Shetland and its Outer Isles

Tour Date June 15 2020

Duration:
5 days

Activity Level:

Today's Price:
$1,585

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Call for availability

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

We will be cruising with Serco Northlink Ferries, whose purpose-built vessels, the Hrossey and the Hjaltland, which have set new standards for comfort and speed on this route. From the time you step on board you’ll appreciate that these ships have all the attributes of a mini-cruise liner. Your cabin will have its own shower/toilet facilities en suite and the ship boasts a delightful restaurant where you’ll spoil yourself with some delicious meals. There is also a comfortable bar and lounge.

What's included?

Accommodation
Services of a professional tour manager
Comfortable coach travel throughout
Meals - as per the itinerary
Ferry crossings

Today's Price
$1,585

Call for availability

Deposit: $100 Single supplement: $375

Prehistoric village - Jarlshof - Shetland Islands

Dunrossness Croft House Museum - Shetland

Tour highlights:

Rich wildlife on the Island of Mousa
3000 years of archaeological history at Jarlshof
Muness Castle – the most northerly castle in the British Isles
The stunning sea cliffs of Noss
Bobby’s bus shelter in Baltasound – surely the most famous in the world!

Tour details

Dates	June 15 2020 - June 19 2020
Duration	5 days
Cost	Today's Price $1,585 Deposit: $100 Single supplement: $375 Balance due by March 23 2020
Activity Level
Tour code	BWSOI20A

Departure Points

Location	Depart	Return
Glasgow	1200	1300
Edinburgh	1315	1200
Dunfermline	1345	1145
Kinross	1400	1130
Perth	1415	1100
Dundee	1530	1030
Arbroath	1550	1010
Montrose	1610	0950
Aberdeen	1700	0900

Please note pick-up points are subject to minimum numbers and all timings are approximate and may be changed. They will be confirmed when the joining instructions are sent out, approximately ten days prior to departure.

Call for availability

June 15 2020: Itinerary

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

Meals include: Dinner

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

This afternoon, we cross as foot passengers to the fascinating little island of Mousa. Here we will visit the 2000 year old broch, the best preserved example in the world. The island is also a nature reserve and is rich in wildlife. Storm petrels, Arctic terns and skuas nest here, and harbour seals lounge on the shore. Keep a sharp eye on Mousa Sound and you may also spot porpoises and the odd killer whale.

Please note the trail on Mousa is uneven, steep, narrow, stony and boggy in places, and therefore not suitable for those visitors requiring extra mobility assistance or are not sure-footed. Walking or wellington boots and waterproof clothing are recommended. There are no toilets and no seating or shelter on the island.

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

Meals include: Breakfast, Dinner

Hotel: Busta House Hotel, Shetland

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

Meals include: Breakfast, Dinner

Hotel: Busta House Hotel, Shetland

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

Meals include: Breakfast, Dinner

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

Meals include: Breakfast

June 15 2020: Additional Info

June 15 2020: Accommodation

Overlooking the shore of Busta Voe, on mainland Shetland, Busta House is a lovely old building with en suite bedrooms, large garden and superb local food.

Between the village of Brae and the island of Muckle Roe, Busta House is close to the geographical centre of Shetland - a good base for exploring the islands.

Try the fresh local food on offer. There is a choice of wine and some 160 malt whiskies. Enjoy free Wi-Fi in all public areas and a few of the bedrooms. All other bedrooms have modem connections and there is a computer at reception for you to use if you need.

Built in the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries, there is no lift at Busta House, so expect steps.