Start Your Story in Scotland

Where history meets breathtaking beauty, and every visit feels like an escape.

Inspiration for your trip

Step into a land steeped in history and legend, explore our dramatic landscapes and uncover our ancient Celtic roots. Vast lochs, glens and Munros - easily accessible from our vibrant cities and towns - make Scotland the perfect place to lose yourself.

Discover unique experiences in Scotland

Discover hidden gems, plan your perfect trip, or find exactly what you need—from scenic hikes and cosy cottages to events and cultural experiences.

Discover Scotland's vibrant events and festivals

FIFA World Cup 2026

Cheer on Scotland at the FIFA World Cup 2026 and find information about fan zones in Scotland, stadium tours and more.

Highland games in Scotland

From the tug o' war to the caber toss, Scotland's Highland games are not to be missed.

Edinburgh Festivals

Discover Edinburgh's summer festivals, including the world-famous Edinburgh International Festival and Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Events and festivals in Scotland

There's something happening in Scotland right now that the whole family will love.

Countdown to Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

Less than 100 days to go until 11 days of world-class action across the city, bringing 3,000 athletes from 74 nations together to compete across 10 sports.

Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

Start planning your summer break

Witness Scotland step into summer, with longer days and plenty of experiences to enjoy from coastal walks to fun exhibitions.

Summer holidays & breaks in Scotland

Find ideas and inspiration, from family days out to top camping spots, walks and outdoor activities.

Scotland's islands

Find out about the hundreds of islands in Scotland including Arran, Lewis, Skye, Outer Hebrides and Shetland. Plan the perfect island getaway today.

Scottish music festivals

Find out what’s happening in Scotland this year

The best tours of Scotland - luxury & scenic tours

Tour Scotland at your own pace with these fantastic ideas.

Your Scottish adventure starts here

Use our interactive map to explore wild landscapes, vibrant cities, rich culture, and hidden historic gems to craft your personal Scottish experience.

Map of Scotland

As seen on TV!

From Tara Lipinski and Johnny Weir's luxury Scotland itinerary to local suggestions on the highlights of Glasgow and Dumfries & Galloway, check out this top advice on trips across Scotland.

Tara & Johnny's luxury Scotland itinerary

Have you been inspired by Tara & Johnny's Scotland itinerary as seen on NBC's Extra Mile Club? Read on and plan your own Scottish adventure.

Channel 4's Where to next? Scotland itinerary

Follow in the footsteps of comedians Fatiha El-Ghorri and John Tothill on their unforgettable journey through Scotland.

Scotland trip itineraries

Plan your days in Scotland with the help of our suggested itineraries.

Your pictures of Scotland

Share your images by tagging @VisitScotland 

JavaScript needs to be enabled to see social media images for this place. You can turn this on in your browser settings.

Join our Newsletter Clan

Get Scotland inspiration direct to your inbox. Don't miss the inside track from our Scotland experts on exciting trip ideas, unique attractions and hidden gems loved by locals.

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Up Helly Aa Fire Festival Procession

© Hugh Harrop / Shetland Wildlife

Up Helly Aa, Lerwick, Shetland

Up Helly Aa & Shetland's Winter Wildlife

A unique 5-day holiday combining Britain's biggest fire festival and torchlight procession with some wonderful wildlife-watching.

Fancy doing something completely different in January 2027? Want to watch Otters feeding in beautiful secluded bays or watch snowy-white Arctic Hares in frosty heather? Want to experience winter at 60 degrees North with the heat of Europe's largest Viking fire festival to keep you warm? Then look no further than our 'Up Helly Aa' & Shetland's Winter Wildlife holiday.

DAY 1  Saturday - Welcome Dinner

Late afternoon / early evening rendezvous at the Sumburgh Hotel. During our orientation dinner we will run through our planned itinerary and enthuse over the exciting prospects the days ahead offer. Overnight at the Sumburgh Hotel.

DAY 2  Sunday - South Mainland

After a filling breakfast we spend the day in the south Mainland, seeking out our common winter residents: Black Guillemots, Whooper Swans, Greylag Geese, Long-tailed Ducks, Goldeneye, Great Northern Divers, Eiders, Purple Sandpipers and Golden Plovers should all be seen in good numbers. Mammal buffs will be entertained by scores of both Common and Grey Seals and if sea conditions are calm enough, Harbour Porpoise. Endless flocks of 'larids' should also keep us entertained and among them we would hope to find both Glaucous and Iceland Gulls. Overnight at the Sumburgh Hotel.

DAY 3  Monday - West & North Mainland Otter Quest

We head for the sheltered inlets of the north and west Mainland to search for Otters. Shetland is the north European stronghold for this species and we're fortunate to have a population in excess of a thousand individuals. Our knowledge of their movements and feeding habits is second to none and we hope to give you some truly outstanding views. In recent winters we've found several sites with family groups - our tried and tested field craft of reading tracks and following tides pays dividends! In our quest to find these striking animals, a number of arctic-breeding birds will also be on view - Slavonian Grebes winter in just a handful of secluded bays, as do diminutive Little Auks. We end our day by visiting a roost site for the majestic and highly secretive Long-eared Owl. Overnight at the Sumburgh Hotel.

DAY 4  Tuesday - Up Helly Aa - Lerwick Fire Festival

A day of festivities! With the Raven Banner hanging from Lerwick Town Hall and scores of local men magnificently dressed as Vikings you may well think that the clock has turned back 1,200 years! We spend the morning enjoying the Guizer Jarl's parade and admire the huge Galley built for the 2027 festival. We take a break to view an impressive gathering of Grey Seals and should also find Glaucous and Iceland Gulls nearby. We'll also search the Tingwall Valley for Arctic Hares, which at this time of year, are dressed in their white winter coats. As dusk approaches and the atmosphere builds, we ensure ourselves a grandstand view of the Up Helly Aa climax. Under the black winter skies, over 800 colourfully attired guizers muster and carry their burning torches through the streets of Lerwick, producing a riot of colour. The Galley is towed to its last resting place and the ranks of guizers encircle the doomed longship. A bugle calls and, as the last note is sounded, blazing torches are flung in a shower of fire and flame to a proud rendering of "The Norseman's Home". As the chants and songs continue, the inferno consumes the ship until she's no more than a scattering of ashes. We return to the hotel for our farewell dinner and hope that we can end the holiday by showing you one of nature's most beautiful gifts - the Aurora Borealis. Overnight at the Sumburgh Hotel.

DAY 5  Wednesday

After breakfast we'll transfer you to Sumburgh airport, or make arrangements for you to travel to your onward destination in Shetland. Alternatively you may wish to extend your stay and we are happy to make any necessary arrangements for additional tours, accommodation, car hire etc. 


2027 Operating Date:


Sat 23 January - Wed 27 January 2027


We are winners of the Tourism & Environment Thistle Award - the highest accolade in Scottish Tourism - and rated as 'Excellent' by our customers on TripAdvisor.

Desde £1695 por adulto

Día de salida

  • Lunes
  • Martes
  • Miércoles
  • Jueves
  • Viernes
  • Sábado
  • Domingo

Enero — Enero

Reservar ahora

Datos de contacto

Shetland Wildlife

Windy Stacks
Quendale
Shetland
UK
ZE2 9JD
Ver detalles del proveedor

Tour information

Salida

  • Mainland, Shetland
  • Shetland

Duración

5 Days

Transporte

  • Driver guide
  • Minibus

Tipología

  • Small Group (1-16)

Idiomas

  • English

Temática

  • Adventure
  • Geology
  • History
  • Landscapes
  • Outdoor Activities
  • Photography
  • Walking
  • Walking/Hiking
  • Wildlife

Precio

Desde £1695 Por adulto £1695 Por niño £1695 Descuento

Reservar ahora

Precios pueden variar según la temporada

Shetland Wildlife

Información sobre la empresa

Shetland Wildlife

Founded in 1993, we are the No.1 choice for birding, mammal, botanical, photographic and walking holidays in Shetland. Choose from over 40 3-day and 7-day wildlife-filled holidays. Day tours plus bespoke packages also arranged. We are the only award-winning eco-tourism holiday business resident in Shetland and rated as 'Excellent' by our customers on TripAdvisor. Visit us online at www.shetlandwildlife.co.uk

Redes sociales

Visitar Shetland Wildlife

Horario de apertura

Open Year Round 1 Jan - 31 Dec

Otros tours de esta empresa

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Visita:Focus on Shetland - Wildlife Photography
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Salida desde: Mainland, Shetland, Shetland

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El contenido de esta lista web es proporcionado por el operador externo correspondiente y no por VisitScotland. VisitScotland no se responsabiliza por (1) cualquier error o tergiversación en esta lista web, y (2) el contenido de cualquier enlace externo dentro de esta lista web ((1) y (2) juntos en lo sucesivo denominados "Contenido") . VisitScotland excluye toda responsabilidad por pérdidas o daños causados por la confianza depositada en el Contenido. El Contenido se proporciona únicamente para su información y no está respaldado por VisitScotland.

Start Your Story in Scotland

Where history meets breathtaking beauty, and every visit feels like an escape.

Inspiration for your trip

Step into a land steeped in history and legend, explore our dramatic landscapes and uncover our ancient Celtic roots. Vast lochs, glens and Munros - easily accessible from our vibrant cities and towns - make Scotland the perfect place to lose yourself.

Discover unique experiences in Scotland

Discover hidden gems, plan your perfect trip, or find exactly what you need—from scenic hikes and cosy cottages to events and cultural experiences.

Discover Scotland's vibrant events and festivals

FIFA World Cup 2026

Cheer on Scotland at the FIFA World Cup 2026 and find information about fan zones in Scotland, stadium tours and more.

Highland games in Scotland

From the tug o' war to the caber toss, Scotland's Highland games are not to be missed.

Edinburgh Festivals

Discover Edinburgh's summer festivals, including the world-famous Edinburgh International Festival and Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Events and festivals in Scotland

There's something happening in Scotland right now that the whole family will love.

Countdown to Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

Less than 100 days to go until 11 days of world-class action across the city, bringing 3,000 athletes from 74 nations together to compete across 10 sports.

Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

Start planning your summer break

Witness Scotland step into summer, with longer days and plenty of experiences to enjoy from coastal walks to fun exhibitions.

Summer holidays & breaks in Scotland

Find ideas and inspiration, from family days out to top camping spots, walks and outdoor activities.

Scotland's islands

Find out about the hundreds of islands in Scotland including Arran, Lewis, Skye, Outer Hebrides and Shetland. Plan the perfect island getaway today.

Scottish music festivals

Find out what’s happening in Scotland this year

The best tours of Scotland - luxury & scenic tours

Tour Scotland at your own pace with these fantastic ideas.

Your Scottish adventure starts here

Use our interactive map to explore wild landscapes, vibrant cities, rich culture, and hidden historic gems to craft your personal Scottish experience.

Map of Scotland

As seen on TV!

From Tara Lipinski and Johnny Weir's luxury Scotland itinerary to local suggestions on the highlights of Glasgow and Dumfries & Galloway, check out this top advice on trips across Scotland.

Tara & Johnny's luxury Scotland itinerary

Have you been inspired by Tara & Johnny's Scotland itinerary as seen on NBC's Extra Mile Club? Read on and plan your own Scottish adventure.

Channel 4's Where to next? Scotland itinerary

Follow in the footsteps of comedians Fatiha El-Ghorri and John Tothill on their unforgettable journey through Scotland.

Scotland trip itineraries

Plan your days in Scotland with the help of our suggested itineraries.

Your pictures of Scotland

Share your images by tagging @VisitScotland 

JavaScript needs to be enabled to see social media images for this place. You can turn this on in your browser settings.

Join our Newsletter Clan

Get Scotland inspiration direct to your inbox. Don't miss the inside track from our Scotland experts on exciting trip ideas, unique attractions and hidden gems loved by locals.

Get the Scotland newsletter