Welcome to Shetland
Close enough to Norway geographically and historically to make nationality an ambiguous concept, the Shetland Islands are Britain’s most northerly outpost. There’s a Scandinavian lilt to the local accent, and streets named King Haakon or St Olaf are reminders that Shetland was under Norse rule until 1469, when it was gifted to Scotland in lieu of the dowry of a Danish princess.
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Shetland activities
North West Shetland and Eshaness Shore Excursion from Lerwick
You will be met at the port of Lerwick by your Cruising Excursions representative who will then guide you to your transportation. (This is generally a tendered port, so you will need to ensure you reserve your tender from your cruise ship).Leaving the port the tour will head toward the North West of the Island, passing wonderful scenery along the way, including magnificent views, Shetland Ponies, Shetland Wildlife and birds.Along the way there will be plenty of photo opportunities so please do not forget to take your camera.We will take a stop at Eshaness, the spectacular views of the Atlantic and the cliffs is something not to be missed, here we will take a little walk to get the best views and experience the best this site has to offer. Witness the Eshaness lighthouse perched on the corner of the rocks but made from concrete built in 1925.Visit the holes of Scraada, an underground passage leading to the sea.The tour will then continue with a tour of North West before a short stop at a local cafe where you will be able to purchase a coffee whilst enjoying the sites of this amazing area before the tour returns back to Lerwick in plenty of time for your cruise ship's departure.
Akkaya Valley Day Trip from Dalyan
Akkaya Valley or Secret Valley is an idyllic location just a short drive from Dalyan, where you can appreciate beautiful scenery. After your 9:30am pickup, the first stop will be the famous Birds Nest Restaurant, situated in botanical gardens. Spend some time enjoying a drink while taking in the beauty of the gardens from your birds nest table in the trees. There are stables at the restaurant where guests can visit the Shetland ponies and ride the horses around the paddock.Take a boat up the Indus River to travel deep into the valley. On this 20 minute boat trip, look out for wild boar, storks, white tailed eagles and other amazing creatures, in the truly unspoiled nature that surrounds you. Whilst enjoying the dramatic scenery, your tour guide will tell you about the incredible history of the river and the valley itself.Enjoy a freshly prepared lunch, relaxing, and swimming in the cool waters of the river. There is also the opportunity to fish for rainbow trout and explore the river further by taking a paddle in one of the canoes. This is a real nature lover’s dream and a peaceful, relaxing day that you won’t forget. End the day with a drop off at your Dalyan accommodation.
Lerwick Audio Tour
The city of Lerwick is filled with a rich history that spans over 5000 years. On this audio tour you’ll be able to learn about its life during the Viking, Scottish and Norwegian Rule and how its shaped into the city it is today at the Shetland Museum. Enjoy walking through the narrow streets and coastline to see the mighty Fort Charlotte and boats that are always coming and going. You will also see the Market Cross, the Old Tolbooth, the Lodberries, the Sletts, Clickimin Broch, the Up Helly-Aa Museum, Town Hall and the Commercial Street Shops. Your tour. Your way.
6-Day 'Up Helly Aa Fire Festival' Experience in the Shetland Islands from Edinburgh
Day 1: Edinburgh to LerwickLeave Edinburgh and travel through the Kingdom of Fife. Stop at the town of St. Andrews to enjoy some free time. Continue to Aberdeen in the afternoon, and board for your ferry for your overnight crossing to the Shetland Islands.Overnight: ferry on the North SeaDay 2: Lerwick, Shetland After sailing into Lerwick, spend the morning exploring Shetland. Then head to the north of the island in the afternoon to check out the coastal areas of Lunna and Eshaness. Return for a night out in the Shetland.Overnight: LerwickDay 3: ShetlandIn the south of Shetland, visit one of Scotland's finest prehistoric sites, before moving onto the old capital, Scalloway. Return to Lerwick to prepare for the main event with some celebrations in town.Overnight: LerwickDay 4: 'Up Helly Aa Fire Festival' in Lerwick Follow the procession from Lerwick Community Centre down to the British Legion for a photo stop. Pose next to the Galley (a real Viking longship) with the Jarl Squad, and then head through Lerwick center to the main square for the Proclamation of the Bill. Then follow the procession to Bressay Ferry Terminal where the Jarl Squad leave to carry out their civic duties. Then, enjoy a free afternoon to soak up the 'Up Helly Aa' atmosphere. In the early evening, meet back up with your guide to see the Junior Jarl Squad Torchlight Procession and Burning of the Junior Galley. Overnight: LerwickDay 5: Lerwick to AberdeenMeet your guide for a day of leisurely paced sightseeing around the northern half of the Shetland Mainland. Call in at the High Court of Tynwald.Where you go will be decided by your guide depending on weather conditions, but examples of where you may go include the parishes of Delting, Lunnasting or Nesting. Discover wild stretches of moorland with Shetland ponies or perhaps visit the jagged shores of Lunna Ness to see seals and otters. Return to your hotel in the late afternoon, check out of your hotel and then board your ferry for your overnight crossing back to Scotland’s mainland.Overnight: ferry on the North SeaDay 6: Aberdeen to Edinburgh After arriving at Aberdeen, board your minibus and travel south back toward Edinburgh. Enjoy a stop in the pretty parish of Crathie Kirk, where the British Royal Family worship when vacationing in the Highlands. Continue to the resting place of John Brown, the faithful ghillie (servant) of Queen Victoria. Stretch your legs on a walk around his grave, enjoy a break for lunch and then travel through the mountains and scenic hills of Royal Braemar. Your 6-day tour finishes with a drop-off at the start point in Edinburgh in the early evening.
Scottish Islands & Norwegian Fjords - Edinburgh to Tromsø
Go deeper into the otherworldly fjords of Norway on this unique journey from Scotland, across the Norwegian Sea to the fjords of Norway. Discover wonderous UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Standing Stones of Stennes and the mystical Ring of Brodgar, visit archaeological sites, witness the curious clash of cultures in the Shetland Islands, and marvel at the stunning forests and waterfalls that line the fjords. Even after you come home, a part of you will remain here forever.