tours shetland islands scotland

• Trips and tours
• Things to do

Shetland has a range of tour operators offering trips on both land and sea. Most specialise in a particular area, allowing you to build your holiday around your interests, or you can pick and choose the things you'd like to do to create your ultimate Shetland experience.

Top Tours in Shetland Islands, Scotland

Shetland islands tours.

• Private Tours
• Sightseeing Tours
• Ports of Call Tours
• Walking Tours
• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Multi-day Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Half Day Private Tour with Puffins, Ponies and Past Shetland

2. Full-Day Private City Tour in Lerwick

3. Shetland Hop on Hop Off Bus Tour from Lerwick

4. Ponies Express Private Tour to Scalloway

5. 4 Hours Rugged Northern Exposure Private Guided Tour from Lerwick

6. Private Tour from Lerwick West Side Explorer

7. Wonderful Lerwick Self-Guided Audio Tour

8. 4 Day Shetland Tour Experience

9. 4 Day Shetland Tour Experience

10. 4 Day Shared Shetland Tour

11. 4 Day Shetland Tour Experience

12. 4 Days Shetland Tour Experience

13. Arrival Airport Transfer- Sumburgh Airport (LSI) to Lerwick

14. Departure Airport Transfer - Lerwick to Sumburgh Airport (LSI)

15. Round Trip Airport Transfer - Sumburgh Airport (LSI) to Lerwick

16. 5 Days Shetland Viking Fire Festival Experience

What travellers are saying.

THE 10 BEST Shetland Islands Tours & Excursions

Tours in shetland islands.

• Private Tours
• Sightseeing Tours
• Ports of Call Tours
• Walking Tours
• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Multi-day Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Half Day Private Tour with Puffins, Ponies and Past Shetland

2. Full-Day Private City Tour in Lerwick

3. Shetland Hop on Hop Off Bus Tour from Lerwick

4. Ponies Express Private Tour to Scalloway

5. 4 Hours Rugged Northern Exposure Private Guided Tour from Lerwick

6. Private Tour from Lerwick West Side Explorer

7. Wonderful Lerwick Self-Guided Audio Tour

8. 4 Day Shetland Tour Experience

9. 4 Day Shetland Tour Experience

10. 4 Day Shared Shetland Tour

11. 4 Day Shetland Tour Experience

12. 4 Days Shetland Tour Experience

13. Arrival Airport Transfer- Sumburgh Airport (LSI) to Lerwick

14. Departure Airport Transfer - Lerwick to Sumburgh Airport (LSI)

15. Round Trip Airport Transfer - Sumburgh Airport (LSI) to Lerwick

16. 5 Days Shetland Viking Fire Festival Experience

What travellers are saying.

Thanks for visiting nordicvisitor.com! For the very best browsing experience on our website, we urge you to upgrade to the most recent version of your browser . Some of our site features may not function properly on older versions.

Scotland travel update | New tours of the UK!

• Search Suggested Results View All Results
• EUR (€)
• GBP (£)
• Self-Drive i
• Guided Small Groups i
• Privately Guided i
• Multi-Day i
• Scotland & Ireland i
• Scotland, England & Wales i
• Honeymoon i
• Highlands i
• Solo Travel i
• All types & themes
• All Scotland Tours
• Best Sellers
• Special Offers
• Book With Confidence i
• Scotland Travel Update i
• Why book with us i
• Travel Update
• Booking Terms i
• Sustainability Policy i
• Scotland at a Glance i
• Useful Information i
• Scotland Attractions i
• Scotland Blog i
• Scandinavia
• Switzerland
• United Kingdom
• Manage Booking
• Privacy policy

Iceland Bíldshöfði 20 110 Reykjavík +354 578 20 80 View Map

Sweden Scotland View Details

Shetland Islands Tours

Go island-hopping to Scotland’s northernmost point! Experience a unique cultural heritage, abundant natural beauty and wildlife on Nordic Visitor’s Shetland Islands tours.

Discover Scotland's Far North on Shetland Island Tours

Go for a journey off the beaten path… in fact, ditch the path altogether and hop on a boat! Do some proper island-hopping in Scotland on a tour of the Shetland Islands and experience the natural beauty, Old Norse heritage, great bird watching and UNESCO-worthy prehistoric sites of this remote region.

Located 168 km (104 mi) from Scotland’s mainland, the Shetland Islands are as far north as you get in the British Isles. Wondering about the best way to travel for Shetland Islands tours? While it’s possible to fly to Shetland from airports on mainland Scotland, a self-drive tour with ferry connections is the ultimate way to experience Scotland’s diverse scenery, wildlife and culture.

For road trips in Scotland with expertly planned routes, quality-checked accommodations and other personal touches, look to the local travel experts at Nordic Visitor. Enjoy a driving tour of the Scottish Highlands and isles with a custom-made itinerary, arranged by your own dedicated travel consultant based in Edinburgh .

Keep browsing below for our suggested Shetland Island tours and other tips about what to see and do in Shetland.

— WHY US?

Why book with nordic visitor.

• Hassle-free & seamless travel experience
• Flexible & customisable tour options
• Value for your money
• Professional service from local experts

Take road trip to the Shetland Islands

Take a journey through the Scottish Highlands and northern islands on these recommended self-drive tour packages. You do the driving, we handle all the accommodation booking, route planning and more.

Other popular self-drive tours in Scotland

Why not customise one of these classic driving tours in Scotland with a side trip to Shetland? Your dedicated travel consultant at Nordic Visitor can tailor your itinerary with the specific places you wish to visit.

Classic Scotland

Grand tour of scotland, scottish highlands & north coast 500, classic scotland at leisure, complete scotland at leisure, scottish highlands, north coast 500 & outer hebrides, complete scotland, classic scotland & the orkney islands, classic scotland & ireland, express scotland & ireland, complete scotland & ireland, classic scotland & outer hebrides, classic britain, england, scotland & wales, complete britain, express britain, classic britain at leisure, local travel agency, different ways you can experience scotland.

We have tours for all varieties of travel styles and interests. See our options for exploring Scotland below.

Guided Small Groups

Privately guided, all travel styles, the scottish highlands, culture & history, why visit the shetland islands.

Go to Shetland to experience a place that’s ancient and wild. Of the roughly 100 islands that make up Shetland, only 15 are inhabited today. Yet Shetland has been inhabited as far back as Neolithic times – over 4000 years ago – and it has the evidence to prove it. Numerous archeological sites dot the islands, including the collective ruins of “The Crucible of Iron Age Shetland” that are tentative World Heritage Sites.

Later settlers also left an indelible mark on the islands. Shetland was under Viking rule from the 8th to the 15th centuries, which makes sense seeing as Shetland is actually closer to Norway than the Scottish mainland. Today you can still see traces of Old Norse in town names, cultural traditions and even the local dialect.

Just like its Nordic neighbours, Shetland offers an abundance of stunning scenery and wildlife experiences for visitors. Head to the rocky coastline for a glimpse of seals, otters and cliff-dwelling seabirds including Atlantic Puffins. Shetland is also home to the adorable Shetland Pony, which you can see grazing in pastures throughout the countryside.

If this all sounds good, read more about Shetland’s must-see attractions below.

WHICH ARE SOME OF THE BEST PLACES TO VISIT THE SHETLAND ISLANDS?

For the must-see prehistoric and natural sites, here’s what our Scotland travel experts recommend to see in Shetland:

• Lerwick: Capital of the Shetland Isles. Get to know this charming harbour town with visits to the Shetland Museum and Archives, the 17th-century Fort Charlotte, and the Shetland Textile Museum.
• Northern Isles of Yell and Unst: The most northerly islands of Shetland, great for a day trip. On Unst, check out Britain’s most northerly castle, the 16th century Muness Castle, or head to the Hermaness National Nature Reserve on Unst to spot otters and seals. On Yell, visit the Iron Age settlements at Sellafirth and Da Birrier.
• Jarlshof: Ancient settlement including remains of an Iron Age broch, Pictish wheelhouses, Norse dwellings, and a medieval farmstead.
• Mousa Broch on Isle of Mousa: One of the best preserved Iron Age roundhouses, dating back to around 300 BC. Along with Jarlshof, is it part of the “Crucible of Iron Age Shetland” sites.
• Sumburgh Head Nature Reserve: Check out its birds exhibition and famous lighthouse overlooking the cliffs. Great for spotting birds like puffins, guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes and fulmars, as well as marine life like dolphins, harbour porpoises and killer whales.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT SHETLAND?

The summer months in Scotland – June to August – are the most popular time to visit Shetland, when you can experience the best weather, hiking, wildlife encounters and availability of tourist attractions. Around late June you can even experience the “simmer dim”, the locals’ term for the nearly 24-hour daylight of midsummer.

• Need help planning your Shetland trip? See our guide to the best time to visit Scotland

Scotland’s winter months are not an ideal time for a road trip to Shetland – as some rural tourist attractions be off limits and the weather can make ferry trips a bit rocky – but Shetland in wintertime is still a unique experience. The Up Helly Aa festival, or “the Viking fire festival”, in January is a popular event and a great way to see Shetland’s Norse traditions in action.

WHAT IS THE BEST DRIVING ROUTE FOR A SHETLAND ISLANDS TOUR?

If you’re picking up your rental car in Edinburgh, start your journey up the east coast through Fife and Aberdeenshire. This route allows you to stop in the historic city of St Andrews and take in the old royal residences along the popular “Castle Trail”. From the city of Aberdeen , take an overnight ferry to the port town of Lerwick on the Shetland Mainland.

Instead of reversing the same route back to Edinburgh, why not do some more island-hopping? Take a ferry from Shetland to the Orkney Islands and spend a few days exploring the “Neolithic Heart of Orkney” World Heritage Sites. From Orkney, ferry back to the mainland and drive the stunning North Coast 500 route – aka "Scotland’s Route 66".

Then travel down from the northern Highlands , maybe with a detour to the Isle of Skye and further west to the Isles of Harris and Lewis . On the way back to Edinburgh, take in some of Scotland’s most famous sites, like Eilean Donan castle , Loch Ness and Trossachs National Park. Back in Edinburgh, enjoy city landmarks like the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle .

Nordic Visitor offers a wide range of tours in Scotland that can be tailored to your liking , with extra nights, day tours and more added to your itinerary on request. We can also arrange privately guided tours for individuals and small groups.

— SHETLAND FACTS

Fun facts about shetland islands.

• The Shetland Pony was domesticated around 500 B.C.
• Shetlanders call the Northern Lights “Mirrie Dancers”
• Chilly? Pick up a Fair Isle knitted sweater, a top Shetland souvenir

What do our customers say?

The reviews speak for themselves. See what Nordic Visitor travellers said about their experience with us.

Highly recommend Nordic Visitor

This is our second tour with Nordic Visitor. Agents used before the tour were always very prompt with responses to our questions. During the tour, we found the accommodation perfect, guide very informative and friendly, and the driver got used to where we needed to go without any problems. We would definitely use Nordic Visitor again!

Smooth experience

Throughout the years we have travelled a lot, but never with a group tour. This trip was our first time and it did not disappoint. The tour guide, the bus driver, our fellow passengers, the weather, accommodation, variety of activities, and how smoothly everything went makes me question why we never toured like this before!

Amazing experience!

We had an amazing experience with Nordic Visitor! Our guides, Richard and Tim, were organised, knowledgeable, and very friendly! You can tell quality and customer satisfaction are very important. We will be back!

An unforgettable holiday

It was an unforgettable holiday. They took care of everything, and we got to wonder and explore with little hassle. If you want to visit Scotland (or anywhere else Nordic Visitor has tours) they are the way to do it. Already talking about our next adventure with Nordic Visitor.

An indescribably fantastic experience!

We are two middle-aged women who had never been to the UK before. My sister-in-law always wanted to go to Scotland, so I started researching and came upon Nordic Visitor through internet searches. I checked for reviews and found the company to be highly recommended. I started corresponding with Kirsten. She was extremely kind, very helpful and was able to put my nervous mind at ease. The package she put together for us was perfect! From my first email, the airport pick up and drop off service, and the tour with Dave, it was an indescribably fantastic experience!

I can't thank Nordic Visitor enough

This is our second trip in two years to Scotland with Nordic Visitor, and we are seriously thinking about another. I can't thank Chris enough for his patience and expertise when booking this trip.

The tour package materials were top notch. Spiral bound itinerary, recommended activities, restaurant recommendations and the large-scale road map of Scotland were a nice touch. Magdalena, our Nordic Visitor representative, responded promptly to our questions. Accomodation was all great.

Perfect vacation!

For our 50th wedding anniversary, we trusted Nordic Visitor to make our vacation a memorable one, and they made it beyond special. Chris, our tour planner, did everything to accommodate our needs and answered our questions quickly. It was an absolutely perfect vacation!

We booked a 4-day Christmas Tour of Edinburgh which included hotel accommodation, a walking tour of the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle, a day tour of the Highlands and Lowlands, castles, and lochs, and also a whisky distillery tour. The hotel was in an amazing location near the Christmas Markets and popular attractions. The day tours were such a wonderful way to experience the countryside outside of Edinburgh. We also added a driving service to drive us to and from the airport and the drivers were so lovely. The care package left at the hotel consisting of maps and suggested eateries was such a delightful bonus. We loved that every aspect of our trip was planned and ready for us once we arrived which diminished any travel stress that one may experience when travelling abroad.

We were in good hands

As first-time visitors to Edinburgh, and senior citizens, our choice to use Nordic Visitor was an excellent one. The welcome package we received at the hotel was really helpful, with our tour vouchers, maps and restaurant recommendations. We would not have known what hotel to select and the one selected for us was perfect. The choice of tours offered was perfect for a 5-day visit. So glad to learn about the Royal Mile and visit the castle. The trip through the Highlands and Loch Ness was beautiful. Our travel agent, Rebecca, always quickly responded to email questions prior to departure. Thank you! Nordic Visitor made our trip easy and rewarding. We were in good hands.

Highly professional service

Nordic Visitor is a highly professional tour company. From beginning to end, we have no complaints. Our travel consultant, Chris, was very quick to answer all our questions from start to finish. Could not be more pleased.

Absolutely wonderful!

Our trip was absolutely wonderful! Magda was great to work with and helped us through the whole process. Everyone we worked with from the beginning through the end of the trip was absolutely marvellous.

Research Your Trip

Find out where to go, what to know, and more: read our Scotland travel guides.

The starting point of most Scottish adventures is Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital city, where the...

This is one spot where you’ll definitely want to pull the car over for a photo. The Quiraing is...

Eilean Donan Castle

Eilean Donan Castle is perhaps one of the most iconic sites of Scotland. Located on Eilean...

What to bring

Come prepared for all seasons and activities with ..

What kind of temperatures can you expect in Scotla..

Everyone speaks English, but knowing a few words o..

Time & Daylight

Find out what time zone you'll be in and when to e..

Our Services

Whether you travel independently or with a guide in your Nordic Visitor package, you will receive personalised service from a designated travel consultant and high-quality travel documents. What's more, all self-drive clients receive a hand-marked map that outlines the driving route, overnights and highlights along the way. Travel with ease knowing that Nordic Visitor has close professional relationships with local service providers , which are carefully selected by our staff for their consistently high standards.

Book With Confidence

• Protect your money & plans with our  flexible booking terms    .
• 97% of customers say they’d recommend us to friends.
• We work closely with trusted, high-quality suppliers.
• Enjoy personal service from Scotland travel experts.
• Get peace of mind with a 24/7 helpline during your stay.
• We’re here for you in case of unforeseen circumstances.

Whether you’re looking to add a night in Edinburgh, want restaurant recommendations or have questions about your tour, we’re happy to help so get in touch with our friendly team to answer any of your travel queries.

Our Scottish phone number is +44 (0)131 344 4630

How about a live chat with one of our local travel experts?

Blog posts you might like

Scotland in winter: what to do and where to go, best time to visit scotland: your complete guide, summer in scotland guide: what to do and where to go, 7 outlander filming locations to visit in scotland.

Whether you have a single question or a special request, we're here for you.

Tours of Shetland and Orkney Islands - Scotland Tours | Go Scotland Tours

Search lists, search filter, current selection, tour duration, attractions, small group tour.

Orkney Explorer and Far North of Scotland Tour

• Tour ID: 1019
• Tour theme: Group Sightseeing Tours (Multi-days) ,
• Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights
• Starts from: Edinburgh

Orkney and northern Scotland tour, Highlights of the tour are prehistoric Orkney archipelago, Scotland northern coastline, Loch Ness and Cairngorm National Park

Orkney Tour Experience from Inverness

• Tour ID: 1264
• Tour theme: Day Tours from the Highlands , Group Sightseeing Tours (Multi-days) ,
• Duration: 3 Days / 2 Nights
• Starts from: Inverness

Enjoy a 3 day tour from Inverness to the magic and mystery of the Orkney Isles. 2 nights in Kirkwall, sightseeing to Maeshowe, Skara Brae, Stenness, and more ..

Scotland West Coast Islands and Orkney Tour

• Tour ID: 1046
• Tour theme: Group Sightseeing Tours (Multi-days) , Scotland Island Hopping Tours ,
• Duration: 9 Days / 8 Nights

The tour of dreams 9 days to enjoy 5 fantastic west coast islands, Iona, Mull, Staffa, Skye and the prehistoric Orkney islands, Scotland Tour also Loch Ness....

Private Tour

Private tour to Outer Hebrides and Orkney Islands

• Tour ID: 1600
• Tour theme: Historic and Cultural Tours ,

Go Scotland Tours is offering a private guided tour combining the Western Isles of Skye, Harris and Lewis with Orkney. This is a customizable tour and can be tailor-made to your preference.

Short Break Private Tour to Orkney from Inverness

• Tour ID: 1487

A fantastic short break Private Tour to Orkney from Inverness. Come explore pre-historic sites such as the Ring of Brodgar, Stenness, Maes Howe and Skara Brae.

From The Blog

Whisky Day Tours from Edinburgh

Destination guide, follow us on facebook, follow us on instagram.

Tours by Start City

Scotland tours by type, tours by operator.

7 Harbour place

Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH15 1tq

• Cookie Policy

Our Partners

Scotland's Shetland Islands

6 days | stunning coastal scenery and wildlife spotting in the shetland islands.

Discover the many charms of the Shetland Islands on a small group tour featuring dramatic coastlines, towering sea cliffs, wildlife spotting and history galore. Lerwick is a charming town that plays host to the Shetland Museum, filled with historic buildings and offering a unique and captivating Scottish experience that will leave a lasting impression. Private minibus adventures will take you to the rugged landscapes of Eshaness and Muckle Flugga, the most northerly inhabited point in the United Kingdom to spot local wildlife like puffins, seals and otters. Add in a quaint town of warm-hearted locals and atmospheric pubs to enjoy at the end of each day and this trip has it all. Come and experience the magic of the Northern Scottish Isles.

Trip overview

• Lerwick, a charming town filled with historic buildings, makes for the perfect base for your trip. Unpack once in your guesthouse, settle in and enjoy a warm, cosy welcome back at the end of each day.
• Tour the Shetland Museum which celebrates the local history with engaging interactive exhibits and world renowned collections of historic artifacts and documents.
• Keep a lookout for puffins on a private minibus trip to Hermaness Nature Reserve and Muckle Flugga Lighthouse, the most northerly point in the United Kingdom.
• Take a private minibus tour to Eshaness and be captivated by the crashing waves, dramatic sea cliffs and history that makes this destination a Shetland Islands ‘must visit’.
• Rest, relax and enjoy the overnight ferries plentiful eating options and snooze in a comfortable ‘sleeping pod’ that reclines 70 degrees for a good night’s rest.
• On Days 3 & 5 we are going to take coastal paths and hike between 5-8 kilometres/3-5 miles. Hikes are not demanding and follow established paths, but you will need a basic level of fitness and reasonably sturdy footwear to fully enjoy them.
• Scotland can be cold at night throughout the year, especially at the start and end of the season. Please bring appropriate clothing for adverse weather conditions, including base layers, hat, gloves, scarf, waterproof clothes/umbrella and anything else that you think may be applicable

Welcome to Aberdeen! Meet your leader and the rest of your group in the late afternoon at Aberdeen Ferry Terminal, a designated space where passengers can wait comfortably and grab some refreshments or a light meal before boarding the overnight ferry to Lerwick in Shetland. On the overnight ferry you will have a designated comfortable ‘sleeping pod’ that reclines 70 degrees to help you get a good night’s rest before your Shetland Island adventure begins tomorrow.

• Overnight ferry (sleeping pod) (1 night)

There are no meals included on this day.

Please meet your leader and fellow travellers no later than 3.30pm in the waiting room at Aberdeen Ferry Terminal. It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting this afternoon as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or Intrepid know as you may miss the ferry to the Shetland Islands.

Sleeping pods are reclining chairs with foot support and added privacy. They come with a table, adjustable lighting and a USB socket to charge mobile devices. A blanket, pillow, eye mask, token for access to the shower facilities, and towels are also provided.

Dinner is not included but there are a number of options for eating and drinking on board the ferry, as well as vending machines offering tea, coffee, soft drinks and snacks.

The overnight ferry crossing from Aberdeen to Lerwick takes approximately 12 hours and 30 minutes.

After you disembark the ferry at around 8 am, you’ll jump in a taxi to the guest house, where you can drop off your luggage before taking a walking tour of Lerwick, Shetland’s main town. This afternoon is yours to discover Lerwick your way, perhaps by raising a glass at the Lerwick Brewery, spotting local wildlife on a boat tour, or taking a stroll along the waterfront. Tonight, you may like to have dinner at one of Lerwick’s cosy pubs.

• Guesthouse (1 night)
• Lerwick - Leader led Walking Tour

We use pre-booked taxis from the ferry terminal to the accommodation, with a journey time of approximately. 5-10 mins.

The Lerwick Walking Tour is a delightful way to explore the charming town and covers approx. 6km, with minimal elevation gain and takes approx 2 hours.

We can recommend the following suggestions for your free afternoon today. Book early and directly, as these are popular activities: - Seabird and seals wildlife boat trip - https://www.seabirds-and-seals.com/ - Lerwick Brewery - https://www.lerwickbrewery.co.uk/ - Shetland Textile Museum - https://www.shetlandtextilemuseum.com/ - Crofthouse Museum - https://www.shetlandmuseumandarchives.org.uk/visit/crofthouse-museum

After breakfast this morning, you’ll go on a short walk to the Shetland Museum, where your guide will take you for a tour that celebrates the local history through engaging interactive exhibits and world renowned collections of historic artifacts and documents. You might like to grab a bite to eat here before catching the public bus to Sumburgh for a hike to Jarlshof and Sumburgh Head. Enjoy stunning coastal views as you take in the prehistoric sites of Jarlshof, then walk to the Sumburgh Head lighthouse where you’ll learn about the area’s history, from the early Iron Age settlers to the lighthouse keepers who kept sailors safe from harm. After your return to Lerwick in the late afternoon, you might want to grab dinner at a local restaurant.

• Lerwick - Shetland Museum Tour
• Sumburgh - Jarlshof and Sumburgh Head Hike

Shetland Museum tour - It will take approx. 20 minutes to walk here from the accommodation (1.3km). The Jarlshof and Sumburgh Head hike provides a unique opportunity to explore the rich archaeological history and breathtaking coastal scenery and covers approx. 6km, with 200m elevation gain and takes approx 3 hours.

After breakfast, you’ll take a trip to Hermaness Nature Reserve and Muckle Flugga, home to the Muckle Flugga Lighthouse and the most northerly inhabited island in the United Kingdom. Perched on jagged rocks rising out of the sea just off the coast of Unst, the lighthouse was built to protect British ships heading into battle during the Crimean War and was originally tended to by three lighthouse keepers. Getting there can be a bit of an adventure, so today, your group will have a private minibus. Keep an eye out for puffins and other seabird colonies along the cliffs, as you take in the wild beauty of this remote location. On your return to Lerwick, you may like to head out with your group for one final evening meal in a cosy Shetland pub.

• Shetland - Hermaness Nature Reserve and Muckle Flugga private trip

The Hermaness Nature Reserve and Muckle Flugga is a stunning but remote location. Travel time to get here via private minibus and ferry takes approx. 2.5 hours. The breathtaking coastal walk covers approx. 8km, with 200m elevation gain and takes approx 3 hours.

Today, travel via private minibus to Eshaness for an enjoyable coastal hike. Eshaness has it all – crashing waves, dramatic sea cliffs and history galore. While you’re enjoying the scenic views, keep an eye out for the seabirds, seals and otters that call this area home. You’ll then return to Lerwick mid-afternoon in time to catch the overnight ferry back to Aberdeen. Once again, you’ll be able to enjoy some rest and relaxation in your designated reclining ‘sleeping pod’.

• Lerwick - Overnight Ferry Lerwick to Aberdeen
• Eshaness - Coastal Hike

On your arrival in Aberdeen at approximately 7am, your Shetland Islands adventure will come to an end. If you would like to spend some time in Aberdeen, we will be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).

3 breakfasts

Private vehicle, Overnight Ferry, Taxi and On foot

Guesthouse (3 nights), Overnight Ferry sleeping pod (2 nights)

Dates and availability

Important notes.

1. The journey from Aberdeen to Shetland and vice versa is long (12.5 hours), involving an overnight ferry and taxis. This trip starts in Aberdeen in late afternoon (3.30pm in the waiting room at Aberdeen Ferry Terminal). The trip finishes in Aberdeen around 7am in the morning of Day 6, after the overnight ferry from Lerwick. 2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights in Lerwick, but not to overnight ferry nights, where single cabins are unavailable. Single supplement is also subject to limited availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information. 3. There is a separate optional upgrade (on request and subject to limited availability) for a two berth outside cabin on the ferry

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Filter by rating

    Guided ​ To​urs of Scotland

Private tours with dri​ver-guide greg kain.

Home of The Mirrie Dancers, Simmer Dim and Up Helly Aa!

Shetland Tours From Mainland Scotland

Located at 60 degrees north, roughly the same latitude as Bergen &  Anchorage, Alaska, Shetland is Scotland's most northerly archipelago, made up of 100 islands, sixteen of which are inhabited, with a population of 23,000 humans and up to one million birds! The warming effects of the gulf stream, even this close to the Arctic Circle, means that there is a plethora of marine and bird life to be seen around these unspoiled islands. In addition, Shetland is home to some remarkable history, from its ancient three billion year old geology, 5,000 archaeological sites dating from 4,000 BC, through to its Viking occupation from the 9th to 14th centuries and since then as part of Scotland's rich maritime tradition.

What To See In Shetland - Nature

​As you would expect from an island chain, Shetland has an amazing coastline, all 2,700 kilometres of it, which offers a variety of tall cliffs, beaches, sea stacks, rocks and walks for the visitor to explore. The whole archipelago is a UNESCO Global Geopark This landscape provides a habitat for a plethora of wildlife, including puffins, particularly around Sumburgh Lighthouse in the far south and at Hermaness Nature Reserve on Unst - the most northerly inhabited island in the country, rare birds such as the red-necked phalarope and marine mammals such as otters, seals and pods of orcas, who prey on the latter, are all relatively common sightings in the summer. And although not wild, you can't talk about animals in this part of the world without mentioning the impossibly cute Shetland pony!

What To See In Shetland - History

Nowhere epitomises Shetland's history more than Jarlshoff, where neolithic, bronze age, Viking and medieval buildings compete for space in a remarkably small area in the south of Mainland Shetland. And just next door is the iron age village of Old Scatness as well as the beautifully located Ness of Burgi iron age fort, making this area an ancient history lovers dream. Further north there are medieval castles, well preserved brochs (fortified beehive shaped houses) such as Mousa and Clickimin and recreated Viking longboat and longhouses. 

Shetland Culture

Although the Hebrides, Orkney and parts of mainland Scotland fell under Viking control for hundreds of years, nowhere is their legacy more obvious than in Shetland. Place names, local dialect, festivals, architecture and its flag have all been greatly influenced by Shetland's Scandinavian past, despite having been formally annexed by Scotland as long ago as 1472, likely aided by its remote location halfway between Norway and the Scottish north coast. 

Another commonality with the Nordic nations is the folklore belief in Trows, little people who live in the hills. Trows are mischievous and playful and some believe that Shetlanders love of folk music comes from their ancestors hearing the Trows playing the fiddle. Whatever the truth of this, Shetland have produced many great fiddle players over the years and is host to the Shetland Folk festival which is held in the Spring. The most famous festival on the islands though, and one which celebrates the Norse legacy, is Up Helly Aa at the end of every January, a fire festival where hundreds of participants dressed as Vikings march through Lerwick and set fire to a longboat in the harbour. 

Shetland Food & Drink

As you would expect from an island archipelago in the North Atlantic, She​tland is famous for its seafood, including cod, halibut, lobster and crab, and although most of it is exported you can still sample it in many places around the islands. My own favourite is the award winning Frankie's Fish & Chip Café in the village of Brae, a great venue with stunning views out to Busta Voe. Beef and Lamb is also produced on the islands where good grazing can be found, including on the beaches where sheep graze on the seaweed giving the meat a unique nutty flavour. Although not plentiful there are cafés and restaurants which cater for gluten free, vegetarian and vegan diets.

Shetland Climate & Weather

Lying on the same latitude as Anchorage and Bergen you will already have realised that you are not going to choose Shetland for a tropical beach holiday. However, owing to the warming effects of the gulf stream, winter here can actually be milder than the interior of Scotland's mainland whilst summer is cooler owing to the sea breezes. Whatever time of year you intend to visit Shetland, it is wise to warm clothing, waterproofs and layers. Shetland is the best place to see the Northern Lights in Scotland, known locally as the Mirrie Dancers, particularly in the winter when the days are short and the nights are long, conversely in mid-summer it is light for 24 hours per day, the hazy twilight  around midnight is known as the Simmer Dim.

Travel To Shetland

 Ferry is the usual mode of transport for tours to Shetland (7 hrs 45 m from Orkney and at least 12 hrs 30 m from Aberdeen). If you choose the ferry option the good news is that all of the ferries, in both directions, travel through the night, therefore you are not losing a day's touring through travel. Tours can begin in Glasgow, Edinburgh, or any other city in Scotland. The ferry is also the most convenient way to combine a Shetland tour with an Orkney tour . If ferries aren't your thing then you can fly from Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness or Kirkwall into Sumburgh Airport in the south of Shetland, where I could meet you, after bringing my van over on the ferry from Aberdeen.

Shetland & Orkney Tours

Shetland and Orkney make up two groups of islands that are commonly known in Scotland as the Northern Isles. Their relative proximity means that it is possible to combine both archipelagos in a circular island hopping tour, facilitated by the fact that every second ferry between Aberdeen and Lerwick, Shetland stops in Kirkwall, Orkney. Even better, the ferry journey is through the night so you won't lose a day's touring and there are comfortable cabins on board Northlink's fleet of ferries for you to get a good night's sleep. For more information on Orkney please visit my Orkney tours page or contact me  directly.

For more information email me or fill out an enquiry form

home >> shetland tours >> orkney tours >>  make an enquiry

J&DS HALCROW – SHETLAND EXPLORER COACH & PRIVATE TOURS

Shetland Explorer Tours

Welcome to Shetland Explorer

Planning a trip to the Shetland Islands? If so you’ve come to the right place! We provide short bus tours which take in some of the major sights in Shetland.  Our 2024 coach tours will be available to book very soon! We also provide private small group tours which could focus on a particular interest, for example, wool. The small group tours can be half or full day depending on your time and interest.

Lying 60° north this archipelago of 100 islands is beautiful at all times of the year, whether it’s in midsummer when it’s always light, or in the dark days of winter when sunlight is scarce. Shetland is a treasure trove – and we are keen to share our heritage and wonderful landscape with you. We invite you to explore our archaeology, scenery, history, wildlife, and culture with us and hope to enhance your experience of Shetland with a tour fitted to your needs.

KITTYWAKE TOURS

[email protected]

+44 [0] 7876443828

I am a Shetland small group tour guide offering that additional personal touch. As well as prescribed tour packages, I do my best to tailor tours according to your interests.

I also seek to offer you a comprehensive experience of Shetland, sharing the stunning beauty of the islands along with its rich heritage of history, archaeology, culture and wildlife.

No Tours Available

Unfortunately, I am no longer taking any tours due to changing work circumstances

A Unique Perspective of Shetland

Cruise Ship Excursions

North West Mainland Tour

South Mainland Tour

Island of Unst Tour

KITTY CORBETT

I was brought up in Shetland in the picturesque village of Scalloway where I live with my husband, two sons and fluffy dog Teddy. 

I thoroughly enjoy being a tour guide because I love meeting new people, getting to know them while showing off my beautiful Island.

If you would like to find out more information about the different tours I offer specifically the content and fees, I would be more than happy to help. Please fill out the form and I will get back to you as soon as possible.

Your details were sent successfully!

Top Tours in Shetland Islands, Scotland

Shetland islands tours.

• Private Tours
• Sightseeing Tours
• Ports of Call Tours
• Walking Tours
• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Multi-day Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Half Day Private Tour with Puffins, Ponies and Past Shetland

2. Full-Day Private City Tour in Lerwick

3. Shetland Hop on Hop Off Bus Tour from Lerwick

4. Ponies Express Private Tour to Scalloway

5. 4 Hours Rugged Northern Exposure Private Guided Tour from Lerwick

6. Private Tour from Lerwick West Side Explorer

7. Wonderful Lerwick Self-Guided Audio Tour

8. 4 Day Shetland Tour Experience

9. 4 Day Shetland Tour Experience

10. 4 Day Shared Shetland Tour

11. 4 Day Shetland Tour Experience

12. 4 Days Shetland Tour Experience

13. Arrival Airport Transfer- Sumburgh Airport (LSI) to Lerwick

14. Departure Airport Transfer - Lerwick to Sumburgh Airport (LSI)

15. Round Trip Airport Transfer - Sumburgh Airport (LSI) to Lerwick

16. 5 Days Shetland Viking Fire Festival Experience

What travellers are saying.

Small Group Tours

Coach holidays, wool holidays.

• Island Vista Gift Card
• South Mainland
• West & Central Mainland
• North Mainland
• Meet the Team

Memberships & Affiliations

• Work With Us

Island Vista

***Limited Availability***

Makkin Our Way Through Shetland Tours 2024

We are running our Makkin Our Way Through Shetland tours again in 2024. On offer are: Fair Isle week, lace week and contemporary crafts.

See below for more details and to make a reservation.

Book tours online

Visit the sights and take in the Shetland landscape on one of our small group tours. These tours are exclusive, and offer a great degree of flexibility to cater for your needs.

If you are bringing a coach to Shetland, we would be happy to provide the guiding services for you, whether you are coming for one day or staying for longer.

We offer a stay in Shetland that is based around our exceptional wool and textile heritage.

About Island vista

OVER 15 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

Island Vista  is a locally owned company, based in the Shetland Islands in the very North of Scotland. We have over 15 years of experience in providing high-quality excursions, daytrips and bespoke tours for private groups and individuals alike.

Customer Testimonials

We had an absolutely brilliant day out with Island Vista yesterday! We did the 6h mystery tour of shetland, stopping for coffee and cake along the way. Jolene is a brilliant guide, really knowledgeable and fun :-) . Great day out even for locals, we learned so much about Shetland's history. Thanks for a great day Jolene and Paula! Donna Simpson

While we were staying in Lerwick with our vessel, Jolene and her staff took care of all shore excursions and the complete organisation to my complete satisfaction. From the planning phase long before our arrival until the support during our actual stay, everything was perfect! It was a great pleasure working with Island Vista. Margit Distler MV “Nordstjernen”

The professionalism, flexibility and dedication of Jolene and her staff made my own life as shore excursion manager much easier and gave us all a wonderful experience during our stay on Shetland, which was very much appreciated by our guests Margit Distler MV “Nordstjernen”

★★★★★ All of our experiences and interactions with Island Vista have been exceptional. I was responsible for building a new cruise program to the Scottish Isles for Tauck. The design of the program began nearly two-years before the first actual arrival. I needed a sound and reliable partner in every port. In my research I was fortunate to find Island Vista; from my first communication with them I was confident I had found a great partner.  Brian Stacey Tauck Inc.

Blog posts View all

Holiday inspiration currently loading...

• Flexibility Policy
• How to Book
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Gift Vouchers
• Consumer Protection
• Travel Insurance
• Book & Pay

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience.

Orkney & Shetland Guided Small Group Tour

Head North to discover the drama of Orkney & Shetland

Best Time To Go

Prices from, no of nights, starts from, finishes in.

• Availability
• Reserve Your Place(s)

Tour Scotland’s other worlds on a week-long journey of northern discovery, revealing millennia of history, fascinating culture & dramatic stories.

Escorted throughout by a knowledgeable tour leader, you’ll also spend time in the company of local experts, an inimitable way to get up close and personal with the Orkney & Shetland lifestyle. From Neolithic man through the Bronze Age to the Vikings, you’ll hear tales of mystery, battles and intrigue that have shaped these civilisations.

This week-long fully-escorted Orkney & Shetland tour is a new addition to the McKinlay Kidd programme, building on our extensive knowledge of the destinations. Make the most of your time on the islands on this carefully-curated itinerary accessible by flight from central Scotland .

With a maximum of 15 passengers per group, you can be sure of highly personal service from your knowledgeable tour leader on this exclusive McKinlay Kidd Orkney & Shetland small group tour. Early booking is strongly advised as places are strictly limited.

Do not hesitate to let us know if we can assist with tailor-made arrangements for you pre or post this scheduled tour.

• McKinlay Kidd

Holiday Details

Day one – arrival in edinburgh.

Meet your fellow travellers and guide this evening for welcome drinks and dinner. Maybe arrive a day or two early and spend time exploring Scotland’s exciting capital – it is especially busy in August with all the buzz of the world famous festival, so we strongly recommend making any such arrangements well in advance. Glorious visitor attractions are dotted throughout – from the dominant castle to the splendid and much more tranquil Royal Botanic Gardens.

Your Accommodation in Edinburgh

Enjoy four star country-house-style hotel accommodation on the western outskirts of the city, especially convenient for the airport. With the central mansion house dating back to 1840, this is a tranquil and relaxing spot, boasting acres of grounds for an afternoon stroll plus indoor swimming pool and spa if you prefer more luxurious pleasures. Rooms are smartly furnished in a sleek and modern style, while staff are both friendly and highly attentive. The restaurant serves seasonal Scottish fare with a contemporary twist; breakfasts include a full buffet and choice of hot dishes.

Day Two – Fly North to Prehistoric Scotland

This morning you will be leaving Edinburgh and flying north to Orkney. With a bit of luck you’ll see the Lowlands of Scotland rise into the craggy Highland mountains beneath you – huge lochs and rivers that span coast to coast look no more than potholes and puddles. The landscape grows wilder the further North you go, until the hills submerge into the sea below. Within moments of the Scottish mainland disappearing, the grass and heather covered islands of Orkney come into view.

Touch down in Kirkwall and head out on a mini-coach trip. First stop is the collapsed sea cave known locally as ‘The Gloup’ – gulls rise on buffets of sea air and waves crash underfoot on Orkney’s eastern edge. Next take a tour of Sheila Fleet Jewellery HQ – exploring the converted church and workshops filled with three decades of award-winning designs. Then onwards, passing over the Churchill Barriers built by Italian POWs and seeing the scuttled carcasses of old ships lying in the water. Golden beaches and sand dunes have built up against these man-made intrusions, changing the landscape of this unique setting. Your guide will be on hand to give context to these extraordinary scenes and discuss the tragedies and victories of Orkney’s war effort.

Enroute back towards Orkney’s Mainland, stop at the Italian Chapel. From the outside just a Nissen hut with a small bell tower, but inside a poignant reminder of the power of human endeavour. The spiritual stillness and delicate fresco that adorns the walls are timeless counterpoints to the horrors of war.

From here it’s just a short transfer to your accommodation for the next three nights.

Your Accommodation in Kirkwall 

Located on the outskirts of Kirkwall, the hotel is traditionally furnished, offering you the chance to find out just how comfortable Orkney chairs really are! The owners have put tremendous effort into creating a genuine feel throughout the hotel. All rooms are individually styled with Orcadian names.

Boasting an excellent reputation as a destination for locals, the restaurant features menus packed with local produce, including lamb or mutton with its distinctive flavour, due to the seaweed diet of North Ronaldsay sheep, plus local seafood including mouth-watering prawns, succulent salmon and delicious stir-fried squid. The hotel has ample lounge areas and a whisky snug, where you will be tempted to try a dram or two from a very wide range.

Day Three – The Atlantic’s Last Stop

Begin the day with a tour of Stromness – a small town with one of the richest histories of adventure in Scotland. Known by mariners the world over as the last stop in the Atlantic to find a crew, countless heroes and pirates have landed here to replenish water and provisions. You will undertake a walking tour through the coiled streets and alleys of this beautiful place, unusual buildings and sea views punctuating each twist and turn. Hear stories of doomed expeditions sailed into obscurity, and the local doctor who pieced together their final hours. Visit the Stromness museum and browse the bizarre collection of maritime artefacts traded by desperate sailors.

Next visit the Piers Arts Centre and experience the architectural beauty of this converted Hudson Bay office. A gorgeous complex of rooms stretches into the sea. Worth a visit for the framed views alone, the impressive art collection is exceptionally well presented.

Your private mini-coach will then whisk you back towards Kirkwall, stopping on the way at an intriguing secret spot hidden among the hills and heather.

Arrive in Kirkwall with the afternoon free to explore. Maybe visit one of the distilleries, acquaint yourself with St Magnus Cathedral or spend the time following the medieval streets and closes that make this seaside town so special – your guide will be on hand with plenty of recommendations.

Day Four – Neolithic Mysteries 

Head out this morning in the company of a local guide and dive deeper into Orkney’s unique culture and history. From the poignant unknowns of Neolithic monument-builders through to tales of mischievous Vikings, learn of animal gods and modern day ceremonies that bring the archipelago together.

A visit to Maeshowe – the chambered cairn built with six-tonne rock slabs a thousand years before the first pyramids – is sure to be a highlight of the trip. Not much more than a mound of earth from the outside, on entering one can experience a profound feeling of wonder at our ancient ancestor’s ingenuity and endeavour. This and several more stops, including the Ring of Brodgar and the Skara Brae settlement, will give you an unparalleled understanding of why this special place was awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status.

The context given by a local guide and on-site experts is inimitable in understanding this area’s significance to human history. Hear of the fascinating discoveries that have shed a thin light on the mystery of Orkney – of how the islands may have been abandoned in a ceremony of sacrifice, of the bewildering ancient practices uncovered with each layer of earth peeled back. Come to your own conclusions as to what happened, what it meant and more importantly, what it means to be human.

Day Five – The Northern Edge of Scotland 

This morning say farewell to Orkney and catch a short flight to Sumburgh. The flat green pastures of one archipelago disappear; the darkening blue of Atlantic and North Sea collide beneath as Shetland comes into view. The black and greys of craggy rock and cliff face rise from the sea, foaming waves below roll into the bizarre landmass.

The contrast between Orkney and Shetland is staggering, from the lush comfort of one to the violent beauty of the other. The Ness of Burgi stretches its blackened claws of rock into the sea to the west – salt water reaches into the Central Mainland, grasping up rivers and valleys, the tangy smell of brine all-pervading.

From the airport you will be picked up for a private mini-coach tour of the south. First it’s on to St. Ninian’s Isle, a beautiful tombolo beach on the west coast. Turquoise waters crawl up both sides of the golden sands that link St Ninian’s to the Central Mainland – hear tales of treasure discovered in the sand and the Apostle to the Southern Picts. The experience of space and tranquillity is soothing. The wonder and strangeness of Shetland is revealed with each twist of country road and coil of coastline.

Next travel east to Lerwick and spend the afternoon wandering through the Shetland Museum & Archives. This modern building set amongst the ancient harbour is a brilliant stop to learn the story of Shetland. The well curated collection of artefacts reflect the archipelago through the ages and up to the present day – a great way to set the tone for the rest of your stay. From here it’s a short transfer to your accommodation for the next two days.

Your Accommodation in Shetland

This sixteenth century hotel is a brilliant mixture of austere and quirky Shetland architecture with a warm and welcoming country house interior. The staff are exceptionally friendly and happy to make your stay as comfortable as possible in this remote location   enjoy the garden and look out over the wind-shaped trees to the distant sea and hills of this surprising place.

Dinner is included on both nights here, with local Shetland produce such as scallops and fish prominently featured on the menu.

Day Six – Adventure Through the Heart of Shetland

Today you head out in the company of a local guide. The insights and stories shared will take you on a journey through the extraordinary history of Shetland – from its far-flung location and singular creation, cooling lava through to hunter gatherer colonisation and the curious Vikings who reverberate in the present day culture.

Passing through valleys torn open by glaciers and rivers flooded by the sinking of the land, learn the story of Mavis Grind’s geology and see it clearly illustrated in the many coloured rocks that make up the hills and cliffs. Visit Eshaness and gaze over one of Scotland’s finest views, the drama of the cliffs and sea difficult to comprehend.

Reaching deeper into Northmavine, visit the site of an unusual discovery in a roadside bog, and hear of the many explanations it inspired. Crossing from west to east, experience the astounding scenery of Lunna and discover the death-defying feats undertaken by fishermen during WW2 and of the Norwegian refugees saved by exceptional bravery.

The day will be full of interesting and arresting stops, some stories known, some surprising, all part of the history of Scotland’s separate world. A huge offering of vistas and interest abound on Shetland: a visit to this thrilling archipelago of individualistic islands, set in the centre of the ocean, will stay with you forever – part of Scotland and yet separate.

Day Seven – Return to the Scottish Mainland

After a relaxed breakfast, there’s still enough time for one last key stop. Visit Jarlshof, a fascinating site on the lands edge. This ancient settlement on the coast has buildings dating from 2,500BC through to the 17 th century. See a little more of the south of the archipelago, such as the extremity of Sumburgh Head, then hop aboard the flight from Sumburgh to Glasgow, landing in the early afternoon. Say fond farewells to the rest of the group before continuing on with your travel plans.

This will have been a special week of adventure and discovery – if you would like to link it with a visit to any other Scottish islands or a tour of the Highlands, we’d be more than happy to help with the planning.

This Orkney & Shetland tour has been carefully designed to cover the highlights whilst also surprising with hidden gems and local knowledge.

Fly from Edinburgh to Orkney then on to Shetland. Return flight to Glasgow.

From £2595 per person sharing a twin or double room in April & 29th September, from £2695 in May, August & 8th September. Single occupancy supplement is £500.

Price includes:

• Six nights in hand-picked three and four star hotels on a B&B basis.
• Welcome dinner in Edinburgh. Dinner on both nights in Shetland. Includes one lunch.
• Scheduled flights from Edinburgh to Orkney, from Orkney to Shetland and from Shetland to Glasgow, plus transfers as described.
• Half day tour of South Ronaldsay and southern Orkney, including entry to the Italian Chapel.
• Guided walking tour of Stromness.
• Full day tour of Orkney’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Ring of Brodgar, Maeshowe and Skara Brae, with entrance fees included.
• Tour of Sheila Fleet Jewellery Workshop.
• Half day tour of southern Shetland, including Jarlshof.
• Full day tour of northern Shetland led by an expert guide.
• The services of McKinlay Kidd’s tour leader, accompanying the group and providing expert guiding and assistance throughout.

Not included:

• Meals other than those described above
• Gratuities and tips

Please note the baggage allowance for the flights in this tour:

• One checked bag of up to 20kg per person
• One item of cabin baggage not exceeding 40cm x 35cm x 18cm, with a maximum weight of 6kg.

Any bags exceeding 20kg or any additional bags that have not been prepaid, will be charged at the airport.

All accommodation is carefully-selected and researched by us, predominantly featuring small, family-owned hotels – contact us for more detailed information. We will do our best to accommodate room preferences subject to availability at individual properties.

This tour will operate with a minimum of four and maximum of 15 passengers on each departure date.

Simply complete the form below to reserve your place(s). We will hold your place(s) for 48 hours to provide time for you to pay the deposit of 25% per person.

Speak to us 0141 260 9260 1 866 922 8538 1 800 760 824 +44 141 260 9260

Uk office hours:.

• Monday to Friday - 8.30am to 6pm
• Saturday - 9am to 5pm
• Sunday - CLOSED

McKinlay Kidd are based in the UK and Ireland. UTC office hours are:

Or email us at:, calling from elsewhere  .

• UK 0141 260 9260
• USA & Canada (toll-free) 1 866 922 8538
• Australia (toll-free) 1 800 760 824
• Other Countries +44 141 260 9260
• Email hello at mckinlaykidd dot com

Your holiday guaranteed

We're here for you 24/7

ATOL protected

Our promise to you

We work with small businesses

The McKinlay Kidd Guarantee

All our holiday prices include a service charge of £9 per person per night towards the costs we incur in researching, planning and designing your holiday.

We guarantee to refund this service charge if you believe that arranging your holiday through McKinlay Kidd has not met your expectations for value. All we ask is that you write to us within 7 days of your return and explain your reason for claiming the refund. This will ensure that we can improve the experience for all our future guests.

We got to see the things and places we had hoped to see. The food and the hotels were great.

We had a good time and the group was just the right size. A relaxed, informative whizz around the Islands, good grub, wonderful scenery.

I was made most welcome by our guide and all the couples and enjoyed their company. So many stimulating conversations and so much laughter.

Reserve your place(s) for Orkney & Shetland Guided Small Group Tour

To reserve your place(s) on this tour, please call us or complete the form below, making sure to select your departure date from the dropdown menu and advise of any special requirements. We will hold your place(s) for 48 hours and contact you with details of how to confirm your booking by payment of the per person deposit.

Please note: All form fields are required unless otherwise stated optional.

Availability of double or twin rooms can vary at individual hotels on the tour, so it helps us to understand your preferences.

What else should we take into account for you?

To help us reduce spam, please tick the field below.

Please ensure you tick the reCAPTCHA checkbox to show you're not a spam bot!

If you are happy with the details you have provided above then select the Reserve your place(s) button below to send us your enquiry.

• Room preferences is required

Our Data Promise

We will hold your data securely within our organisation, McKinlay Kidd Limited. We use your data to prepare holiday proposals and to make bookings for you if you choose to go ahead. We also analyse data in order to develop and improve our products and our service in the future.

We only share data with business partners where it is necessary to fulfil our service. We will never share your data with third parties for marketing purposes. We will communicate with you from time to time about our products and services, similar to those currently featured on our website.

We will make it easy for you to opt-out of receiving communications, to check what data we hold on you or to request us to delete your data altogether.

If you only require a specific response to this enquiry and have no interest in receiving occasional information, news or offers from McKinlay Kidd in future, please email unsubscribe at mckinlaykidd dot com . View our Full Privacy Notice

Other Orkney & Shetland Holidays to Inspire You

North Highlands & Orkney Guided Rail Tour

Complete Orkney & Shetland

Orkney & Shetland Fly-drive

See Shetland Differently

Other guided holidays to inspire you.

Castles, Gardens, Skye & Glencoe Guided Rail Tour

Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way Guided Rail Tour

West Highlands, Iona & The Jacobite Guided Rail Tour

Loch Ness, The Jacobite & Skye Guided Rail Tour

We uncover. you discover..

Edinburgh & Glasgow

We use cookies to provide you with the best online experience. View our privacy policy . Accept

Deals of the Week   All of Europe's finest   Up to 50% OFF

Scotland's Shetland Islands

• Fully Guided

• Introduction
• Day 1 Aberdeen to Lerwick
• Day 2 Lerwick
• Day 3 Sumburgh
• Day 4 Muckle Flugga
• Day 5 Eshness
• Day 6 Lerwick to Aberdeen

Want to read it later?

Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start tour planning offline

What's Included

• Accommodation
• Additional Services

Where You'll Stay

Operated by intrepid travel.

Back in 1989, two guys from Melbourne, Australia by the names of Darrell and Manch set off on an adventure to the other side of the world. They travelled to Africa and without air conditioning on their modified truck, they filled it with supplies, some beer, a bunch of aviator sunglasses, and some friends. On that trip, they came up with the idea that perhaps others may be interested in this style of travel too. Just like that, Intrepid was born. Intrepid has come a long way since then, now giving over 100,000 travelers a year the opportunity to experience small group travel across all 7 continents. They use local transport, sleep in local accommodation from Cambodian stilt houses to Moroccan riads, and employ 100% local leaders. With three different travel styles including basix, original and comfort, themes ranging from cycling trips to family holidays, and itineraries crafted with the perfect balance of must-see sights and free time, Intrepid caters to every type of traveller no matter their age, budget or travel style. The company has grown but their mission remains the same: to change the way people see the world through sustainable, experience-rich travel

Sustainability Initiatives

Reduce Carbon Emissions

Animal Welfare

Supporting Destinations

Sustainability Programs

Customer Reviews

• Overall Rating Average 2.5
• Itinerary Good 4.0
• Guide Excellent 4.5
• Transport Good 3.5
• Accommodation Good 3.5
• Food Good 3.5
• Tour Operator Intrepid Travel 4.6

Dates & Availability

Pay-by-instalments

Take advantage of our 0% interest instalment plan on selected departures. Learn More

• Upcoming departures
• August 2024
• September 2024
• August 2025
• September 2025

Space on this tour is not guaranteed. Book this tour to request your place and the operator will confirm availability.

• -20% Get Instant Confirmation Sunday 23 Jun, 2024 Friday 28 Jun, 2024 English €1,745 €1,396 Confirm Dates
• Get Instant Confirmation Sunday 21 Jul, 2024 Friday 26 Jul, 2024 English €1,745 Confirm Dates Hold space for 48h
• Get Instant Confirmation Sunday 4 Aug, 2024 Friday 9 Aug, 2024 English Filling Fast €1,745 Confirm Dates Hold space for 48h
• Get Instant Confirmation Sunday 11 Aug, 2024 Friday 16 Aug, 2024 English €1,745 Confirm Dates Hold space for 48h
• Get Instant Confirmation Sunday 18 Aug, 2024 Friday 23 Aug, 2024 English €1,680 0% Interest Instalments Confirm Dates Hold space for 48h
• Get Instant Confirmation Sunday 25 Aug, 2024 Friday 30 Aug, 2024 English Filling Fast €1,680 0% Interest Instalments Confirm Dates Hold space for 48h
• Get Instant Confirmation Sunday 8 Sep, 2024 Friday 13 Sep, 2024 English Filling Fast €1,680 0% Interest Instalments Confirm Dates Hold space for 48h
• Get Instant Confirmation Sunday 27 Apr, 2025 Friday 2 May, 2025 English €1,845 0% Interest Instalments Confirm Dates Hold space for 48h

Frequently Asked Questions

We are there for you! If you have any questions about this tour, then please don't hesitate to contact us 24/7 and we will get back to you latest within 2 hours!

Got a question about this tour?

Reach out to our travel experts.

Good to Know

• Currency £ Pound Sterling England and Scotland

As a traveller from USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa you will need an adaptor for type G.

• Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
• Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
• For any tour departing before 16th July 2024 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after 16th July 2024, a minimum payment of €400 is required to confirm your booking with Intrepid Travel. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 60 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
• Some departure dates and prices may vary and Intrepid Travel will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
• The following cards are accepted for "Intrepid Travel" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
• Insurance Unless otherwise mentioned, TourRadar does not provide travel insurance. We do however recommend purchasing it through our tried and trusted partner, World Travel Nomads .
• Accessibility Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveller, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team , who are ready and waiting to help you.
• Trips to Florida
• Mekong tours
• Armenia Family tours
• Mediterranean tours
• Vietnam Central Coast Cycling Tour
• Wildlife Kanha & Bandhavgarh National Park S…
• Best 10 Panama Vacation Deals

Keep Exploring Europe

• Scotland Travel Guide | All You Need to Know
• Best 3 Weeks Europe Itineraries 2024/2025 (with Reviews)
• Best Explorer Tours and Trips 2024/2025
• Europe from Aberdeen
• Europe Explorer
• Small group tour
• 6 days Europe
• Operators in Europe
• Northern Scotland
• Scotland's Shetland Islands Tours in Scotland
• Explorer Tours
• Shetland Islands Tours
• Scotland Tours
• Group Tours
• Fully Guided Tours
• Shetland Islands
• Scotland tours
• England tours

Scotland Tours from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness and London

Book today reserve your seats by paying a non-refundable deposit of just £175 per person., for details click here.

• Scotland Tours
• Highlights of Orkney...

• Standing Stones of Stenness
• Sumburgh Head
• Italian Chapel

Room Size Warning

Are you sure you would like to continue with this room size?

Highlights of Orkney and Shetland - 6 day tour

Highlights of Orkney and Shetland 6 day/5 night

This island adventure starts with a tour to Aberdeen to catch the overnight ferry service bound for Lerwick in the Shetlands, Britain's most northerly island archipelago. Spend two days exploring some of the many island treasures, including Scalloway Castle and Jarlshof, an outstanding example of a prehistoric and Norse settlement. Next, sail southwards to reach the Orkney Islands, where we'll discover the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, a UNESCO World Heritage site that includes Skara Brae, Maeshowe and the Ring of Brodgar Stone Circle. Free time will let you explore Kirkwall and St Magnus Cathedral before setting sail for the mainland.

Jarlshof - explore this historic site, where people lived for more than 4,000 years, to see outstanding examples of Bronze Age and Viking houses

Scalloway - tour through this attractive fishing port that was once the island capital to visit the imposing ruins of 17th Century Scalloway Castle  

Maeshowe - investigate this impressive chambered tomb and see the Viking graffiti left 1,000 years ago    

Skara Brae - discover how early man lived at this amazingly well-preserved Stone Age settlement of dwelling houses complete with beds and chairs  

Kirkwall - enjoy a three-night stay in this bustling port dominated by 12th Century St Magnus Cathedral  

Movie locations – Moondogs, The Long Hope and The Spy in Black

Hotel accommodation included

  Book Now

Full Tour Itinerary

Select Day:

Day 1 - Edinburgh/Glasgow - Aberdeen - Overnight Ferry

From Glasgow and Edinburgh, we travel northwards through the Kingdom of Fife to reach Dundee, which sits overlooking the River Tay. Our journey continues through the fertile farmland of Angus to reach the granite city of Aberdeen by late afternoon.

At Aberdeen Harbour, we join the Northlink ferry for the overnight crossing to Shetland . Once checked-in onboard head to your comfortable twin-berth cabin with en-suite bathroom or enjoy time exploring the ship's many facilities.

We depart Aberdeen at 19:00 hrs, and a short time later, dinner will be served in the ship's restaurant.

The rest of this evening is free to relax and, perhaps, enjoy a wee night-cap in the bar or get some fresh sea air before retiring for the night.    

Overnight: MV Hrossey or Hjaltland

Day 2 - Exploring Shetland

We arrive in Lerwick around 07:30 hrs. Breakfast is served onboard from 07:15 hrs after which we board the coach and disembark to begin our island tour.

A short drive to the western side of the Shetland mainland brings us to the old fishing port of Scalloway, which sits overlooking a sheltered bay. This was once the Shetland capital and is the site of Scalloway Castle which was built for the notorious Earl Patrick Stewart in the early 17th Century. We will discover more about this rather unpleasant character and his tyrannical ways during our visit.

Later we travel to the dramatic sea cliffs at Eshaness which have been created by the constant pounding of the Atlantic waves. Look out for the lighthouse , opened in 1929 its powerful light can be seen from 46 km away.

Our journey south takes us through Mavis Grind, an isthmus so narrow it is said to be possible to throw a stone from the North Sea to the Atlantic Ocean. It's a convenient crossing point for otters too, who, in these islands, are sea-dwelling.    

Our home for tonight is in the delightful village of Bray which overlooks Busta Voe.

Overnight: Busta House Hotel/Brae Hotel, Shetland (or similar)

Day 3 - Jarlshof - Ferry Crossing - Orkney Islands

After breakfast, we travel to the very south of the mainland to visit Jarlshof , where waves of settlers lived for more than 4,000 years.

At this fascinating site, we will discover the remains of oval houses from the Bronze Age, an Iron Age broch and Viking longhouses. Later, in medieval times, farmsteads were also built here. Finally, a laird's house was constructed on the site in the 1600s. The breadth of history to be discovered here is without parallel in Scotland and is sure to amaze you.

Later we make the short drive to Sumburgh Head, where the waters of the North Sea meet the waves of the Atlantic Ocean. Standing guard to warn the passing ships is the Sumburgh Lighthouse, designed by the grandfather of the famous author Robert Louis Stevenson .

During our time here will visit the RSPB reserve which is home to many species of seabirds including puffins, guillemots and razorbills.

This afternoon we tour through the island, and as we make our journey hopefully, we will see some native Shetland ponies grazing in their fields.

Our destination is Lerwick, the island's attractive capital. Here we will have some free time to explore this charming town with its stone-paved alleys, granite houses and independent shops. The innovative Shetland Museum and Archives tells the fascinating story of these islands and is well worth visiting.

Later this afternoon we travel to the port to join the ferry bound for the Orkney Islands . Dinner will be served on board and we will arrive in Kirkwall around 23:00 hrs. It's a short drive to our hotel for the next three nights.

Overnight: Kirkwall Hotel/Lynnfield Hotel, Kirkwall (or similar) (3 nights)

Day 4 - Discovering prehistoric Orkney

Today we explore the heart of Neolithic Orkney. These treasures are of such importance that UNESCO has designated them a World Heritage site . Our first visits are to the Ring of Brodgar and the Standing Stones of Stenness. These mysterious stone circles are amongst the most significant in Europe and are some 5,000 years old.

Next, we make for Maeshowe , a magnificent chambered tomb that dates from around 2,500 BC. It was raided by Norsemen in the 12th Century. They left carvings behind which are considered to be some of the finest examples of runic inscriptions in the World.

Our last visit of the day is to Skara Brae . This amazingly well-preserved village was built 5,000 years ago. Overlooking Skaill Bay, we'll discover a settlement of Stone Age houses complete with chairs, beds and dressers all made from stone. Discover more at the visitor centre which provides touch-screen presentations and a wide range of artefacts that have excavated from the site.  

Later return to Kirkwall where dinner is served in our hotel.

Day 5 - Scapa Flow and Italian Chapel Excursion

Enjoy free time in Kirkwall this morning. You could visit the mighty Cathedral of St Mangus , which was begun in 1137. It took 300 years to complete and is one of the finest examples of Norman architecture in Europe. Nearby sits the Bishop's Palace and Earl's Palace , which was reputedly built using forced labour.

If you fancy some retail therapy, Kirkwall has a wealth of independent shops and craftworkers studios to be explored.  

Orkney played a vital role during both World Wars, and this afternoon we will travel to see Scapa Flow which provided a sheltered anchorage for the British naval fleet. This expanse of water has played witness to some monumental events. In 1919 the German Navy scuttled itself as a grand act of defiance and, in 1939, HMS Royal Oak was sunk here by a U-boat.

To prevent further attacks, a series of four barriers were constructed using Italian prisoners of war. Known as the Churchill Barriers, we will use these causeways to reach the little island of Lamb Holm.

The Italian Prisoners constructed a chapel out of a pair of Nissen Huts. We'll make a visit to view the remarkable paintings that can be found inside the simple corrugated metal exterior. Several of the prisoners have returned to Orkney over the years to assist with the restoration of the building.  

Day 6 - Orkney - Cairngorms National Park - Edinburgh/Glasgow

Today we bid farewell to island life and make the journey to St Margaret's Hope where the fast Pentland Ferries catamaran waits to transport us across the Pentland Firth. During the hour-long sailing look out for porpoises, dolphins and minke whales that can often be seen.

On arrival at Gills Bay, we join the famous North Coast 500 route as we make the coastal drive southwards across the Dornoch and Cromarty Firths towards Inverness.

The beautiful Cairngorms National Park will bring us to the Pass of Drumocher and Highland Perthshire beyond. There will be a stop where can enjoy time off the coach and buy refreshments.

The last part of the journey takes us through the Kingdom of Fife and across the Forth Estuary into Edinburgh. The coach will continue on to Glasgow, for passengers wishing to end their tour there.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can i expect on this escorted tour.

If you enjoy the art of first-class travel whilst enjoying amazing value then an Escorted Tour is just for you. These tours are carefully researched and combine quality hotels, luxury travel, informative visits and leisure time. You’ll find our Escorted Tours to be memorable - for all the right reasons!

You will travel aboard a state of the art motorcoach with air-conditioning, reclining seats, oversized windows and emergency washroom. Many coaches are equipped with WiFi too.

An experienced tour manager will lead the tour and your coach will be expertly driven by a professional driver. In certain locations you’ll may be joined by a local guide who will provide local insight and show you the highlights.

These tours are inclusive of superior tourist class accommodation, transportation, selected admission fees and many meals.

On many tours you’ll have the chance to personalise your touring experience by participating in some carefully planned optional excursions. These are at additional expense and, if available, details will be provided with your tour documentation.

What type of room should I choose?

Selecting the right sleeping arrangements can be a little bit confusing, so here is a description of what you can expect from the hotel accommodation offered as part of your tour:

Single room - this is a room for one person sleeping in a single bed. 

Twin room - this is a room for two people sleeping in two separate beds.

Double room - this is a room for two people sharing one large bed. 

Family room - this is a room for three people sleeping in one large bed (2 people) and one single bed (1 person).

Please note that a family room  is normally a standard double or twin room with either a sofa bed or a rollaway bed.

All room types, other than twin rooms, are subject to availability. 

What is a typical tour schedule?

Usually the tour will depart the hotel between 08:00 hrs and 08:30 hrs in the morning. During the course of the day you’ll normally be travelling for no more than 2 hours at a time before making a stop to enjoy a visit to an attraction or for a comfort break/meal stop. 

Usually the coach will arrive at the overnight stop between 16:30 and 17:00 hrs each day.

In some cases, due to ferry or other travel connections, the tour may depart earlier or arrive later – your tour director will advise you if this will be happening on your tour.

Where can I purchase travel insurance?

We strongly recommend that you have travel insurance in place for your trip to Scotland, especially if you are visiting from overseas. To purchase a policy speak to your insurance broker or undertake a search on-line.

We would also suggest checking your home policy or credit card contract as many suppliers include travel insurance as part of their offering. 

Who travels on an escorted tour?

These tours are immensely popular so expect to be travelling in the company of like-minded travellers from around the world. It’s a great way to make new friends!

Age-wise it’s really difficult for us to give an accurate figure for any given tour departure, but experience has taught us to expect the median age to be between 45 and 50.

View all Frequently Asked Questions...

Accommodation

• 5 nights hotel accommodation
• Location: Northlink Ferry (1); Busta, Shetland Islands (1) and Kirkwall, Orkney islands (3)
• Cooked/Continental breakfast (5)
• Table d' hote dinners (5)

Visits, Admissions and Experiences

• Admission to Scalloway Castle, Jarlshof, Ring of Brodgar, Stenness Standing Stones, Maeshowe, Skara Brae and Italian Chapel

Tour Essentials

• Touring by luxury air-conditioned coach with reclining seats 
• All ferry fares and reservations
• All baggage handling and hotel tips are included
• Services throughout the tour of a professional Tour Director
• Service charges and taxes 

Departure information

From Glasgow

North Hanover Street Bus Stance, Glasgow, G1 2BP

Tour departure and return times will be advised in your tour documentation.

Check-in: TBA hrs Tour Departs: TBA hrs Tour Returns: TBA hrs

From Edinburgh

Outside Reception at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Edinburgh 111 Glasgow Road Edinburgh EH12 8NF

Child details

Please contact us for information on child prices. 

Price Notes

Accommodation The price of this tour includes hotel accommodation/ferry cabin with en-suite bathroom. 

Departure and Return Times Final timings and pick-up points will be confirmed with your joining instructions approximately 10 days before departure.

FAQs Please see the FAQ section for more information on this tour.

Product code BW 02968

Blogs and Guides - discover insider tips and ideas

Customer reviews overall rating:.

No hesitation in recommending this tour. Was our first coach tour so was a bit unsure of what to expect but it was great. Nice to have everything planned and organised. Great hotels (including a 500 year old one!) Considering the high standard of accomodation and meals it was good value and a stress free way to visit Shetland and Orkney.

A comprehensive, informative and interesting tour of both islands. A good balance of archeological sites and the natural geography and features of both islands. Excellent accommodation on Shetland.

Thoroughly recommend this tour if you are interested in visiting Shetland and Orkney

6 day tour from £ 1695.00

5 day tour from £ 950.00

5 day tour from £ 995.00

Scotland: Shetland and Orkney Islands – 11 days

4 – 14 May 2024 ( Now Fully Booked)

11 – 21 july 2024 ( now fully booked), 31 august – 10 september 2024, 1 - 11 may 2025, 19 - 29 june 2025, 6 - 16 septemner 2025, maximum 20 people per tour, contact jóna:, mobile:  +44 7756 941 599 (uk), phone:  +33 9 62 33 57 93 (france), email:  [email protected].

If you would like to book a tour, please click the orange button below that says ‘Download the Booking Form’. Save the form. Then print it. Fill it in, scan and email back to us . Alternatively, please email  [email protected]  or call  +44 (0) 7756941599  to express your interest and we will email you a booking form that you can complete on your computer and email back.

Please email your booking form to  [email protected]  and pay the deposit of £250 per person (2024 tours) or £100 per person (2025) via the cart below. For 2025 tours the £100 will secure your place and the deposit balance of £150 should be paid by January 2025. A full deposit refund is available for cancellations made up to 3 months before the departure date, irrespective of the reason.

To book the tour, please pay a deposit of £250/person. Fully refundable up to 3 months before departure date, for whatever reason you might have to cancel.

To book the 2025 tour, please pay a deposit of £100/person. Fully refundable up to 3 months before departure date, for whatever reason you might have to cancel.

Experience an exclusive discovery tour to these fascinating Scottish islands. This exceptional, informative and comprehensive, all-inclusive, 11 days, island hopping tour conducted by Maggie McLeod will give you a remarkable insight into these beautiful islands. You will discover their history, archaeology, bird and plant life along with their customs and traditions. There will also be plenty of opportunities to enjoy the wonderful landscapes and coastal vistas.

The Shetland Isles are located in the North Atlantic, as close to Norway as to Aberdeen. Shetland consists of a group of 100 islands with approximately 900 miles of coastline and a population of around 23,000. The Orkney Islands are located six miles north of the Scottish mainland. There are about 70 islands within the Orkney archipelago, 17 of which are inhabited.

Both Orkney and Shetland are unique and unlike any other part of Great Britain. They have managed to retain many of their original, unique customs and traditions resulting from their long and eventful history.  Fair Isle in Shetland gave its name to the unique, multi-coloured knitting designs on the islands famous woollen sweaters. It is claimed that these designs were copied from the clothing worn by shipwrecked Spanish sailors from the Armada. These men landed on the shore when their ship El Gran Grifon ran onto the rocks below the cliffs at Stronshellier in 1588.

Shetland and Orkney had a pivotal role to play during wartime. At Scapa Flow a local wartime historian shares incredible stories of WWI and WWII during our visit and we will hear of the daring exploits of the Shetland bus. We will drive over the Churchill Barriers and marvel at the Italian Chapel beautifully crafted out of 2 Nissan huts by WWII prisoners.

On Shetland we visit Sumburgh Head where the North Sea meets the Atlantic. Jarlshof with over 4,000 years of settlement and discover the undisturbed time capsule of Old Scatness

We visit the Heart of Neolithic Orkey, Maes Howe, Ness of Brodgar, Ring of Brodgar, Stenness Standing Stones, Barnhouse Village and Skara Brae.

Jona’s Tours are fully guided by an expert and offer a unique blend of exploration, education, adventure, enjoyment and congenial company. All meals included.

2024 £3,655 per person

Single supplement: £485, tour price includes:.

Flights to Aberdeen.

Ferry from Lerwick to Kirkwall. Dinner on board.

An internal flight from Kirkwall to Aberdeen.

Private airport transfers

Accommodation in 4 star hotels.

Day 2, 3 and 4 at Busta House Hotel on Shetland.

Day 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 at Kirkwall Hotel on Orkney.

Last night at Crowne Plaza at Aberdeen airport.

Full board, 10 breakfasts, 10 lunches and 10 three course dinners.

Private coach and driver.

Private guide, Maggie McLeod or John White for the whole tour.

Included in the tour price are all excursions, visits and entrance fees : Plus Ferries to: Kirkwall, Orkney, Island of Hoy, return ferry trip, Tingwall, Yell and Unst.

Clickimin Broch

Sumburgh Head RSPB

Light lunch at Sumburgh Hotel

St Ninian’s Isle

Hoswick Visitor Centre

Old Scatness

Ferry to Isle of Bressay, visit to a working croft with native and heritage breeds

Scalloway for a light lunch

Shetland Bus Museum

Beswick Community Centre Arts and Crafts

Lerwick Museum

Lunch at Hay’s Dock Cafe

Maes Howe and Ness of Brodgar burial tombs.

Ring of Brodgar

Stenness Standing Stones

Barnhouse Village

Churchill Barriers

Italian Chapel

Hoxa Tapestry Studio

Wartime talk on Scapa Flow

Dwarfie Stane

Scapa Flow War Museum with lunch

Midhowe stalled burial cairn and Midhowe Broch

“ I wanted to thank you for the most wonderful trip, in fact the trip of a lifetime. I was totally captivated by the stark beauty of Shetland. The trip to Yell and Unst was great fun and certainly a good addition. As for Orkney; well what can I say. I had seen a documentary about the Ring of Brodgar some months ago but nothing prepared me for seeing it for real. A very profound, moving and emotional experience. John did a first rate job as our guide, he was knowledgeable and easy going and kept us in order with a very light rein! Robert, our driver, was so kind and always smiling and showed us some quirky sights that we would have missed on other trips. ”

These Are 10 Of The Best British Islands To Visit

• The Isle of Sark in the Channel Islands is among the best British Isles to visit; it's a car-free paradise with horse and carriage rides and bike rentals as transportation options. Activities include horse-carriage tours and cycling.
• The Isle of Man, located in the Irish Sea, is known for its green rolling hills and Viking ruins at Peel Castle. Activities include hiking, visiting ruins, and shopping in Douglas.
• The Mainland, Orkney Islands, offers well-preserved Neolithic ruins and ancient monuments. Activities include hiking and exploring Stone Age and Iron Age ruins.

The British Isles are an archipelago with a number of small islands around the two main islands (Ireland and Great Britain). Some of these isles are steeped in history and charm. This article will include the islands associated with the United Kingdom (including the Channel Islands - some of Britain's forgotten gems ).

The British islands have many excellent islands to visit - e.g., the Gaelic-speaking Outer Hebrides of Scotland are not on the list, but they are also worth visiting. Here are some of the most stunning British Isles worth visiting, a few of which are home to some of Britain's best UNESCO Sites .

Isle Of Sark (Guernsey & Crown Dependency)

The Isle of Sark is a royal fief and part of the Bailiwick of Guernsey - one of the Channel Island Crown Dependencies. The little isle is home to around 500 people and is known as the jewel of the Channel Islands.

Sark is one of the few places on earth where cars are forbidden from the island - to get around, hire a bike, or enjoy an old-time horse and carriage ride around the island.

• Activities: Horse-Carriage Tours, Cycling

Isle Of Man (Crown Dependency)

The Isle of Man is another Crown Dependency of the United Kingdom (basically an independent country). It is located in the Irish Sea between England and Ireland and is one of the larger islands surrounding Great Britain.

Take the ferry from the English city of Lancaster to the Isle of Man and see charming green rolling hills and the impressive Viking ruins at the castle at Peel.

• Activities: Hiking, Visit Ruins, Shopping in Douglas

Related: Why This Historic Viking Castle On A British Isle Is Worth Visiting

Mainland, Orkney Islands (Scotland)

Mainland is the largest of the Orkney Islands, just to the north of mainland Scotland. It is famous for its impressive Neolithic ruins - some of the best preserved ruins in Great Britain of this kind.

See the Knap of Howar (the oldest standing house in Northern Europe), henges, and other ancient monuments.

• Activities: Hiking, Exploring Stone Age & Iron Age Ruins

Isle Of Wight (England)

The Isle of Wight is the largest and most famous of the islands of England . Today, it is famous for its charming setting, its Victorian architecture, and its spectacular coastlines.

The Isle of Wight has been a noted English vacation destination since at least Victorian times.

• Activities: Explore Coastlines & Victorian Architecture

Isle Of Skye (Scotland)

The Isle of Skye is likely the most famous and most visited of the islands of Scotland. The Isle of Skye is noted for its outstanding natural beauty and its excellent distilleries.

Go on a Whiskey-tasting tour in the Isle of Skye while exploring some of the most dramatic landscapes in Scotland.

• Activities: Hiking, Distillery Tours

Related: Is The Beautiful & Distant Isle Of Skye Actually Worth Visiting?

The Shetland Islands (Scotland)

The Shetland Islands are an even more remote Scottish island archipelago. They are green, windswept islands buffeted by the North Sea.

Discover the rich Viking heritage of these islands and plan to visit during the Up Helly Aa Festival, when the islands celebrate their Viking past .

• Activities: Hiking, Up Helly Aa Festival

Isle Of Anglesey (Wales)

The Isle of Anglesey is the largest island in Wales and is located just off the northwestern coast of Wales. The island has a large percentage of Welsh speakers (57%) and is considered a stronghold of the Celtic language.

The island has attractions from the UNESCO-listed Beaumaris Castle to the longest name in Europe - Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllllantysiliogogoch.

• Activities: Explore Medieval Ruins, Hiking

Lundy Island (England)

Lundy is a stunning English island owned by the National Trust . It is a noted English destination for its wildlife (e.g., seabirds and seals) and for the quaint structures on the island.

The little island only has a population of around 28, and most buildings on the island offer some sort of accommodation.

• Activities: Wildlife Viewing, Walking

Related: Why England's Lundy Island Is Famous & Why This Lonely Forgotten Isle Is Also Worth Visiting

Jersey (Crown Dependency)

Jersey is one of the two Crown Dependencies that make up the Channel Islands. It is the largest of the Channel Islands and is a remnant of the medieval Duchy of Normandy.

Today, it is a great destination to explore island life in the English Channel and see an overlooked part of Europe.

• Activities: Medieval Ruins, Walking

St Kilda (Scotland)

St Kilda is more than a ghost town; it is a ghost island. It is a remote (and dramatic) island of Scotland now home to the largest colony of Atlantic puffins. Visitors need to take a boat (there are boat tours available) to the island.

Explore the many ruins on the islands and see its blossoming seabird colonies. St Kilda is part of the Outer Herbrides of Scotland and had been inhabited for hundreds of years until it was abandoned in 1930.

• Activities: Wildlife Viewing, Exploring Ghost Villages

• Work & Careers
• Life & Arts

Become an FT subscriber

Try unlimited access Only $1 for 4 weeks

Then $75 per month. Complete digital access to quality FT journalism on any device. Cancel anytime during your trial.

• Global news & analysis
• Expert opinion
• Special features
• FirstFT newsletter
• Videos & Podcasts
• Android & iOS app
• FT Edit app
• 10 gift articles per month

Explore more offers.

Standard digital.

• FT Digital Edition

Premium Digital

Print + premium digital, ft professional, weekend print + standard digital, weekend print + premium digital.

Essential digital access to quality FT journalism on any device. Pay a year upfront and save 20%.

• Global news & analysis
• Exclusive FT analysis
• FT App on Android & iOS
• FirstFT: the day's biggest stories
• 20+ curated newsletters
• Follow topics & set alerts with myFT
• FT Videos & Podcasts
• 20 monthly gift articles to share
• Lex: FT's flagship investment column
• 15+ Premium newsletters by leading experts
• FT Digital Edition: our digitised print edition
• Weekday Print Edition
• Videos & Podcasts
• Premium newsletters
• 10 additional gift articles per month
• FT Weekend Print delivery
• Everything in Standard Digital
• Everything in Premium Digital

Complete digital access to quality FT journalism with expert analysis from industry leaders. Pay a year upfront and save 20%.

• 10 monthly gift articles to share
• Everything in Print
• Make and share highlights
• FT Workspace
• Markets data widget
• Subscription Manager
• Workflow integrations
• Occasional readers go free
• Volume discount

Terms & Conditions apply

Explore our full range of subscriptions.

Why the ft.

See why over a million readers pay to read the Financial Times.

International Edition