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

Up Helly Aa

© Highland Explorer Tours

Lerwick, Shetland

6 Day Up Helly Aa

Few have heard of it, let alone been. Our destination is the remote islands of Shetland in the far north of Scotland for one of the most incredible festivals in Europe, Up Helly Aa Viking Fire Festival.

DAY 1: EDINBURGH TO ABERDEEN

Leaving our capital city of Edinburgh at 08.30am we stop to view the Forth Bridge, opened in 1890 for the passage of trains heading north. We then travel on through the Kingdom of Fife with its stunning coastal scenery before stopping at the ancient university town of St Andrews. Known as the Home of Golf, the town also boasts the magnificent ruins of a 12th-century Cathedral. We then travel on to Aberdeen via Dunottar Castle, perched dramatically on the edge of the North Sea, and board the ferry for the overnight journey to the Shetland Islands. (Overnight: Ferry)

DAY 2: LERWICK

After sailing into Lerwick we spend the morning enjoying the main town of Shetland including a visit to Clickimin Broch. After a visit to Scalloway Castle, we then spend the afternoon in the north of the island exploring the fantastic coastal areas of Lunna and Eshaness before we return for a night out in the Shetland capital! (Overnight: Lerwick)

DAY 3: LERWICK

In the west of Shetland we will visit the islands of Burra and Trondra before heading to the stunning beach at St Ninian's Isle. We then visit Jarslhoff, one of Scotland's finest prehistoric sites, before moving on to the stunning cliffs and sea views at Sumburgh in the far south of the island. We return to Lerwick to prepare for the main event with some celebrations in town with the locals. (Overnight: Lerwick)

DAY 4: LERWICK

The big day! You get to watch the junior Jarl Squad (young Vikings) have their own parade before the main event. Vikings make their way through the streets culminating in the ceremonial burning of a full-size replica Viking Long Ship. Your Guide will be available throughout the day to make sure you don’t miss any of the world-famous festival. (Overnight: Lerwick)

DAY 5:  LERWICK TO ABERDEEN

After breakfast, we venture north taking in the ancient Tingwall Parliament and explore the west of the Island. A return to Lerwick allows free time for souvenir shopping or a visit to the Shetland Museum before boarding our overnight ferry back to mainland Scotland. (Overnight: Ferry)

DAY 6: ABERDEEN TO EDINBURGH

We make our way through Royal Deeside and pass Crathie Kirk where the Royal Family worships when at their Highland residence. We also visit the resting place of John Brown, ghillie to Queen Victoria and made famous in the movie Mrs Brownstarring Billy Connolly and have ample time to visit Braemar for lunch. Our return journey takes us through the Cairngorms National Park and Royal Braemar before arriving back in Edinburgh at 5.30pm.

From £1149 per adult

Departure days

  • Monday
  • Tuesday
  • Wednesday
  • Thursday
  • Friday
  • Saturday
  • Sunday

January — January

Book now

Contact details

Highland Explorer Tours

Highland Explorer Tours
60 High Street
The Royal Mile
Edinburgh
Scotland
EH1 1TB
View tour provider details

Tour information

Starting

  • Edinburgh
  • Edinburgh & The Lothians
  • Edinburgh - City Centre

Length

6 Days

Transport

  • Driver guide
  • Small coach

Type

  • Medium Group (17-30)

Languages

  • English

Themes

  • Adventure
  • Ancestry
  • Castles
  • Food and drink
  • History
  • Island Hopping
  • Landscapes
  • Music
  • Photography

Tour prices

From £1149 Per Adult £1149 Per Child £1149 Concession

Book now

Prices are subject to change depending on season

Tour Stops

Tour gallery

Highland Explorer Tours

Tour company information

Highland Explorer Tours

Scotland's landscape is stunningly beautiful with a magnificent history and culture that deserves to be told by the Scottish experts, our guides. They will bring this heritage to life while ensuring you get to explore our nation's most breathtaking landscapes. Whether you are planning a day trip or a longer visit, our range of tours will give you an unforgettable insight into our country and its people, leaving memories that will last a lifetime.

Social Channels

Visit Highland Explorer Tours

Opening times

Our shop on the Royal Mile is open Monday-Sunday 9am - 8pm (6pm over winter). You can also contact us by telephone and email during these times.

Other tours from this company

Visit3 Day Isle of Skye & The Highlands
3 Day Isle of Skye & The Highlands

3 Day Isle of Skye & The Highlands

Departs: Edinburgh - City Centre, Edinburgh, Edinburgh & The Lothians

Discover the Highlands and the magical Isle of Skye with its outstanding natural...

Length:

3 day(s)

Price from:

£369pp

Visit Website
Visit5 Day Skye, Loch Ness & Inverness
5 Day Skye, Loch Ness & Inverness

5 Day Skye, Loch Ness & Inverness

Departs: Edinburgh - City Centre, Edinburgh, Edinburgh & The Lothians

Take a spectacular journey through the Highlands and the magical Isle of Skye. V...

Length:

5 day(s)

Price from:

£609pp

Visit Website
Visit1 Day Loch Ness Explorer
1 Day Loch Ness Explorer

1 Day Loch Ness Explorer

Departs: Edinburgh - City Centre, Edinburgh, Edinburgh & The Lothians

A fantastic tour to Loch Ness visiting a diverse range of classic Highland scene...

Length:

1 day(s)

Price from:

£68pp

Visit Website
Visit1 Day Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle & the Kelpies
1 Day Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle & the Kelpies

1 Day Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle & the Kelpies

Departs: Edinburgh - City Centre, Edinburgh, Edinburgh & The Lothians

A splendid introduction to Scotland. This tour fuses the beauty of Loch Lomond a...

Length:

1 day(s)

Price from:

£58pp

Visit Website

The content of many of our web listings is provided by third party operators and not VisitScotland. VisitScotland accepts no responsibility for (1) any error or misrepresentation contained in third party listings, and (2) the contents of any external links within web listings ((1) and (2) together hereinafter referred to as the "Content"). VisitScotland excludes all liability for loss or damage caused by any reliance placed on the Content. The Content is provided for your information only and is not endorsed by 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