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The Experience
Day by Day
Edinburgh to Aberdeen
We leave Edinburgh and head north through the ancient Kingdom of Fife, stopping in the village of Falkland before continuing to St Andrews, the home of golf. You’ll have time to explore the town and grab lunch near the cathedral ruins and the famous Old Course. In the afternoon, we visit the Masters of Mayhem at Angus Alchemy for a distillery tour and tasting, then continue to Aberdeen to board the overnight ferry to Shetland. Overnight: ferry (quad-share cabin)
Edinburgh → Aberdeen
Lerwick
Arriving in Lerwick, we begin with a short drive around town to get your bearings, before heading north to Hillswick. From here, we explore the dramatic cliffs and volcanic landscapes of Eshaness, stopping near the lighthouse to take in the Atlantic views. We then cross Mavis Grind, where the North Sea and Atlantic almost meet, before lunch at Frankie’s Fish & Chip Shop. In the afternoon, we visit Lunna Kirk, a quiet peninsula with a wartime past, before returning to Lerwick. Overnight: Lerwick
Lerwick → Lerwick
Lerwick
Today takes us south to Sumburgh Head, with a walk up to the lighthouse with sweeping coastal views. We then visit Jarlshof, where thousands of years of settlement history sit side by side. After lunch and time to browse craft shops in Hoswick, we finish the day at St Ninian’s Isle, a wide sandy tombolo leading to a tidal island. Overnight: Lerwick
Lerwick → Lerwick
Lerwick
We start the day at Clickimin Broch, an Iron Age site set beside a loch just outside Lerwick. From here, we travel to Meal Beach for a beach clean, spending time outdoors while giving something back.
In the afternoon, we visit Scalloway and its museum, exploring stories of Shetland’s past as a former capital and fishing hub. Back in Lerwick, you’re dropped at Mareel for the Food and Drink Fair. Overnight: Lerwick
Lerwick → Lerwick
Lerwick
Today’s the day, the highlight of the trip. In the morning, we walk together to the parade route near the Islesburgh Centre to watch the Jarl Squad form ranks, then follow sections of the main parade through Lerwick. After some free time, we regroup at Mareel for the Fiery Sessions concert. You get more free time in the afternoon before gathering in the evening at the War Memorial for the lighting ceremony. Your day ends with the torchlit procession, galley burning, and celebrations inside the Town Hall. Overnight: Lerwick
Lerwick → Lerwick
Lerwick to Aberdeen
It was likely to have been a late and lively night, so we take it easy with a late-morning guided walking tour of Lerwick, followed by free time to explore the Shetland Museum. After an amazing few days experiencing Up Helly Aa and the stunning Shetland Islands, we head to the ferry terminal and board the overnight sailing back to the mainland. Overnight: ferry (quad-share cabin)
Lerwick → Aberdeen
Aberdeen to Edinburgh
We arrive in Aberdeen first thing and travel south along the coast, stopping at the cliff-top ruins of mysterious Dunnottar Castle. Next we visit Dundee, with free time to explore the waterfront, the V&A Museum, or the RRS Discovery, before returning to Edinburgh in the late afternoon.
Aberdeen → Edinburgh
Tour Highlights
Day 1
Day 1
Day 2
Day 2
Day 3
Day 3
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 7
What's Included
Optional Experiences
These experiences can be added at checkout and are operated by independent local providers.
Experience an authentic whisky tasting in one of Scotland’s most famous areas for whisky production. You will have ample time to browse and sample from an excellent selection of whisky from all ages at a Speyside distillery. Approx. £8-£25, pay locally.
Discover at your leisure how 'uisge beatha' (the 'water of life') is made and explore the history behind one of Scotland's most iconic exports. Local whisky experts are on hand to share their in-depth knowledge and suggest rare drams to sample. Whisky dram flights from £12 and whisky cocktails from £8.
In the Moment
Accommodation
Relax in a twin-share cabin for two nights during your ferry journey to and from Shetland. Once in Shetland's capital, Lerwick, you'll enjoy three nights twin-share accommodation at a three-star hotel, carefully handpicked by our crew. Each hotel night stay includes one full Scottish Breakfast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your Up Helly Aa 2027 tour departs from the city centre in Edinburgh. For more details on your pick-up location, please visit our Departure Info page.
Yes, two nights quad-share ferry cabin and three nights hotel accommodation are included in the tour price.
Accommodation is carefully selected by our experienced team ensuring a hearty Scottish welcome. While the specific hotel may vary, you can be confident your stay will be comfortable.
Find more info on our Accommodation page.
Your three-night hotel accommodation comes with a freshly made breakfast each morning. However, breakfast during the ferry journey, lunch, dinner, and snacks are not included. Throughout your Up Helly Aa tour, you'll have the opportunity to visit numerous outstanding restaurants, shops, and cafes. We highly recommend trying these to explore Scottish cuisine at your own pace, catering to your preferences and dietary needs.
Up Helly Aa is a public event, which means tickets are not required.
As an exclusive feature of the tour, your Highland Explorer guide will ensure you experience every highlight of the festival. They will offer insider tips and insights known only to Shetland’s residents, giving you an authentic experience.
Up Helly Aa is Shetland’s annual Viking fire festival, held on the last Tuesday in January.
The festival celebrates Shetland’s vibrant Norse traditions with a torchlight procession, the ceremonial burning of a Viking longship, and a Viking-themed parade. Up Helly Aa boasts an incredibly unique atmosphere, with countless chances to mingle with locals at Lerwick’s many bars and pubs – a fantastic way to make new Viking friends!
Please note that we are currently unable to offer single rooms on this tour. We recommend you check out our sister company HAGGiS Adventures, who run a yearly trip to the Up Helly Aa festival in Shetland. This is a great choice for solo travellers who would like to stay in multi-share hostel dorm accommodation (mixed gender).