Scotland: Up Helly Aa 691

Scotland: Up Helly Aa 691

31 Views
5 Days From

$1688

Scotland: Up Helly Aa 691

5 Days Starting in Aberdeen, Scotland and ending in Lerwick, Scotland

Visiting: Aberdeen, Lerwick, Scalloway

Tour operator:

Brightwater Holidays

Tour code:

BUHF

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

6 - 25

Physical rating:

Light

Age range:

1-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Vegans, Meat, Please contact Brightwater with any specific dietary requirements

Activities:

Sightseeing

From: $1688

NB: Prices correct on 18-Oct-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on a cultural journey to Scotland with the "Up Helly Aa 691" tour, where you'll experience the fiery festival of Up Helly Aa and explore 3,000 years of history at the Jarlshof archaeological site. Enjoy comfortable overnight sailings with Northlink Ferries and marvel at the dramatic, rugged landscapes of Yell and Unst. Discover the picturesque village of Scalloway, once the capital of Shetland, and learn about its rich history, including the wartime exploits of the 'Shetland Bus'. With professional tour management, comfortable coach travel, and ferry crossings included, this tour offers a seamless and enriching experience. Enjoy meals as per the itinerary and relax in the cozy accommodations provided, ensuring a memorable exploration of Scotland's cultural and historical treasures.

Highlights

  • The fiery festival of Up Helly Aa

  • 3000 years of archaeological history at Jarlshof

  • The dramatic, rugged scenery of Yell & Unst

  • The picturesque village of Scalloway

  • Visit to Sumburgh Head, an RSPB reserve and lighthouse site

Places You'll See

Scotland: Up Helly Aa 691

Scotland: Up Helly Aa 691

Scotland: Up Helly Aa 691

Scotland: Up Helly Aa 691

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1

Location: Aberdeen

Accommodation Name: Scalloway Hotel

Meals Included: Dinner

We depart from our designated departure points and travel to Aberdeen where we will join the Serco Northlink ferry (Hrossey or Hjaltland) for the 1700 hrs overnight sailing to Lerwick. Accommodation is provided in comfortable 2-berth cabins with en-suite facilities. Dinner is served on board in the evening.

Day 2

Location: Lerwick

Accommodation Name: Scalloway Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, 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 as we head for the south of Mainland Shetland, where we visit the outstanding Prehistoric and Norse Settlement of Jarlshof, with over three 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 they will still be out at sea. Later we visit 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.
From here we transfer to our accommodation. Dinner is served in the evening.

Day 3

Location: Scalloway

Accommodation Name: Scalloway Hotel

Day 4

Location: Scalloway

Accommodation Name: Scalloway Hotel

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation is provided in comfortable 2-berth cabins with en-suite facilities and at the Scalloway Hotel.

  • Services of a professional tour manager

    The tour includes the services of a professional tour manager throughout the journey.

  • Comfortable coach travel throughout

    Travel comfortably by coach throughout the tour.

  • Meals - as per the itinerary

    Meals are provided as per the itinerary, including dinner on board the ferry and at the Scalloway Hotel.

  • All visits as outlined in the itinerary

    All visits mentioned in the itinerary, such as Jarlshof and Scalloway, are included.

  • Ferry crossings

    Ferry crossings with Northlink Ferries are included in the tour.

What's Not Included

  • Personal expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.

  • Travel insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and should be arranged separately.

  • Optional activities

    Any optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.

Mode of Transport

Travel in comfort with coach travel throughout the tour, including ferry crossings with Northlink Ferries for overnight sailings, ensuring a seamless journey to the Shetland Islands.

Accommodation

Enjoy comfortable stays at the Scalloway Hotel, offering cozy accommodations with en-suite facilities, ensuring a relaxing retreat after exploring the Shetland Islands.

Check out our Q&As

  • What is the Up Helly Aa festival?

    The Up Helly Aa festival is a fiery celebration held in Scotland, known for its torch-lit processions and the burning of a Viking longship.

  • What can I expect to see at Jarlshof?

    At Jarlshof, you can explore over three acres of archaeological remains that span 3000 years, including structures from the Stone Age, Bronze Age, Iron Age, Viking era, and medieval times.

  • 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, these birds are typically out at sea.

  • What historical significance does Scalloway hold?

    Scalloway was the original capital of Shetland and is known for its castle built by Earl Patrick Stewart. It also served as a secret base for the Norwegian Resistance during World War II, known for the 'Shetland Bus' wartime exploits.

  • What type of accommodation is provided on the ferry to Lerwick?

    Accommodation on the ferry to Lerwick is provided in comfortable 2-berth cabins with en-suite facilities.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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

  • Do you have self-drive holidays?

    Yes, we do – tailored to your exact requirements!

  • 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.

  • 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 .

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

Reviews of this operator

Trusted Customer  

Brightwater Holidays offers great value

28-Nov-2019

I would highly recommend Brightwater Holidays. It offers excellent service and value for money. This was my first tour as I normally arrange holidays myself, but this tour - which was to the gardens of Kent and Sussex - was a very pleasant change of pace.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Brightwater Holidays Customer  

My experience with Brightwater Holidays

08-Aug-2019

The tour was well managed, the sites visited were all interesting and linked to the theme of the Picts and their place in history, the hotel was comfortable and the coach journeys were well paced. I have been with Brightwater before and will certainly travel with them again

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Alan Hawkes (Google Reviewer)  

We were on the Tour...

28-Aug-2022

We were on the Tour of the Outer Hebrides. We had a great experience, in no small part due to the excellence of the tour manager and driver.

Brightwater Holidays Custome  

Wonderful experience with brilliant information

31-Jul-2019

The most important factor was an amazing guide in Alastair Walker whose knowledge and care for clients was fantastic. The whole trips are superbly organised

Feefo Trusted Reviews
David MacLennan (Google Reviewer)  

Noted a comment on taking...

23-Aug-2023

Noted a comment on taking coaches on A814 by a local person who didn't know the facts: When the A82 was blocked and the POLICE divert you onto that road you do as instructed not what a you know are tight roads but they only way to your destination as intructed by officials. We know this route is not suitable for large vehicles but the driver does as instructed by someone in authority.

Eric Webb (Google Reviewer)  

Recent (September 2023) Scottish holiday...

07-Oct-2023

Recent (September 2023) Scottish holiday not so good. Various 'issues' to do with scheduling and organisation. I'm happy to report however that - after an interval - a letter expressing disappointment brought a full response - including a generous refund. So - with fingers slightly crossed - we'll be booking with Brightwater again in due course.

Kevin Barrett (Google Reviewer)  

The recent tour in Northumberland...

30-Sep-2023

The recent tour in Northumberland turned out to be a shambles. Our South London driver took us to Newcastle, but no guide to meet us. Next day still no guide and the bus driver attempted to salvage the tour the best he could despite having no knowledge of the attractions. Fortunately one of the passengers Googled the tides for Holy Island. No holiday guide ever showed up. Coach and hotel were fine. Do these people only offer self guided tours? Take Shearings next time.

ALEXANDRA MCQUEEN (Google Reviewer)  

Been trying to get a...

17-Oct-2023

Been trying to get a reply from them for over a week. Booked Xmas tour, confirmation said pick up subject to numbers, they never said anything when booking and theyve been paid in full. Would not recommend!

Dp Green (Google Reviewer)  

I had heard this company...

20-Feb-2024

I had heard this company was a nightmare to deal with, but thought I'd give it a go. Signed up for a tour, then emailed them about how to pay off the balance. No response to 3 emails. I've never encountered a tour company that ignored questions on how to pay off a balance. Looked into other reviews and found many complaints about cancelled tours and refusals to refund deposits.

Kieran Thompson (Google Reviewer)  

Two of your tour busses...

26-Jul-2021

Two of your tour busses used the A814 from Garelochhead to Arrochar on 24th July 2021. This route is not suitable for large vehicles and your drivers should not have taken the huge coaches that way. There are clear signs at both ends of the road indicating it is not suitable for HGV's. Our car had to go off into the soft verge to allow your coaches to pass. Please amend your routes to avoid this road in future.

1 Select your preferred date

Sunday - Thursday

Jan 26, 2025 - Jan 30, 2025
$1688

Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.