Registration is open for our trip to
Up Helly AA now
Shetland, Scotland
Blazen Glory
VikingsUp Helly Aa Festival is one wild ride, it goes down every year in the Shetland Islands, Scotland. The festival, which is held in the town of Lerwick, is a celebration of the islands’ Viking heritage and is renowned for its spectacular torchlight processions and fire festivals.
The main event is the torchlight procession, where the “guizers” dress up in traditional Viking costumes and carry burning torches through the streets of Lerwick. The leaders of the procession are the “Jarl Squad,” who are all decked out in full Viking regalia, including horned helmets and shields, and they’re led by the “Jarl.”
The procession ends at the town’s galley, where a Viking ship replica is set on fire in a hectic display of flames and sparks. It marks the end of the festival, and it’s a sight to behold.
Up Helly Aa Festival is not just about the Viking heritage, but also about community and tradition. It’s a unique and unforgettable experience that attracts visitors from all over the world.
- LOCATION : Shetland, Scotland
-
PRICE : From 2,399 per person
(flexible installment payment option available) - DATE : Jan. 27 - Feb. 3
- Activity Level : High
- FESTIVAL : Up Helly Aa (UP-hel-ee-AH)
- TEMP CHECK : Cold
- CHILDREN : People under the age of 18 are not permitted to attend
Day 1
Arrival &
Welcome
Fly into Edinburgh International Airport. Get to know fellow travelers and kick it, before flying to Shetland. Upon arrival at Sumburgh Airport, you’ll be taken to your hotel close to the main street in Lerwick.
Tonight, you will be close to the main street in case you wish to explore, but make sure to get some rest as we will start early in the morning.
Day 2
Sumburg &
Sandwick
Today, we will visit the Sumburgh lighthouse, the Royal Society for Protection of Birds nature reserve, and Jarlshof (Earl’s House), as well as Sandwick.
We will have the opportunity to meet locals who will share their knowledge and understanding of the island’s history and culture. Afterwards, we will travel to St. Ninian’s Isle, where we can explore the unique landscape and learn about the history of Celtic Christianity. Finally, we will return to the hotel in Lerwick.
Day 3
Festival Prep
& Lerwick
We’ll start our day with a journey through time as we explore the rich history of Lerwick. From the ancient Viking settlements to the bustling fishing and merchant industries of the past, we’ll discover the story of this unique and fascinating island.
Next, we’ll head over to the Lerwick Brewery, and learn about industry in a remote location. As the day progresses, the excitement for the Up Helly Aa festival will be palpable in the air.
We’ll take a behind-the-scenes tour of the builders and craftsmen putting the finishing touches on the traditional ships, armor, and outfits that will be worn during the festival. You’ll get a sneak peek of the incredible spectacle that’s to come.
Day 4
Up Helly Aa
Today is the day we’ve been waiting for! It will be a leisure day in Lerwick with options of exploring the museums and galleries that showcase the rich history and culture of this beautiful island.
But make sure to save some energy, because tonight is the Up Helly Aa festival! This annual celebration is a true spectacle, with a parade of costumed participants carrying torches and culminating in the burning of a Viking longship. It’s a night of fire, music, and revelry that you won’t want to miss.
The real excitement begins when the sun sets and the ship burning takes place. This is the highlight of the Up Helly Aa festival and it’s an event you won’t want to miss. So bundle up, because it’s going to be a cold night, but the warmth of the fire and the energy of the crowd will keep you toasty.
After the festival, we’ll head to a local pub for a celebratory pint and to share stories of the night’s events. Trust us, this is a trip you’ll never forget. Up Helly Aa is a must-see tradition in Shetland, and we’re so excited to share it with you.
Day 5
Scalloway
& Unst
Today, we’re heading over to Scalloway. We’ll start off by visiting the Scalloway Museum and Scalloway Castle. The Scalloway Museum is a true treasure trove of pictures, objects, and fascinating discoveries about island life.
After our visits, we’ll head over to the Scalloway Hotel for a delicious seafood lunch and some excellent drinks with great hospitality. The fish and seafood are truly sumptuous, tasty, fresh and locally landed. After lunch, we’ll take two short ferries (5-10 minutes each) to the island of Unst.
We’ll have a tour of the island and visit some of the best places for sightseeing and great photographs. We’ll also visit the most northerly gin distillery in the UK.
Day 6
From Unst
to Yell
Today, we’ll embark on a journey to the island of Yell, a hidden gem of Shetland that we haven’t yet had the chance to explore. Get ready to snap some breathtaking photos of the famous Shetland ponies, iconic landscapes and unspoiled natural beauty.
We’ll spend the day immersing ourselves in the unique culture and charm of this island, taking in all that it has to offer. After a full day of discovery, we’ll take the ferry back to Lerwick and end the day with a reflection on all the amazing sights we’ve seen.
Day 7
The Beauty
of Yell
Today, we’re heading over to Scalloway. We’ll start off by visiting the Scalloway Museum and Scalloway Castle. The Scalloway Museum is a true treasure trove of pictures, objects, and fascinating discoveries about island life.
After our visits, we’ll head over to the Scalloway Hotel for a delicious seafood lunch and some excellent drinks with great hospitality. The fish and seafood are truly sumptuous, tasty, fresh and locally landed. After lunch, we’ll take two short ferries (5-10 minutes each) to the island of Unst.
We’ll have a tour of the island and visit some of the best places for sightseeing and great photographs. We’ll also visit the most northerly gin distillery in the UK.
Day 8
Farewell
Family
What a ride these past 7 days have been! We’re so glad you joined us on this journey to the Up Helly Aa Festival. It’s been a blast exploring Shetland and experiencing this one-of-a-kind festival together.
But all good things must come to an end, and today we’re headed back to Sumburgh for the flight back to the mainland, it’s homeward bound or onwards to the next BKT: Festival Drifters trip.
We would recommend Iron Molten Fire throwing in China for the Lunar new year. Keep those memories close. Peace out, Family!
Summary
FESTIVAL DRIFTERSIncluded:
Accommodation
Breakfast
All activities, transportation and guided tours mentioned in itinerary
Not Included:
Lunches and Dinners
International Flights (and Visas)
Single Room Charges