1. Select a Region

2. Select a Country

3. Search a Keyword

Head to the Shetland Islands in the far north of Scotland for one of the most incredible festivals in Europe. For 24 hours, on the last Tuesday of January, the town of Lerwick goes more than a little mad. This amazing adventure departs Edinburgh as we take the hassle out of getting to the remote, wild and stunning Shetland Islands
"There will be no postponement for weather". That's a defiant boast by Shetland's biggest fire festival, considering it's held in mid-winter on the same latitude as southern Greenland. The weather has have never yet stopped them from burning their Viking galley - and then dancing the dawn away.

Up Helly Aa is a lot more than a sub-arctic bonfire and booze-up. It's a superb spectacle, a celebration of Shetland history, and a triumphant demonstration of the islanders' skills and spirit.  800 Vikings, a burning Norse galley, all night parties and even a chance of viewing the Northern Lights – simply amazing!

Day 1: Explore Braemar & Overnight Ferry to Lerwick
Leaving Edinburgh we head North across the shimmering River Forth, and through beautiful Perthshire. We stop in Royal Braemar   where we can take a stroll around the village. We will then take in Crathie Church where the Royal Family worship when they are in their Highland residence, Balmoral.  We will also visit the resting place of 'John Brown - Ghille of Queen Victoria' made famous by Billy Connolly in the movie of the same name. We then make our way to the East Coast, heading for Aberdeen where we shall visit some mystical standing stones. From here the adventure really begins as we board the ferry which will probably contain musicians heading for the festival and embark upon on our voyage on the North Sea (17.00pm). This  overnight  journey, via Kirkwall in the Orkney Islands, will arrive in Lerwick the next morning (approx 07.30am).
 
Day 2: Full Day Exploring Shetland
After checking-in to our hostel we will explore the island, taking in Scalloway, the original capital of Shetland then onto the Burra Islands and its gorgeous beaches.  We will head to sample the scenery of the South of the island where we will climb amongst the huge bird population on the hill that is known that is 'Fitful Head' within the Nature Reserve of Sumburgh Head. We shall then pass the ancient site of 'Jarlshof' - named by Sir Walter Scott. Some may like to have an early night in preparation for the next day, but there will undoubtedly be some early revelling in town that others may want to join. Don’t forget- always keep your eyes peeled for the Aurora Borealis (“The Northern Lights”) as Nature may decide to put on her own spectacle before the people of Shetland kick theirs off. Just don’t overdo it- plenty of time for that tomorrow.

Day 3: The Celebrations Begin!
The big day dawns! save some bacon from your hearty breakfast to hang from your ears later!  The morning sees the viking procession and a chance to have your picture taken beside this years 'Jarl' In the afternoon we will attend the “Fiery Sessions”, a celebration of Shetland folk music and a good time to start getting your body warmed up with dance (and perhaps whisky) for the long night ahead.  To start of the evening we will witness the Junior Jarl being burnt which is the youngster’s version of the full blown affair. Later in the evening, after a torch-light procession of up to a thousand "guizers" through the streets, the festival reaches a crescendo as a full-size replica Viking longship is ceremonially burned. You can then join the "guizers" and onlookers in retiring to local halls for a night of revelry, dancing and partying.

Day 4: Discover the North & Overnight Ferry to Aberdeen
The next morning (or at the end of the night depending on how much fun you have!) we will join the “guizers” for a (most probably) liquid breakfast and join them in singing away their hang-overs.Depending on how the group are feeling, the tour will head north taking in the Tynwald ancient parliament of the island and a leisurely drive thro the northern area of the island of the island before returning on the over-night ferry back to Scotland (as Shetlanders refer to the mainland).  

Day 5: St Andrews & return journey to Edinburgh
From Aberdeen we’ll head south through stunning scenery, castles and whisky country. stopping along the way to grab a few more lungfuls of crisp clear Scottish Highland air we then head for St Andrews with time to explore the home of Golf. Arriving back in Edinburgh around 17.30pm.