Celebrate the Festive Season in Britain’s Wild Northern Isles
Fully Escorted Small-Group Journey | 21 – 31 December 2027
Celebrate Christmas somewhere truly extraordinary
The Shetland Islands, located halfway between Scotland and Norway, are a place where dramatic Atlantic landscapes, Viking heritage and warm island hospitality combine to create one of Europe’s most unique festive experiences.
Towering sea cliffs rise from powerful Atlantic swells. Ancient brochs stand proudly across the landscape. Crofting communities continue traditions shaped by centuries of Norse heritage 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 into your hotel in Aberdeen, your journey is fully escorted, travelling north across the North Sea before exploring Shetland’s rugged coastlines, archaeological treasures and remote northern islands.
While in Shetland you travel by private coach with a dedicated local driver, allowing you to comfortably explore dramatic landscapes, historic villages and wild coastal scenery.
This special festive departure is delivered in collaboration with our Shetland travel partner R Robertson, a respected family-owned company providing coach services to Shetland Islanders since 1947.
Together we combine Travel With Lesley Whyte’s curated small-group travel experience with genuine local expertise, ensuring an authentic and memorable journey.
Tour Highlights
• Celebrate Christmas in one of the UK’s most remote island destinations
• Fully escorted small-group journey from Aberdeen to Shetland
• Travel throughout the islands by private coach with dedicated driver
• Discover 4,000 years of history including Viking settlements and ancient brochs
• Explore the remote North Isles of Yell and Unst
• Visit crofts, historic villages and dramatic coastal landscapes
• Experience Shetland culture, crafts, food and music
• Enjoy exceptional photography opportunities across the islands
Journey Highlights
Aberdeen
Begin your festive journey in Scotland’s historic granite city with a welcome reception and dinner.
North Sea Ferry Voyage
Travel overnight across the North Sea aboard the Northlink Ferry with private cabin accommodation.
South Mainland Exploration
Visit Sumburgh Head Lighthouse, the extraordinary archaeological site of Jarlshof, and the beautiful tombolo at St Ninian’s Isle.
Bressay Island
Experience traditional crofting life and meet Shetland sheep at a working croft.
Christmas Day in Lerwick
Celebrate with a traditional Christmas lunch in the welcoming island capital.
North Mainland & Eshaness Cliffs
Discover dramatic Atlantic coastlines, historic castles and the famous Shetland ponies.
North Isles Adventure
Travel to Yell and Unst, the most northerly inhabited islands in Britain, visiting heritage centres and the UK’s most northerly gin distillery.
Mousa Island
Explore the remarkable Iron Age broch on Mousa, one of the best preserved ancient towers in Scotland.
Lerwick & Shetland Heritage
Visit the award-winning Shetland Museum, historic Clickimin Broch, and the charming harbour streets of Lerwick.
Royal Deeside & Balmoral
Conclude the journey exploring the scenic landscapes of Royal Deeside, including Ballater village and Balmoral Castle.
Accommodation
Aberdeen Douglas Hotel – 2 nights
Comfortable city-centre accommodation.
Glen Orchy House, Lerwick – 6 nights
Charming guesthouse offering warm island hospitality.
Northlink Ferry – 2 nights
Private cabins with ensuite bathroom and tea/coffee facilities.
A Rare and Memorable Festive Experience
Few places offer the sense of wild beauty, history and timeless island culture that you will find in the Shetland Islands.
This journey is more than a Christmas holiday — it is an opportunity to experience one of Europe’s most fascinating island cultures while celebrating the festive season somewhere truly unforgettable.
What’s Included & Not 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
Fully escorted tour from arrival at your Aberdeen hotel through to tour completion
• Experienced Shetland Island host to make your experience more authentic - a R Robertson &. Travel With Lesley Whyte host, chosen for the warmth and genuine interest in creating memorable journeys.
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)
- 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
- Private tour on last day Royal Deeside & Balmoral
- Hotel / ferry terminal transfers as per 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)
- Alcohol with meals unless noted
- Fees relating to visas required to enter Scotland or United Kingdom - if required.
Tour Details & Booking Information
Tour Overview
Destination: Shetland Islands & Royal Deeside, Scotland
Dates: 21 December – 31 December
Duration: 11 Days / 10 Nights
Group Size: Maximum 12 guests
Style of Travel: Fully Escorted Small-Group Journey
Tour Price (per person)
Each room or cabin onboard the ferry has an ensuite
• Share Twin: £4,900
• Solo Room: £5,700
Places Available
Only 12 Places Available
To ensure a relaxed and personalised experience, this journey is limited to just 12 guests.
Travelling in a small group allows us to enjoy authentic local encounters, access unique locations and explore the Shetland Islands at a comfortable and enjoyable pace.
These festive departures are strictly limited, and once the 12 places are filled, the tour will close.
Early booking is strongly recommended to secure your place.
Payment Schedule
To secure your place on the tour:
Deposit: £1,000 per person (non-refundable)
This confirms your place on the tour.
Second Payment: 25% of the tour price
Due 30 June 2027
Final Balance:
Due 8 weeks prior to departure
Payment Methods
Payments may be made by:
• Bank Transfer
• Credit Card (2.4% processing fee applies)
Booking Conditions
• The £1,000 deposit is non-refundable and secures your place on the tour.
• If you cancel your booking, any balance payments made are refundable only if we are able to fill your place on the tour.
• You may transfer your booking to another person up until 2 weeks prior to departure, subject to a £250 administration fee.
Reserve Your Place
Places on this fully escorted small-group journey are limited.
Early enquiries are recommended
E: lesley@travelwithlesleywhyte.com
M: +64 27 4747 347
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