The Experience
Day by Day
Edinburgh to Aberdeen
Your Up Helly Aa 2027 adventure kicks off in the with a morning departure from Edinburgh as we head north through the rolling countryside of Fife. Our first stop is the seaside town of St Andrews, known for its historic university and famous golf links. Grab an early lunch, stretch your legs by the beach, or wander past the cathedral ruins. Next up is a visit to Angus Alchemy, where
you’ll learn how their moonshine is made and sample a few flavours. Later we reach Aberdeen and board the overnight ferry, sailing north across the North Sea toward Shetland. Overnight: Ferry
Edinburgh → Aberdeen
Lerwick
Arriving in Shetland, we start with one of the islands’ most striking beaches – St Ninian’s Beach. A natural sand tombolo connects the mainland to St Ninian’s Isle, creating a wide stretch of pale sand surrounded by Atlantic views. Next, step deep into the past at Jarlshof Prehistoric Village. This is an amazing archaeological site revealing over 4,000 years of settlement, including Bronze Age houses, Iron Age brochs, Viking longhouses, and medieval farmsteads. We finish the day at Sumburgh Head Lighthouse, located on dramatic cliffs that are home to seabirds including puffins in the warmer months. Overnight: Lerwick
Lerwick → Lerwick
Lerwick
Today we explore some of Shetland’s wilder corners. We head north to Hillswick before exploring the rugged coastline of Eshaness, shaped by ancient volcanic activity and Atlantic storms. Expect towering cliffs, sea stacks, and some seriously fresh air. Next up is Mavis Grind, a narrow strip of land where the North Sea and Atlantic Ocean sit only a short walk apart. Lunch is optional at the legendary Frankie’s Fish & Chips, also nicknamed the UK’s most northerly fish and chip shop. We finish the day with a visit to historic Lunna Kirk, once a secret base for wartime Norwegian resistance operations.
Lerwick → Lerwick
Lerwick
Today is the reason we’re here – the legendary Up Helly Aa 2027! The celebrations begin with the morning parade through Lerwick, where Viking squads march in full costume. Your guide will lead a walk through town so you can soak up the atmosphere and watch the action unfold. Later in the day we join the Fiery Sessions for a concert of traditional Shetland music. As night falls, the torchlit procession begins. Hundreds of guizers march through the streets before the Viking galley is set ablaze in a spectacular fire ceremony. Afterwards, the halls fill with music, dancing, and celebrations that carry on well into the night. Overnight: Lerwick
Lerwick → Lerwick
Lerwick
After a big night, today is all about easing back into things. We start with a relaxed walking tour of Lerwick, wandering along its waterfront lanes and old harbour where fishing boats and ferries still shape daily life. You’ll hear stories about the town’s trading past and how Shetland culture has been shaped by both Scotland and Scandinavia. There’s time to explore the Shetland Museum and Archives, a modern museum that brings the islands’ history to life with exhibits on Viking heritage, fishing traditions, and island life in the North Atlantic. Overnight: Lerwick
Lerwick → Lerwick
Lerwick to Aberdeen
This morning, we visit Clickimin Broch, a well-preserved Iron Age stone tower that once stood at the centre of a fortified settlement. After exploring the site, we take part in a small beach clean – a chance to give something back while spending time on Shetland’s rugged coastline. Later we cross to the neighbouring islands of Isle of Burra and Trondra, linked by bridges and known for their quiet harbours and sea views. Before boarding the evening ferry south, we stop at the Scalloway Museum, which tells the story of the famous “Shetland Bus” wartime operations. Overnight: Ferry to Aberdeen
Lerwick → Aberdeen
Aberdeen to Edinburgh
Back on the mainland, we travel along the northeast coast to the storybook-like ruins of Dunnottar Castle. Perched on a rocky headland above the North Sea, the medieval fortress once sheltered the Scottish Crown Jewels during Oliver Cromwell’s invasion. After exploring the cliffs and castle paths, we continue south to Dundee for lunch. If you fancy a wander, you might check out the design exhibitions at V&A Dundee or step aboard the Antarctic research ship RRS Discovery. We arrive back in Edinburgh later in the afternoon.
Aberdeen → Edinburgh
Tour Highlights
Day 1
Day 4
Day 7
What's Included
In the Moment
Accommodation
Settle into an en-suite quad-share cabin for two nights as you travel by overnight ferry to and from Shetland. In Lerwick, you'll spend four nights in mixed-gender hostel dorm where where you'll have a chance to meet fellow travellers and swap stories!
Frequently Asked Questions
Your 7-Day Up Helly Aa 2027 tour departs from the city centre in Edinburgh. Check out our departure info page for more details on your pick-up location.
Although this is mainly a coach-based tour, please be aware that it includes several periods of substantial walking. On Up Helly Aa day in particular, you can expect to spend most of the day on foot, moving around Lerwick to follow the parade and watch the evening procession.
In addition, as you will be sharing a ferry cabin with two other people, you should be comfortable climbing a short ladder to access an upper bunk if required.
See our accessibility statement for more details.
Please be aware that travelling to the Northern Isles in mid‑winter can present challenges, and this tour should be considered a genuine adventure. The itinerary depends heavily on the ferries to and from Shetland operating on schedule. Although these services are extremely reliable and form a vital lifeline for the islands, sailings can occasionally be delayed or cancelled during severe winter weather.
Should this occur, we may need to amend the itinerary at short notice, and there is a small possibility that the duration of the trip could be either shortened or extended.
Yes, 4 nights hostel (mixed-gender, multi-share dorm) and 2 nights ferry quad-share accommodation is included in the tour price.
No need for tickets! The festival itself is a public event.
Your local HAGGiS Guide, an exclusive part of the tour, ensures you won't miss a thing during the festival. They will provide you with tips and insights only the locals in Shetland know, making your Up Helly Aa tour truly epic and unforgettable.
Up Helly Aa is Shetland’s yearly Viking fire festival taking place on the last Tuesday in January.
The event is all about diving into Shetland’s fiery Norse tradition, where you’ll witness a torchlight procession, the ceremonial burning of a Viking longship, and a Viking-themed parade. Afterwards, it’s time to let loose and mingle with the locals at Lerwick’s various bars and pubs. The ultimate Scottish party!
Our hostels are handpicked by our crew to ensure that all our travellers enjoy a warm Scottish welcome. The specific hostel may vary, so we can't provide the exact details in advance. Rest assured, wherever you stay will be a cosy introduction to Shetland!
Find more info on our Accommodation page.
Meals are not included in your tour. Most hostels offer cooking facilities, allowing you to prepare your own meals. Essential ingredients and read-made meals are available near your hostel and the stops we make during the day. Alternatively, your guide can provide fantastic restaurant and bar recommendations for a taste of local delights!
Some of our tours run in conjunction with our mates at Highland Explorer Tours, creating a diverse mix of couples, friends, and solo adventurers.
