A small-group festive journey full of history, culture, nature, and unforgettable celebrations!
Celebrate Christmas in a way you’ll never forget — on the magical Shetland Islands, where history, culture, wild landscapes, and festive cheer come together. This exclusive small-group tour (maximum 10 travellers) is designed to immerse you in the warmth of Shetland hospitality while exploring dramatic coastlines, ancient sites, and unique island traditions.
After days of adventure and discovery, we travel to Aberdeen to see in the New Year in style, raising a glass together at a celebratory dinner — the perfect finale to this festive escape.
From prehistoric settlements and towering cliffs to a traditional Christmas lunch with the locals and a sparkling New Year’s Eve celebration, this itinerary blends unforgettable experiences with comfort, camaraderie, and festive sparkle. Along the way, you’ll meet friendly Shetland ponies, sample fresh local seafood, uncover Viking history, and, with luck, capture the dazzling Northern Lights above the winter sky.
This is more than a holiday — it’s a celebration of culture, community, and the spirit of the season in one of the world’s most remote and beautiful corners.
A Photographer’s Dream 📸
This tour is not only rich in history, landscapes, and culture – it’s also an amazing opportunity for photographers of all levels. From dramatic cliffs and windswept coastlines to historic castles, Viking sites, and the charm of Shetland ponies, you’ll be surrounded by inspiring scenes at every turn.
Lesley, an award-winning photographer and tour leader, will be at hand throughout the journey to assist with your composition, camera settings, and creative approach. Whether you’re capturing the golden winter light, the festive atmosphere, or even chasing the Northern Lights, you’ll return home with a stunning collection of images to treasure. And as if Shetland’s rugged coastlines, ponies, and Viking history weren’t enough – we’ll be there at the prime time of year for the Northern Lights. With our coach and driver on standby, we’ll head out on clear nights to chase the aurora. Imagine capturing the shimmering greens and purples of the Aurora Borealis dancing above Shetland’s dramatic landscapes – truly a photographer’s dream come true.
This is a solo-traveller friendly tour – enjoy your own room at no extra cost in Shetland and Aberdeen, while still sharing the fun, laughter, and camaraderie of a small group adventure.
Tuesday 22nd December – Welcome to Scotland!
Arrive into Aberdeen and settle into your accommodation. Solo travellers will enjoy their own room at no extra cost.
Tonight, we gather as a group for our first dinner, just a short stroll from the hotel – the perfect chance to meet your fellow travellers and start building the friendships that will make this trip so special.
Wednesday 23rd December – Across the North Sea
After breakfast, the morning is yours to explore Aberdeen at your leisure. Wander the cobbled streets, enjoy a coffee, or simply relax before our adventure begins. (Lunch is at your own cost today.)
In the afternoon, we transfer to board the Northlink Ferry for an overnight crossing to Shetland. Dinner is included on board, and you’ll enjoy the comfort of your cabin as the adventure unfolds.
Thursday 24th December – Arriving in Shetland
Wake up to the sight of the Shetland Islands as we arrive into Lerwick at 7:30am. After breakfast on board, we meet our local hosts, South Mainland Tours, and begin our Christmas journey!
- Sumburgh Head Lighthouse – built in 1821, this historic lighthouse offers breathtaking views and dramatic seabird cliffs.
- Jarlshof – step back in time at one of Scotland’s most important archaeological sites, with Bronze and Iron Age remains.
- Lunch at Sumburgh Hotel – enjoy warming soup & sandwiches.
- St Ninian’s Isle – cross the spectacular sand tombolo and learn about the Viking silver treasure discovered here in 1958.
- Hoswick Visitor Centre – discover Shetland’s weaving and knitwear heritage, browse local crafts, and enjoy a café stop.
Friday 25th December – Christmas Day in Shetland 🎄
A relaxed day to soak up the festive atmosphere. After a leisurely morning, we’ll enjoy a traditional Christmas lunchtogether at a local restaurant within easy walking distance of our hotel (a 10-minute stroll). It’s a truly magical way to spend Christmas, Shetland style!
Saturday 26th December – Boxing Day on Bressay
- Ferry Crossing – a short 5-minute hop across the water from Lerwick to Bressay.
- Garths Croft – experience life on a working Shetland croft. Meet the famous Shetland sheep and discover 6,000 years of local history with an archaeologist’s insight.
- Island Tour – explore churches, wartime bunkers, lighthouses, and enjoy sweeping views to the island of Noss.
Sunday 27th December – North & Central Mainland Tour
Today is all about history, heritage, and scenery:
- Scalloway Castle – explore this striking late-16th century tower house.
- Shetland Bus Memorial – learn about the brave resistance link between Shetland and Norway during WWII.
- Carol’s Ponies – meet and photograph Shetland’s most famous residents while learning their history from Carol, the stud owner.
- Eshaness Cliffs – take a cliff-top walk with roaring Atlantic waves beneath you and views of the iconic lighthouse.
- Tangwick Haa Museum – discover Northmavine’s history of crofting and fishing.
- Del’s Dots Craft Shop – browse unique hand-painted dotty crafts by Adele Robson.
Monday 28th December – North Isles Adventure: Yell & Unst
A day of ferry crossings, castles, nature, and gin!
- Muness Castle – stunning 16th century tower house.
- Heritage Centre – explore Shetland’s crofting, knitting, and cultural history.
- Unst Boat Haven – Shetland’s maritime story revealed.
- Shetland Reel Gin Distillery – sample award-winning gin at the UK’s northernmost distillery.
- Hermaness Nature Reserve – walk among seabird colonies in this nationally protected reserve.
- Lunch at the Final Checkout Café.
Tuesday 29th December – Mousa & the West
- Mousa Island – take a boat trip to this uninhabited island, home to the world’s best-preserved Iron Age broch and rich wildlife.
- Shetland Jewellery Workshop – watch master jewellers at work.
- West Mainland Drive – enjoy a scenic drive with spectacular views.
- Lunch at The Cornerstone, Scalloway.
- Evening at The Dowry – a wonderful dinner with Shetland folk music for a lively and memorable night.
Wednesday 30th December – Lerwick & Farewell to Shetland
Our final day is a rich blend of history, culture, and shopping:
- Fort Charlotte – explore this 17th-century artillery fort.
- Shetland Museum – a world-class interactive museum showcasing Shetland’s heritage.
- Clickimin Broch – an outstanding stone-built roundhouse spanning 1,000 years of history.
- Lodberries – wander this historic part of Lerwick, home to Jimmy Perez in the Shetland TV series.
- Shopping – free time to browse for Puffin Poo and other Shetland treats.
- Traditional Shetland Lunch at No.88.
After a leisurely afternoon, we board the Northlink Ferry once more for our homeward journey. Dinner and cabins are included.
Thursday 31st December – Back to Aberdeen
Arrive in Aberdeen at 7:30am with breakfast included on board. We transfer to our accommodation, bags will be held until checkin. It’s free time until dinner tonight as we’re celebrating in style with a New Year’s Eve dinner and raise a toast to new friends and memories made. 🎉
Friday 1st January – Farewell
After a relaxed morning and a late breakfast (we’ve arranged a late check-out), it’s time to say farewell to Shetland, to Scotland, and to your new travel companions.
✨ Accommodation Highlights
- Northlink Ferry (2 nights): Comfortable twin-share cabins with private bathroom, TV, tea/coffee facilities, plus dinner & breakfast on board.
- Glen Orchy House (6 nights): Central Lerwick, ensuite rooms, underfloor heating, satellite TV, Wi-Fi, and hearty breakfasts.
- Aberdeen (2 nights): Comfortable 4-star hotel stay with easy access to the city.
✅ Inclusions
- Accommodation (solo travellers enjoy their own room in Shetland & Aberdeen)
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner in Shetland
- Dinner & breakfast on the ferry
- Dinners in Aberdeen – including New Year’s Eve celebrations
- All tours, entry fees, and activities as listed
- Local guides throughout
- Special extras:
- Traditional Christmas lunch in Shetland
- Northern Lights chases – coach & driver on standby for up to two nights, if conditions allow
- New Year’s Eve celebration dinner in Aberdeen
💰 Cost & Booking Details
- £4,700 per person
- Solo traveller friendly – no additional cost for own room throughout
- Small group: minimum 8, maximum 10 travellers
- Deposit: £1,000 (non-refundable) secures your place
- Payment schedule: 25% due January 2026, balance 6 weeks before departure
Cancellation Policy:
- If we cancel for unforeseen reasons – all money paid will be refunded.
- If you cancel – payments are refundable only if your place is filled (name transfers are free of charge).
✨ This is more than a tour – it’s a Christmas and New Year celebration filled with history, culture, food, music, and friendship in one of the world’s most unique destinations.
Want to book, email Lesley@travelwithlesleywhyte.com to secure your place.