Duration: approx. 4 hours

Situated on the banks of Clickimin Loch in the town of Lerwick, the amazing Clickimin Broch – a Pictish fort built around 3,000 years ago – will be the first stop on this half-day tour. After viewing this important monument of historical Scotland, or perhaps simply watching the mallards, teal ducks and other waterfowl that call the loch home, Shetland’s sparse, craggy landscape then provides a stunning backdrop for the second leg, the coach ride to Bigton, a small village by the sea. Leaving your coach for a while, you can enjoy a short walk to the so-called St. Ninian’s Isle, which is actually tied to Mainland Shetland by a sliver of sediment called a tombolo. Once accessible only when the tide was out and populated until 1700, the island is now inhabited only by a thriving colony of rabbits, a flock of sheep and countless seabirds. A guided walking tour across the sands will take you to the remains of a church that is believed to be Norse. The views of sea stacks, the dramatic coastline as well as the isles of South Havra and Foula in the distance are truly spectacular. The tour then draws to a close with a scenic coach ride back your ship.

Discover Mainland Shetland’s dramatic countryside, picturesque villages, rugged scenery and some of the most amazing coastline anywhere in the United Kingdom on this coach-based tour. First up is the Northmavine peninsula, the northernmost part of Mainland Shetland whose only land access is via the Mavis Grind isthmus. At its narrowest point, this is the only place in the UK where you can toss a stone from the North Sea into the Atlantic Ocean. Then it’s on to the Tangwick Haa Museum, a late 17^th-century house built for the first Cheyne of Tangwick, a local laird. The artefacts found in the museum will tell you a lot about the harsh realities of life on Shetland in the past. Next up is Braewick Café for refreshments and unique views of the famous sea stacks known as “The Drongs”, followed by Esha Ness Lighthouse, which was built by uncles of Robert Louis Stevenson in 1929. You can either stay at the lighthouse and enjoy the views from there or take part in a short walk along the cliffs to see some of Shetland’s most amazing scenery, various seabirds and geological forms, including sea stacks, natural arches and caves. Your return journey back to Lerwick then brings the tour to a close.

Leave the port and drive to the Belém district where we will admire two masterpieces built in the decorative Portuguese style known as Manueline. These are Jeronimo’s Church and Belém Tower, both built in the beginning of the XVI century, just after Vasco da Gama’s exploratory voyage to India. We will visit the monastery church which holds the tomb of Vasco da Gama and have time to explore the cloisters. The excursion continues with a scenic tour through Lisbon’s “new” city centre built after the devastating earthquake of 1755 : we will pass the Parliament and Prime Minister’s House, the Marquis of “Pombal” Square, “Liberdade” Avenue and “Rossio” Square – the heart of Lisbon’s downtown. Free time before returning to the ship.