Isle of Skye, Loch Ness, and magical winter scenery in the Scottish Highlands.
- Home
- 2 - 8 Day Tours
- 7 Day Tour Up Helly Aa
Few have heard of it, let alone been. Our annual Up Helly Aa tour from Edinburgh takes you to the remote islands of Shetland off the far north of Scotland for one of the most incredible festivals in Europe. On the last Tuesday of January this traditional winter festival marks the lengthening of the days and the dawn of another year. Lively Scottish dancing, traditional Shetland music, the boat burning ceremony and torchlight procession makes for an unforgettable experience.
Tour Highlights
Up Helly Aa
Up Helly Aa is an annual fire festival, which pays tribute to Shetland’s Norse heritage. Vikings roam the streets, hundreds of torches illuminate the night sky, and a handcrafted Viking galley is set ablaze. A festival unlike any other.
Shetland
The wild and rugged Shetland islands are the most northerly in Scotland. Vikings ruled Shetland from the 9th century until 1468, when the islands were mortgaged to Scotland for a marriage agreement; we obviously decided not to give them back!
Sumburgh Head Lighthouse
Towering proudly atop Sumburgh Head, the lighthouse has watched over Shetland's coastline since 1821. It's well worth the walk up to the lighthouse to enjoy the sweeping views of the North Sea.
Eshaness
Eshaness, on Shetland's north-west coast, is a favourite for its dramatic cliffs and ancient volcanic rocks. Called the wild west of Shetland, its rugged scenery and stunning views capture the raw, untamed beauty of the island.
Jarlshof
Jarlshof is a fascinating archaeological site on Shetland showcasing over 4,000 years of continuous human settlement. The layered ruins, which were home to many communities over the centuries, include a Bronze Age village, an Iron Age broch and a Norse longhouse.
Clickimin Broch
Clickimin Broch is a historical marvel. Dating back over a millennium, it likely served as a residence for one of Shetland's local chiefs or noble family during the Iron Age. It provided a fortified dwelling, offering protection and prestige to its inhabitants.
Ferry Ride to Shetland
Embark on an exhilarating ride across the North Sea! Experience breath-taking sea views, catch glimpses of wildlife, and relax in cosy cabin accommodation. A thrilling journey to Scotland's northernmost frontier and a perfect start to your Shetland adventure.
Lerwick
Lerwick is Shetland’s main town, and its quaint streets are home to cosy cafes, lively pubs and gift shops. Visit the Shetland Museum, and enjoy a drink with locals and live music in the lead up to Up Helly Aa.
St Ninian's Isle
St Ninian’s Isle is famous for its sandy causeway – known as a tombolo - which connects the island to Shetland Mainland. The popularly photographed tombolo is a unique spectacle, and one of the most beautiful beaches on Shetland.
Dunnottar Castle
Dunnottar Castle is arguably the most striking coastal castle in Scotland. The structure been raided by Vikings, attacked by William Wallace, and visited by Mary Queen of Scots. Its history is as dramatic as the clifftop location!
St Andrews
St Andrews is a charming little town, famed as the ‘Home of Golf’, and the place where Prince William and met Kate at university. The town is also home to quaint cafes, an impressive cathedral, and a coastal castle.
Cairngorms National Park
The Cairngorms National Park is an area of vast natural beauty, and is the largest national park in Britain. Scotland’s wild scenery can be found in abundance, with lochs, glens, rivers and mountains as far as the eye can see.
Inclusions
Passionate Local Guide
Live Commentary & Storytelling in English
Guided Tour of Shetland
Four-Night Stay at a Three-Star Hotel (Twin-Share Room)
Two Overnight Ferries (Quad-Share Cabin)
Breakfast Every Morning
Three Evening Meals
Sumburgh Head Lighthouse
Free Time in Lerwick
Distillery Visit
Accommodation
Hotel & Ferry Cabin
Relax in a quad-share cabin for two nights during your ferry journey to and from Shetland. Once in Shetland's capital, Lerwick, you'll enjoy four nights twin-share accommodation at a three-star hotel, carefully handpicked by our crew. Includes breakfast every morning.
Room Types
Quad-Share Cabin (Ferry)
A ferry cabin with four separate beds suitable for one adult in each bed.
Double Room (Hotel)
One room with one bed suitable for two adults.
Twin Room (Hotel)
One room with two separate beds suitable for one adult in each bed.
Accessibility and Facilities
For more information, see our Accessibility Statement.
What Other Explorers Say
An epic bucket list experience. Great banter with the dynamic duo (Dougie and Scot), our driver guides. Very knowledgeable, they kept us well informed and entertained. The island scenery and festival were both stunning and dramatic. A couple of memorable surprises too. Overall, the trip exceeded expectation. Highly recommend @highextours. Cannae wait tae go again.
John
14/02/2025Absolutely brilliant! Up Helly Aa was a bucket list for us and it was beyond expectations. Our driver guides Scot and Dougie were outstanding. The banter, knowledge and connections made for a perfect 6 day trip. The scenery was breathtaking and we will definitely go again. If you want a once in a lifetime experience this is it. Highly recommend this company for this trip.
Global
14/02/2025This is not a tour it's an ADVENTURE ! Before we had left Edinburgh Bus Station we knew we were in Scotland, welcomed with a dram of Whisky and traditonal Shetland music. From day 1 the tour was packed with interesting, exciting and beautiful places with knowledgeable engaging guides who could not do enough for us. This was the tour that just kept on giving, with the guides extensive network of local connections which gave us a real insight into Shetland.
Paul
06/02/2024We took the 7 day Up Helly Aa tour with Dougie and Scot as our guides. The adventure was top notch from start to finish, and they were incredibly helpful with our requests. We highly recommend this tour for those who are looking for an experience you’ll never get anywhere else!!!
Connie
10/02/2024This is my third experience interacting with Highland Explorer through them or their sister company. The friendly service from answering questions before or after you’ve booked to the amazing guides they have on tour is great. This tour was centered around the Up Helly Aa event in Lerwick with crew Dougie/Scot/Tom. It was a blessing to have experienced guides to handle the ferry crossing/accommodation/sights to see. Especially the day of the event!
Anonymous
02/02/2024Experience Up Helly Aa with @highextours
Tag or mention us on Instagram for a chance to be featured on our channels, website, and in our brochure.
Highland Explorer Tours📸 beautifully captured by our guest @cassieleiigh on our annual Up Helly Aa tour 2024.
View on Instagram
Highland Explorer ToursAnother few impressions from our recent Shetland trip from our guest @cassieleiigh 😍 Pure magic!
View on Instagram
Highland Explorer ToursWe've returned from our Up Helly Aa trip and we honestly can't wait to be back again! 🔥 📸 video captured by @katexploring
View on Instagram
Highland Explorer ToursUp Helly Aa reunion with the HAGGiS Adventures Crew 🤩 📸 by our guides @haggisrich and @hagscot - meeting our friends from @haggistours
View on Instagram
Highland Explorer ToursHere is a serious #throwback because we miss being in Shetland this week with our passengers having the time of our life at Up Helly Aa fire festival💙
View on Instagram
Highland Explorer Tourshttps://www.instagram.com/p/CDLdDDgAvSu/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
View on Instagram
Highland Explorer ToursGuide @dougie.johnston captured this amazing shot of Up Helly Aa 🔥😊
View on Instagram
Highland Explorer ToursWe hope everyone has the best time ever at Up Helly Aa tonight🔥
View on Instagram
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the tour depart from?
Your Up Helly Aa 2027 tour departs from the city centre in Edinburgh. For more details on your pick-up location, please visit our Departure Info page.
Is accommodation included?
Yes, two nights quad-share ferry cabin and three nights hotel accommodation are included in the tour price.
What hotel will I be staying at?
Accommodation is carefully selected by our experienced team ensuring a hearty Scottish welcome. While the specific hotel may vary, you can be confident your stay will be comfortable.
Find more info on our Accommodation page.
What about meals?
Your three-night hotel accommodation comes with a freshly made breakfast each morning. However, breakfast during the ferry journey, lunch, dinner, and snacks are not included. Throughout your Up Helly Aa tour, you'll have the opportunity to visit numerous outstanding restaurants, shops, and cafes. We highly recommend trying these to explore Scottish cuisine at your own pace, catering to your preferences and dietary needs.
Is the Up Helly Aa 2027 festival ticket included in the tour?
Up Helly Aa is a public event, which means tickets are not required.
As an exclusive feature of the tour, your Highland Explorer guide will ensure you experience every highlight of the festival. They will offer insider tips and insights known only to Shetland’s residents, giving you an authentic experience.
What is Up Helly Aa and what happens at the festival?
Up Helly Aa is Shetland’s annual Viking fire festival, held on the last Tuesday in January.
The festival celebrates Shetland’s vibrant Norse traditions with a torchlight procession, the ceremonial burning of a Viking longship, and a Viking-themed parade. Up Helly Aa boasts an incredibly unique atmosphere, with countless chances to mingle with locals at Lerwick’s many bars and pubs – a fantastic way to make new Viking friends!
Is this tour suitable for solo travellers?
Please note that we are currently unable to offer single rooms on this tour. We recommend you check out our sister company HAGGiS Adventures, who run a yearly trip to the Up Helly Aa festival in Shetland. This is a great choice for solo travellers who would like to stay in multi-share hostel dorm accommodation (mixed gender).
Are there toilet facilities on the coach?
While our coaches don't offer onboard toilets, rest assured that our itineraries include regular comfort stops, allowing frequent access to restroom facilities.
Are your tours accessible?
Our guides are unable to assist with wheelchairs or provide physical assistance during boarding or disembarking from the coach. Passengers should be capable of boarding and disembarking independently using the access stairs or with the help of a traveling companion. Foldable wheelchairs can be stored in our onboard luggage storage during travel.
Please note that some stops on our tours may involve rough terrain or only be accessible by steps.
It's important to be aware that your accommodation may have limited accessibility for wheelchair users. More info can be found on our Accessibility page.
Can I purchase snacks or souvenirs at the stops along the way?
Yes! Our routes include stops where you can grab a snack or recharge with a drink. Occasionally, we pause at shops offering local souvenirs as well. For precise details about timing and stops, don't hesitate to inquire with your guide.
Where can I get a more detailed itinerary?
Our itinerary (in tab 2, 'Itinerary & Departure') provides a helpful outline of what to expect on the day. We refrain from providing additional details beyond what's outlined there, as factors like weather, traffic, and the preferences of our driver guides may lead to slight deviations. We also believe that part of the excitement comes from the unexpected surprises along the way! Rest assured, your journey through Scotland will be unlike any other.
What if I need to cancel my tour?
If you need to cancel your tour, you will need to inform us in writing by sending an email to info@highlandexplorertours.com. You can find our cancellation and refunds policy in section 3 in our Terms and Conditions.
I have more questions. How can you help?
Feel free to visit our general Frequently Asked Questions page for answers to common queries, or reach out to us directly via our Contact Us page.
- Home
- 2 - 8 Day Tours
- 7 Day Tour Up Helly Aa
Highland Explorer Tours
Up Helly Aa 2027
7-Day Itinerary
Tour Route
Day 1
Edinburgh to Aberdeen
Day 2
Lerwick
Day 3
Lerwick
Day 4
Lerwick
Day 5
Lerwick
Day 6
Lerwick to Aberdeen
Day 7
Aberdeen to Edinburgh
Day 1 | Edinburgh to Aberdeen
We leave Edinburgh and head north through the ancient Kingdom of Fife, stopping in the village of Falkland before continuing to St Andrews, the home of golf. You’ll have time to explore the town and grab lunch near the cathedral ruins and the famous Old Course. In the afternoon, we visit the Masters of Mayhem at Angus Alchemy for a distillery tour and tasting, then continue to Aberdeen to board the overnight ferry to Shetland. Overnight: ferry (quad-share cabin)
Day 2 | Lerwick
Arriving in Lerwick, we begin with a short drive around town to get your bearings, before heading north to Hillswick. From here, we explore the dramatic cliffs and volcanic landscapes of Eshaness, stopping near the lighthouse to take in the Atlantic views. We then cross Mavis Grind, where the North Sea and Atlantic almost meet, before lunch at Frankie’s Fish & Chip Shop. In the afternoon, we visit Lunna Kirk, a quiet peninsula with a wartime past, before returning to Lerwick. Overnight: Lerwick
Day 3 | Lerwick
Today takes us south to Sumburgh Head, with a walk up to the lighthouse with sweeping coastal views. We then visit Jarlshof, where thousands of years of settlement history sit side by side. After lunch and time to browse craft shops in Hoswick, we finish the day at St Ninian’s Isle, a wide sandy tombolo leading to a tidal island. Overnight: Lerwick
Day 4 | Lerwick
We start the day at Clickimin Broch, an Iron Age site set beside a loch just outside Lerwick. From here, we travel to Meal Beach for a beach clean, spending time outdoors while giving something back.
In the afternoon, we visit Scalloway and its museum, exploring stories of Shetland’s past as a former capital and fishing hub. Back in Lerwick, you’re dropped at Mareel for the Food and Drink Fair. Overnight: Lerwick
In the afternoon, we visit Scalloway and its museum, exploring stories of Shetland’s past as a former capital and fishing hub. Back in Lerwick, you’re dropped at Mareel for the Food and Drink Fair. Overnight: Lerwick
Day 5 | Lerwick
Today’s the day, the highlight of the trip. In the morning, we walk together to the parade route near the Islesburgh Centre to watch the Jarl Squad form ranks, then follow sections of the main parade through Lerwick. After some free time, we regroup at Mareel for the Fiery Sessions concert. You get more free time in the afternoon before gathering in the evening at the War Memorial for the lighting ceremony. Your day ends with the torchlit procession, galley burning, and celebrations inside the Town Hall. Overnight: Lerwick
Day 6 | Lerwick to Aberdeen
It was likely to have been a late and lively night, so we take it easy with a late-morning guided walking tour of Lerwick, followed by free time to explore the Shetland Museum. After an amazing few days experiencing Up Helly Aa and the stunning Shetland Islands, we head to the ferry terminal and board the overnight sailing back to the mainland. Overnight: ferry (quad-share cabin)
Day 7 | Aberdeen to Edinburgh
We arrive in Aberdeen first thing and travel south along the coast, stopping at the cliff-top ruins of mysterious Dunnottar Castle. Next we visit Dundee, with free time to explore the waterfront, the V&A Museum, or the RRS Discovery, before returning to Edinburgh in the late afternoon.
HIGHLAND EXPLORER TOURS
highlandexplorertours.com
7 Day Tour Itinerary & Map
View Map
DAY 1 | Edinburgh to Aberdeen
We leave Edinburgh and head north through the ancient Kingdom of Fife, stopping in the village of Falkland before continuing to St Andrews, the home of golf. You’ll have time to explore the town and grab lunch near the cathedral ruins and the famous Old Course. In the afternoon, we visit the Masters of Mayhem at Angus Alchemy for a distillery tour and tasting, then continue to Aberdeen to board the overnight ferry to Shetland. Overnight: ferry (quad-share cabin)
Day Highlights
DAY 2 | Lerwick
Arriving in Lerwick, we begin with a short drive around town to get your bearings, before heading north to Hillswick. From here, we explore the dramatic cliffs and volcanic landscapes of Eshaness, stopping near the lighthouse to take in the Atlantic views. We then cross Mavis Grind, where the North Sea and Atlantic almost meet, before lunch at Frankie’s Fish & Chip Shop. In the afternoon, we visit Lunna Kirk, a quiet peninsula with a wartime past, before returning to Lerwick. Overnight: Lerwick
Day Highlights
DAY 3 | Lerwick
Today takes us south to Sumburgh Head, with a walk up to the lighthouse with sweeping coastal views. We then visit Jarlshof, where thousands of years of settlement history sit side by side. After lunch and time to browse craft shops in Hoswick, we finish the day at St Ninian’s Isle, a wide sandy tombolo leading to a tidal island. Overnight: Lerwick
Day Highlights
DAY 4 | Lerwick
We start the day at Clickimin Broch, an Iron Age site set beside a loch just outside Lerwick. From here, we travel to Meal Beach for a beach clean, spending time outdoors while giving something back.
In the afternoon, we visit Scalloway and its museum, exploring stories of Shetland’s past as a former capital and fishing hub. Back in Lerwick, you’re dropped at Mareel for the Food and Drink Fair. Overnight: Lerwick
Day Highlights
DAY 5 | Lerwick
Today’s the day, the highlight of the trip. In the morning, we walk together to the parade route near the Islesburgh Centre to watch the Jarl Squad form ranks, then follow sections of the main parade through Lerwick. After some free time, we regroup at Mareel for the Fiery Sessions concert. You get more free time in the afternoon before gathering in the evening at the War Memorial for the lighting ceremony. Your day ends with the torchlit procession, galley burning, and celebrations inside the Town Hall. Overnight: Lerwick
Day Highlights
DAY 6 | Lerwick to Aberdeen
It was likely to have been a late and lively night, so we take it easy with a late-morning guided walking tour of Lerwick, followed by free time to explore the Shetland Museum. After an amazing few days experiencing Up Helly Aa and the stunning Shetland Islands, we head to the ferry terminal and board the overnight sailing back to the mainland. Overnight: ferry (quad-share cabin)
DAY 7 | Aberdeen to Edinburgh
We arrive in Aberdeen first thing and travel south along the coast, stopping at the cliff-top ruins of mysterious Dunnottar Castle. Next we visit Dundee, with free time to explore the waterfront, the V&A Museum, or the RRS Discovery, before returning to Edinburgh in the late afternoon.
Day Highlights
Departure Point
60 High Street, EH1 1TB, Edinburgh
We depart from our blue corner shop at 60 High Street, centrally located on the Royal Mile in the Old Town of Edinburgh. A useful landmark to find us is the Radisson Blu Hotel, situated just one street further along.
Not sure how to get here? Find more info on our Departure Info page.
Departure & Return Time
Check-In Closes
7:45 AM
Departs
8:00 AM
Returns
3:00 PM
We are unable to hold the bus or refund for any late arrivals. Return times are approximate and subject to road conditions and weather. Please ensure you allocate sufficient time for any onward travel plans, allowing at least 3 hours after the scheduled return time for connections or activities.
Tours Dates & Prices
Choose a departure date, number of people and accommodation option.
- Home
- 2 - 8 Day Tours
- 7 Day Tour Up Helly Aa
Tours We Think You'll Love
Winter Highlands & The Isle of Skye
3 Day Tour from Edinburgh
Winter Wonders of Scotland
5 Day Tour from Edinburgh
An extensive journey through Scotland’s wintry landscapes, exploring Isle of Skye, Loch Ness, and Inverness.
Isle of Skye Community & Outdoor Adventure
5 Day Tour from Inverness
Plant trees in Tormore Forest, experience a Gaelic language workshop and explore magical Skye.
20% Off
Isle of Skye & Outer Hebrides
6 Day Tour from Edinburgh
Highlands & Islands; world-famous Loch Ness to remote corners of Lewis, Harris and Skye.
20% Off
Isle of Skye, Orkney & North Coast 500
8 Day Tour from Edinburgh
The entire package; remote Orkney, famous North Coast 500, and magical Skye.