Discover Shetland's extraordinary Norse heritage, ancient archaeology and dramatic coastal landscapes on a five-day private tour from Inverness, personally guided by Scottish Highlands historian John Alasdair Macdonald, PhD.
This journey explores prehistoric sites, Viking-era heritage, historic castles and spectacular Atlantic scenery. Travel in the comfort of a private vehicle with an experienced historian who brings Scotland's past to life through its people, places and landscapes.
Designed for a small private group of up to three guests, this is a personal, unhurried way to explore one of Scotland's most distinctive island destinations.
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Full private tour pricing, detailed itinerary and frequently asked questions are available on The Hebridean Explorer website (see tour page).
Day 1 — Inverness to AberdeenDeparting 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.
Day 2 — Shetland (South Mainland)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.
Day 3 — Shetland (Isle of Unst)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.
Day 4 — Shetland (North Mainland)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.
Day 5 — Aberdeen to InvernessArriving 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.
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