Up Helly Aa (double) Multi-day tour

Description

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. On the last Tuesday of January, this traditional winter festival marks the lengthening of the days and the dawn of another year. Classic Scottish dancing, traditional Shetland music, the boat burning ceremony and torchlight procession makes for an unforgettable experience.

Around one thousand torch-bearing guizers in full Viking uniform march through the streets with the Galley past the spectators. The town is in darkness as the streetlights are switched off, the red glow at ‘light up’ is truly a phenomenal sight.

What´s Included

• 2 Overnight Ferries (Twin-Share Cabin)
• 3 Nights Hotel (Twin-Share)
• 3 Full Scottish Breakfasts
• Free Time in Lerwick
• Guided Tour of Shetland
• Local Scottish Guide

What to bring

• Travel Insurance
• Passport / Photo ID
• Students must hold a valid ISIC/ISE/ITIC card
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Warm clothing
• Waterproof jacket / coat
• Proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID and/or negative COVID test result

Additional information

•   The check-in / departure is in the Edinburgh Bus Station. It has two entrances: St Andrew Square, EH1 3DQ and a second on Elder Street EH13DX. (The meeting place inside the bus station is usually Gate J. Highland Explorer Staff will be there at the gate to check you in. Check the departure boards to confirm the gate.)
• Adults / Students must be over 18 at the time of travel.
• Students must hold a valid ISIC/ISE/ITIC card.
• Please note that we cannot guarantee that people who have booked together will be seated together. We do ot allocate seats.
• It is very important to return to the coach on time at itinerary stops. Your guide will display the time that the bus departson a clock that will be visible. Our coach cannot wait for you.
• The minimum age for a Highland Explorer Tour passenger is 5 years old.
• This booking requires two people.
• If you need organise to transport from your accommodation to our departure point please book it via the hotel concierge.  We have had a lot of feedback from customers saying that Uber taxi’s are not showing up.
• The check-in time is 15 minutes prior to departure
• Those who are 17 year old pay the adult price, but need to be accompanied by someone aged 18 or over.
• The Shetland Museum in Lerwick, is not inlcuded in the tour price.
• Cancellation for this festival product: This tour will have a 50% cancellation fee if cancelled outside of 45 days from the departure date. Cancellations made 45 to 22 days prior to the departure date will have a 50% cancellation charge. If this product is cancelled 21 days or less prior to the departure date, the cancellation fee will be 100%.
• In this new, fast-changing Covid-19 era,to give you peace of mind,when you are travelling during these new times Your Responsibility
• Your Responsibility
  All our guests are asked to follow hygiene practices recommended by the World Health Organization and local Government guidelines.
• Regular washing of hands and sanitising when required
• Please bring your own:
  o Hand sanitiser
• Maintain social distancing. 
• You need to make the Guide aware if you develop any Covid like symptoms.
• Update to COVID Government Guidelines in Scotland

     As per government guidelines, the use of masks whilst on our tour coaches is no longer compulsory.

    Should our staff or passengers wish to keep wearing masks whilst on the coach they can.

    We will keep the hand sanitiser and enhanced cleaning procedures in place.