Why Scotland?
How the tour is priced? We do our best to keep costs reasonable, and the reality is that lodging, transportation, and food in the UK and in Shetland is pricey – more so than comparable experiences in the US. This is especially true in summer, the peak travel season in Scotland, as it affords the best weather of the year. We have chosen quality accommodations that are in or near nature and walkable to local sights. We’ve also chosen to fly roundtrip to Shetland, an easy 90-minute trip. The ferry is more affordable but takes 12 hours overnight each way, which would significantly reduce our time in the islands and add unneeded travel fatigue. These factors help create our tour cost – and it’s wholly worth it to experience these magical places, together, in this unique way.
What the tour cost covers: All lodging and transportation within the Shetland Islands and Scotland, round trip airfare from Edinburgh to Shetland, museum/boat/ferry fees, tips for meals and drivers, all breakfasts, and one more meal together every day (lunch or dinner)
What the tour cost doesn’t cover: Airfare to/from Scotland, sodas, alcoholic drinks and other non-complimentary beverages, one meal (lunch or dinner) each day, laundry, lodging and transportation for any extra days/nights before or after the tour, extra tips
Food On Shetland, fresh fish, seafood, lamb, and beef from local farms are lovely and abundant, along with the ever-present potato and sparse but lovely vegetables, often root varieties grown there, such as turnips, carrots, and beets. Restaurants on Shetland typically have one solid vegetarian option…vegans may have to get creative. Mainland Scotland cuisine is similar, with more diverse options and international fare in larger cities such as Edinburgh and Inverness. There are many delightful bakeries, and you don’t have to eat haggis!
Weather Summer weather in Shetland and mainland Scotland can vary greatly from moment to moment and day to day. July is one of the warmest and driest months, yet still can be wet. Temps range from sunny and 60s to cool, misty, conditions in the 50s, with winds in Shetland making it feel considerably colder. Best to layer and be prepared for several seasons in one day! Due to the far northern latitude, we will have extra-long days of light and twilight, with darkness only lasting 5 or 6 hours.
Fitness Ability While this is not a hiking trip, we will be doing a lot of walking…through train stations, around cities, across natural landscapes and over uneven moors. You should be comfortable with stairs, varied terrain, and time on your feet. On some occasions, you can decide how much you wish to walk. When we visit Minn Beach, or the cliffs of Eshaness, for instance, you can take a long walk over the gently rolling hills and along the cliffs or choose to stay relatively close to our meeting point. At other times, we may be walking 30-45 minutes to visit a special site.
Group Meditation and Free Time
Every day, we will find time to meditate together, and periodically we will have group check-ins. This may be in our hotel, out at a site in nature, or in a common space, at different times on different days, depending on our travel schedule. Joining in group meditation is optional, and you are always welcome to take time for yourself. In addition, you may opt out of any of the day or half-day trips we have planned and spend time at our accommodations or in the surrounding area. We want this trip to be enriching for you and support you following your own rhythm, if you need a break from group activities, or simply want additional time to rest and relax.
Extra Nights If you wish to arrive early for the tour, we can book rooms for you at Norton House Hotel and Spa, where the group will convene. Extra nights are not covered in the tour cost and will be added to your total trip balance at the hotel’s rate. Participants are responsible for their own travel arrangements if planning additional stops after the tour ends on July 21.