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Home , Eilean Mhuire, Hirta, Shiant Islands, Staffa, Treshnish Isles

EXTRA DATE ADDED DUE TO POPULAR DEMAND Hebridean ISLAND ODYSSEY An exploration of the aboard the MS Serenissima 18th to 27th June* & 27th June to 6th July 2016

Noble Caledonia Standing Stones of Callanish

Puffin Popies, gardens of Achamore House, The island of

ords do not do justice to the Outer The Itinerary Wspectacular beauty, rich Hebrides • Day 1 Fairlie. Embark this afternoon in the wildlife and fascinating history of the port of Fairlie. Transfers will be provided from St Kilda• • Glasgow Central Station and International Inner and which we Airport. Sail this evening. Lochmaddy will explore during this expedition • Today we visit the gardens • Day 2 Gigha & Jura. aboard the MS Serenissima. One of of Achamore House on the small island of •Canna Gigha. The Horlick family, better known for the Europe’s true last remaining • •Rum eponymous milk drink, have created a stunning • garden with their collection of azaleas, wilderness areas affords the traveller rhododendrons and exotic plants. Gigha is a Lunga a marvellous island hopping journey • place apart; heather covered hills, deserted • Iona • beaches and a single lane verged with wild through stunning scenery • flowers that meander for some six miles • accompanied by spectacular sunsets Oronsay • between cottages and farms. Privately owned • Jura •Glasgow by its 120 inhabitants, it is a gem of a place and ATLANTIC Gigha and prolific wildlife. With our •Fairlie somewhere not easily forgotten. Return to the OCEAN • vessel for lunch as we sail over to Jura, arriving naturalists and local guides we will in the late afternoon. Dominating the views of explore the length and breadth of the Jura are the three hills called “The Paps of Jura”, the highest being Beinn an Oir at 785 isles, and with our nimble Zodiac metres. We will go ashore at Craighouse and craft be able to reach some of the most remote and untouched places. will be welcomed in the cooperage where we will be given an introduction to the Jura Distillery and an opportunity to taste the local Having arranged hundreds of small ship cruises around Scotland, we have product. Alternatively, join one of our naturalists learned that everyone takes something different from the experience. In the on a walk along the shore to look for otters, seals and birds or join the local bus for a short northern summer, when the sun barely shrinks below the horizon, there is a drive around the island. stillness and an almost wistful feeling in the air. This is the time when the Day 3 Colonsay & Oronsay. Lying between Mull enchanted visitor will be moved and seduced by the majesty and untamed and , we will spend the day exploring these Islands, with their craggy, heather-backed hills, wilderness of the islands, lochs and seascapes. We are indeed fortunate in sparse woodland yet with an impressive array of plant and birdlife. Near Colonsay House, built in having such marvellous places so close to home. Now, more than ever there 1722 by Malcolm MacNeil and bought by Lord is a great appreciation for the peace, beauty and culture of this special corner Strathcona in 1904, we will visit the attractively dilapidated wooded gardens, which protect of the UK. Whether your interest lies in horticulture or the natural world, the tiny, enigmatic 8th century St Oran’s Cross. history or bird watching or simply being there to witness the timeless beauty Oronsay is separated from Colonsay by a wide expanse of shell sand, ‘The Strand’ that can be of the islands, this trip will lift the spirits and gladden the heart. crossed by foot when the tide is out. The ruins of a fine Augustinian Priory built in 1380 contain Learn something of the island’s history, see their abundant bird and marine the tall Oronsay Cross, a superb example of late Medieval artistry from Iona. This island is life, but above all revel in the timeless enchantment that these islands exude owned by Mrs. Frances Colburn and managed to all those who appreciate the natural world. We will be joined by our by the RSPB who run a trim, environmentally friendly farm. Expedition Team, who are all experienced naturalists, ornithologists and Day 4 Iona, Staffa & Lunga. Iona has been marine biologists and along with the wonderful crew and combined with occupied for thousands of years, but also a the comfort aboard the MS Serenissima, this carefully planned but flexible place of pilgrimage and Christian worship for several centuries. It was to this flat, Hebridean itinerary will be a voyage to remember. Island that St fled from Ireland in 563 www.noble-caledonia.co.uk Dunvegan Castle rock formations of Staffa and established a monastery. Here his followers 1930s. The Medieval village has been restored proximity. The houses are made using dry stone were responsible for the conversion of much by the National Trust for Scotland and offers a masonry and have thatched roofs, distinctively of pagan Scotland and Northern England. No marvellous link with the past. The islands are also weighted down with rocks. Visit the small museum, less than 62 Scottish Kings are buried in the an important breeding ground for many seabirds enjoy a display of a typical crofting activity such Abbey. Visit the Abbey or perhaps walk along including Atlantic puffins and northern . as weaving and take in the views at this dramatic the white sandy beaches or go in search of the Later, cruise past two of the largest gannetries site on the wild Atlantic coast. This afternoon we corncrake amongst the irises. As we sail towards in the world at and Boreray. These will board the Zodiacs for a cruise around the the we will drop anchor off Staffa, impressive stacs rise 170 metres from the sea spectacular basalt cliffs of the Shiant Islands, a the south side where the perpendicular rock face and are home to up to 60,000 breeding pairs of group of little islands located a few miles off the feature an imposing series of black basalt columns, northern gannet. shores of Lewis. This is an excellent place to spot known as the Colonnade, which have been cut puffins, razorbills, guillemots, seals and hopefully by the sea into cathedralesque caverns, most Day 7 Lochmaddy & Dunvegan. This morning White Tailed Eagles. notably Fingal’s Cave. Weather permitting we will sail into Lochmaddy for a visit to the famous bird land to walk around to the highest point or take reserve of Balranald on North . Listen for the Day 9 Canna & Rum. Today, we will visit the Small a walk to the northern part of the island where call of the rare corncrake over the machair and Isles. Spend the morning on Canna , owned by the Puffins nest. Northwest of Staffa lie the Treshnish enjoy a walk amongst the dramatic scenery of National Trust for Scotland and with a population Isles, an archipelago of uninhabited volcanic sandy beaches, dunes and marshy loch where we of only 20 but a fertile and prosperous farm. We islets. The most distinctive, and where we would hope to see corn buntings, skylarks and breeding will enjoy a guided walk along the shore and hope to land, is Lunga, the largest island and waders such as lapwing and oystercatchers. through the woods and fields to where there is a summer nesting-place for hundreds of sea birds, Over lunch we sail to the MacLeod stronghold of chance of seeing both golden and sea eagles. Sail in particular kittiwakes, shags, fulmars, guillemots, Dunvegan Castle on the . Remarkably, during lunch to the adjoining island of Rum which razorbills and puffins. This island is often described the castle has been almost continuously occupied is a nature reserve. We will walk the nature trail, a as a ‘green jewel in a peacock sea’. by the MacLeods for nearly eight centuries. Tour beautiful area of wild flowers and typical Scottish the castle, a fascinating place that contains work island scenery. Day 5 Barra & Mingulay. This morning we will land of at least ten building periods. Then explore on Barra which is near the southern tip of the the gardens, following paths through woodland Day 10 Oban. Disembark after breakfast. Transfers Outer Hebrides and visit Castlebay, which curves glades past pools and burns fed by a waterfall. will be provided to Glasgow Central Station and around the barren rocky hills of a beautiful wide The formal gardens were laid out in the 18th International Airport. bay. Kisimul Castle lies in the bay, the ancestral century and make a wonderful contrast to the home of the MacNeil chief. During lunch, we will * Please note that the 18th June departure moorland hills and sea. Look out for seal colony operates in the reverse direction to that shown sail the short distance to Mingulay, which is nearly on the adjoining rocks as we return to the ship. 1600 acres and the largest of the group of islands from Oban to Fairlie. south of Barra. Its towering cliffs and stacks face Day 8 Stornoway & Shiants. On leaving the the Atlantic while the east side slopes gradually island capital of Stornoway, today’s tour takes you Prices per person down to the sandy beach of Mingulay Bay. Despite across the island to the beautiful west coast of the based on double occupancy there being a continuous population on the island island and to Callanish. Described as Scotland’s for at least two thousand years, evacuation began Stonehenge, the Callanish Standing Stones Cat Cabin Description in 1907 and the island was completely abandoned date from around 3000BC. There are a total of 1 Inside Cabin £2895 in 1912. Ruins of the village remain close to the 32 stones in a circular and avenue design. The 2 Standard Stateroom £3295 shore which we will explore on a guided walk. stones stand like a petrified forest on the flat top Superior Stateroom of a peninsula which reaches out into East Loch 3 £3495 Day 6 St Kilda. Deluxe Stateroom Roag. Visit the excellent visitor centre to learn 4 £3895 Arrive at first more about the site and venture out amongst the 5 Junior Suite £4295 light in St Kilda, stones themselves to experience their mysterious 6 Executive Suite £4695 a remarkable atmosphere. Continue around the west coast to 7 Owner’s Suite £4695 uninhabited the site of Carloway Pictish Broch. Probably Standard Single archipelago 8 £3295 built sometime in the last century BC, it would Inside - single cabin some fifty miles 9 £2895 have served as an occasionally defensible beyond the Outer 2 Standard Stateroom for sole use £3995 residence for an extended family complete with Hebrides. The 3 Superior Stateroom for sole use £3995 accommodation for animals at ground floor level. largest island, , It would also have served as a visible statement Price Includes: 9 nights aboard the MS Serenissima on once supported a of power and status in the local area. We then a full board basis with house wine, beer and soft drinks population of over with lunch and dinner onboard, Noble Caledonia head north to Gearrannan Blackhouse Village, 200 but the last onboard team, shore excursions, gratuities to crew a reconstructed settlement of traditional black islanders left in the and on excursions, transfers, port taxes. houses where people and animals lived in close Not Included: Travel Insurance. Puffin, Lunga Log Extracts which was crammed with nesting began shuttling people ashore to guillemots, some razorbills, more the pier, although several options We have over twenty years’ puffins, fulmars, kittiwakes and had been offered many people experience of operating shags – all presenting wonderful opted first to join John on a guided expedition cruises in the photo opportunities. Those who historical walk along the village Hebrides, yet each cruise could not face the climb were still street from the Manse (now the is unique. Below are some able to enjoy the spectacle from staff quarters which also housed the Zodiacs as thousands of puffins the shop). Many then progressed extracts from our ship’s log for and other seabirds were resting on up The Gap to find Jamie and his our voyage in June 2014 which the sea. party of longer walkers, while Karin One of Europe’s provide some information on had led an energetic walk up the “ true remaining what to expect from such a Shiant Islands road to the summit ridge and the cruise: – 21st June 2014: radar installation. John’s group then dispersed to explore on their wilderness areas By breakfast the ship had anchored own and most of us, of course, amongst the Shiant Islands in the found time to visit the shop for affords – (Mary’s Isle) postcards and souvenirs. On return to the north, Eilean Tighe (House to the ship, lunch consisted of a Island) and the spectacular Garbh traveller a barbecue prepared by the galley Eilean (Rough Island) to the south, staff and many opted to eat the two joined by a boulder beach. marvellous outside on the afterdeck with the Once more we were viewing impressive backdrop of St Kilda’s Tertiary basalt columns just like island hopping Village Bay. Staffa and Canna but this time several hundred feet tall and journey through thronging with seabirds, many of Iona, Staffa, Lunga whom sat on the calm sea as our stunning scenary – 18th June 2014: Zodiacs cruised close off shore. We awoke to find ourselves The islands are owned by Adam accompanied by anchored in the Sound of Iona for Nicholson who wrote about them our walk up to the Abbey. Little so eloquently in his book ‘Sea spectacular remains of the early Christian Room’ and are uninhabited. We settlement, founded around AD made first for the tall basalt cliffs sunsets and prolific 563 by St Columba and 12 where we enjoyed a fly-past of a companions who had sailed from white-tailed sea eagle which then wildlife. Ireland. It became one of the most landed near its mate on a grassy important monasteries in early ledge. They sat side by side for the But we were not finished yet, for Medieval Europe, renowned as a rest of our visit. This very cliff the Expedition Team then filled centre of learning and artistic housed one of the very last their Zodiacs with enthusiastic and excellence; it was here, it is breeding pairs early in the 20th intrepid passengers, keen to thought, that the famous Book of century but a highly successful explore the rocky shores and Kells was begun (now in Trinity reintroduction programme (begun dramatic caves of Dun, seeing seals ” College, Dublin). During our walk, on the Isle of Rum in 1975) has and seabirds notably, of course, many passengers heard corncrakes resulted in some 60 pairs now puffins. This highlight was quickly calling in the gardens and fields nesting in Britain (mainly the overshadowed by the final offering around the village and some were Hebrides) once again. We saw – the Captain taking his ship for a lucky enough to catch sight of one. some grey and common seals circumnavigation of St Kilda, All too soon it was time to return to hauled out ashore, and around Dun, under the Lover’s the ship for lunch as we still had a investigated some interesting sea Stone and the Carn Mor boulder full day ahead. Once the ship had caves before turning along the field on Hirta to Soay, and then repositioned to anchor off Staffa huge boulder scree along the east past Glen Bay to view, Conachair, half of our compliment were side of with its huge at 1400 feet the highest sheer cliff landed on the island to walk round numbers of razorbills, puffins and in Britain. As if on cue, the cloud into Fingal’s Cave, while others shags. There were also some great lifted briefly to reveal its summit were taken by Zodiac into the cave, skuas flying around, looking for an before we struck east, across the swapping over later. The latter was opportunity to rob the auks of the four mile volcanic caldera 60 a distinct highlight, made possible food they carried to feed chicks. metres under us, towards Boreray only by the ship’s Zodiacs so not and the stacs. Approaching Stac Li many visitors are able to view the (564 ft) the Captain opted to take a wondrous basalt columns from wide sweep and circumnavigate within the cave itself! John showed this hugely impressive tooth of a short but spectacular slide rock, smothered in 9000 pairs of presentation to Mendelssohn’s nesting gannets. The noise – and Hebrides Overture as the ship the smell! – were palpable as we moved on to Lunga. It was after stared up at the sheer face in its five when we began our landing cloud of gannets, constantly but it had brightened to a bright changing shape and almost close sunny afternoon showing the enough to touch. We next moved Hebridean vista to full effect – from on to the pyramid shape of Stac an the of Rum to the Paps of Armin – at 644 ft the highest sea Jura, even distant Ben Nevis was St Kilda – 22nd June 2014: stack in Britain, home again to 9000 just visible. But the climax of a very The early risers were rewarded with pairs of gannets, the remaining full day must be the puffins that fine views of our approach to the 40,000 pairs of St Kilda’s largest awaited us at the top of a short, archipelago of St Kilda, its tops colony dispersed around the slightly rocky path. Lying down draped mysteriously in mist. It had soaring 1260 ft cliffs of Boreray. meant that the birds soon became been a calm crossing and some Dozens of great skuas were used to our presence, providing dolphins and minke whales had patrolling the skies seeking out unparalleled close encounters – been spotted on route. We gannets returning to feed their well worth the climb! Some of the breakfasted quickly so as to hear chick with a crop full of fish. The more energetic followed John an introduction to the Islands by pirates often acted in groups along a cliff path to Harp Rock, the ranger. Soon after the Zodiacs forcing their victim to regurgitate.

+44 (0)20-7752 0000 MS Serenissima he handsome 107-passenger MS Serenissima began her career as Harald Jarl, cruising the Norwegian coastline and fjords. TExtensively renovated in 2003 she was rechristened MS Andrea and began her career as a classic cruise ship, and was chartered by Noble Caledonia for a number of years. In spring 2012 MS Andrea was purchased by our long-standing associates Volga Dream and renamed the MS Serenissima. After a thorough renovation and upgrading, the charming MS Serenissima commenced cruise operations in April 2013 and we have chartered her for multiple voyages in 2014 and 2015. With her small size she can navigate into small, remote ports inaccessible to the big cruise ships. She appears an impressive sight when moored, and is capable of both destination and expedition cruising.

Your Cabin/Suite Perhaps, one of the best known and loved features of this vessel is its unique style. During Accommodating just 107 passengers, the 59 the major refit in Sweden the then owners cabins are attractively designed for comfort and commissioned Swedish interior designers to convenience. All cabins are fully air conditioned create a Gustavian style interior. This bright with an en-suite bathroom with shower and a Swedish 18th century influenced, country house selection of toiletries in addition to a hairdryer, style works particularly well on a vessel of this robes and slippers. All cabins come equipped vintage, providing intimacy and classic nautical with telephone, flat screen television, safety sensibility often lacking in larger vessels. deposit box and other thoughtful appointments. Bottles of still and sparkling water are replenished daily. There are eight different Harald Lounge Your Dining grades of cabin arranged over five decks, and The free seating Venice Restaurant with the exception of the five inside cabins, all square metres, and the dedicated standard accommodates all guests in one sitting. Being staterooms feature either windows or portholes. single cabins range in size from 7.1 to 12.7 on deck 5, it has great views from all tables. The Because of the very nature of the ship, the square metres. picture windows mean the restaurant is light and cabins do vary in shape and size, adding to the airy. Breakfast is served buffet-style with cooked vessel’s overall charm. Choose from the cosy Your Space dishes available and eggs to order by the ship’s inside cabins of approx 10 square metres, to The facilities onboard include two lounges – the accomplished chef. Lunch is also served buffet- the sumptuous newly built executive suites of larger Andrea Lounge is comfortable and spacious style with hot and cold dishes available. Dinner 25 square metres boasting private balconies, and the smaller Harald Lounge is more intimate. is served a la carte and is 4 courses, except for minibar and all the mod cons. The standard There is also a small library with two computers at the Captain’s Dinner, which is a 6 course affair. staterooms range in size from 10 to 15.5 square for internet access and Wi-Fi is available at an Where possible, local produce is sourced for metres. The superior staterooms range in size extra cost throughout the vessel. The outside an authentic dining experience. A choice of red from 11 to 19.6 square metres. The deluxe areas really are something special. A spacious or white wine, beer, soft drinks, and water are staterooms range in size from 15 to 25.4 square observation deck allows 360 degree views of the included at lunch and dinner. In good weather metres. The junior suites range in size from 20.9 passing scenery. From here, step down to the lido there are al fresco dining facilities available and to 21.7 square metres. And the owner’s suites area with fitness room, Jacuzzi and outside bar. tea and coffee is available from 7am to 11pm in are 22.7 square metres. The dedicated inside The newly built covered seating area at the back the Andrea Lounge. single cabins range in size from 9.9 to 11.52 of deck 6 is ideal for relaxing with a drink in hand. Deluxe Stateroom Venice Restaurant Owner’s Suite

Andrea Lounge Reception Spacious deck areas

Life Onboard DECK 7 702 BRIDGE The European captain, officers, expedition staff 704 and crew offer a first class service and have been 703 701 selected for their professionalism and caring attitudes. The atmosphere onboard is warm and DECK 6 welcoming, and the emphasis is not on around the clock entertainment and dining, but instead 604 602 on well-thought out itineraries, relaxation, time 605 603 601 spent with like-minded passengers and discovery. After a day of adventure and exploration, returning to the comfort of your sophisticated DECK 5 LOUNGE HARALD ship and its friendly crew will be a pleasure. ANDREA BAR LOUNGE VENICE RESTAURANT

For your Comfort, Safety & Security 507 JACUZZI FITNESS 505 503 501 ROOM There are so few ships of this generation still cruising and MS Serenissima is a great testament DECK 4 to her present and previous owners that they 418 412 410 424 414 408 406

422 404 402 have seen fit to invest considerable sums over the 420 years to keep her in top form and complying with

421 419 407 417 409 401 the stringent health and safety requirements. For 405 403 added comfort, the vessel features stabilisers. The ship has an open bridge policy so during DECK 3 320 318 316 314 312 310 308 your voyage you will have the chance to visit the 322 306 304 302 Captain and Officers. There is a doctor onboard, 338 336 334 337 333 301 and staff are trained in first aid. 303 321 305 319 317 315 313 311 309 307

INSIDE CABIN DELUXE STATEROOM OWNER’S SUITE This cruise visits out of the way destinations. You will be accompanied by STANDARD STATEROOM JUNIOR SUITE STANDARD SINGLE an expedition team and landings ashore will often be made by Zodiac landing craft. SUPERIOR STATEROOM EXECUTIVE SUITE INSIDE SINGLE Cruises such as this will appeal to the more Please note cabin sizes vary within each category and range from 7 to 26 sqm. adventurous and those who enjoy the natural world. Please refer to website for sizes of cabin in each category.

Noble Caledonia 2 Chester Close, Belgravia, , SW1X 7BE +44 (0)20 7752 0000 | [email protected] | www.noble-caledonia.co.uk

All special offers are subject to availability. Our current booking conditions apply to all reservations and are available on request. Cover image: Razorbills.