V4 - Hogan Scottish Adventures

Sunday 26th May – Sunday 2nd June 2024

Number of Travellers: 2
Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights

Overview

Immerse yourself in a stunning journey to the unforgettable northern islands of Scotland. A little-visited archipelago of small islands in the seas between Scotland and Norway; with their own unique culture, beautiful landscapes and fascinating wildlife.

The unique situation and environment of the Isles have combined to create a fascinating cultural and historical tapestry of stone circles, invasions and occupations, isolation and extremity, all of which have left their mark through the ages. Gain a privileged insight into the unique history and natural world of these varied landscapes as you enjoy day hikes and explorations in some beautifully dramatic places with your private guide. Who will not just take care of all the logistics, but will add their expertise and local knowledge to share their favourite insiders secrets with you. You are sure to all be smiling about times on this trip for years to come.

Highlights

  • Wonder at the wheeling wings at some of the best birdwatching sites in the world
  • Enjoy spectacular coastal walks with your private qualified guide
  • Immerse yourself in the past as you explore pre-historic sites and discover a hidden underground street frozen in time
  • Delight in a delicious foodie tour of local and international cuisines

Day by Day

Day 1 - Sunday 26th May - Welcome To Shetland, Meet Your Guide & Jarlshof

As you arrive in the picturesque Shetland Isles, you can’t help but notice the crisp air and breathtaking landscapes.  You will be welcomed on arrival by your private guide/driver for your stay and head straight out to start exploring. Depending on your arrival time you can start exploring with the fascinating Jarlshof Prehistoric & Norse Settlement. This site shows evidence of settlements all the way back to 2500 BC, with wonderful examples of buildings throughout the ages. Immerse yourself in the past as you imagine the everyday lives of people in this place through the years. Your guide will then take you north to your welcoming hotel to settle in.

Overnight: Shetland | The Scalloway Hotel
Room Type: Deluxe superking - Twin
Meals Included: None

Day 2 - Monday 27th May - Hike the Dramatic Cliffs of Eshaness

Enjoy a coastal hike on the dramatic headland of Eshaness. Explore the awe-inspiring coastal scenery around the wonderfully named Villains of Ure, the Grind of the Navir and the Holes of Scraada. The wildlife spotting opportunities are also numerous, with sightings of otters and even orcas reported from here.

This afternoon take some time to explore Lerwick, which is full of character and history. Stop into the Shetland Museum & Archives, visit the Brock of Clickimin and discover the traditions of Shetland wool woven through the fabric of everyday life on the islands. Follow your curiosity and your guide can take you out of town if there is another site you specifically wish to see too.

Overnight: Shetland | The Scalloway Hotel
Room Type: Deluxe superking - Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 3 - Tuesday 28th May - Bird Watching Cruise to The Cliffs of Noss and Bressay

The cliffs of Noss and Bressay are a haven for seabirds.  Today is the perfect opportunity for photography as you visit one of the world’s prime locations for bird-watching; the Noss National Nature reserve is home to 20,000 gannets, 25,000 guillemots, 3,000 kittiwakes, 1,200 puffins and hundreds of razorbills, black guillemots, shags and skuas.  Cruise round the spectacular cliffs and enjoy what is sure to be a highlight of your trip.

Overnight: Shetland | The Scalloway Hotel
Room Type: Deluxe superking - Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - Wednesday 29th May - Transfer to Edinburgh - Foodie tour & The Royal Yacht Britannia

Today you will transition from the tranquil Islands to the vibrant capital city of Edinburgh where a private driver will meet you, take you to your hotel in the heart of the city and drop off your luggage before you go straight down to Leith. Here you meet a local expert who is passionate about the wide variety of delicious tastes to be found here.

Delight your tastebuds as you discover some local hidden gems, sampling some of Scotland’s wealth of local and international cuisine on this walking tour. From South American empanadas to locally brewed ale, you are sure to enjoy this journey of tastes. Once you are replete explore the elegant decks of the Royal Yacht Britannia, once the floating palace of Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh.  Head back to your hotel this evening for a well earned rest.

Overnight: Edinburgh | Kimpton Charlotte Square
Room Type: Premium Twin Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Thursday 30th May - Explore St Andrews & The Kingdom Of Fife

Your guide will meet back up with you at your hotel this morning and together you will head to the beautiful coastal town of St Andrews.  Spend your day walking around this historic university town. More recently the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge famously met during their studies here but St Andrews is much better known for being the home of golf. On your way back to Edinburgh take an alternative route discovering the traditional fishing villages of the East Neuk area, now popular with artists and writers. Sampling traditional fish and chips here is a must!

Overnight: Edinburgh | Kimpton Charlotte Square
Room Type: Premium Twin Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Friday 31st May - Exploring Historic Edinburgh

Spend today exploring the unique city of Edinburgh with an expert local guide who will take you on a walking tour to visit some of the famous historic attractions, wonder at the stories of the streets and discover the true character of the Old Town. Edinburgh is a labyrinth of cobbled alleyways contrasted with Georgian townhouses and more modern architecture and this tour will give you a real insight into the history and character of this amazing city.  Late afternoon your guide will leave you to discover a hidden side of Edinburgh as you adventure down underneath Edinburgh on an underground tour of a warren of tiny fascinating streets dating from the 17th century.

Overnight: Edinburgh | Kimpton Charlotte Square
Room Type: Premium Twin Room
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 7 - Saturday 1st June - Free Day To Explore

Today is totally free for you to continue your explorations of this historic city, from the cobblestone streets of The Royal Mile to the tranquility of the Botanical Gardens. Perhaps pick up a coffee and a pastry from one of the wee artisan shops, dipping into local galleries, cheesemongers or bookshops.  The perfect way to spend your last day in Scotland.

Overnight: Edinburgh | Kimpton Charlotte Square
Room Type: Premium Twin Room
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 8 - Sunday 2nd June - Depart Edinburgh - Farewell Scotland

A private transfer will take you to Edinburgh Airport for your onward connections. Waving farewell for now but taking with you special memories and wonderful stories of your explorations.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Trip Details

Inclusions Read More
  • 7 Nights of Accommodation as specified in the Itinerary
  • Most meals as indicated above
  • Services of an experienced and knowledgeable qualified guide from Day 1 to Day 3, & on Day 5
  • All transfers in a private vehicle driven by our guide on guided days 1,2,3 & 5
  • Airport Arrival transfer on Day 4
    • Includes Meet & Greet as well as dropping luggage at Edinburgh hotel & transfer to Leith
  • Local Taxi Journey from Royal acht Britannia to Edinburgh Hotel
  • Departure Airport transfer
  • Local taxi transfer from The Royal Yacht to Edinburgh Hotel
  • All guided hikes and activities mentioned in the itinerary
  • Activities included above, specifically:
    • Entrance fee – Jarlshof
    • Entrance fee – Sumburgh Head RSPB
    • Wildlife & Bird Boat Cruise round Noss
    • Entry to The Royal Yacht Britannia
    • Private Foodie Tour in Leith
    • Entry to St Andrews Cathedral
    • Private Walking Tour of Historic Edinburgh with Expert Local Guide – D6
    • Entry to Edinburgh Castle
    • Tour of The Real Mary King’s Close (Not Private)
  • Personalised trip design and delivery
  • 24 hour in-country support from the Wilderness Team
Exclusions Read More
  • All flights. Also does not include internal flights to/from Shetland
  • Travel insurance
  • Meals not mentioned in the inclusions
  • Activities and entrance fees not mentioned in the inclusions
  • Gratuities for the main driver guide
Notes Read More
  • All suggested accommodations and services are subject to availability at the time of booking.
  • A 20% deposit is required before any accommodation and services will be confirmed.
  • This quote is valid for 14 days from the date quoted, after this time pricing may be subject to revision.
Terms & Conditions Read More

Please see our booking terms here.