Our Chatham Islands Tours offer authentic small-group experiences showcasing the islands’ rugged beauty, wildlife, culture and local hospitality.
Our Shetland Islands tours offer immersive small-group journeys showcasing dramatic landscapes, wildlife, history and authentic island culture.
Offering a welcoming space for like-minded women to travel, connect and explore together.
Designed for travellers seeking relaxed, small-group experiences with like-minded people, authentic connections and comfortable travel.
Offering supportive global small-group photography retreats focused on creativity, learning and connection.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
Today is all about history, heritage, and scenery:
A day of ferry crossings, castles, nature, and gin!
Our final day is a rich blend of history, culture, and shopping:
After a leisurely afternoon, we board the Northlink Ferry once more for our homeward journey. Dinner and cabins are included.
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. 🎉
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.
Payment schedule: 25% due January 2026, balance 8 weeks before departure
Booking terms & conditions – please click this link
For questions or bookings: mail lesley@travelwithlesleywhyte.com