The Shetlander

Discover the timeless beauty of the remote Shetland Islands on this ever-popular tour to the most northern outpost of the United Kingdom.

• Following a high-speed trip north to Aberdeen, you cross to Shetland for a 4-day exploration of its rugged shorelines, windswept rolling hills and rich cultural heritage.
• Visit the island’s outstanding natural and historical attractions and discover its stunning rock formations, unspoiled beaches and ancient archaeological sites.
• Enjoy the local arts and crafts, breath-taking landscapes and local wildlife, with highlights including trips to ancient Jarlshof archaeological site, Sumburgh Head, Esha Ness, Shetland Jewellery and museums in Lerwick and Scalloway.
• On your return to the Scottish mainland you’ll cap this fascinating holiday with a relaxing stay in Dundee, one of Scotland’s most historic and elegant cities, steeped in golfing lore and crammed with beautiful architecture.
• With added extras including a visit Captain Scott’s ship HMS Discovery and a steam trip on the Dufftown Railway, this highlight-packed Scottish holiday is not to be missed.

Wednesday 22 July
London to Aberdeen
Your adventure begins in the First-Class lounge at London Kings Cross, for a midmorning departure from London to Aberdeen. Travelling along the East Coast Main Line LNER service, you’ll enjoy complimentary drinks and a light lunch as the train travels north via York, Newcastle and Edinburgh. You cross the stunning Firth of Forth and Tay Bridges and arrive in Aberdeen in late afternoon, checking into your conveniently located city centre hotel. The rest of the evening will be spent at leisure in the ‘Granite City’, exploring this hub of Northeast Scotland. (L)
 

Thursday 23 July

Keith and Dufftown Railway and ferry crossing to Shetland

Today you depart by coach to Keith and Dufftown Railway. The return trip by vintage diesel rail car takes you on the 11-mile long Keith and Dufftown Railway, the most northerly heritage railway in the UK. This so-called ‘Whisky Line’ passes through dense pine forests, by the tranquil waters of Loch Park, and along the winding valley of the River Isla. You then have lunch in the ‘Sidings Cafe’, a railway restaurant car. After lunch you return to Aberdeen and visit the ‘Fitties’, a charming old fishing village nestling on the north side of the harbour. In the afternoon you return to Aberdeen and board the modern ferry for an overnight crossing to Lerwick. The ferry sails within sight of the north-eastern coast of Scotland before passing through the open North Sea. After dinner you retire to your private cabin for the night. (B L D)

Friday 24 July
Tour of the Central Shetland mainland; and Scalloway Museum
After an all-night sail you reach Lerwick on the Shetland mainland and have breakfast on the ship before disembarking. Your tour of the Central Mainland of Shetland starts with a brief coach tour of Lerwick before heading west to Tingwall, where you’ll enjoy a visit to ‘Carol’s Ponies’, a local crofter who breeds Shetland ponies. Moving on, you head to the island of West Burra to view the beautiful sandy beach of Banna Minn, after which you make your way back to visit Scalloway museum. In the early afternoon you have a scenic drive to Lerwick to explore the town. In the late afternoon, you check in to your hotel and later dine there with your fellow travellers. (B D) 

Saturday 25 July
South Shetland mainland 
Shetland’s largest island has a size of 967 km2 (373 square miles), making it the third largest Scottish and fifth largest British island. Today you’ll explore the scenic highlights of its southern mainland. You first head to the Croft Museum at Dunrossness, where you’ll experience what life was like in a 19th century croft. Continuing south to Sumburgh Head, the coach stops for you to photograph the sea birds, with the possibility of seeing puffins, nesting on the steep cliffs, depending on the time of the year. In the afternoon you visit the wonderful preserved prehistoric and Norse settlement of Jarlshof, before heading back to Lerwick. En route you’ll stop off at the Hoswick Visitor Centre in Sandwick and take in the views of the uninhabited island of Mousa and a visit to the handful of shops. In the late afternoon you return by road coach to Lerwick and dine at your hotel.

(B D)

Sunday 26 July
Northern mainland
Today is dedicated to the discovery of the natural wonders of Shetland’s Northern mainland. Heading north through the wild landscape, you make your way to Hellister and visit the amazing Shetland Jewellery centre, where traditional Celtic rings and pendants are crafted. You now head up to Esha Ness passing glorious scenery and the rugged cliffs as you look out on the Atlantic Ocean. We lunch at the Busta House hotel, with their attractive gardens. There’ll be no shortage of photographic opportunities today to capture the amazing wildlife and scenery. After a very full day you return to your hotel for an evening meal. (B D) 

Monday 27 July
Western mainland
On your last day on Shetland you explore the westernmost part of the mainland. On your journey west, you first stop at Mavis Grind for a photo stop. This is a narrow isthmus separating the North Sea from the Atlantic, just 108 ft wide at its narrowest point. Continuing on you’ll visit the remote beach at Sandness, with its views across to the island of Papa Stour. Returning to Lerwick you stop off at the scenic fishing village of Walls, before rounding off your visit to these wonderful isles with time for last minute shopping in Lerwick. You’ll sail back to Aberdeen on a late afternoon departure by ferry enjoying a unique opportunity to watch Fair Isle slip by on the port side as you enjoy your evening meal. (B D) 

Tuesday 28 July
Aberdeen to Dundee
After your overnight crossing you arrive in Aberdeen. Following breakfast on board the ferry, your coach takes you south to Dundee for a visit to Captain Scott’s ship HMS Discovery. After visiting HMS Discovery, spend the rest of the afternoon exploring Dundee and it’s many attractions before checking into your hotel for a farewell dinner with the group. (B D) 

Wednesday 29 July
Return to London
Your Scottish adventure concludes with a return to London, travelling First Class on an LNER Azuma service. You board the train at Dundee and again travel over the Forth Bridge via Edinburgh and Newcastle southwards. Lunch will be served on the train in First Class as you travel. (B L)