The Shetland’s are a mosaic of over a hundred islands where land and water blend. The most northerly part of the British Isles, it is inhabited by approximately 22,000 people and an abundance of wildlife. It is a land shaped by the sea from dramatic sculptured cliffs to tranquil sandy bays. Travel south to visit Jarlshof. A violent storm in the winter of 1896-97 uncovered this remarkable archaeological site, revealing remains from the Neolithic and settlements from the Bronze and Iron Ages. The name Jarlshof, or ‘Laird’s House’, was named by Sir Walter Scott in his book named “The Pirate” based in the area. “Jarlshof” means “Earl’s Farmhouse” and as the archaeological site was only discovered almost a century after it got its name.

The term “Laird’s House” refers to the most modern building on the site built by Earl Patrick Stewart in the late 1500s. A guided tour will give you the chance to admire the remains of these village settlements, sprawled over a low green promontory by the sea. Your tour continues the short distance to the small historic village of Hoswick and a visit to the Hoswick Visitor Centre. Here, you can get an understanding of the history and culture of the Shetland’s from the interpretive displays. There is also the opportunity to purchase a garment from the wide variety of original Shetland wool items on sale in the knitwear shop. You’ll also see the small agricultural areas where sheep farming is important, see the distinctive black and brown Shetland sheep grazing in pastures enclosed by neat dry-stone walls and small communities. Your return to Lerwick will be across moorland.

Your walk will start at Victoria Pier in the heart of Lerwick, opposite the Market Cross. A leisurely stroll takes in the award winning, recently restored Tolbooth. This is now the headquarters of Lerwick's lifeboat station. You’ll see the unique 'lodberries', once used by the town merchants for the landing and storage of goods. Climbing uphill you’ll observe a traditional method of recycling in the Shetland’s, where an upturned former ferry is now the roof of a garage. You’ll pass various churches on the way to the steep, narrow, intricate web of lanes to the Town Hall, built in 1882.

On the first floor, you’ll find the Shetland's history depicted in pictorial narrative through stained glass windows. You’ll proceed to Fort Charlotte, named after Queen Charlotte, wife of George III. The fort never saw action, but it housed a garrison throughout the Napoleonic Wars; it was later a base for the Royal Naval Reserve. It also served as the town jail and courthouse from 1837-75, and later a customs house and a coastguard station. At the end of your walking tour you may wish to stay in town to explore Lerwick's variety of small independent shops, browsing for local crafts and knitwear.

The Shetland’s, located 112 miles from the most northerly point to the southern tip, is the cross-roads of the northern seas, and unlike anywhere else in Scotland. They roll out in a long vista of moor and wiry pasture, penetrated by great sea inlets. As you come ashore, you’ll notice the main town of Lerwick, with its narrow Main Street and small shops. Climbing out of Lerwick, the road travels south and you’ll soon be seeing the vistas of hillsides. Travel to Scalloway, the former capital of the Shetland’s and see the Scalloway Castle, a forbidding ruin dominating the town, built by Earl Patrick Stewart in 1600 using forced local labor. Stewart was the notorious despot who tyrannized Orkney and the Shetland’s, where he extorted crushing taxes and fines from the people.

His cruelty eventually led to his downfall and in 1615, he and his son were executed in Edinburgh. Built in medieval style, the roofless shell, with corner turrets and gables, stands on a narrow promontory by the water. Today, it stands side by side with the commerce of a busy fishing port, a silent sentinel. Your tour route then heads towards the fertile Tingwall Valley. The road passes a collection of farm buildings, and then suddenly there are belts of trees, rising abruptly amongst the barren hills. From the comparatively tranquil landscapes of the Tingwall Valley, you’ll head towards Weisdale Voe where the landscape changes dramatically. Here you’ll visit the small workshops of Shetland jewelers which manufacture a range of silver and gold jewelry featuring Celtic, Viking and local wildlife designs. The showroom also stocks a selection of local crafts. The excursion itinerary then takes to the eastern side of mainland Shetland and returns towards Lerwick.

Upon arrival in Scalloway, the former Shetland capital, you’ll visit the castle, built in 1600 by the tyrant Earl Patrick Stewart using forced labor. It is four stories high and now roofless. Your next visit will be the nearby Scalloway Museum which houses a special 'Shetland Bus' exhibition depicting the village's unique role in WWII operations. The story of the Shetland Bus is one of the most dramatic to emerge from the Second World War. It goes back to April 1940 when German forces occupied Norway, resulting in a stream of refugees heading west, most of whom landed in Shetland.

You’ll continue through the Tingwall Valley with its Norse heritage for a visit to a local farm to see some Shetland Ponies, native to the island. Here, you’ll have the chance to photograph the world famous ponies. These delightful animals are also known to have heavy coats, short legs and are considered quite intelligent. They are a very strong breed, used for riding, driving, and pack purposes. The owner or staff member of the stud will be delighted to give a short talk and share their knowledge of the ponies with you. We head back to the quayside whilst hearing more about Shetland`s culture and heritage from our local guide.

Mousa Sound is one of Scotland`s most important sites for the threatened Harbor Porpoise. Locally known as `Neesicks`, the animals are present between May and September, taking advantage of the abundant food supply of sandeels, herring and mackerel. Take a scenic drive from Lerwick to the small community of Sandwick, where you’ll board the Mousa ferry. Enjoy a spectacular one hour cruise around and near the tranquil and picturesque island of Mousa, home to the world’s best preserved Iron Age Broch.

You’ll be able to catch perfect views of the Mousa Broch, a stone-built `castle` over 2,000 years old, standing 43 feet high on the island. While enjoying your cruise, you may be fortunate to spot sightings of marine mammals and other wildlife. It is one of the best locations in Shetland to watch the Grey seals as large numbers bask around the island`s shallow pools. Mousa is also famous for its abundance of breeding seabirds, including hundreds of graceful Artic Terns, Artic Skuas and their larger relatives the Great Skua. After your Mousa cruise, return to the coach for your return journey to Lerwick.