Scotland's Shetland Islands
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an unforgettable multi-day tour through the enchanting Shetland Islands, where history, nature, and culture converge. From the bustling town of Lerwick to the rugged cliffs of Eshaness, this journey offers a perfect blend of guided exploration and personal discovery. Immerse yourself in the rich heritage at the Shetland Museum, hike to ancient ruins, and witness the breathtaking beauty of the northernmost reaches of the UK. With comfortable accommodations and the expertise of a knowledgeable guide, this tour promises an enriching experience for all who seek the allure of Scotland's remote islands.
Included
5 breakfasts
All Intrepid group trips in Europe are accompanied by one of our local European group leaders. ’Local’ in this context means a leader who is European or lives in Europe. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced leader however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your leader is new to a particular region or training other group leaders. Your leader takes care of logistics, will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects.
At Intrepid we also aim to support local guides in the individual cities or locations we travel to. If you are interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your leader can recommend an optional local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.
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
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.
Guesthouse (5 nights)
guesthouse: 5 night(s);
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.
Private vehicle , Taxi and On foot
Destinations
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival in Lerwick
- Aberdeen
- Lerwick - Arrival day
- More
Begin your Scottish adventure in the charming town of Lerwick, where you'll meet your tour leader and fellow travelers at 6 pm. If you arrive early, take a leisurely stroll along the historic harbour, a place rich in maritime history. As the evening unfolds, explore the local dining scene with recommendations from your guide, and perhaps end the night with traditional Shetland music in a cozy pub. Accommodation will be provided at a local hotel (or similar).
Day 2 – Day 2: Explore Lerwick
- Lerwick
- More
After a hearty breakfast, embark on a guided walking tour of Lerwick, uncovering its popular sites and hidden gems. The afternoon is yours to explore at your own pace. Consider visiting the Lerwick Brewery for a taste of local brews, or enjoy a scenic boat tour to spot wildlife. As the day winds down, savor a meal at one of Lerwick's inviting pubs. Accommodation will be at a local hotel (or similar).
Day 3 – Day 3: Historical Insights
Day 3: Historical Insights
Start your day with a visit to the Shetland Museum & Archives, where you'll delve into the region's rich history. Afterward, travel to Sumburgh for a hike to the ancient site of Jarlshof, with its fascinating ruins, and continue to the Sumburgh Head Lighthouse. Enjoy breathtaking coastal views and learn about the area's storied past. Return to Lerwick for a relaxing evening. Accommodation will be at a local hotel (or similar).
Day 4 – Day 4: Northern Wonders
Day 4: Northern Wonders
Journey north to the breathtaking Hermaness Nature Reserve and Muckle Flugga, the UK's northernmost inhabited island. Marvel at the rugged beauty and keep an eye out for puffins and other seabirds. Learn about the history of the Muckle Flugga Lighthouse, built during the Crimean War. Return to Lerwick for a restful evening. Accommodation will be at a local hotel (or similar).
Day 5 – Day 5: Coastal Exploration
Day 5: Coastal Exploration
Venture to Eshaness for a hike along its dramatic sea cliffs, where the waves crash against the volcanic coastline. Keep an eye out for seals and otters as you explore this geologically fascinating area. Return to Lerwick for a final group dinner in a local pub, celebrating the end of your Shetland adventure. Accommodation will be at a local hotel (or similar).
Day 6 – Day 6: Departure
- Lerwick
- Aberdeen - Departure day
- More
Conclude your Shetland journey with a leisurely breakfast. With no scheduled activities, you are free to depart at your convenience. If you wish to extend your stay or explore more of Scotland, your booking agent can assist with additional arrangements. Accommodation options are available upon request.
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