6 Day Private Tour: Up Helly Aa Viking Festival and Shetland in Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Edinburgh, United Kingdom

6 Day Private Tour: Up Helly Aa Viking Festival and Shetland

Outty Ranking 47144 hoursFrom $6,813
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Outty Ranking

47/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

Not yet rated

No traveler reviews have been published for this experience yet.

Quick answer

Is 6 Day Private Tour: Up Helly Aa Viking Festival and Shetland worth booking?

6 Day Private Tour: Up Helly Aa Viking Festival and Shetland is a 144-hour experience in Edinburgh, United Kingdom, from $6,813 per person. It scores 47 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
47 / 100
Rating
Not yet rated
Duration
144 hours
From
$6,813 per person

In this 6-day tour to Shetland from Edinburgh, you will experience the Up Helly Aa, the largest Viking Festival in the world, which started in the 1840's. Witness the 46 squads of guizers, led by Guizer Jarl, as they process through the streets of Lerwick with a Viking galley that is purpose built every year and burnt in the climax of the celebrations! In the days before and after Up Helly Aa, explore Shetland it all its magnanimous raw beauty. From deserted sand beaches with seals basking in the sun, to some of the most important Viking and neolithic settlements in the world. Witness breathtaking seacliffs battered by the full force of the sea, and stand on the shore of the North Sea looking at the Atlantic Ocean on the opposite side. Shetland is a unique place in the world, and visiting it is the experience of a lifetime for history and nature lovers!

What you get

    About this experience

    In this 6-day tour to Shetland from Edinburgh, you will experience the Up Helly Aa, the largest Viking Festival in the world, which started in the 1840's. Witness the 46 squads of guizers, led by Guizer Jarl, as they process through the streets of Lerwick with a Viking galley that is purpose built every year and burnt in the climax of the celebrations! In the days before and after Up Helly Aa, explore Shetland it all its magnanimous raw beauty. From deserted sand beaches with seals basking in the sun, to some of the most important Viking and neolithic settlements in the world. Witness breathtaking seacliffs battered by the full force of the sea, and stand on the shore of the North Sea looking at the Atlantic Ocean on the opposite side. Shetland is a unique place in the world, and visiting it is the experience of a lifetime for history and nature lovers!

    What's included

    Included

    • Driver-guide
    • Return ferry costs for the vehicle and guide from Aberdeen to Lerwick
    • Bottled water
    • In-vehicle air conditioning
    • Guide's accommodation and meals
    • Ferries within Shetland
    • Scottish snacks

    Not included

    • Entry to Up Helly Aa halls in the evening. (optional)
    • Meals
    • Accommodation
    • Public transportation (bus, subway, cable car, etc.)
    • Entrance fees
    • Entrance fees
    • Entrance fees

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is included for all travelers.

    Options you can book

    • Standard People Carrier

      Up to 7 passengers Pickup included

    • Sedan/SUV

      Up to 4 passengers Pickup included

    • Large People Carrier

      Up to 8 passengers Pickup included

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
    Languages
    de, pt, en, fr, es
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    E2G Travel

    Know before you go

    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Specialized infant seats are available
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Uk cars are smaller than our American counterparts, please be aware of this when booking for 4 adults in a 4 passenger sized vehicle.

    Photos

    6 Day Private Tour: Up Helly Aa Viking Festival and Shetland in Edinburgh, photo 2Up Helly Aa, 6 Day Private Tour: Up Helly Aa Viking Festival and Shetland in EdinburghUp Helly Aa, 6 Day Private Tour: Up Helly Aa Viking Festival and Shetland in EdinburghUp Helly Aa, 6 Day Private Tour: Up Helly Aa Viking Festival and Shetland in EdinburghUp Helly Aa, 6 Day Private Tour: Up Helly Aa Viking Festival and Shetland in EdinburghUp Helly Aa, 6 Day Private Tour: Up Helly Aa Viking Festival and Shetland in Edinburgh

    Good to know

    Duration
    144 hours
    Free cancellation
    Non-refundable
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    0
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by E2G Travel, who run 24 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 58.4.

    See everything E2G Travel runs

    Why this scores 47

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)87
    Review evidence (18% weight)0
    Booking momentum (14% weight)0
    Value for money (12% weight)74
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)50
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)0

    6 Day Private Tour: Up Helly Aa Viking Festival and Shetland: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Edinburgh.

    How much does 6 Day Private Tour: Up Helly Aa Viking Festival and Shetland cost?

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    Prices start at $6,813 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Edinburgh usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does 6 Day Private Tour: Up Helly Aa Viking Festival and Shetland take?

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    Plan for about 144 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Edinburgh is not rushed.

    Is 6 Day Private Tour: Up Helly Aa Viking Festival and Shetland worth it?

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    It holds an Outty Ranking of 47 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (0/5 across 0 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable culture & history in Edinburgh, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule 6 Day Private Tour: Up Helly Aa Viking Festival and Shetland?

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    No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.

    Is 6 Day Private Tour: Up Helly Aa Viking Festival and Shetland suitable for kids and families?

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    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 144-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book 6 Day Private Tour: Up Helly Aa Viking Festival and Shetland?

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    Around 0 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Edinburgh can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

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    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Edinburgh and add a light layer if any part of the 144-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does 6 Day Private Tour: Up Helly Aa Viking Festival and Shetland start and how do I get there?

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    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Edinburgh within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Edinburgh?

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    On Outty we rank every Edinburgh experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include The Chocolatarium Chocolate Tour Experience in Edinburgh, The Mountebank Comedy Walk of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Old Town: Historical Guided Walking Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Edinburgh?

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    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Edinburgh?

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    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

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    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in 6 Day Private Tour: Up Helly Aa Viking Festival and Shetland?

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    Included: Driver-guide; Return ferry costs for the vehicle and guide from Aberdeen to Lerwick; Bottled water; In-vehicle air conditioning; and Guide's accommodation and meals. Not included: Entry to Up Helly Aa halls in the evening. (optional); Meals; Accommodation; and Public transportation (bus, subway, cable car, etc.). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does 6 Day Private Tour: Up Helly Aa Viking Festival and Shetland include hotel pickup?

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    Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 502 listed pickup locations in and around Edinburgh. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    What languages is 6 Day Private Tour: Up Helly Aa Viking Festival and Shetland offered in?

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    It is offered in German, Portuguese, English, French and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for 6 Day Private Tour: Up Helly Aa Viking Festival and Shetland?

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    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is 6 Day Private Tour: Up Helly Aa Viking Festival and Shetland wheelchair or stroller accessible?

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    The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to 6 Day Private Tour: Up Helly Aa Viking Festival and Shetland if the weather is bad?

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    This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

    What booking options are available for 6 Day Private Tour: Up Helly Aa Viking Festival and Shetland?

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    There are 3 options to choose from, including Standard People Carrier, Sedan/SUV, Large People Carrier. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

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