Scotland: Shetland and its Outer Isles 4663

Scotland: Shetland and its Outer Isles 4663

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5 Days From

$2165

Scotland: Shetland and its Outer Isles 4663

5 Days Starting and ending in Aberdeen, United Kingdom

Visiting: Aberdeen, Lerwick, Unst

Tour operator:

Brightwater Holidays

Tour code:

BSHI

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

6 - 25

Physical rating:

Moderate

Age range:

1-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Vegans, Meat, Please contact Brightwater with any specific dietary requirements

Activities:

Sightseeing, Walking

From: $2165

NB: Prices correct on 22-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

If you want to get away from it all, Shetland is the place to be. As close to Norway as it is to Scotland, Shetland is rugged and remote, with a raw natural beauty, a unique culture and wonderful wildlife. There are over a hundred islands here, only 16 of which are inhabited, each with its own individual character, and our tour offers the opportunity to visit four of them, providing a real taste of the diversity of this amazing archipelago, not to mention the simple pleasure of travelling by boats, both large and small, as the indomitable inhabitants of these islands have done for hundreds of years. We visit the little island of Mousa, whose Iron Age broch is the best-preserved example anywhere in the world, the Shetland Croft House Museum which gives an insight into a typical 19th century croft, while Jarlshof provides a unique archaeological time-capsule, spanning 3000 years of successive settlements. Finally we have a tour of the northernmost islands of Yell and Unst, a day of stunning seascapes and air so fresh it takes your breath away.  

Highlights

  • Rich wildlife on the Island of Mousa

  • 3000 years of archaeological history at Jarlshof

  • Muness Castle – the most northerly castle in the British Isles

  • The stunning sea cliffs of Noss

  • Bobby’s bus shelter in Baltasound – surely the most famous in the world!

  • Visit to the Shetland Croft House Museum

  • Explore the northern isles of Yell and Unst

Places You'll See

Scotland: Shetland And Its Outer Isles 4663

Scotland: Shetland And Its Outer Isles 4663

Itinerary

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Day 1

Location: Aberdeen

Accommodation Name: Serco Northlink ferry

Meals Included: Dinner

We depart from our designated departure points and travel to Aberdeen where we will join the Serco Northlink ferry (Hrossey or Hjaltland) for the overnight sailing to Lerwick (departs 19.00hrs in June and 17.00hrs in August). Accommodation is provided in comfortable 2-berth cabins with en-suite facilities. Dinner is served on board in the evening.

Day 2

Location: Lerwick

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Busta House Hotel, Shetland

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

We arrive early in the morning at Lerwick and after our full Scottish breakfast on board we will depart on a full day tour which begins on the South Mainland with a visit to the Shetland Croft House Museum. The house is a typical thatched croft house of the 19th century restored with traditional materials, low doorways and uneven floors and warmed by a peat fire. We then head for the southern tip of Mainland Shetland, where we visit the outstanding Prehistoric and Norse Settlement of Jarlshof, with over 3 acres of remains, spanning 3000 years since the days of the Stone Age, including oval shaped bronze age houses, iron age broch and wheel houses, Viking long houses and medieval farmhouses.

This afternoon, we cross as foot passengers to the fascinating little island of Mousa. Here we will visit the 2000 year old broch, the best preserved example in the world. The island is also a nature reserve and is rich in wildlife. Storm petrels, Arctic terns and skuas nest here, and harbour seals lounge on the shore. Keep a sharp eye on Mousa Sound and you may also spot porpoises and the odd killer whale.Please note the trail on Mousa is uneven, steep, narrow, stony and boggy in places, and therefore not suitable for those visitors requiring extra mobility assistance or are not sure-footed. Walking or wellington boots and waterproof clothing are recommended. There are no toilets and no seating or shelter on the island.

We later continue to our comfortable hotel where dinner is served in the evening.

Day 3

Location: Unst

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Busta House Hotel, Shetland

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

After a leisurely breakfast we depart for a full day tour to the northern isles of Yell and Unst. We travel north through Tingwall and Girlsta and past the oil terminal at Sullom Voe, which has transformed life in Shetland over the last 25 years, before arriving at Toft, where the ferry departs for the island of Yell. After a 15-minute crossing we travel across Yell to Gutcher at the north end of the island. After a refreshment stop we make another short ferry crossing to the island of Unst. Here we visit Muness Castle before driving north to Baltasound. After lunch (not included) we continue northwards again, (about as far north as it is possible to travel by coach in the British Isles) and enjoy the marvellous views from Saxavord Hill. Our return route takes us via East Yell and Burravoe. We return to our hotel in evening where dinner is served.

Day 4

Location: Lerwick

Accommodation Name: Northlink Ferry

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast this morning we return to Lerwick, where we will have some free time before re-joining our Northlink Ferry for Aberdeen. Dinner is served on board.

Day 5

Location: Aberdeen

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast on board we will disembark in Aberdeen at around 0900hrs. We will then return to the original pick up points.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation is included during the tour.

  • Services of a professional tour manager

    The services of a professional tour manager are included.

  • Comfortable coach travel throughout

    Comfortable coach travel is provided throughout the tour.

  • Meals - as per the itinerary

    Meals are included as per the itinerary.

  • All visits as outlined in the itinerary

    All visits outlined in the itinerary are included.

  • Ferry crossings

    Ferry crossings are included in the tour.

What's Not Included

  • Tipping and Gratuities

    Tipping and gratuities are not included.

  • International Travel

    International travel is not included.

Mode of Transport

Travel in comfort with coach travel throughout the tour, including ferry crossings to the Shetland Islands, ensuring a seamless journey from Aberdeen to Lerwick and beyond.

Accommodation

Enjoy comfortable 2-berth cabins with en-suite facilities on the ferry to Lerwick, and stay at the charming Busta House Hotel in Shetland, offering a cozy retreat after a day of exploration.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of accommodation is provided during the ferry crossings?

    During the ferry crossings, accommodation is provided in comfortable 2-berth cabins with en-suite facilities.

  • Are there any specific recommendations for visiting Mousa Island?

    Yes, visitors to Mousa Island are advised to wear walking or wellington boots and waterproof clothing due to the uneven, steep, narrow, stony, and boggy trails. The island is not suitable for those requiring extra mobility assistance or who are not sure-footed. Additionally, there are no toilets, seating, or shelter on the island.

  • What wildlife can be observed on Mousa Island?

    Mousa Island is a nature reserve rich in wildlife, where visitors can observe storm petrels, Arctic terns, skuas, and harbour seals. There is also a chance to spot porpoises and the occasional killer whale in Mousa Sound.

  • What historical sites are included in the tour?

    The tour includes visits to the Shetland Croft House Museum, the Prehistoric and Norse Settlement of Jarlshof, and Muness Castle, which is the most northerly castle in the British Isles.

  • What is the significance of Jarlshof in the itinerary?

    Jarlshof is an outstanding archaeological site with remains spanning 3000 years, including structures from the Stone Age, Bronze Age, Iron Age, Viking era, and medieval times.

  • Will I receive more details of the holiday before I travel?

    You will receive detailed joining instructions around 10 days prior to you departure, but you are of course welcome to contact us at any time should you have any queries.

  • What facilities do your coaches have?

    Generally, our coaches have reclining seats, air-conditioning and toilets, however this cannot always be guaranteed as sometimes we have to use smaller vehicles. Toilets are recommended for emergency use only and regular comfort stops will be made throughout your holiday while travelling around.

  • Do I have to go on the included excursions?

    Absolutely not. You are more than welcome to spend the day at your hotel or exploring independently should you wish. All we ask is that you inform your Tour Manager, so they are not left waiting for you to join the group.

  • Is there time to relax?

    Although our itineraries may seem jam-packed, boasting access to some of the most exclusive sites across the UK and beyond, a Brightwater Holiday is just that: a holiday. Each trip will counter in more than enough free-time for you to explore places at your own leisure. And with most nights and the majority of meals being included in our tour prices, you can relax in hand-picked accommodation.

  • Do I need to be an expert?

    Absolutely not! Although some of our tours are specifically focused on one thing, all you need to enjoy a Brightwater holiday is interest and bags of enthusiasm! Even on our most specialist tours, we take travellers from all skill levels, from experts to beginners.

  • How fit or active do I need to be for one of your holidays?

    You need to be able to get on and off the coach unassisted, and most – but not all – coaches have a kneel facility that lowers the front step for ease of boarding

  • Do you have self-drive holidays?

    Yes, we do – tailored to your exact requirements!

  • What’s the luggage allowance on your coaches?

    There’s no fixed limit, but we generally say one large suitcase to go in the luggage compartment and a smaller bag that you can take onto the coach with you. For flight-inclusive holidays, we include a luggage allowance of at least 20kg.

  • Where are your departure points?

    UK garden holidays generally depart from London, with additional pick-ups depending on the route of the coach, while holidays to Scotland depart from Glasgow, Edinburgh and Perth, with Dundee, Inverness and Aberdeen sometimes included. All Eurostar holidays depart from London St. Pancras and flight-inclusive holidays depart from one or more of the main London airports, with regional flights .

  • What about the company that will be kept?

    For single travellers, those with a companion or even those travelling in a larger group, you'll find that the signature of any Brightwater Holiday is the company. You won't ever be travelling with a group of strangers, instead, you'll find yourself surrounded by like-minded people with a strong shared interest who will soon become your firm friends.

  • What is a Brightwater Holiday?

    Bursting with enthralling, educational and enlightening itineraries, a Brightwater Holiday, by its very nature, is packed with bucket-list-worthy destinations, behind the scenes passes and expert-led experiences. From creating bespoke quality garden and special interest tours for groups and individuals alike, we have made it our business to make our guests' travel dreams come true.

  • Why is there a single supplement?

    Unfortunately, single room supplements are charges that are often imposed on us as a company when we book rooms for group holidays. However, most hotels do charge less for single occupancy, and we always pass this saving on to our solo travellers in the form of a modest single supplement.

  • How much are your optional excursions?

    Prices start from as little as £20, but please contact our friendly team for questions about specific itineraries or excursions.

  • Can I pre-book my coach seats?

    Yes, you can. In the case of front seats, guests with limited mobility are given priority. Please get in touch with our friendly team to discuss any requirements you may have.

  • How to get there? Easy!

    With a Brightwater Holiday, the journey is just as important as the destination and we make getting you to your tour start point easy. From organising group flights and individual travel plans, to offering accessible local departure and pick-up points, we go out of our way to ensure that your journey is as convenient and hassle-free as it can be.

  • Do I need to have travel insurance?

    Travel insurance is required for all overseas holidays and is also strongly recommended for UK holidays – primarily to protect yourself against cancellation charges should you be unable to travel.

Reviews of this operator

Trusted Customer  

Brightwater Holidays offers great value

28-Nov-2019

I would highly recommend Brightwater Holidays. It offers excellent service and value for money. This was my first tour as I normally arrange holidays myself, but this tour - which was to the gardens of Kent and Sussex - was a very pleasant change of pace.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Brightwater Holidays Customer  

My experience with Brightwater Holidays

08-Aug-2019

The tour was well managed, the sites visited were all interesting and linked to the theme of the Picts and their place in history, the hotel was comfortable and the coach journeys were well paced. I have been with Brightwater before and will certainly travel with them again

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Alan Hawkes (Google Reviewer)  

We were on the Tour...

28-Aug-2022

We were on the Tour of the Outer Hebrides. We had a great experience, in no small part due to the excellence of the tour manager and driver.

Brightwater Holidays Custome  

Wonderful experience with brilliant information

31-Jul-2019

The most important factor was an amazing guide in Alastair Walker whose knowledge and care for clients was fantastic. The whole trips are superbly organised

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Eric Webb (Google Reviewer)  

Recent (September 2023) Scottish holiday...

07-Oct-2023

Recent (September 2023) Scottish holiday not so good. Various 'issues' to do with scheduling and organisation. I'm happy to report however that - after an interval - a letter expressing disappointment brought a full response - including a generous refund. So - with fingers slightly crossed - we'll be booking with Brightwater again in due course.

John G R (Google Reviewer)  

Now, this is a wee...

08-Nov-2024

Now, this is a wee family run holiday that is run from a bedroom. Outrageous prices for a holiday in scotland.👍

Kevin Barrett (Google Reviewer)  

The recent tour in Northumberland...

30-Sep-2023

The recent tour in Northumberland turned out to be a shambles. Our South London driver took us to Newcastle, but no guide to meet us. Next day still no guide and the bus driver attempted to salvage the tour the best he could despite having no knowledge of the attractions. Fortunately one of the passengers Googled the tides for Holy Island. No holiday guide ever showed up. Coach and hotel were fine. Do these people only offer self guided tours? Take Shearings next time.

ALEXANDRA MCQUEEN (Google Reviewer)  

Been trying to get a...

17-Oct-2023

Been trying to get a reply from them for over a week. Booked Xmas tour, confirmation said pick up subject to numbers, they never said anything when booking and theyve been paid in full. Would not recommend!

Dp Green (Google Reviewer)  

I had heard this company...

20-Feb-2024

I had heard this company was a nightmare to deal with, but thought I'd give it a go. Signed up for a tour, then emailed them about how to pay off the balance. No response to 3 emails. I've never encountered a tour company that ignored questions on how to pay off a balance. Looked into other reviews and found many complaints about cancelled tours and refusals to refund deposits.

Kieran Thompson (Google Reviewer)  

Two of your tour busses...

26-Jul-2021

Two of your tour busses used the A814 from Garelochhead to Arrochar on 24th July 2021. This route is not suitable for large vehicles and your drivers should not have taken the huge coaches that way. There are clear signs at both ends of the road indicating it is not suitable for HGV's. Our car had to go off into the soft verge to allow your coaches to pass. Please amend your routes to avoid this road in future.

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Saturday - Wednesday

Aug 09, 2025 - Aug 13, 2025
$2165
Prices last published on 21-Dec-2024

Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Brightwater Holidays allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform brightwater holidays, 25 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Brightwater Holidays requires a minimum deposit of 15% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of brightwater holidays charges.

    At 40 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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