Scotland’s Shetland Islands
from $2646
Duration: 6 Days
Discover the many charms of the Shetland Islands on a small group tour featuring dramatic coastlines, towering sea cliffs, wildlife spotting and history galore. Lerwick is a charming town that plays host to the Shetland Museum, filled with historic buildings and offering a unique and captivating Scottish experience that will leave a lasting impression. Private minibus adventures will take you to the rugged landscapes of Eshaness and Muckle Flugga, the most northerly inhabited point in the United Kingdom to spot local wildlife like puffins, seals and otters. Add in a quaint town of warm-hearted locals and atmospheric pubs to enjoy at the end of each day and this trip has it all. Come and experience the magic of the Northern Scottish Isles.
  • Lerwick, a charming town filled with historic buildings, makes for the perfect base for your trip. Unpack once in your guesthouse, settle in and enjoy a warm, cosy welcome back at the end of each day.
  • Tour the Shetland Museum which celebrates the local history with engaging interactive exhibits and world renowned collections of historic artifacts and documents.
  • Keep a lookout for puffins on a private minibus trip to Hermaness Nature Reserve and Muckle Flugga Lighthouse, the most northerly point in the United Kingdom.
  • Take a private minibus tour to Eshaness and be captivated by the crashing waves, dramatic sea cliffs and history that makes this destination a Shetland Islands ‘must visit’.
  • Rest, relax and enjoy the overnight ferries plentiful eating options and snooze in a comfortable ‘sleeping pod’ that reclines 70 degrees for a good night’s rest.
  • Lerwick - Leader led Walking Tour
  • Lerwick - Shetland Museum Tour
  • Sumburgh - Jarlshof and Sumburgh Head Hike
  • Shetland - Hermaness Nature Reserve and Muckle Flugga private trip
  • Lerwick - Overnight Ferry Lerwick to Aberdeen
  • Eshaness - Coastal Hike
  • Day 1 Location: Aberdeen to Lerwick
    Welcome to Aberdeen! Meet your leader and the rest of your group in the late afternoon at Aberdeen Ferry Terminal, a designated space where passengers can wait comfortably and grab some refreshments or a light meal before boarding the overnight ferry to Lerwick in Shetland. On the overnight ferry you will have a designated comfortable ‘sleeping pod’ that reclines 70 degrees to help you get a good night’s rest before your Shetland Island adventure begins tomorrow.
    Day 2 Location: Lerwick
    After you disembark the ferry at around 8 am, you’ll jump in a taxi to the guest house, where you can drop off your luggage before taking a walking tour of Lerwick, Shetland’s main town. This afternoon is yours to discover Lerwick your way, perhaps by raising a glass at the Lerwick Brewery, spotting local wildlife on a boat tour, or taking a stroll along the waterfront. Tonight, you may like to have dinner at one of Lerwick’s cosy pubs.
    Day 3 Location: Sumburgh
    After breakfast this morning, you’ll go on a short walk to the Shetland Museum, where your guide will take you for a tour that celebrates the local history through engaging interactive exhibits and world renowned collections of historic artifacts and documents. You might like to grab a bite to eat here before catching the public bus to Sumburgh for a hike to Jarlshof and Sumburgh Head. Enjoy stunning coastal views as you take in the prehistoric sites of Jarlshof, then walk to the Sumburgh Head lighthouse where you’ll learn about the area’s history, from the early Iron Age settlers to the lighthouse keepers who kept sailors safe from harm. After your return to Lerwick in the late afternoon, you might want to grab dinner at a local restaurant.
    Day 4 Location: Muckle Flugga
    After breakfast, you’ll take a trip to Hermaness Nature Reserve and Muckle Flugga, home to the Muckle Flugga Lighthouse and the most northerly inhabited island in the United Kingdom. Perched on jagged rocks rising out of the sea just off the coast of Unst, the lighthouse was built to protect British ships heading into battle during the Crimean War and was originally tended to by three lighthouse keepers. Getting there can be a bit of an adventure, so today, your group will have a private minibus. Keep an eye out for puffins and other seabird colonies along the cliffs, as you take in the wild beauty of this remote location. On your return to Lerwick, you may like to head out with your group for one final evening meal in a cosy Shetland pub.
    Day 5 Location: Eshness
    Today, travel via private minibus to Eshaness for an enjoyable coastal hike. Eshaness has it all – crashing waves, dramatic sea cliffs and history galore. While you’re enjoying the scenic views, keep an eye out for the seabirds, seals and otters that call this area home. You’ll then return to Lerwick mid-afternoon in time to catch the overnight ferry back to Aberdeen. Once again, you’ll be able to enjoy some rest and relaxation in your designated reclining ‘sleeping pod’.
    Day 6 Location: Lerwick to Aberdeen
    On your arrival in Aberdeen at approximately 7am, your Shetland Islands adventure will come to an end. If you would like to spend some time in Aberdeen, we will be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).
    Dates
    Prices
    Availability
    Departure Date:
    19MAY2024
    Return Date:
    24MAY2024
    3055NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    09JUN2024
    Return Date:
    14JUN2024
    2970NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    23JUN2024
    Return Date:
    28JUN2024
    3055NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    14JUL2024
    Return Date:
    19JUL2024
    3055NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    21JUL2024
    Return Date:
    26JUL2024
    3055NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    04AUG2024
    Return Date:
    09AUG2024
    3055NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    11AUG2024
    Return Date:
    16AUG2024
    3055NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    18AUG2024
    Return Date:
    23AUG2024
    2940NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    25AUG2024
    Return Date:
    30AUG2024
    2940NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    08SEP2024
    Return Date:
    13SEP2024
    3025NZD
    available
    Last modified (date)

    07 Feb 2024

    Trip title

    Scotland's Shetland Islands

    Trip code

    BWSL

    Validity

    Validity: 01 Feb 2022 to 31 Dec 2024

    Introduction

    Discover the many charms of the Shetland Islands on a small group tour featuring dramatic coastlines, towering sea cliffs, wildlife spotting and history galore. Lerwick is a charming town that plays host to the Shetland Museum, filled with historic buildings and offering a unique and captivating Scottish experience that will leave a lasting impression. Private minibus adventures will take you to the rugged landscapes of Eshaness and Muckle Flugga, the most northerly inhabited point in the United Kingdom to spot local wildlife like puffins, seals and otters. Add in a quaint town of warm-hearted locals and atmospheric pubs to enjoy at the end of each day and this trip has it all. Come and experience the magic of the Northern Scottish Isles.

    Style

    Original

    Themes

    Explorer

    Transport

    Private vehicle,Overnight Ferry,Taxi and On foot

    Physical Rating

    2

    Physical preparation

    This trip can be enjoyed by just about anyone with a reasonable level of fitness. Some trips may have individual inclusions that may be of a higher physical rating compared to the overall rating of the trip. Please read the day-to-day itinerary carefully to find out more details on each day's activities, and whether they are suitable for you. Activities can be opted out of if you don't want to participate.

    Joining point

    Aberdeen Ferry Terminal

    Jamieson’s Quay

    Aberdeen

    AB11 5NP

    UNITED KINGDOM

    Joining point instructions

    Aberdeen Ferry Terminal is located within the historic city of Aberdeen on the North East coast of Scotland. The port is a very convenient port of departure, being located just 125 miles from Edinburgh and 145 miles from Glasgow. Aberdeen is served well by all forms of public transport. Bus Aberdeen Bus Station is located less than one mile from the ferry terminal. Local bus services are operated by First Aberdeen and longer distance services are operated by Citylink and Megabus. Train Aberdeen Railway Station is located less than one mile from the ferry terminal. There are regular services to/from Inverness, Edinburgh and Glasgow with onward connections Airport Aberdeen Airport is located 7 miles f

    Finish point

    Aberdeen

    Aberdeen

    UNITED KINGDOM

    Important information

    1. The journey from Aberdeen to Shetland and vice versa is long (12.5 hours), involving an overnight ferry and taxis. This trip starts in Aberdeen in late afternoon (3.30pm in the waiting room at Aberdeen Ferry Terminal). The trip finishes in Aberdeen around 7am in the morning of Day 6, after the overnight ferry from Lerwick. 2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights in Lerwick, but not to overnight ferry nights, where single cabins are unavailable. Single supplement is also subject to limited availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information. 3. There is a separate optional upgrade (on request and subject to limited availability) for a two berth outside cabin on the ferry

    Group leader

    All Intrepid group trips in Europe are accompanied by one of our local European group leaders. ’Local’ in this context means a leader who is European or lives in Europe. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced leader however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your leader is new to a particular region or training other group leaders. Your leader takes care of logistics, will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. At Intrepid we also aim to support local guides in the individual cities or locations we travel to. If you are interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your leader can recommend an optional local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.

    Safety

    Most national governments provide regularly updated foreign travel advice on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all destinations and activities on your trip. Please refer to our website's safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trips here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/travel-alerts We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, flight tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. Your group leader or local representative will accompany you on all included activities, however, during your trip you'll have some free time to pursue your own interests or relax and take it easy. While your group leader or local representative will assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your Intrepid itinerary, and Intrepid makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your group leader or local representative has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it's deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Intrepid's operational safety policies can be viewed on our website at the link below. We recommend that you take a moment to read through this information before travelling, and would appreciate any feedback on how safety is being managed on our trips.

    https://www.intrepidtravel.com/safety-guidelines

    FIRE PRECAUTIONS: Please be aware that local laws governing tourism facilities in this region differ from those in your home country and not all the accommodation which we use has a fire exit, fire extinguishers or smoke alarms.

    TRAFFIC AND DRIVING ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ROAD: Depending on where you come from please note that drivers in this part of the world may drive on the opposite side of the road from what you are used to. Look both ways before crossing any road. Traffic can be a little more chaotic than you might be used to at home. Be aware!

    PETTY THEFT AND PERSONAL SAFETY While travelling there is always the risk of pick-pocketing and petty theft, particularly in the more touristy cities. We recommend that you exercise caution when walking alone at night and encourage you to walk together and only on main, well-lit thoroughfares. Be particularly vigilant on public transport. Simple measures like carrying your day pack on your front, not hanging your bag over the back of your chair or on the floor and wearing a money belt will reduce any chance that your valuables should go missing.

    Visas

    PASSPORT You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date. We need your passport information to get everything ready for your trip so it’s important that the information on your booking matches your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while travelling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends. VISAS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa for your trip and any countries you may transit through is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your trip. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. You can check the entry requirements for your nationality on your government's foreign travel advisories, consular websites or on our page here:  www.intrepidtravel.com/visa-entry-requirements From November 2023, people travelling to the UK will need to get an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). An ETA is a digital permission to travel. Please follow the link for more information: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/electronic-travel-authorisation-eta

    Why we love it

    Lerwick, a charming town filled with historic buildings, makes for the perfect base for your trip. Unpack once in your guesthouse, settle in and enjoy a warm, cosy welcome back at the end of each day.

    Tour the Shetland Museum which celebrates the local history with engaging interactive exhibits and world renowned collections of historic artifacts and documents.

    Keep a lookout for puffins on a private minibus trip to Hermaness Nature Reserve and Muckle Flugga Lighthouse, the most northerly point in the United Kingdom.

    Take a private minibus tour to Eshaness and be captivated by the crashing waves, dramatic sea cliffs and history that makes this destination a Shetland Islands ‘must visit’.

    Rest, relax and enjoy the overnight ferries plentiful eating options and snooze in a comfortable ‘sleeping pod’ that reclines 70 degrees for a good night’s rest.

    Is this trip right for you

    On Days 3 & 5 we are going to take coastal paths and hike between 5-8 kilometres/3-5 miles. Hikes are not demanding and follow established paths, but you will need a basic level of fitness and reasonably sturdy footwear to fully enjoy them. Scotland can be cold at night throughout the year, especially at the start and end of the season. Please bring appropriate clothing for adverse weather conditions, including base layers, hat, gloves, scarf, waterproof clothes/umbrella and anything else that you think may be applicable

    Health

    GENERAL HEALTH All travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. For the safety and wellbeing of yourself and others, if you are unwell prior to travelling, please stay at home and contact us to make alternative arrangements. When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to manage and enjoy our style of travel. Please note that if in the assessment of our group leader or local representative a traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, we reserve the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund. You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations before departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements in their original packaging as they may not easily be obtained while travelling. If you are carrying medication, ensure you check your government's foreign travel advice for any local restrictions or requirements. 

    Food and dietary requirements

    While travelling with us you'll experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the world. Your group leader will be able to suggest restaurants to try during your trip. To give you maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat, generally not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. As a rule our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There's no obligation to do this though. BREAKFASTS There are some continental breakfasts included on this trip which may simply include bread/toast or pastries, butter, jam, coffee/tea/juice (or similar).

    Money matters

    CURRENCY The local currency in Scotland is the Scottish Pound (strictly speaking, this is Pound Sterling issued by Scottish banks), which is interchangeable with the British Pound (GBP). Please note that Scottish banknotes may not be accepted by businesses outside of Scotland. CASH You can use your credit/debit card in ATMs, which are common throughout Europe. Before leaving home, check if your bank will charge fees for using your card internationally. Card payments are not always accepted in stores and restaurants. We recommend you carry some cash for these purposes. SPENDING MONEY When it comes to spending money on the trip, every traveller is a little different. You know your spending habits better than we do, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals, drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry. Make sure you have read the itinerary and inclusions thoroughly so you know what is included in the trip price and what you may need to pay for while travelling. BUDGET Please budget for additional meals and expenses while on your trip. We suggest GBP 250.00 for meals not included on this trip. Our suggestion is based on past traveller feedback but you may choose to spend more or less. TIPPING If you're happy with the services provided a tip - though not compulsory - is appropriate. While it may not be customary to you, it's of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many Intrepid destinations. The following amounts are per person suggestions based on local considerations and feedback from our past travellers: In local markets and basic restaurants and cafes - round your bill up to the nearest £1. In more up-market restaurants we suggest 5% to 10% of your bill. Throughout your trip you may at times have a local guide in addition to your tour leader. We suggest £2-£3 per day for local guides. You may also have a range of drivers on your trip. Some may be with you for a short journey while others may be with you for several days. We would suggest a higher tip for those more involved with the group, however we suggest £1-£2 per day for drivers. You may also consider tipping your tour leader for outstanding service throughout your trip. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline £4-£5 per person, per day can be used. Of course you are free to tip more or less as you see fit, depending on your perception of service quality and the length of your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service. In total, we recommend you budget approx £5-£10 per day of your trip to cover tipping. CONTINGENCY FUNDS We try to plan for every eventuality, but there are still some things beyond our control. We reserve the right to change an itinerary after departure due to local circumstances or a Force Majeure Event. In such emergency circumstances, the additional cost of any necessary itinerary alterations will be covered by you. Please note we are not responsible for any incidental expenses that may be incurred as a result of the change of itineraries including but not limited to visas, vaccinations or non-refundable flights. Make sure you have access to an extra US$500 for emergencies (e.g. severe weather, natural disasters, civil unrest) or other events that result in unavoidable changes to the itinerary (e.g. transport strikes or cancellations, airport closures). Sometimes these things necessitate last-minute changes to enable our trips to continue to run, and as a result, there may be some extra costs involved. The recommended amount is listed in USD for the relatability of universal travellers, however, local currency may be needed once in the country to cover these costs.

    What to take

    PACKING On this trip you must pack as lightly as possible because you will be expected to carry your own bag and although you won't be required to walk long distances with your luggage (max 30 minutes), we strongly recommend keeping the weight under 10kg / 22lb. Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller bags or backpacks with wheels are convenient although we recommend your bag has carry straps to accommodate the cobbled streets, uneven surfaces, stairs and steps you are likely to encounter while carrying your luggage. You'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water and a camera etc for day trips. You can find Intrepid's Ultimate Packing List on our website. It should be used as a guide only and isn't intended to be a complete packing list.

    https://www.intrepidtravel.com/packing-list

    TRAVELLING ON LOCAL TRANSPORT It's important that your bags can be locked, as on local transport it may be necessary that your luggage gets stowed separately (and unattended). The smaller your bag the better for you and other passengers. To ensure maximum comfort, try to pack small and light.

    WATER BOTTLE Please bring your own water bottle to refill along the way. Although it can be difficult to avoid bottled water when travelling, please use the water dispensers which are provided on some of our vehicles and at some of our accommodation. Your group leader or local representative will advise whether tap water is safe to drink in your destination and if it is you can simply refill with tap water. When unable to avoid bottled water it is better to buy the largest available and distribute into your smaller bottle for the day. If you are walking or trekking as part of your trip you will need to carry at least 2L of water with you.

    WHITE NIGHTS The closer you travel to the second half of June, the shorter the nights are in this part of the world. As many of our accommodations may not have suitable curtains to block out light you may want to consider bringing an eye-mask, especially if you are a light sleeper. Similarly, in winter months, especially in Highland and Island areas, the days are shorter, and it gets dark early. This can impact the availability of certain views and outdoor activities. CLOTHING & CLIMATE Scotland experiences a temperate climate, with average temperatures ranging from approximately 2°C to 20°C (36°F to 68°F) throughout the year. Winters tend to be cooler, while summers are relatively mild, making it an excellent destination for exploration at any time of the year. Due to Scotland's renowned weather unpredictability, layering your clothing is the smartest choice. It's advisable to pack a warm layer, such as a jumper or fleece, along with a waterproof jacket, a hat, and waterproof footwear. Regardless of the season, evenings, especially in rural areas, can become quite chilly. Therefore, we recommend bringing a warm jacket or fleece and comfortable walking socks. Keep in mind that when traveling to remote locations in Scotland, there may be limited access to stores, so it's essential to pack accordingly. If you have the opportunity while visiting larger towns or cities, consider shopping for any additional items you may need.

    Climate and seasonal

    The average temperatures in Scotland vary depending on the season and location within the country. Here's a general overview: Spring (March to May): Average High: 8°C to 14°C (46°F to 57°F) Average Low: 2°C to 7°C (36°F to 45°F) Summer (June to August): Average High: 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F) Average Low: 8°C to 12°C (46°F to 54°F) Autumn (September to November): Average High: 13°C to 18°C (55°F to 64°F) Average Low: 6°C to 10°C (43°F to 50°F) Winter (December to February): Average High: 4°C to 7°C (39°F to 45°F) Average Low: 0°C to 2°C (32°F to 36°F) Please note that these are approximate averages, and temperatures can vary across different regions of Scotland. Coastal areas tend to have milder inters, while inland and mountainous regions can experience colder temperatures, especially in the winter months. Additionally, Scotland's weather is known for its unpredictability, so it's advisable to check the forecast before your visit and be prepared for varying conditions.

    A couple of rules

    We like to think our Intrepid travellers are all connected by a love of adventure and passion for seeing the world in a different way. We've laid down a few non-negotiable rules to ensure everyone feels connected, comfortable and safe on our trips. We ask that you respect your fellow travellers, group leader or local representative, and local people and places we visit in all circumstances. We don't tolerate any forms of violence and expect that you follow the local laws, customs and regulations in any destination we travel to. Any behaviour contrary to the above, including any behaviour that prevents our staff from performing their duty of care or continuing the itinerary as planned, may result in travellers being removed from the trip. If you consume alcohol while travelling, we encourage responsible drinking and expect you to abide by local alcohol laws. To ensure the well-being of everyone on the trip, all decisions made by group leaders or local representatives and ground staff are final. Romantic relationships between travellers and group leader or local representative are not permitted while on trip. By travelling with us, you agree to comply with these rules and the laws and customs of all countries visited. If something is concerning you during your travels with us, please speak to your group leader or local representative immediately. Alternatively, contact us on the emergency contact number detailed in your Essential Trip Information’s Problems and Emergency Contact section.

    Feedback

    Can’t stop thinking about your adventure? Tell us all about it! We read each piece of feedback carefully and use it to make improvements for travellers like you. Share your experience with us at: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/feedback/

    Emergency contact

    While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip. We recognise that there may be times when your group leader or local representative may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case, please ask the group leader or local representative to speak to their direct manager. You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. Please do be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is completed, so informing us while still travelling will give us the opportunity to resolve the issue in real-time. For general contact details please use the following page: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/ourtrips/contact/ In case of a genuine crisis or emergency, you can reach our local office on the numbers below: If you have booked an arrival transfer, and you experience severe delays at immigration, baggage collection or customs, or if you are not able to find to the driver, please contact the transfer operator directly on the number listed in the joining point instructions in the section above. Intrepid local operator : Available for phone call on +44 (0)1479 420 020 or +44 (0)7766 794 640

    Responsible travel

    Our Responsible Travel Policy outlines our commitment to preserving the environment, supporting local communities, protecting the vulnerable, and giving back to the places we travel. All our trip group leaders or local representatives, suppliers, and staff are trained on these principles and are core to us delivering sustainable, experience-rich travel. Explore the different parts of our Responsible Travel Policy by visiting: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/responsible-travel DRESS CODE In general, there are few dress restrictions in Europe. When visiting churches, monasteries or other religious sites modest dress is required - shorts or sleeveless tops may not be permitted, for both men and women.

    The Intrepid Foundation

    We created our not-for-profit, the Intrepid Foundation because you – our travellers – told us you wanted to make an even greater impact in the communities you visit. The Foundation works by teaming up with partners around the world so that together we can deliver greater positive impact at scale. Partners are identified by our local staff who live and work in our destinations. They harness their powerful community connections to determine the issues that matter most and select local partners who can deliver real solutions. Since 2002, the Intrepid Foundation has raised more than $14million dollars and supported more than 160 communities worldwide. Now, with over 40 partners all over the world, your donations are helping to restore forests in Kenya, empower women in Honduras and promote elephant welfare in Laos, to name just a few. For more information about the Intrepid Foundation, please ask your group leader or local representative or visit our website: http://www.theintrepidfoundation.org/ This trip supports Eden Reforestation Projects, who are tackling climate change by restoring forests across the world; they also hire locally and create job opportunities within communities. Donations support restoration across planting sites in 10 countries, including Kenya and Nepal. Intrepid will double your impact by dollar-matching post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation. To find out more or make a donation, visit: www.theintrepidfoundation.org/t/eden-reforestation-projects

    Accommodation notes

    OCCASIONAL ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances. TWIN SHARE BASIS Accommodation on this trip is on a twin/multishare basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender as per the gender marker on each of their passports. Please note there may be times where facilities will be shared rather than ensuite and rare occasions when you share a room with passengers travelling on different Intrepid trips than your own. CHECK-IN TIME Throughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check in time. However this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination. PRE/POST TRIP ACCOMMODATION If you've purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (if available), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights. FACILITIES Your accommodation may not always have private en suite facilities or air-conditioning. European hotels generally don't provide kettles or fridges.

    Transport notes

    TRANSPORT One of the highlights of this trip is our use of a combination of public and private transportation. Public transport is not only a cost-effective way to travel but also provides a unique glimpse into Scottish life as we traverse picturesque landscapes. Private vehicles, on the other hand, allow us to make frequent stops at intriguing points of interest that may not be reachable via public transport. Need a taxi, no problem, please speak to your group leader should you require a taxi outside of what is included. We believe that this blend of travel options is the ideal approach for exploring Scotland as a group.

    Travel insurance

    Travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips for those travelling internationally. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. If you are travelling within your home country or region please confirm before travel that you are entitled to access the public medical system easily should an accident occur. We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number has been sighted by your group leader or local representative. If you have credit card insurance your group leader or local representative will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country. For travellers who reside within the European Union, Switzerland or USA the requirement to purchase travel insurance cannot be compulsory. However the purchase of travel insurance is still highly recommended, and travellers from these regions who decline travel insurance when travelling outside of their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form at the Group Meeting, recognizing personal responsibility for emergency medical and repatriation costs should they arise. For assistance with travel insurance or other services, please visit the link below: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/booking-resources/our-services

    Your fellow travellers

    As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and likely a range of age groups too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part. Due to privacy reasons, we are unable to provide you with contact details and any personal information about your fellow travellers booked on your trip prior to departure. SOLO TRAVELLERS The beauty of our style of travel is that it caters to travellers who are travelling solo and who want to meet and share experiences with like-minded people. On our trips rooming is organised on a twin-share basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender as per the gender marker on each of their passports. As a responsible tour operator, we strive to create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. In the case that your gender identity differs from what is indicated on your passport, please contact us so that we can discuss rooming options with you. We also have an optional single supplement available on most trips for travellers who prefer to have their own room. Please note that this only applies to accommodation during the tour. Pre-trip and post-trip accommodation booked through us will be on a single room basis. On a small selection of itineraries some accommodations are booked on an open gender, multi-share basis (for example on a felucca in Egypt or an overnight train in Vietnam). In those instances it will clearly be stated in our Essential Trip Information prior to booking and travelling.

    Itinerary disclaimer

    ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk. MUSEUM VISITS & OPENING TIMES Many sites, attractions and museums are closed on Mondays (and sometimes Tuesdays). We recommend checking the opening times of anywhere you're interested to visit and making reservations where required/possible.

    Accommodation

    Guesthouse (3 nights),Overnight Ferry sleeping pod (2 nights)

    Banner Image
    Hero Images

    Make an Enquiry

    • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.