Scotland: Up Helly Aa - 4 days by air 693
Scotland: Up Helly Aa - 4 days by air 693
$1955
Scotland: Up Helly Aa - 4 days by air 693
4 Days Starting in Aberdeen, Scotland and ending in Sumburgh, Scotland
Visiting: Sumburgh, Mavis Grind, Eshaness, Lerwick, Yell, Unst, Saxavord Hill, Scalloway, Jarlshof, Sumburgh Head
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BUAA
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating 4-day journey to Scotland's Shetland Islands, where the fiery spectacle of the Up Helly Aa festival awaits. Begin your adventure with a scenic flight to Sumburgh, followed by a breathtaking exploration of Shetland's rugged landscapes, including the dramatic sea cliffs at Eshaness. Immerse yourself in the vibrant festivities of Up Helly Aa in Lerwick, where torch-lit parades and Viking-themed celebrations light up the night. Discover the northern isles of Yell and Unst, with their stunning vistas and unique attractions like Bobby’s bus shelter. Delve into 3,000 years of history at the Jarlshof archaeological site and visit the historic Scalloway Castle. With comfortable accommodations, professional guidance, and delicious meals included, this tour offers an unforgettable blend of culture, history, and natural beauty.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1
Location: Sumburgh, Mavis Grind, Eshaness
Accommodation Name: Brae Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
We depart this morning from Aberdeen Airport on an early morning flight to Sumburgh (alternative flights from Edinburgh Airport are available at a supplement of £200.00 per person).
On arrival we will head north and begin our scenic excursion of the north mainland of Shetland. Our route will take us over the Mavis Grind, an isthmus just 100 yards wide, and through a stark landscape of hills, moors and lochans. We will stop for a walk (weather permitting) along the spectacular sea cliffs at Eshaness, which offer spectacular views over the many skerries, islets and offshore rocks. There are also many caverns and sea caves, one of which was recently declared the largest in the Britain. Look out too for the lighthouse which was built by David Alan Stevenson, one of the famous ‘lighthouse’ Stevensons, between 1925 and 1929.
We will then continue to our accommodation at the Brae Hotel, where dinner will be served in the evening.
Day 2
Location: Lerwick
Accommodation Name: Brae Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast today we will head for Lerwick, where you are free to explore at your leisure and view the various activities associated with the Up Helly Aa festival which takes place today. Keep an eye out for the various ‘squads’ of ‘guizers’ – groups of about 20 men who choose a theme and dress up as whatever takes their fancy each year. Only one squad, a different one every year, is allowed to dress up as Vikings and are known as ‘jarls’, the Viking term for Earl. As darkness falls (mid-afternoon at this time of year) the squads begin to assemble for the torchlight parade and eventually a procession of 1,000 men snakes its way through the streets carrying aloft flaming brands of paraffin-soaked hessian and carrying the superbly crafted galley which will then be ceremoniously burned in the spectacular finale to the day’s events.
Dinner this evening will be served in a local restaurant. At an agreed time we will be transferred back to our hotel.
Day 3
Location: Yell, Unst, Saxavord Hill
Accommodation Name: Brae Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After a leisurely breakfast we depart for a full day tour which, weather permitting, will take us 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 40 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, where we take another short ferry crossing to the island of Unst. We shall drive north to Baltasound for a lunch stop. 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 where dinner will be served this evening.
Day 4
Location: Scalloway, Jarlshof, Sumburgh Head, Sumburgh Airport
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning following breakfast we check out of the hotel and depart on a tour which begins with a visit to Scalloway, the original capital of Shetland. The castle built by Earl Patrick Stewart (not a man you would want to have crossed) still dominates the skyline. More recently Scalloway was the secret base for the heroes of the Norwegian Resistance and the wartime exploits of the ‘Shetland Bus’ form a courageous memoir. Later we head for the south 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. We continue to Sumburgh Head, the southern tip of mainland Shetland, which is an RSPB reserve and site of a lighthouse that is still functioning remotely, but incorporates museum aspects of its earlier operation as a manned station. In season, thousands of puffins, kittiwakes and razorbills nest here, but in January/February they will still be out at sea.
We then return to Sumburgh Airport in time for our return flight to Aberdeen (or Edinburgh)
What's Included
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Accommodation
Accommodation is included in the tour package.
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Services of a professional tour manager
The services of a professional tour manager are included throughout the tour.
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Comfortable coach travel throughout
Comfortable coach travel is provided throughout the tour.
What's Not Included
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Alternative flight supplement
Alternative flights from Edinburgh Airport are available at a supplement of £200.00 per person.
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Lunch on Day 3
Lunch on Day 3 is not included in the tour package.
Mode of Transport
Travel comfortably throughout the tour with coach travel and flights from Aberdeen or Edinburgh to Sumburgh, ensuring a seamless journey across the stunning landscapes of Shetland.Accommodation
Stay at the Brae Hotel, offering comfortable accommodations with dinner served in the evening, providing a cozy retreat after a day of exploration in the Shetland Islands.Check out our Q&As
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What is the Up Helly Aa festival?
The Up Helly Aa festival is a fire festival that takes place in Lerwick, where various 'squads' of 'guizers' dress up in themed costumes. The festival culminates in a torchlight parade and the ceremonial burning of a galley.
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What can I expect to see at Eshaness?
At Eshaness, you can expect to see spectacular sea cliffs with views over skerries, islets, and offshore rocks. There are also many caverns and sea caves, including one of the largest in Britain, and a lighthouse built by David Alan Stevenson.
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What historical sites will be visited on the tour?
The tour includes a visit to the Prehistoric and Norse Settlement of Jarlshof, which spans 3000 years of history with remains from the Stone Age, Bronze Age, Iron Age, Viking era, and medieval times. Additionally, Scalloway Castle and the wartime history of the 'Shetland Bus' are explored.
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What wildlife might be seen at Sumburgh Head?
Sumburgh Head is an RSPB reserve where, in season, thousands of puffins, kittiwakes, and razorbills nest. However, in January/February, these birds are typically out at sea.
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What is the significance of Bobby’s bus shelter in Baltasound?
Bobby’s bus shelter in Baltasound is noted as being one of the most famous bus shelters in the world, although the specific reason for its fame is not detailed in the tour description.
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Will I receive more details of the holiday before I travel?
You will receive detailed joining instructions around 10 days prior to you departure, but you are of course welcome to contact us at any time should you have any queries.
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What facilities do your coaches have?
Generally, our coaches have reclining seats, air-conditioning and toilets, however this cannot always be guaranteed as sometimes we have to use smaller vehicles. Toilets are recommended for emergency use only and regular comfort stops will be made throughout your holiday while travelling around.
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Do I have to go on the included excursions?
Absolutely not. You are more than welcome to spend the day at your hotel or exploring independently should you wish. All we ask is that you inform your Tour Manager, so they are not left waiting for you to join the group.
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Is there time to relax?
Although our itineraries may seem jam-packed, boasting access to some of the most exclusive sites across the UK and beyond, a Brightwater Holiday is just that: a holiday. Each trip will counter in more than enough free-time for you to explore places at your own leisure. And with most nights and the majority of meals being included in our tour prices, you can relax in hand-picked accommodation.
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Do I need to be an expert?
Absolutely not! Although some of our tours are specifically focused on one thing, all you need to enjoy a Brightwater holiday is interest and bags of enthusiasm! Even on our most specialist tours, we take travellers from all skill levels, from experts to beginners.
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How fit or active do I need to be for one of your holidays?
You need to be able to get on and off the coach unassisted, and most – but not all – coaches have a kneel facility that lowers the front step for ease of boarding
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Do you have self-drive holidays?
Yes, we do – tailored to your exact requirements!
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What’s the luggage allowance on your coaches?
There’s no fixed limit, but we generally say one large suitcase to go in the luggage compartment and a smaller bag that you can take onto the coach with you. For flight-inclusive holidays, we include a luggage allowance of at least 20kg.
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Where are your departure points?
UK garden holidays generally depart from London, with additional pick-ups depending on the route of the coach, while holidays to Scotland depart from Glasgow, Edinburgh and Perth, with Dundee, Inverness and Aberdeen sometimes included. All Eurostar holidays depart from London St. Pancras and flight-inclusive holidays depart from one or more of the main London airports, with regional flights .
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What about the company that will be kept?
For single travellers, those with a companion or even those travelling in a larger group, you'll find that the signature of any Brightwater Holiday is the company. You won't ever be travelling with a group of strangers, instead, you'll find yourself surrounded by like-minded people with a strong shared interest who will soon become your firm friends.
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What is a Brightwater Holiday?
Bursting with enthralling, educational and enlightening itineraries, a Brightwater Holiday, by its very nature, is packed with bucket-list-worthy destinations, behind the scenes passes and expert-led experiences. From creating bespoke quality garden and special interest tours for groups and individuals alike, we have made it our business to make our guests' travel dreams come true.
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Why is there a single supplement?
Unfortunately, single room supplements are charges that are often imposed on us as a company when we book rooms for group holidays. However, most hotels do charge less for single occupancy, and we always pass this saving on to our solo travellers in the form of a modest single supplement.
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How much are your optional excursions?
Prices start from as little as £20, but please contact our friendly team for questions about specific itineraries or excursions.
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Can I pre-book my coach seats?
Yes, you can. In the case of front seats, guests with limited mobility are given priority. Please get in touch with our friendly team to discuss any requirements you may have.
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How to get there? Easy!
With a Brightwater Holiday, the journey is just as important as the destination and we make getting you to your tour start point easy. From organising group flights and individual travel plans, to offering accessible local departure and pick-up points, we go out of our way to ensure that your journey is as convenient and hassle-free as it can be.
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Do I need to have travel insurance?
Travel insurance is required for all overseas holidays and is also strongly recommended for UK holidays – primarily to protect yourself against cancellation charges should you be unable to travel.
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Jan 26, 2026 - Jan 29, 2026Book with Confidence
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Transfer as credit for future tours
Brightwater Holidays allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform brightwater holidays, 25 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Brightwater Holidays requires a minimum deposit of 15% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of brightwater holidays charges.
At 40 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
