Up Helly Aa
6 DAYS
Trip Info
Few have heard of it, let alone been. Our destination is the remote islands of Shetland in the far north of Scotland for one of the most incredible festivals in Europe. On the last Tuesday of January this traditional winter festival marks the lengthening of the days and the dawn of another year. Classic Scottish dancing, traditional Shetland music, the boat burning ceremony and torchlight procession makes for an unforgettable experience.
Please note that the Ferry from Aberdeen to Lerwick is in twin share accommodation. Please contact info@highlandexplorertours if you are looking to travel solo.
Highlights
- Viking Parade and Longboat Burning
- Royal Braemar
- Time in Lerwick to Visit the Shetland Museum
- Breathtaking Scenery of the Shetland Islands
- St Andrews, The Home of Golf
- Traditional Music Sessions
Inclusions
- Local Scottish Guide
- 2 Overnight Ferries (Twin-Share Cabin)
- 3 Nights Hotel (Twin-Share)
- 3 Full Scottish Breakfasts
- Free Time in Lerwick
- Guided Tour of Shetland
Explore More
- The Shetland Museum, Lerwick
Accessibility and Facilities
For more information, see our Accessibility Statement.
Terms and Conditions
The cancellations fees are levied from periods of notice given prior to confirmed/nominate departure date as % of the total trip fare. Cancellations outside up to 22 days before departure 50% fee. Cancellations 21 days before departure incur a 100% fee. This product does not qualify for a deposit option - full payment is required at time of booking.
Select a date to book!
Available Full Limited Seats
"Best adventure of my travels so far! Our guide, Dougie, led us on a fantastic tour up to Shetland, sharing with us his long standing passion for this wonderful festival.The torchlight procession at the festival was unforgettable. The Vikings were fantastic as was the sense of community throughout the event. Either side of Up Helly Aa we saw the stunning scenery of Shetland and mainland Scotland. Thanks Dougie and the people of Shetland for a brilliant adventure!"
Tour Video
Itinerary
DAY ONE: EDINBURGH TO ABERDEEN
Leaving our capital city of Edinburgh at 08.30am we stop to view the Forth Bridge, opened in 1890 for the passage of trains heading north. We then travel on through the Kingdom of Fife with its stunning coastal scenery before stopping at the ancient university town of St Andrews. Known as the Home of Golf, the town also boasts the magnificent ruins of a 12th-century Cathedral. We then travel on to Aberdeen via Dunottar Castle, perched dramatically on the edge of the North Sea, and board the ferry for the overnight journey to the Shetland Islands. (Overnight: Ferry)
DAY TWO: LERWICK
After sailing into Lerwick we spend the morning enjoying the main town of Shetland including a visit to Clickimin Broch. After a visit to Scalloway Castle, we then spend the afternoon in the north of the island exploring the fantastic coastal areas of Lunna and Eshaness before we return for a night out in the Shetland capital! (Overnight: Lerwick)
DAY THREE: LERWICK
In the west of Shetland we will visit the islands of Burra and Trondra before heading to the stunning beach at St Ninian's Isle. We then visit Jarslhoff, one of Scotland's finest prehistoric sites, before moving on to the stunning cliffs and sea views at Sumburgh in the far south of the island. We return to Lerwick to prepare for the main event with some celebrations in town with the locals. (Overnight: Lerwick)
DAY FOUR: LERWICK
The big day! You get to watch the junior Jarl Squad (young Vikings) have their own parade before the main event. Vikings make their way through the streets culminating in the ceremonial burning of a full-size replica Viking Long Ship. Your Guide will be available throughout the day to make sure you don’t miss any of the world-famous festival. (Overnight: Lerwick)
DAY FIVE: LERWICK TO ABERDEEN
After breakfast, we venture north taking in the ancient Tingwall Parliament and explore the west of the Island. A return to Lerwick allows free time for souvenir shopping or a visit to the Shetland Museum before boarding our overnight ferry back to mainland Scotland. (Overnight: Ferry)
DAY SIX: ABERDEEN TO EDINBURGH
We make our way through Royal Deeside and pass Crathie Kirk where the Royal Family worships when at their Highland residence. We also visit the resting place of John Brown, ghillie to Queen Victoria and made famous in the movie Mrs. Brown starring Billy Connolly and have ample time to visit Braemar for lunch. Our return journey takes us through the Cairngorms National Park and Royal Braemar before arriving back in Edinburgh at 5.30pm.
THE WORLD FAMOUS TORCHLIGHT PROCESSION
Around one thousand torch-bearing guizers in full Viking uniform march through the streets with the Galley past the spectators. The town is in darkness as the streetlights are switched off, the red glow at ‘light up’ is truly a phenomenal sight.
Select a date to book!
Available Full Limited Seats
Departure
Edinburgh Bus Station
St. Andrews Square
Edinburgh
Scotland
EH1 3DQ
Departure Time
Tour departs at 08.30am.
Return Time
Tour returns at approximately 05.30pm.
Accommodation
Accommodation is included in the price of your trip.
Two nights in a twin berth on the ferry and 3 nights in a local 3* Shetland Hotel (twin/double room).
ACCESSIBILITY & FACILITIES
For more information, see our Accessibility Statement under ‘Essential Info’.