What’s Included
Your Christmas in the Shetland Islands journey includes a comprehensive range of services and experiences designed to ensure a relaxed and memorable small-group travel experience.
Fully Escorted Journey
• Fully escorted tour from arrival at your Aberdeen hotel through to tour completion
• Experienced Travel With Lesley Whyte host
Accommodation
• 2 nights accommodation – Aberdeen Douglas Hotel, Aberdeen
• 6 nights accommodation – Glen Orchy House, Lerwick
• 2 nights private cabin accommodation – Northlink Ferry (Aberdeen ↔ Shetland)
Transportation
• Private coach transportation throughout the Shetland Islands
• Dedicated local driver and guide services provided by R Robertson
• Ferry crossings between Shetland islands (Bressay, Yell & Unst)
• Boat trip to Mousa Island
• Airport / ferry terminal transfers as required within the itinerary
Meals
• Daily breakfast throughout the journey
• 8 lunches included during touring days
• Welcome dinner with a celebratory glass of bubbles
• Traditional Christmas lunch in Lerwick
• Daily dinners during the Shetland stay
• Dinner onboard Northlink Ferry crossings
• Farewell dinner in Aberdeen
Sightseeing & Experiences
• Guided exploration of Sumburgh Head Lighthouse
• Visit to Jarlshof Prehistoric & Norse Settlement
• Visit to St Ninian’s Isle and tombolo beach
• Bressay Island crofting experience at Garths Croft
• North Mainland scenic tour including Eshaness cliffs
• Visit to Carol’s Shetland Ponies
• Visit to Tangwick Haa Museum
• North Isles exploration – Yell & Unst
• Visit to Muness Castle
• Visit to Unst Heritage Centre
• Visit to Unst Boat Haven
• Tour and tasting at Shetland Reel Gin Distillery
• Walk at Hermaness Nature Reserve
• Boat excursion to Mousa Island and Iron Age Broch
• Visit to a Shetland jewellery workshop
• Evening of traditional Shetland folk music
• Guided exploration of Lerwick including Fort Charlotte & Clickimin Broch
• Entry to the award-winning Shetland Museum
• Excursion through Royal Deeside including Ballater village
• Visit to Balmoral Castle Estate
Additional Experiences
• Opportunity to experience traditional Shetland Christmas celebrations
• If you’ve been good this year… a visit from Santa with a small festive gift
What’s Not Included
The following items are not included in the tour price:
• International or domestic flights to/from Aberdeen
• Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
• Lunch on Day 2 in Aberdeen
• Personal expenses such as beverages, souvenirs and laundry
• Optional sightseeing not listed in the itinerary
• Entrance fees where specified as optional
• Gratuities for local guides and driver (at guests’ discretion)