distillery Visit

Name: Up Helly Aa

NameShort: Up Helly Aa

Up Helly Aa is a festival like no other. Hairy Vikings roar as they roam the streets, kicking off the annual celebration of Shetland’s Norse heritage. Watch as hundreds of torches obliterate the Viking galley and party until dawn with the locals. This is not your classic tourist experience!

Every year, on the last Tuesday of January, Shetland’s main town descends into fiery chaos. This annual serving of utter madness pays tribute to the islands’ Viking descendants, who landed in the 9th century and ruled until 1468. Shetland was then mortgaged to Scotland as part of a royal wedding agreement, and we just decided to keep it. Up Helly Aa has been turning up the heat since 1880, and it’s a party you won’t want to miss. The festival day begins at 9am with a surreal Viking sing-song in the British Legion, before the parade. Local men spent months building the Viking galley, which burns in just thirty minutes in a children’s playpark. Squeeze into the packed pubs for live music and local banter, and prepare for all night dancing at the infamous ‘halls’. No wonder the next day is a public holiday! It’s all a bit bonkers.

Image Name: Up Helly Aa

Image Alt: Up Helly Aa

Name: Lerwick

NameShort: Lerwick

Shetland’s main town of Lerwick is home to cute cafes, busy pubs, and the Shetland Museum. Mingle with the locals over a dram and traditional tunes, before watching all the Up Helly Aa madness unfold in the town’s quaint streets.

Shetland’s main town of Lerwick is home to cute cafes, busy pubs, and the Shetland Museum. Mingle with the locals over a dram and traditional tunes, before watching all the Up Helly Aa madness unfold in the town’s quaint streets.

Image Name: Lerwick Shetland

Image Alt: Lerwick Shetland

Name: Dunnottar Castle

NameShort: Dunnottar Castle

Dunnottar Castle will blow your wee socks off. Perched on a chunk of dramatic rock, almost surrounded by sea, the romantic clifftop ruin looks like a scene from Game of Thrones. Your camera will love it! Without doubt, Dunnottar is the most striking of all coastal castles in Scotland.

When it comes to Dunnottar Castle, it’s not just the scenery that’s dramatic. The castle has its fair share of tales to tell, from turbulent times with some of Scotland’s most famous characters throughout history. Dunnottar endured attacks from the notorious Vikings in the 9th century, and was later destroyed by our home-grown crazy warrior William Wallace. Mary Queen of Scots visited the castle, which was home to the Keith family from the 14th century, until the last Earl was charged with treason during the Jacobite rebellions. We love a bit of drama! For the full Scottish experience, the castle is best enjoyed with moody skies, crashing waves and wild, windy weather. Make sure you get photos from every angle – it’s absolutely stunning. Dunnottar Castle is the jewel of the Aberdeenshire Coast, and one of our very favourites.

Image Name: Dunnottar Castle

Image Alt: Dunnottar Castle

Name: St Andrews

NameShort: St Andrews

St Andrews is a picturesque seaside town, with cute cafes, cobbled streets, and colourful doorways. Known as the ‘home of golf’, St Andrews is also where Royal lovebirds Will and Kate met at university. Discover the pretty harbour, coastal castle, and the iconic ruins of St Andrew’s Cathedral.

St Andrews is a picturesque seaside town, with cute cafes, cobbled streets, and colourful doorways. Known as the ‘home of golf’, St Andrews is also where Royal lovebirds Will and Kate met at university. Discover the pretty harbour, coastal castle, and the iconic ruins of St Andrew’s Cathedral.

Image Name: St Andrews

Image Alt: St Andrews

Name: Jarlshoff

NameShort: Jarlshoff

Jarlshoff is where 4000 years of human history come together in one remarkable place. Located on the southern tip of Shetland, the site has attracted many characters throughout the centuries, from Neolithic communities to Norse settlers. Bilbo Baggins would be right at home in the maze-like ruins!

When it comes to archaeological gems, Jarlshof is a total show-off! Layer upon layer of human history has been unearthed in this fascinating location, and you can wander right amongst it all. Neolithic settlers were the first to build houses at Jarlshof, and they certainly weren’t the last. The elaborate site also features a Bronze Age village, an Iron Age broch and wheelhouses, a Norse longhouse and a 16th century laird’s house. Jarlshof was buried and preserved by nature itself, until the force of Shetland’s wild weather shifted the sand to reveal these super-impressive remnants of the past. What a discovery! Soak up the sea views, and follow in the footsteps of Shetland’s ancient ancestors.

Image Name: Jarlshoff

Image Alt: Jarlshoff

Name: Shetland

NameShort: Shetland

You know you’re in for an epic experience when your destination is the furthest north on Scotland’s map. We boldly go to remote lands where Vikings once ruled, to discover ancient settlements and bonnie beaches. Shetland is truly wild, from the rugged scenery to the lively nightlife.

The Shetlands are the most northerly isles in Scotland, which very few Scots have ventured far enough to visit. Shetland is for tourists of the hardcore variety! The notorious Norse landed on Shetland in the 9th century and ruled until 1468. Shetland was then mortgaged to Scotland as part of a royal wedding agreement, and we decided it was too good to give back! When you visit, you’ll understand why. Shetland’s wild good looks and edgy character will have your inner Viking raring to roam the crazy-dramatic cliffs and deserted beaches. Sumburgh Head Lighthouse and the famous tombolo at St Ninian’s Isle don’t need Instagram filters to look cool, and the packed pubs are the best place to get cosy when it’s cold outside. You might not remember what time you left the Up Helly Aa after-party, but you’ll never forget your experience on Shetland.

Image Name: Shetland

Image Alt: Shetland

Name: St Ninian’s Isle

NameShort: St Ninian’s Isle

St Ninian’s Isle is connected to Shetland Mainland by a white sandy causeway, known as a tombolo. This famous natural wonder, with sea on either side, is one of Shetland’s bonniest beaches and most popularly photographed locations.

St Ninian’s Isle is connected to Shetland Mainland by a white sandy causeway, known as a tombolo. This famous natural wonder, with sea on either side, is one of Shetland’s bonniest beaches and most popularly photographed locations.

Image Name: St Ninian’s Isle

Image Alt: St Ninian’s Isle Shetland