Celebrate the Festive Season in Britain’s Wild Northern Isles
Fully Escorted Small-Group Journey | 21 – 31 December 2027
Imagine celebrating Christmas in a place where Viking history, dramatic Atlantic landscapes and warm island hospitality combine to create one of the most unique festive experiences in Europe.
Located halfway between Scotland and Norway, the Shetland Islands feel wonderfully removed from the modern world. Here towering sea cliffs meet powerful Atlantic swells, Iron Age brochs stand proudly across the landscape, and island communities continue traditions shaped by centuries of Norse heritage, crofting culture and maritime life.
Our Travel With Lesley Whyte Christmas in Shetland journey is a carefully curated small-group experience designed to immerse you in the culture, history and spectacular scenery of these remarkable islands.
From the moment you check in to your hotel in Aberdeen, your journey is fully escorted, travelling north across the North Sea by ferry before exploring Shetland’s rugged coastlines, ancient archaeological sites, crofting communities and remote northern islands.
While in the Shetland Islands you will travel by private coach with a dedicated local driver, allowing you to comfortably explore dramatic landscapes, remote villages and historic locations at a relaxed and enjoyable pace.
This special festive departure is delivered in collaboration with our Shetland travel partner R Robertson, a respected family-owned company that has been providing coach services to Shetland Islanders since 1947.
Detailed Itinerary
21 December – Arrival in Aberdeen, Scotland
Your festive journey begins in Aberdeen, Scotland’s historic granite city.
After checking into the Aberdeen Douglas Hotel, we gather for a welcome dinner with a celebratory glass of bubbles, providing a relaxed opportunity to meet fellow travellers and your tour host.
Included: Dinner and glass of bubbles
Accommodation: Aberdeen Douglas Hotel
22 December – Aberdeen Exploration & North Sea Ferry to Shetland
After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy free time to explore Aberdeen.
You may wish to stroll along Union Street, explore the historic harbour area, or walk along Aberdeen Beachoverlooking the North Sea.
Lunch today is at your own cost, allowing you the freedom to choose from Aberdeen’s many cafés and restaurants.
Later we transfer to the ferry terminal to board the Northlink Ferry for the overnight voyage to the Shetland Islands.
Relax in the ship’s lounge, enjoy dinner onboard and settle into your comfortable private (share twin or solo cabin) as the ship sails north.
Included: Breakfast, dinner onboard
Accommodation: Northlink Ferry cabin
23 December – Arrival in Lerwick & South Mainland Exploration
We arrive early into Lerwick, Shetland’s charming harbour town.
After breakfast onboard, we begin exploring the spectacular South Mainland.
Highlights include:
Sumburgh Head Lighthouse – perched dramatically on the southern cliffs of Shetland.
Jarlshof Archaeological Site – revealing over 4,000 years of human settlement, including Viking longhouses and Iron Age brochs.
Enjoy lunch at the Sumburgh Hotel overlooking the coastline.
Later we visit St Ninian’s Isle, famous for its stunning sand tombolo and Viking silver treasure discovery, followed by the Hoswick Visitor Centre showcasing Shetland’s famous knitting traditions.
Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Glen Orchy House, Lerwick
24 December – Bressay Island & Crofting Life
After breakfast, we take the short ferry crossing to Bressay Island.
At Garths Croft, experience life on a traditional Shetland croft, meet Shetland sheep and learn about the island’s fascinating 6,000-year history.
Enjoy lunch during the day’s exploration before continuing a scenic island tour with views across to Noss National Nature Reserve.
Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Glen Orchy House, Lerwick
25 December – Christmas Day in Lerwick
After breakfast, enjoy a relaxed Christmas morning in the island capital.
Celebrate the festive season with a traditional Christmas lunch in Lerwick.
The afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the festive atmosphere – dinner isn’t included tonight.
And if you’ve been good this year, Santa may even make a special appearance with a small gift for you.
Included: Breakfast and Christmas lunch
Accommodation: Glen Orchy House, Lerwick
26 December – North Mainland Exploration
After breakfast, we explore Shetland’s dramatic North Mainland landscapes.
Highlights include:
• Scalloway Castle
• Shetland Bus Memorial
• Carol’s Ponies
• Eshaness Cliffs
• Tangwick Haa Museum
• Del’s Dots Craft Shop
Lunch is enjoyed during the day’s touring before returning to Lerwick.
Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Glen Orchy House, Lerwick
27 December – North Isles Expedition: Yell & Unst
After breakfast, we travel north by ferry to the remote islands of Yell and Unst, the most northerly inhabited islands in Britain.
Highlights include:
• Muness Castle
• Unst Heritage Centre
• Unst Boat Haven
• Shetland Reel Gin Distillery
• Hermaness Nature Reserve
Lunch is enjoyed at the Final Checkout Café.
Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Glen Orchy House, Lerwick
28 December – Mousa Island & Shetland Culture
After breakfast, we take a memorable boat trip to the island of Mousa, home to the best-preserved Iron Age broch in Scotland.
Mousa is also an RSPB nature reserve home to seals and seabirds.
Enjoy lunch during the day’s touring, before visiting a Shetland jewellery workshop where artisans craft intricate designs.
Dinner this evening is accompanied by traditional Shetland folk music.
Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Glen Orchy House, Lerwick
29 December – Discovering Lerwick
After breakfast, we explore the charming harbour town of Lerwick.
Highlights include:
• Fort Charlotte
• Shetland Museum
• Clickimin Broch
• Lodberries, famous from the TV series Shetland
Enjoy lunch in town before boarding the Northlink Ferry for the overnight return to Aberdeen.
Dinner is served onboard the ferry.
Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Northlink Ferry cabin
30 December – Royal Deeside & Balmoral
After breakfast onboard, we arrive back in Aberdeen.
Today we explore the scenic landscapes of Royal Deeside, visiting the charming village of Ballater and the royal estate of Balmoral Castle.
Lunch is enjoyed during the excursion before returning to Aberdeen.
This evening we gather for a farewell dinner, celebrating a memorable festive journey through the Shetland Islands.
Included: Breakfast, lunch, farewell dinner
Accommodation: Aberdeen Douglas Hotel
31 December – Departure
After breakfast at the hotel, it is time to check out and begin your journey home, taking with you wonderful memories of Christmas in the Shetland Islands.
Included: Breakfast