Overview
Fans of the acclaimed TV show, SHETLAND, won't want to miss this trip. Join us for a unique Scottish experience. In this era of globalization, these islands remain one of the few places in the world which retain a true sense of otherness. For centuries these archipelagoes were Norse Colonies, but there were people here long before the Vikings. Join us as we journey to and around the Shetland and Orkney Islands and revel in the history, the scenery, the people, the music, the food and the traditions. Let us guide you on this once in a lifetime trip and take all the planning out of your hands. Come along for the ride and enjoy an incredible adventure where we will take on the ancient and Viking culture of Shetland and Orkney with a friend or loved one! This tour is sure to offer you a great mix of important highlights, exciting off the beaten path experiences, and attend one of the most amazing folk festivals anywhere.
Highlights
The History
Long before Stonehenge or even the Egyptian pyramids were built man was leaving his mark on these amazing groups of islands. Boasting over 3000 neolithic and megalithic sites Shetland & Orkney have one of the densest collections of humanity's history anywhere in the world. We will be in the heart of one of the richest Neolithic landscapes in Europe. A place of stone circles, villages and burial monuments, where people lived, worshipped and honored their dead. Join us as we explore over 5000 years of man's history. We will visit many sites spanning the stone age, through the iron age, into Viking times, a medieval cathedral or 2 all the way places of great importance during the world wars.
The Culture
In this era of globalization these islands remain one of the few places in the world which retain a true sense of otherness. For centuries these archipelagoes were Norse Colonies, but there were people here long before the vikings. These islands have a long arts and crafts tradition, inspired by the region's dramatic scenery, heritage and culture, local artisans produce a unique range of woodcraft, textiles, jewelry and leatherwork. The distinct musical tradition of the area manifests in a very particular style of fiddle playing - a heady spiritual amalgam of old fairy tunes, Scots melodies and wild Norse Strains Storytellers have passed on folktales, myths and legends in their own dialect since time began. The island's old language 'Norn" was superseded by Scots "mither" tongue which will be truly apparent as you listen to the locals. Their accent seems to have something missing between their consonants and vowels, and their vowel sounds may leave you questioning their understanding of the English language. For example, Shetland is pronounced "Shitland" in Shetland.
The Music
We will be attending the Shetland Folk Festival which prides itself in reaching out to even the most far flung areas of Shetland. Concerts are organised throughout the isles, consisting of some of the best International, British and Shetland music that the world has to offer. In fact, visiting artistes are regularly dumbfounded by the quantity and quality of local musicians that these remote isles have to offer. All of our guests will be signed up as members to this incredible festival which will gain you entry to the Festival Club and all the sessions and workshops within. The Festival Club is a hive of activity all weekend and situated in Islesburgh Community Centre, King Harald Street in the main town of Lerwick and is in a very central location. The Festival club is open throughout the day and there is food on offer in the cafe located in Islesburgh daily. And of course there is a well-stocked bar! We have also included 4 nights of incredible concerts. The event culminates with the Foy concerts on the Sunday night, where audiences have an opportunity to see all the visiting acts in one evening. Held over three venues, the acts are shuffled between halls by mini bus and perform in each hall for around 15 minutes. It's crazy but it works!
The Land
In Shetland the landscape here is special, and so varied.In the south of the Mainland, you have these flat white-sand beaches, but as you go north it becomes more volcanic and dramatic. And each of the islands has its own feel. Every time I think I’ve seen it all in Shetland, I discover something new. The combination of spectacular coastal scenery on both North Sea and Atlantic facing cliffs, quiet inland lochs, and gentle heathery hills is unsurpassed. You will have the chance to observe a wonderful array of wildlife - flowers, birds and mammals. Shetland's amazing geology has brought the isles UNESCO Global Geopark status. There is also a magic to Orkney that you begin to feel as soon as the Scottish mainland slips astern. Only a few short miles of ocean separate the chain of islands from Scotland's north coast. It is an archipelago of green-topped islands stripped bare of trees and ranged with red sandstone cliffs.
Hosts
Ciaran Leask is our fun loving guide for this tour. Michelle always a smile and happy to share the history makes for a good combination on this tour.
Ciaran Leask
Michelle Leask
Schedule
Here is a brief overview of the tour. A more detailed version will be emailed to the group as we get closer to departure.
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Day 1: Pick Up
We will have a designated area set up for everyone at the Edinburgh Airport where we will pick up the group by 11:00am on April 30, 2025.
We will immediately drive to Aberdeen where we will meet the Ferry boat and sail to Lerwick on the mainland of Shetland.
What's included
What's Included
Hotel Accommodations
Breakfasts
Ground Transportation
Ferry Transportation
Ancient Standing Stones
Megalithic Site Tours
local wildlife and PONIES
small group travel
membership and tickets to the folk festival
storytelling
What's Not Included
Airfare/flights
Lunches/Dinner
You'll Be Staying Here
The Lerwick Hotel
The Storehouse
Orocco Pier
Gallery
FAQs
Where do we fly to for this tour?
We have a time and a location already planned to pick up and drop off the entire group at Edinburgh International Airport in Scotland or the United Kingdom (airport code: EDI). After you book, you will see a welcome email with more information on making your flights and what times we have set for pick up and drop off. Many people prefer to fly in a day early or stay late to adjust to the timezones or extend their trip. Feel free to email us with any questions. We are happy to help.