Edinburgh: Up Helly Aa Viking Festival & Shetland Tour

The Edinburgh: Up Helly Aa Viking Festival & Shetland Tour — An Unmissable Journey into Viking Heritage and Scotland’s Stunning Landscapes

The Edinburgh: Up Helly Aa Viking Festival & Shetland Tour offers an immersive 6-day experience, led by E2G Tours Ltd, rated 4.9 out of 5. Starting from Stirling, this private group tour combines the excitement of the world’s largest Viking festival with the rugged beauty of Shetland. Priced with flexible booking options, it’s perfect for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike who want a well-rounded, in-depth exploration of northern Scotland and Shetland’s Viking past.

This tour features overnight ferry crossings, visits to iconic Viking and Neolithic sites, deserted beaches, and breathtaking seacliffs. The highlight is Up Helly Aa, with 46 squads of guizers parading through Lerwick, culminating in the burning of a Viking galley. Despite the busy schedule, the tour offers a chance to see Shetland’s raw natural beauty and learn about its Viking heritage, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a mix of history, scenery, and Scottish culture.

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Key Points

• Includes the spectacular Up Helly Aa Viking Festival, the largest in the world.
• Private group tour with a flexible booking and full refund option if canceled 24 hours in advance.
• 6 days long, from Edinburgh to Shetland, with overnight ferry crossings.
• Visit Shetland’s Viking and Neolithic sites, including Jarlshoff, and explore deserted beaches with seals.
• See Shetland’s dramatic seacliffs, castles, and wild landscapes, plus a Viking ship reconstruction.
• Explore famous TV locations, like The Lodberrie, Jimmy Perez’s home in ‘Shetland’.

The Route: From Edinburgh to Shetland via Aberdeen and the Fife Peninsula

The tour begins in Edinburgh with a journey to Aberdeen, where an overnight ferry takes travelers to Shetland. En route, the group explores the Fife Peninsula, famous for its quaint fishing villages and the historic St Andrews, the birthplace of golf. The visit includes St Andrews Old Course, the castle, and the ruins of the cathedral, offering a taste of Scottish history and charm.

The stopover at Dunnottar Castle provides a dramatic view, perched on a 160-foot-high rock and surrounded by the North Sea. Its evocative cliff-top ruins tell stories of Scotland’s past as a fortress of the Earls Marischal. This scenic, historically rich beginning sets the tone for the adventure ahead.

Exploring Shetland’s Southern Coast: Crofting, Viking Sites, and Seal Watching

On Day 2, the focus shifts to Shetland’s south, arriving in the morning and exploring local crofting villages. Visitors see key Viking and Neolithic sites, which underline Shetland’s importance in early history. The landscape features deserted sandy beaches, and the chance to spot seals basking in the sun adds to the coastal charm.

This part of the tour emphasizes Shetland’s magnificent natural scenery with seacliffs and battered coastlines. The mix of archaeological sites and untouched beaches creates a vivid picture of Shetland’s deep-rooted history alongside its wild, rugged landscapes.

Experiencing the Up Helly Aa Festival in Lerwick

Day 3 marks the main event: Up Helly Aa, the largest Viking fire festival globally. The celebration begins early with the procession of 46 squads of guizers dressed in Viking gear, culminating in a spectacular parade through Lerwick. The Guizer Jarl leads the procession, and a purpose-built Viking galley is carried through the streets.

In the evening, the grand finale involves burning the Viking galley, an exciting and fiery spectacle that captures Shetland’s Viking spirit. The day also allows time to explore Lerwick’s town center, shops, and local pubs, making it a lively experience full of cultural pride and tradition.

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Discovering North Isles: Yell, Unst, and Viking Maritime Heritage

On Day 4, the tour explores Yell and Unst, two of Shetland’s northern islands. Expect deserted beaches with stunning vistas, and visits to historic castles and remnants of WWII radar stations. The highlight includes viewing The Skidbladner, a Viking longship reconstruction, offering a glimpse into Viking maritime craftsmanship.

This day emphasizes Shetland’s remote beauty and Viking legacy, with scenic landscapes complemented by historical sites connected to Shetland’s seafaring past.

Shetland’s Most Dramatic Cliffs and the Return to Scotland

Day 5 features visits to Shetland’s impressive seacliffs, where the full power of the Atlantic Ocean is on display. The tour also stops in Scalloway to see Sheepland Ponies and Mavis Grind, a well-known natural land formation. The day concludes with the overnight ferry back to Aberdeen, offering a chance to reflect on the island’s wild landscapes and Viking heritage.

This section underlines Shetland’s stunning geological features and the unique wildlife that inhabits its coastal regions, with plenty of opportunities for memorable photos.

Visiting Stirling Castle and Highland Cows on the Return Journey

On Day 6, the tour heads back to Scotland, stopping at Stirling Castle, one of Scotland’s most famous royal castles, known for its historical significance before the unification of the Scottish and English crowns. The visit offers insights into Scottish history and architecture.

En route, travelers also stop to feed Highland Cows, adding a practical and charming farm experience. The tour concludes with a drop-off at the initial accommodation, wrapping up a comprehensive journey into Shetland’s Viking past and Scotland’s scenic landscapes.

Logistics and Practical Tips for the Shetland and Up Helly Aa Tour

This private group tour handles all logistics, including hotel pickups from hotels, Airbnbs, Vrbo, or other accommodations. The tour involves overnight ferry crossings, which may not suit guests sensitive to sea travel or seasickness.

Travelers should bring warm clothing and waterproof shoes, matching Shetland’s unpredictable weather. The tour is designed for those comfortable with moderate physical activity, given the outdoor site visits and scenic exploration.

What Sets This Tour Apart from Other Scottish Tours

The main draw of this tour is its focus on Viking heritage, especially Up Helly Aa, which is not commonly included in standard Scottish sightseeing trips. The combination of cultural festivities, archaeological sites, and wild landscapes makes it uniquely appealing. The private group setting ensures a more personalized experience, and the flexible booking with full refund options adds convenience.

The inclusion of TV filming locations, like The Lodberrie, adds a pop culture twist, enriching the Shetland experience. On top of that, the scenic coastal drives and visits to castle ruins offer a well-rounded mix of history, nature, and tradition.

The Sum Up: A Rich Combination of Viking Festivities and Shetland’s Natural Beauty

This 6-day tour offers a rare chance to witness the biggest Viking festival and explore Shetland’s breathtaking scenery. The Up Helly Aa celebration provides a fiery and authentic Viking experience that sets this trip apart from typical Scottish tours. The visits to Viking and Neolithic sites, along with deserted beaches and dramatic cliffs, make it ideal for history buffs and nature lovers.

While the overnight ferry crossings and outdoor activities require some physical comfort, the flexible booking options and comprehensive itinerary justify the effort. The expert guidance and personalized private group atmosphere ensure a memorable trip into Scotland’s northern landscapes and Viking heritage.

This tour suits travelers who appreciate Scenic coastal views, cultural festivities, and the adventure of island exploration. It’s perfect for those seeking a combination of history, nature, and lively tradition—a true Scottish-Viking adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The tour covers transport, ferry crossings, accommodation, and guided visits to key sites.

Is the ferry crossing comfortable?
The tour involves overnight ferry crossings from Aberdeen to Shetland, which may not suit extreme seasickness sufferers.

What should I pack for this trip?
Bring warm clothing, waterproof shoes, and warm shoes suitable for outdoor exploration in Shetland’s often unpredictable weather.

Are there any age or physical activity requirements?
The tour includes outdoor visits and scenic walks, so moderate physical activity is recommended.

How large are the group sizes?
This is a private group tour, providing a more personalized experience.

Can I cancel and get a refund?
Yes, full refunds are available if you cancel up to 24 hours before the scheduled start.

What makes Up Helly Aa special?
It is the largest Viking fire festival in the world, featuring 46 squads of guizers and culminating in the burning of a Viking galley.

Are TV filming locations included?
Yes, the tour features a photo stop at The Lodberrie, the home of Jimmy Perez in the TV series ‘Shetland’.

How far in advance should I book?
Booking is flexible; you can reserve now and pay later to secure your spot.

Is this tour suitable for families?
While designed as a private group, it is suitable for travelers comfortable with outdoor activities and ferry travel.

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