Legendary Scottish Isles & More

The Shetland Islands are an archipelago of more than a hundred windswept islands, of which only 16 are inhabited; the rest are havens for wildlife. Towns and villages are few, but there are thousands of archaeological sites throughout the islands, including the remains of prehistoric fortresses and settlements. Arrive dockside at Lerwick on the largest island, where you have a choice of shore excursions. Drive to the southern tip of mainland Shetland to visit the uninhabited island of Mousa*; cross to Shetland’s east coast for a view of St. Ninian’s Isle, where a cache of Pictish treasure was discovered in the 1950s (the Picti were tribes known to the Romans as “painted people”.); venture into the Shetland countryside for a visit to a croft for an authentic crofting experience with a local crofter and his sheep dogs, watching as they execute precision herding maneuvers – without a single word; visit Jarlshof near Sumburgh Head to see a 5,000-year-old settlement with remains dating from the Stone Age to the 17th century AD, then ride to the top of Sumburgh Head for views of the sea, seabird colonies, and Shetland’s first lighthouse.

 Alternatively, depart Lerwick and head west to the picturesque harbour village of Hamnavoe on the isle of Burra. After a brief photo stop, continue North towards Girlsta, through the Tingwall Valley with its Norse Heritage before arriving at the “Keolka” croft – a beautiful Shetland croft nestled within the rugged heather hills, with stunning views across the water. Your third choice is a visit to Mousa Broch, then exploring its island, a breeding ground for European storm petrels, arctic terns and guillemots; a 2-mile walk includes a visit to a seal pool, and sweeping views of wildflowers and the North Sea. Or, head to the west mainland for a visit to Scalloway, its 17th-century castle, and the Scalloway Museum; learn about the village’s clandestine role in World War II, and visit a farm that breeds Shetland Ponies. A tour through Lerwick takes you to its lifeboat station, lodberries (waterside houses for unloading ships), the town hall, and the Shetland Museum and Archives, followed by time to explore the town on your own.

 Aboard ship this evening, a local historian will lecture on the “Shetland Bus,” a secret operation during World War II that smuggled agents in and refugees out of occupied Norway at night by way of fishing vessels.