Departing from Inverness, we spend the morning exploring the four thousand-year-old burial cairns and standing stones at Clava, followed by a visit to the evocative Culloden Battlefield. Our journey east takes us through the fertile lands of Moray to the stunning 13th-century ruins of Elgin Cathedral and the intricate Pictish standing stones of the region. We arrive at Aberdeen harbour in the late afternoon to board our overnight sailing to Lerwick, venturing out into the North Sea as we begin our voyage to Shetland.
After breakfast on board as we sail into Lerwick, we spend our first day exploring the South Mainland. We visit the towering cliffs of Sumburgh Head, a spectacular haven for seabirds and puffins, before delving into the archaeological layers of Jarlshof. This extraordinary site reveals a sequence of island life spanning from the Bronze Age to the Norse era. We conclude the afternoon at St Ninian’s Isle, where you can walk across the world-famous sand tombolo set against the Atlantic waves.
Today we journey to the very northern edge of the country: the Isle of Unst. After two short ferry crossings via the Isle of Yell, we reach the most northerly inhabited island in Scotland. We spend the day exploring a landscape of norse heritage and wild geology, visiting the ruins of Muness Castle and the dramatic shores of Burra Firth. From the heights of Saxa Vord, we look out over to Muckle Flugga lighthouse – Scotland's northernmost point – before making our scenic return journey to Lerwick.
We head to the wild North Mainland to witness the sheer power of the Atlantic at Eshaness. Here, the dark volcanic cliffs and jagged sea stacks offer some of the most dramatic coastal scenery in the islands. We then tour the ancient capital of Scalloway and the picturesque islands of Burra, connected by bridges to the mainland. After a visit to the award-winning Shetland Museum in Lerwick to explore the islands' maritime history, we board our overnight sailing back to the mainland.
Arriving in Aberdeen at dawn, we journey south to the formidable ruins of Dunnottar Castle, perched atop a sheer cliff overlooking the North Sea. This fortress once guarded the Scottish Crown Jewels and remains one of the most iconic sites in the country. Our return journey to the Highlands takes us through the heart of Speyside, where we enjoy a tour and tasting at a renowned malt whisky distillery, before concluding our tour in Inverness.
Depart Inverness
Return Inverness
(5 Days)
This tour is available on Sunday to Wednesday start days from Inverness.
Tours are exclusively for your private group only (up to 3 persons) and prices are per tour. I only offer private tours and do not combine individuals or separate groups – if your group size is less than 3 the advertised tour price still applies. Prices include standard ferry tickets, all taxes and an experienced driver/guide and historian (John Alasdair Macdonald).
Your accommodation costs, overnight ferry cabin costs (details below), entrance fees and meals.
I recommend that you book accommodation in Lerwick (Day 2 and 3) to make the most of your trip. Whilst I do not book accommodation for you I am happy to help with advice on where to stay and eat. The tour quote will include a list of accommodation recommendations and suggestions for overnight locations.
During this tour we will take two overnight ferry sailings where you can book overnight en-suite cabins. Prices depend on your cabin choice (for example, for 2026 bookings, a twin outer cabin in peak season is between £153 and £190 per cabin depending on class). The tour quote will include full details of the cabin options and their current prices. More information about the cabin choices can be found on the Northlink Ferries Website.
The tour itinerary is based on experience, previous clients feedback and timings. However, I have some flexibility and the tour itinerary can be adapted (in advance) to suit specific requests if possible. For example, for those with an interest in Shetland wool and knitwear, this tour can be adapted to include a tour of the Shetland Textile Museum, visits to Jamieson & Smith and Jamieson's of Shetland retail outlets in Lerwick, and the Shetland Woollen Co. in Hoswick along with the nearby visitors centre. Please let me know any requests through the 'Extra Information' section when completing a Tour Enquiry Form.
Absolutely! For those that have enjoyed the Shetland TV series, many of the sites we visit have been shown across the episodes, and along with plenty of time in Lerwick to explore familiar views, no trip to Shetland would be complete without a walk along the waterfront past DI Jimmy Perez's house!
Shetland is a haven for seabirds and we spend time at Sumburgh Head where puffins are common from mid-May to July.
To explore more of the Scottish Highlands, the itinerary for the North Highlands and/or West Highlands days of the 3 Day Highland Heritage Tour can be added as a tour extension. The total tour price would be increased by £630 for each additional day. If you are interested in an extended multi-day trip, this tour can be combined with other tours listed on the website. Please request any tour extensions through the 'Extra Information' section when completing a Tour Enquiry Form for the standard tour.
Shetland is in the North Atlantic and the seas can be choppy during ferry sailings even in the summer months, though most are comfortable crossings. Ferry sailings are generally reliable in the summer months, but delays and cancellations can occasionally occur. While we cannot be responsible for any extra accommodation, food or other costs that clients may incur due to ferry delays and cancellations, we will make every effort to adapt the tour to minimise disruption. Please note that no refunds will be given for tour and itinerary changes due to ferry changes and cancellations.
The Scottish Highlands and Islands are renowned for changeable weather and even in the summer months we are likely to experience some wet and windy weather conditions on tours. Shetland, in particular though, is a land of 'four seasons in one day'! As such we always recommend a light waterproof jacket for all tours and decent footwear that you do not mind getting a little bit muddy or wet.
