5-Day 'Up Helly Aa Fire Festival' Experience in the Shetland Islands from Edinburgh

Go wild at the legendary 'Up Helly Aa Fire Festival' in the remote Shetland Islands this January 2014 on a 5-day experience from Edinburgh! Bringing the islands’ Nordic history to fiery life, the annual festival is made up of a day and night of torch-lit processions, bonfires and street parties that pay homage to the feared Viking warriors of old. Aside from the festival, this exciting experience also includes two tours of Mainland Shetland plus round-trip transport from Edinburgh, two overnight ferry crossings and two nights of hotel accommodation in the capital of Lerwick.

Numbers are limited to 15 on this small-group experience, ensuring personalized attention from a guide.

The festival takes place annually to celebrate the end of the yule (Scottish holiday) season. Evolved from a centuries-old tradition of ‘tar barrelling,’ when local men dragged barrels of burning tar through Lerwick, the custom is now a wild Viking festival of torch-lit processions, bonfires, guizers (folk actors), drinking and music that celebrates the Norse heritage and culture of the Shetland Islands.

Bringing the community together, 'Up Helly Aa Fire Festival' is the biggest event that takes place during Shetland’s long and dark winter and draws crowds from all over the world. Preparation is done in strictest secrecy, allowing for a big build up to the main event itself. While the festival is just centered on one day and night, the days surrounding it are a spectacle, too, and the town comes alive with atmosphere and spirit.

'Up Helly Aa' takes place on Day 3 of your tour, and the two days either side of the festival are spent traveling from Edinburgh to the Shetland Islands and exploring Mainland — the main Shetland island. With the exception of breakfasts in your Lerwick hotel, all food and drink is payable at your own expense. Free time is factored in to your itinerary for all meals.

The Shetland Islands lie on the same latitude as southern Greenland, so bring warm clothes! The festival is held no matter what the weather conditions.

• Transport by air-conditioned minibus
• Local guide
• 2 nights of shared accommodation on ferry
• 2 nights of hotel accommodation
• Entrance fee to 'Up Helly Aa Fire Festival' 2014
• Meals as per itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Food and drinks, unless specified
• Entrance fees to attractions
  
• Gratuities (optional)