2016 small ship cruising around the Sea Explorer • MS Serenissima • Ocean Nova Puffins

2 www.noble-caledonia.co.uk discover the beauty of britain and her islands….

Make 2016 the year you become better acquainted with the treasures of your homeland. Most of us promise ourselves that one day we will see more of our lovely islands and highlands but the thought of tedious journeys along busy roads often leads us instead, to jump on an aircraft to some distant spot when some of the most picturesque and beautiful places in the world are on our doorstep. That does not mean that access is always easy. In fact much of which we annually explore can only be approached from the sea. From the early beginnings of the company when we operated one or two British Isles cruises, we now offer in excess of ten trips. Every year the popularity of small ship cruising in our own waters grows and this is immensely rewarding as the vast majority of our passengers are from Britain.

e have many years of experience in designing trips to the hidden corners of our remotest

places and yet, every year we discover something new. Although we set sail with a set Contents itinerary it is the unscheduled events that often become the highlight of the journey and Sea Explorer 4-5 Wour ideally suited vessels will allow access to places larger vessels are unable to venture and with Island Hopping in 6-7 our fleet of Zodiac landing craft, we can explore inlets, fjords, bird sanctuaries and land in otherwise Summer in the Highlands inaccessible places. Flexibility is the key to an expedition cruise; often the whole day’s schedule and Islands of 8-9 will be changed to maximise your experience, something that would not be possible on a large MS Serenissima 10-11 cruise ship. Island Life 12 Gardens by the Sea 13 Enjoy these very special places with us. The sheer diversity of the landscape and lifestyles will amaze Britain and Odyssey 14-15 you, as will the spirit and warmth of the small communities we will encounter. In an age of rapid Hebrides to the Faroes 16-17 centralisation and common identity, it is fortifying to know that life with its unique traditions and Midsummer in the Scottish Isles 18-19 values still can be found on the edges of our islands. Whether you be an avid gardener, birdwatcher, amateur historian or simply enjoy sailing past and visiting some of the most enchanting places in the Ocean Nova 20-21 world then one of the expedition cruises featured on the following pages could be for you. Wild Scotland 22-23

Tobermory

+44 (0)20 7752 0000 3 Sea Explorer Like her sister ships, our very own MS Island Sky and MS Caledonian Sky, Sea Explorer is one of the finest small ships in the world and owing to popular demand of our two flagships, we are delighted to have chartered her for a variety of voyages in 2016. The vessel accommodates just 114 passengers, making her more akin to a country hotel than a cruise ship. Built in Italy in 1991 and refurbished in 2005 the Sea Explorer offers exceptionally spacious and well designed suites, beautifully appointed public areas and a high standard of service and food. Previously named Corinthian II this private yacht-like cruise ship is outfitted with the most current navigational and communications technology as well as with retractable fin stabilizers for smooth sailing. The vessel is ice strengthened and features a fleet of ten Zodiac inflatable craft for forays ashore.

Lounge

Your Cabin/Suite Your Dining With a maximum of 114 passengers accommodated in 57 spacious The single sitting dining room outside facing suites, the Sea Explorer offers suites across its five decks. is located on Deck 2 and Those on the lower deck have portholes, the middle two decks have a is both spacious and light. large picture window and the two top decks have patio doors leading on Breakfast and lunch are served to a private balcony. On average the suites measure 245 sq. ft. Each suite buffet style with a selection of affords considerable comfort with en-suite bathrooms, large wardrobes hot and cold dishes, and fresh and excellent storage. There are mini-fridges, telephones, satellite produce. Dinner is served to televisions and CD/DVD players in each suite. Suites feature queen size your table and comprises of beds which can be configured into twins or double depending on your four courses with a vegetarian preference. option always available. Complimentary wine and beer Your Space is served with dinner and in The spacious and finely decorated public rooms include a lounge, Restaurant good weather there will be the elegant bar, library with internet access, fitness room and a single sitting opportunity to take your meals dining room. Outside there is a rear sun deck, where passengers can on the Sun Deck on deck 5. There is a 24-hour coffee and tea station with relax in warmer weather with shade, a bar, spa pool and comfortable some sweet snacks provided too. deck furniture.

4 www.noble-caledonia.co.uk Sea Explorer

Suite Suite

Lounge The Library The Club

Life Onboard PENTHOUSE DECK The atmosphere onboard is focused on exploration and discovery with all the creature comforts you would expect from a vessel of this calibre. SUN 603 601 The onboard crew of 72 provide fine onboard service and the vessel DECK JACUZZI features four star amenities. A little music in the lounge or bar after SALON 604 602 dinner, informative talks and briefings from the onboard team and of GYM course good food, which is created by the highly regarded master chefs. After a day ashore you will return to the comfort and peace of a well VERANDA DECK run and exceedingly comfortable ship. The dress policy is casual and 511 509 507 505 BRIDGE comfortable for exploration ashore. SUN DECK

CAFE 512 510 508 506 For your Comfort, Safety & Security The vessel carries 114 passengers in comfort and with 72 crew onboard your journey will be enhanced by attentive onboard service. Smoking is DECK 4 restricted to outside areas and a lift serves all decks. There is a medical centre onboard with doctor. LIBRARY 427 425 423 421 419 417 415

428 426 424 422 420 418 416 414 CLUB

DECK 3 347 345 343 341 339 335 333 331 329

LOUNGE RECEPTION 348 346 344 342 340 338 336 334 332 330

DECK 2 261 259 257 255 H

RESTAURANT 262 260 258 256 254 252 250

CATEGORY E CATEGORY B CATEGORY A

Jacuzzi CATEGORY C CATEGORY D CATEGORY AA

+44 (0)20 7752 0000 5 Island Hopping in the Hebrides An expedition voyage exploring the majestic beauty of the remote Hebrides 9th to 16th May 2016

Arctic Skua, Handa The Itinerary Handa Stornoway Day 1 Oban, Scotland. Embark Shiant Tanera Mor the Sea Explorer this afternoon St Kilda Isles and sail this evening. A transfer will be available from Glasgow SCOTLAND Central Station and Glasgow Canna Airport at a fixed time. Pabbay Muck Mingulay Lunga This Oban Day 2 Mingulay & Pabbay. Iona promises to be a most memorable day as we circumnavigate the uninhabited islands at the very tip of South Uist. Making good use of our Zodiacs we will explore Day 4 Handa & Tanera Mor. Just the islands and make beach south of is the island landings. These islands are a of Handa. Owned by the Scottish ou can travel the world visiting all manner of exotic and nature reserve with important Wildlife Trust, it is one of the wonderful places without realising that some of the finest breeding populations of razorbills, largest sea bird colonies in North Yscenery, fascinating history and most endearing people may be close guillemots, black guillemots, West . Nearly 200,000 to home. Nowhere is this truer than around Scotland’s magnificent puffins, fulmars and shags. There seabirds gather here to breed coastline, an indented landscape of enormous natural splendour with are also five species of gull, all including guillemots, razorbills, the seabirds being attracted by great skuas kittiwakes, Arctic skuas offshore islands forming stepping stones into the Atlantic. the cliffs and caves which offer and puffins. We will spend some In the northern summer when the sun barely shrinks below the safe nesting sites. The islands time Zodiac cruising around the horizon, there’s a stillness and an almost wistful feeling in the air. also have significant historical island with the chance to see This is the time when the enchanted visitor will be moved and sites, including the old village on some of this impressive birdlife. Mingulay which the last islanders During lunch sail down the coast seduced by the majesty of the islands, lochs and seascapes. The left in 1912. to Loch Broom and the Summer sheer diversity of the landscapes and lifestyles will amaze you, Isles. We hope to visit the only as will the spirit and warmth of the small communities we will Day 3 St Kilda. Arrive at first inhabited island of Tanera Mor. encounter. In an age of rapid centralization and common identity, it light in St Kilda, a remarkable Take a walk, enjoy the stunning is fortifying to know that life, with its unique traditions and values, uninhabited some views, look out for otters and seals fifty miles beyond the Outer and the prolific bird life. Perhaps can still be found on the edges of our islands. Hebrides. For some this is almost stop at the unique post office, This is not a cruise in the conventional sense, more an exploration a pilgrimage and a moving whose own rare stamps are much with 100 or so passengers who wish to enjoy the peace and experience as we drop anchor off sought after by collectors. Village Bay on the island of Hirta. tranquillity of the islands. Learn something of their history, see the The local Ranger will come aboard Day 5 Stornoway & The Shiants. abundant bird and marine life, but above all revel in the timeless for a brief talk on the island before On leaving the island capital of enchantment that these islands exude to all those who appreciate we have the chance to wander Stornoway, today’s tour takes the natural world. Having arranged hundreds of small ship cruises through the village. The largest you across the island to the around Scotland, we have learned that everyone takes something island, Hirta, once supported a beautiful west coast of the island different from the experience. We are indeed fortunate in having population of over 200, but the and to Callanish. Described last islanders left in the 1930s. as Scotland’s Stonehenge, the such marvellous places so close to home. Now, more than ever The Medieval village has been Callanish Standing Stones date there is a great appreciation for the peace, beauty and culture of this restored by the National Trust for from around 3000BC. There are special corner of the UK. Scotland and offers a marvellous a total of 32 stones in a circular link with the past. Also a National and avenue design. The stones Nature Reserve, St Kilda is one stand like a petrified forest on Our View of the only two dozen UNESCO the flat top of a peninsula which It is almost as if the Hebrides were custom made for small ship cruising. World Heritage Sites with dual reaches out into East Loch Roag. “Whilst only covering short distances during our voyage and therefore status reflecting its natural and Visit the excellent visitor centre maximising our time ashore, we are able to experience so much diversity. cultural significance. The islands to learn more about the site We cruise from the remote, beautiful and uninhabited islands of Mingulay are also an important breeding and venture out amongst the and St Kilda to view the stunning birdlife of Handa and Lunga. We meet ground for many seabirds stones themselves to experience the small communities that call Tanera Mor and Canna home, see the including Atlantic puffins and their mysterious atmosphere. archaeological wonders of Stornoway and the spiritual Iona Abbey. When northern fulmars. Later, cruise past Continue around the west coast composing these itineraries we are always having to decide what to omit two of the largest gannetries in to the site of Dun Carloway due to the wealth of treasures in the region and we feel after almost 25 the world at Stac Lee and Boreray. Pictish Broch. Probably built years of operating voyages in the region that we have the perfect mix. To These impressive stacs rise 170 sometime in the last century try and visit these islands independently requires numerous ferries and metres from the sea and are home BC, it would have served as overnight stops but with the all-suite Sea Explorer as our base it makes the to up to 60,000 breeding pairs of an occasionally defensible experience hassle free.” northern gannet. residence for an extended family

6 www.noble-caledonia.co.uk Sea Explorer – Island Hopping in the Hebrides Puffin in flight

Exploring by Zodiac

St. Kilda Canna

complete with accommodation point on Beinn Airein and enjoy for animals at ground floor the views across the islands or level. It would also have served alternatively join one of our on as a visible statement of board team on a nature walk on power and status in the local the lookout for seals and birdlife. area. We then head north to Gearrannan Blackhouse Village Day 7 Lunga & Iona. Weather – a reconstructed settlement of permitting we will take to the traditional blackhouses where Zodiacs to explore the tiny people and animals lived in close Treshnish Islands, located in proximity. The houses are made the waters between Mull and using dry stone masonry and Tiree. Now uninhabited, this have thatched roofs, distinctively group of low lying islands is weighted down with rocks. home to thousands of sea Visit the small museum, enjoy birds in particular Kittiwakes, a display of a typical crofting Shags, Fulmars, Guillemots and activity such as weaving and Razorbills and a large population take in the views at this dramatic of common and Atlantic grey site on the wild Atlantic coast. seals. Hopefully, land on the This afternoon we will board the largest of the islands, Lunga to Zodiacs for a cruise around the walk amongst the amazingly tame spectacular basalt cliffs of the puffins and see the remnants of Shiant Islands, a group of little past habitation that dates back islands located a few miles off to Viking times. Sail over lunch Iona the shores of Lewis. This is an to Iona which has been occupied excellent place to spot puffins, for thousands of years, but has razorbills, guillemots, seals and also been a place of pilgrimage hopefully White Tailed Eagles. and Christian worship for several Prices per person Based on double occupancy centuries. For it was to this flat Day 6 Canna and Muck. Today, Hebridean Island that St Columba VERY LIMITED AVILABILITY REMAINING we will visit the Small Isles. Spend fled from Ireland in 563 and the morning on Canna which is established a monastery. Here Cat Cabin Description Deck Brochure Price owned by the National Trust for his followers were responsible for E Suite with portholes 2 £3540 Scotland and with a population the conversion of much of pagan £ D Suite with window 3 £3865 of only twenty has a fertile and Scotland and Northern . C Suite with window 4 £4180 prosperous farm. We will enjoy a No less than 62 Scottish Kings B Corner Suite with window 4 SOLD OUT guided walk along the shore and are buried in the Abbey. Visit the A Suite with private balcony Veranda SOLD OUT through the woods and fields to abbey or perhaps walk along the AA Suite with private balcony Penthouse SOLD OUT where there is a chance of seeing white sandy beaches or go in E Suite with portholes for sole use 2 SOLD OUT both golden and sea eagles. Sail search of the corncrake amongst D Suite with window for sole use 3 SOLD OUT during lunch past the island of the irises. C Suite with window for sole use 4 SOLD OUT Rum to the neighbouring island Seven nights aboard the Sea Explorer on a full board basis of Muck. The smallest of the Small Disembark after Price Includes: Day 8 Oban. including wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, shore excursions, Isles measuring just one mile by breakfast. Transfers will be Noble Caledonia Expedition team, transfers, port taxes, gratuities onboard and two we have the afternoon to provided to Glasgow Central whilst on excursions. explore on foot. The energetic Station and International Airport Not Included: Travel insurance. may want to climb to the highest arriving in the late morning. NB. Ports subject to change. All special offers are subject to availability.

+44 (0)20 7752 0000 7 Summer in the Islands and Highlands of Scotland An expedition voyage exploring Scotland’s remote islands 14th to 23rd August 2016

Tobermory The Itinerary Hill reserve, home to arctic terns and skuas and also the extremely rare Day 1 Leith, Scotland. Embark Scottish primrose. the Sea Explorer this afternoon and sail this evening. A transfer to Day 4 Unst & Fetlar, the vessel will be available from Islands. We begin our exploration Edinburgh Waverley Station and of Shetland in the northern islands Edinburgh Airport at a fixed time. of Unst and Fetlar. Unst is Britain’s most northerly inhabited island and Day 2 Kirkwall, . After a at the Heritage Centre we will learn morning at sea we arrive at the about the islanders struggles over Orkney capital of Kirkwall from the centuries and the industries that where we will head into the west have prospered whilst the Unst Boat of Mainland, Orkney’s largest Haven is dedicated to the history of island. We will pass through the island’s distinctive wooden boats SHETLAND gentle rolling landscape and which descend from Viking craft. ISLANDS f you have always had a Unst & Fetlar into the Neolithic Heartland Also discover Hermaness National hankering to visit some of the of Orkney; an area designated Nature Reserve with views over to I as a World Heritage Site due Muckle Flugga stacks and home to remotest and most inaccessible Lerwick Westray & to its wealth of pre-historic thousands of gannets and puffins as islands in Scotland, this is the Papa Westray archaeology. We will see the well as rare arcticalpine plants. Over ideal opportunity. Join us aboard Kirkwall ORKNEY ISLANDS Standing Stones of Stenness, lunch we sail to Fetlar, inhabited for the all suite Sea Explorer as we Stornoway Scrabster the Ring of Brodgar; a huge over 5000 years the island lays claim sail from the port of Leith to ceremonial circle of stones dating to being the first Norse landing back almost 5000 years. We site in the . Known as the the islands on the edge, visiting Canna both inhabited and uninhabited & Rum SCOTLAND continue to the 5000-year-old most fertile of the Shetland Islands Tobermory village of Skara Brae and see the the wild flowers bring colour to the islands and places of great natural Oban Iona remarkable dwellings revealed landscape whilst the birdlife on beauty, rich in wildlife and Leith from beneath the sand dunes by the island is prolific. At the Fetlar mystical history. storms only 150 years ago. Time Interpretative Centre and museum permitting we will also visit Birsay, we will learn about the wildlife Local experts will meet us along the way adding much to our the ancient centre of Viking and archaeological history before knowledge and making for a more comprehensive and peaceful power and explore St Magnus exploring ourselves. experience. Learn something of their history, see the abundant bird Church which dates back over and marine life, but above all revel in the timeless enchantment that 900 years. This evening we will Day 5 Lerwick, Shetland Islands. these islands exude to all those who appreciate the natural world. be entertained by local musicians From the Shetland capital we will onboard as we moor overnight. visit the remarkable archaeological We are indeed fortunate in having such marvellous places so site of Jarlshof. The site was close to home. Now, more than ever there is a great appreciation Day 3 Westray & Papa Westray, uncovered by a violent storm in of the peace, beauty and culture which these tiny islands on the Orkney Islands. Today we explore the winter of 1896/7, revealing the islands to the north of the an extraordinary settlement site edge possess. The islands are wonderful places to escape from the Orkney mainland. On Westray embracing at least 5000 years of modern world, to slow down to their pace and enjoy the nature, sea we will visit Noup Head, an RSPB human history. The site contains and landscapes. reserve on the sea cliffs and a remarkable sequence of stone home to up to 100 000 nesting structures – late Neolithic houses, seabirds. We also see Notland a Bronze- Age village, an Iron-Age Jarlshof Castle an incomplete fortress broch and wheelhouses, several built in the 16th century by Norse longhouse, a medieval Gilbert Balfour, Mary Queen of farmstead, and the 16th-century Scots Sherif of Orkney whilst in laird’s house. Return to the ship for the main village of Pierowall we lunch and enjoy a free afternoon to find the Westray Heritage Centre explore this historic port. Perhaps housing Neolithic carvings. Over wander through its narrow stone lunch we sail the short distance to lanes or maybe visit the excellent Papa Westray. Here we can visit Shetland Museum, containing the 3500 year old Knap of Howar artefacts from shipwrecks and the a Neolithic farm building that whaling era. claims to be the oldest standing house in Europe and the 12th Day 6 Scrabster. Spend the day in century St Boniface Kirk. In the Scrabster, the most northerly port on north of the island is the North the Scottish mainland. This morning,

8 www.noble-caledonia.co.uk Sea Explorer – Summer in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland visit the Castle and Gardens of Isles arriving at breakfast time at Ring of Brodgar Mey which was built between 1566 Canna, owned by the National and 1572 by George Sinclair, 4th Trust for Scotland and with a Earl of Caithness. The castle was population of only 20 but a fertile purchased by Queen Elizabeth, and prosperous farm. We will the Queen Mother in 1952 who enjoy a guided walk along the restored the castle for use as a shore and through the woods holiday home and created the and fields. We will learn about beautiful gardens we will see the history of the islands, hear today. This afternoon we drive stories of life in a small remote along the coast to Dunnet Bay, community and visit the historic a glorious crescent of sand and Celtic cross which dates back dunes which is home to many around 1300 years. For the birders seabirds and unusual flora which there is also the chance of seeing we will discover on a guided walk both golden and sea eagles. Over with the local ranger. We continue lunch we sail the short distance to Dunnet Head to see the to Rum, starting at the village hall Cattle, Canna built in 1831 by Robert we can explore the nature trails Stevenson and enjoy the views enjoying the wildflowers along over to Orkney. As we return to the paths or watching for wildlife the ship we will visit the Medieval at the Otter Hide. We also hope Canisbay Kirk whose position over to see sea eagles which were the Pentland Firth has meant it has re-introduced to Scotland on been a landmark for shipping for Rum in the 1980s alongside Manx centuries. During dinner onboard Shearwaters and Divers. tonight we sail around Cape Wrath on our way to the Hebrides.

Day 7 Stornoway, Isle of Lewis. Celtic Cross, Iona On leaving the island capital of Stornoway, today’s tour takes you across the island to the beautiful west coast and Callanish. Described as Scotland’s Stonehenge, the Callanish Standing Stones date from around 3000 BC. There are a total of 32 stones in a circular and avenue design. The stones stand like a Zodiac landing petrified forest on the flat top of a peninsula which reaches out into Day 9 Iona & Tobermory, Isle of East Loch Roag. Visit the excellent Mull. At breakfast time we arrive visitor centre to learn more at Iona which for more than 1000 about the site and venture out years has been a place of deep amongst the stones themselves spiritual significance. No less to experience their mysterious than 62 kings of Scotland are atmosphere. Continue around buried here and St Columba came the west coast to the site of Dun here from Ireland in 563 AD as Carloway Pictish Broch. Probably early Christianity spread through built sometime in the last century northern Britain from this remote BC, it would have served as an island community. We have time Iona Abbey occasionally defensible residence to explore the Abbey or take a for an extended family complete walk amongst the wildflowers with accommodation for animals across the island to the “Bay at at ground floor level. It would also the Back of the Ocean”. Over Prices per person Based on double occupancy have served as a visible statement lunch we sail to the Isle of Mull of power and status in the local and the pretty port of Tobermory. SPECIAL OFFER – SAVE £500 PER PERSON FOR area. We then head north to Spend the afternoon at leisure A LIMITED TIME ONLY Gearrannan Blackhouse Village, in the town walking amongst the Cat Cabin Description Deck Brochure Price Special Offer a reconstructed settlement of colourful buildings or maybe take E Suite with portholes 2 £4075 £3575 traditional black houses where the coastal walk to the Rubhanan £ D Suite with window 3 £4395 £3895 people and animals lived in close Gall lighthouse. This evening we C Suite with window 4 £4695 £4195 proximity. The houses are made enjoy a talk onboard from the B Corner Suite with window 4 £4955 £4455 using dry stone masonry and local distillery, we will learn about A Suite with private balcony Veranda SOLD OUT SOLD OUT have thatched roofs, distinctively the whisky distilling processes and AA Suite with private balcony Penthouse SOLD OUT SOLD OUT weighted down with rocks. Visit have a chance to taste the final E Suite with portholes for sole use 2 SOLD OUT SOLD OUT the small museum, enjoy a display product. D Suite with window for sole use 3 SOLD OUT SOLD OUT of a typical crofting activity such C Suite with window for sole use 4 SOLD OUT SOLD OUT as weaving and take in the views Day 10 Oban. Disembark this Nine nights aboard the Sea Explorer on a full board basis at this dramatic site on the wild morning. Transfers will be Price Includes: including wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, shore excursions, Atlantic coast. provided to Glasgow Central Noble Caledonia onboard team, transfers, port taxes, gratuities onboard and Station and Glasgow Airport at whilst on excursions. Day 8 Canna & Rum, Small Isles. a fixed time to arrive in the late Not Included: Travel insurance. Today, we will visit the Small morning. NB. Ports subject to change. All special offers are subject to availability.

+44 (0)20 7752 0000 9 MS Serenissima The handsome 100-passenger MS Serenissima began her career as the Harald Jarl, cruising the Norwegian coastline and fjords. After a thorough renovation and upgrading, the charming MS Serenissima commenced cruise operations in April 2013 and we have chartered her for the majority of each year since knowing her to be perfect for small ship cruising. With her small size she can navigate into small, remote ports inaccessible to the big cruise ships and appears an impressive sight when moored. With her fleet of Zodiacs she is capable of both destination and expedition cruising.

Harald Lounge Restaurant

Cruising Andrea Lounge

Your Cabins/Suite Your Dining Accommodating no more than 100 passengers, the cabins are The free seating Venice Restaurant accommodates all guests in one attractively designed for comfort and convenience. All cabins are fully sitting. Being on deck 5, it has great views from all tables. The picture air conditioned with an ensuite bathroom with shower, sink, toilet, windows mean the restaurant is light and airy. Breakfast is served a selection of toiletries including shower gel, soaps, shampoo and buffet-style with cooked dishes available and eggs to order by the ship’s conditioner, hairdryer, robes and slippers. All cabins come equipped accomplished chef. Lunch is also served buffet-style with hot and cold with telephone, flat screen television, safety deposit box and other dishes available. Dinner is served a la carte and is four courses, except for thoughtful appointments. Bottles of still and sparkling water are at the Captain’s Dinner, which is a six course affair. In addition, there are al replenished daily. With the exception of the three inside cabins, all fresco dining facilities available in good weather. A choice of red or white staterooms feature either windows or portholes. Because of the very wine, beer, soft drinks, and water are included at lunch and dinner. Tea nature of the ship, the cabins do vary in shape and size, adding to the and coffee are served around the clock in the Andrea Lounge. vessel’s overall charm. Life Onboard Your Space The MS Serenissima is more akin to a country-hotel than one of the large The facilities onboard include two lounges – the larger Andrea Lounge ships trawling the seas today. The European Captain, Officers and crew is comfortable and spacious and the smaller Harald Lounge is more offer a first class service and have been selected for their professionalism intimate. There is also a small library with a computer for internet and caring attitudes. The atmosphere onboard is warm and welcoming, access. The outside areas are something special with a spacious and the emphasis is not on around the clock entertainment and dining, observation deck allowing for 360 degree views of the passing scenery. but instead on well-thought out itineraries, relaxation, time spent with From here, step down to the lido area with fitness room, Jacuzzi and like-minded passengers and discovery. outside bar. The covered seating area at the back of deck 6 is ideal for relaxing with a drink in hand. Perhaps, one of the best known and For your Comfort, Safety and Security loved features of this vessel is its unique style. During the major refit There are so few ships of this generation still cruising and MS Serenissima in Sweden the then owners commissioned Swedish interior designers is a great testament to her present and previous owners that they have to create a Gustavian style interior. This bright Swedish 18th century seen fit to invest considerable sums over the years to keep her in top influenced, country house style works particularly well on a vessel of this form and complying with the stringent health and safety requirements. vintage, providing intimacy and classic nautical sensibility often lacking There is a doctor onboard and during your voyage you will have the in larger vessels. opportunity to visit the Captain and Officers on the bridge.

10 www.noble-caledonia.co.uk DECK 7 BRIDGE 704 702

703 701

COVERED SEATING AREA DECK 6 TENDER ZODIAC 604 602 PRIVATE 605 603 601 WALKWAY TENDER ZODIAC

MS Serenissima RECEPTION Deck Plan & Cabins DECK 5 LOUNGE HARALD ANDREA BAR LOUNGE VENICE RESTAURANT JACUZZI FITNESS 507 505 503 501 DECK 7 ROOM

702 BRIDGE 704 DECK 4 703 418 412 410 701 424 414 408 406

422 404 402 420

COVERED SEATING AREA

421 419 407 417 401 DECK 6 409 405 403 TENDER ZODIAC 604 602 PRIVATE 605 603 601 WALKWAY DECK 3 320 318 316 314 312 310 308 306 304 TENDER ZODIAC 302 336 334 H 333 RECEPTION 301 303 DECK 5 305 319 311 309 307 LOUNGE HARALD 315 313 ANDREA BAR LOUNGE VENICE RESTAURANT INSIDE TWIN/DOUBLE 507 JACUZZI FITNESS 505 503 501 ROOM STANDARD STATEROOM

DECK 4 STANDARD STATEROOM PLUS 418 412 410 424 414 408 406 SUPERIOR STATEROOM

422 404 402 420 DELUXE STATEROOM

421 419 407 417 401 409 405 403 JUNIOR SUITE

EXECUTIVE SUITE DECK 3 320 318 316 314 312 310 308 306 304 OWNER’S SUITE 302 336 334 H 333 INSIDE SINGLE 301 303 305 319 315 313 311 309 307 STANDARD SINGLE

INSIDE TWIN/DOUBLE

STANDARD STATEROOM

STANDARD STATEROOM PLUS

SUPERIOR STATEROOM

DELUXE STATEROOM

JUNIOR SUITE

EXECUTIVE SUITE

OWNER’S SUITE Owner’s Suite Executive Suite Junior Suite (approx.INSIDE 22SINGLE square metres) (approx. 25 square metres) (approx. 21 square metres) STANDARD SINGLE

Deluxe Stateroom Superior Stateroom STANDARD Stateroom PLUS (approx. 15 to 25 square metres) (approx. 11.5 to 18 square metres) (approx. 14 to 19 square metres)

STANDARD Stateroom INSIDE TWIN/DOUBLE STANDARD SINGLE (approx. 10 to 11.5 square metres) (approx. 10 square metres) (approx. 7 to 12.5 square metres)

+44 (0)20 7752 0000 11 Island Life An exploration of the and Isles of Scilly 1st to 8th May & 15th to 22nd May 2016

ometimes, a few days away in a totally different environment is just what the doctor ordered, particularly if it does not involve flights.S Join the charming MS Serenissima in and visit some of the most idyllic islands including , , Tresco, St Martins and St Agnes with their crystal clear waters and fine white sandy beaches that would not disgrace a Caribbean island. These islands are so close yet are not easily visited and whilst the sailing distances are relatively short, there is much to see and experience. From the Channel Islands which combine beautiful scenery, gallic charm and reminders of their occupation during World War II along the coastlines to the remote Isles of Scilly where nature abounds. Alderney

drive to the east coast of the island residents. Enjoy time to explore The Itinerary viewing the magnificent landscapes independently or maybe join ISLES OF UNITED Day 1 Portsmouth. Embark this before arriving at Mont Orgeuil, one of our birders on a SCILLY KINGDOM afternoon at the cruise terminal in the impressive fortification that guided walk, climb one of Tresco Portsmouth St Martins Portsmouth. Parking is available for has witnessed island life through the viewpoints for vistas St Agnes those choosing to drive. the middle ages, French Wars and over the islands and the German Occupation. Continue offshore seal colonies or swim Herm Alderney Day 2 Guernsey & Herm, Channel to Samares Manor Gardens. Built from one of the stunning beaches. Sark Islands. Arrive this morning on in 1920 by Sir James Knott these Guernsey, the ‘Island of Flowers’. gardens include special areas for Day 7 St Agnes. Our final call will There will be the option of a walking culinary and cosmetic plants as well be at St Agnes, the most south tour of St Peter Port including a as a “physic” garden of traditional westerly community in the UK. visit to Castle Cornet. Alternatively, medicinal plants along with a rose Surrounded by rocks and reefs, sandbar and here we find a single enjoy a panoramic drive and also and lavender garden. We also this delightful tiny island is a stone monolith called the ‘Old Man visit the Little Chapel, built in 1914 visit the Orchid Gardens, where birdwatcher’s paradise and offers of ’ which dates back to the as a miniature version of the famous orchid varieties are cultivated in a marvellous coastal walks. Enjoy Bronze Age. basilica at Lourdes and covered in specialized greenhouse beautifully walks in the old town, see the fragments of shattered china. This appointed with flowing streams and lighthouse or maybe visit the local Day 8 Portsmouth. Disembark this afternoon we are on Herm, the little rock gardens. museum. Meanwhile the small morning at the cruise terminal in smallest inhabited Channel Island island of Gugh lies across a narrow Portsmouth. and at just one and a half miles long Day 5 Tresco, Isles of Scilly. Enjoy and half a mile wide, perfect for a relaxing morning at sea as we exploring on foot. cruise over to the lovely Isles of Scilly arriving at lunchtime. We Prices per person Day 3 Alderney & Sark. Sail over will spend the afternoon on traffic Based on double occupancy breakfast to timeless Alderney. Visit free Tresco, walking its idyllic lanes SPECIAL OFFER – SAVE £200 PER PERSON FOR the Island’s only town, St Anne, from the beach to the famous A LIMITED TIME ONLY which has all the old-world charm of subtropical Abbey Gardens. Cat Cabin Description Brochure Price Special Offer a Normandy village with tiny squares Defying the Atlantic weather, this Inside Twin/Double and pastel shaded cottages and miracle of a garden is home to 1 £2730 £2530 Standard Stateroom shops. Enjoy a free morning either more than 20,000 species of plants 2 £2905 £2705 Standard Stateroom Plus walking along the pretty quiet lanes, from over 80 countries. Enjoy time 3 £3050 £2850 Superior Stateroom join a short walk to see the German to wander at your own pace along 4 £3150 £2950 Deluxe Stateroom fortifications or a longer walk with the paths. 5 SOLD OUT SOLD OUT Junior Suite our naturalists heading to the cliffs 6 SOLD OUT SOLD OUT 7 Executive Suite £4095 £3895 to see the abundant birdlife. Over Day 6 Bryher & St Martins. This Owner’s Suite lunch we sail to Sark where we will morning local tenders will land 8 SOLD OUT SOLD OUT Inside Single use our Zodiacs to land on this us on Bryher the smallest of 9 SOLD OUT SOLD OUT Standard Single peaceful traffic free island. Horse the inhabited Isles of Scilly. Our 10 SOLD OUT SOLD OUT 2 Standard Stateroom for sole use SOLD OUT drawn carriages take us along the naturalists will lead a number of SOLD OUT 3 Standard Stateroom Plus for sole use SOLD OUT SOLD OUT narrow lanes alive with the songs guided walks along the tracks of chaffinches, skylarks and mistle that cross the island amongst Price Includes: Seven nights aboard the MS Serenissima on a full board basis thrush as we see the narrow isthmus hedgerows and fields bursting with house wine and beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, Noble Caledonia which joins Little Sark and Big Sark with wildflowers. Return to the onboard team, shore excursions, parking in Portsmouth, all gratuities, port taxes. and the enchanting gardens at La ship for lunch as we sail the short Not Included: Travel Insurance. Seigneurie. distance to the northernmost Ship to Shore: This cruise is not classified as an expedition cruise, however island of the group, St Martins. Zodiac landing crafts will be used each day to transport passengers ashore Day 4 Jersey. From our anchorage Enjoy an afternoon in this small and tenders will be used in the Isles of Scilly. in Jersey we will enjoy a morning island community of just 120

12 www.noble-caledonia.co.uk Gardens by the Sea MS Serenissima – Island Life A springtime exploration of the gardens of Britain and Ireland 8th to 15th May 2016

IRELAND Bantry Bay Garnish Island pring is a wonderful time to explore the gardens of Britain and in spring when the Waterford Ireland as they burst to life in a wave of colours. Benefitting gardens are awash with fromS the gulf-stream, the gardens on the south west coast of the magnificent sweeps of flowering azaleas,

United Kingdom and Ireland are home to a vast array of varieties •

camellias, magnolias Gardens by the Sea that do not survive in other parts of the country. During our voyage UNITED and rhododendrons. KINGDOM we will visit both mainland towns and offshore islands, historic Return to the MS Tresco Dartmouth Portsmouth ISLES OF Bryher homes with cultivated grounds and places where wildflowers line Serenissima for lunch SCILLY the roads and pathways. This opportunity to see the wonderful and enjoy a free afternoon to explore Guernsey gardens on the Isles of Scilly, Channel Islands and Southern Ireland Sark is only possibly with a small ship like the MS Serenissima which Waterford. can call in these ports. We have also ensured that we have chosen Day 6 Penzance. Today we arrive destinations suitable for independent exploration for those who off Penzance, our base for our day house and subtropical gardens may wish to be a little more footloose. in . A morning excursion which are the setting for over 200 will visit St Michael’s Mount, the sculptures by over 90 international family home of the St Aubyn’s artists. Afterwards we enjoy the who have resided here since wonderful scenery and views of 1647. Cut off from the mainland at the coastline before travelling to high , it is a fascinating place the Little Chapel, built in 1914 to with an intriguing history. After replicate the grotto at Lourdes. lunch onboard join the trip to the Over lunch we sail to Sark where we beautiful and the 26 will use our Zodiacs to land on this acre ravine garden of Trebah. peaceful traffic free island. Horse drawn carriages take us along the narrow lanes alive with the songs Illnaculin Gardens Day 7 Guernsey & Sark, Channel Islands. Arrive this morning on of chaffinches, skylarks and mistle Guernsey, the ‘Island of Flowers’. thrush and bright with the colours 20,000 species of plants from over There will be the option of a walking of the wildflowers on the banks. The Itinerary 80 countries. We return to the tour of St Peter Port including We will see the narrow isthmus Day 1 Portsmouth. Embark this ship for lunch and this afternoon a visit to Castle Cornet, a 12th which joins Little Sark and Big Sark afternoon at the cruise terminal at visit Bryher, the smallest of the century battlement which guards and the enchanting gardens at La Portsmouth. Parking is available inhabited Isles of Scilly. Either enjoy the entrance to St Peter Port Seigneurie. for those choosing to drive. time to relax or join our naturalists Harbour. Alternatively enjoy an on guided walks. island drive including Sausmarez Day 8 Portsmouth. Disembark this Day 2 Dartmouth. Awake this Manor where we can explore the morning after breakfast. morning at our anchorage in Day 4 Garnish Island and Bantry the River Dart. On a choice of Bay, Ireland. Sail this morning excursions you may choose to visit into the sheltered harbour of Prices per person ‘Greenway’, the wonderful historic Glengariff. Here local boats will Based on double occupancy house and garden that was take us to Garnish Island and SPECIAL OFFER – SAVE £300 PER PERSON FOR once home to Agatha Christie. the beautiful Ilnacullin Gardens. A LIMITED TIME ONLY There will be time to explore the The sheltered position and Cat Cabin Description Brochure Price Special Offer gardens, including the Camellia is favourable to the Inside Twin/Double Garden, a wonderful place to sit growth of ornamental plants, 1 £2550 £2250 Standard Stateroom and ponder on the history of the many normally only found in 2 £2850 £2550 Standard Stateroom Plus house and the notable residents sub-tropical or Mediterranean 3 £3150 £2850 Superior Stateroom and visitors that have included climates. This afternoon you may 4 £3350 £3050 Deluxe Stateroom Sir Walter Raleigh and Sir Francis wish to stay onboard, enjoy some 5 £3550 £3250 Junior Suite Drake. Alternatively visit the 1920s free time in the small town or join 6 £3895 £3595 Executive Suite country retreat of the D’Oyly Carte the excursion to Bantry House, 7 £4295 £3995 Owner’s Suite family at Coleton Fishacre. Lose overlooking Bantry Bay. We will 8 £4295 £3995 9 Inside Single £2550 yourself in the RHS accredited explore the house, one of the £2250 10 Standard Single £2850 garden by the sea as we wander finest historic houses in Ireland £2550 2 Standard Stateroom for sole use £4275 £3975 the paths through glades and past along with the gardens. 3 Standard Stateroom Plus for sole use £4725 £4425 tranquil ponds. Day 5 Waterford. From our berth in Price Includes: Seven nights aboard the MS Serenissima on a full board basis with Day 3 Tresco & Bryher, Isles of the town of Waterford we will drive house wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner onboard, Noble Caledonia Scilly. Spend the morning on traffic to Mount Congreve, a spectacular onboard team, shore excursions, all gratuities, port taxes, parking at Portsmouth. free Tresco, walking its idyllic lanes woodland garden on the banks of Not Included: Travel Insurance. from the beach to the famous sub- the River Suir. This privately owned Ship to Shore: This cruise is not classified as an expedition cruise, however tropical Abbey Gardens. Defying seventy acre garden has a collection Zodiac landing crafts will be used each day to transport passengers ashore the Atlantic weather, this miracle of over three thousand trees and and tenders will be used in the Isles of Scilly. of a garden is home to more than shrubs and is particularly stunning

+44 (0)20 7752 0000 13 Britain and Ireland Odyssey An exploration of the outlying islands of England, Scotland and Ireland 22nd May to 1st June 2016

his expedition voyage will appeal to those who wish to visit Stornoway St Kilda Shiant Isles some of the remotest and inaccessible islands in England, The Itinerary T Canna & Rum Scotland and Ireland. This is a truly unique voyage visiting as it does Day 1 Portsmouth. Embark Iona & Lunga Oban the remarkable islands on the edge of the British Isles with only one this afternoon, transfers Tory Island non-island call during our voyage; such is the advantage of having will be provided from SCOTLAND Portsmouth Harbour a self-sufficient vessel with the qualities of the MS Serenissima. We Railway station at a fixed will sail from Portsmouth and during our cruise visit both inhabited time. Sail this evening for IRELAND and uninhabited islands and places of great natural beauty, rich in the Channel Islands. Aran Islands

wildlife and mystical history. We have also included a number of Garnish Island gardens which given the timing of our cruise will be coming into Day 2 Guernsey and & Bantry Bay bloom from the Isles of Scilly to the Hebrides and for keen birders Herm, Channel Islands. Portsmouth Arrive this morning on there are numerous highlights including sailing past the Cliffs ENGLISH Guernsey, the ‘Island of Isles of Scilly CHANNEL of Moher which are home to an estimated 30 000 birds and also Flowers’. There will be the option Guernsey Herm cruising past two of the largest gannetries in the world. of a walking tour of St Peter Port including a visit to Castle Cornet, Our exploration will be made all the more enjoyable by the use of a 12th century battlement which walk up Kitten Hill with views over our Zodiac landing craft, similar to those used by Jacques Cousteau. guards the entrance to St Peter to St Marys or alternatively enjoy a Zodiacs enable us to land in remote places, providing for an unusual Port Harbour. Alternatively enjoy a drink at the Turk’s Head. perspective and make the otherwise inaccessible readily available. panoramic drive during which we Our expedition staff have a wealth of local knowledge, having will see the beautiful coastline and Day 4 Garnish Island and Bantry beaches and also visit the Little Sail this morning undertaken numerous expeditions around Britain and Ireland. They Bay, Ireland. Chapel, built in 1914 as a miniature into the sheltered harbour of will go ashore with you and provide evening round-ups of the day’s version of the famous basilica at Glengariff. Here local boats will events and briefings onboard. Their knowledge and enthusiasm Lourdes and covered in fragments take us to Garnish Island and of the natural world will add much to your enjoyment as each day of shattered china. Over lunch we the beautiful Ilnacullin Gardens. brings us new discoveries. sail the short distance to Herm These remarkable gardens owe the smallest inhabited Channel their existence to the creative Island and at just one and a half partnership, some seventy years Cliffs of Moher miles long and half a mile wide, ago of Anna Bryce, then owner perfect for exploring on foot. You of the island and Harold Peto, will have free time to explore, architect and garden designer. perhaps take a stroll over to Shell The sheltered position and Gulf or Belvoir Beach. Alternatively join Stream is favourable to the growth our naturalists on the lookout for of ornamental plants, many wildflowers and birds. normally only found in sub-tropical or Mediterranean climates. We Day 3 Tresco & St Agnes, Isles of return by local boats sailing past Scilly. Spend the morning on traffic “Seal Island” the home to 250 free Tresco, walking its idyllic lanes common seals before enjoying from the beach to the famous sub- lunch onboard. This afternoon you tropical Abbey Gardens. Defying may wish to stay onboard, enjoy the Atlantic weather, this miracle some free time in the small town of a garden is home to more than or join the excursion to Bantry 20,000 species of plants from over House, overlooking Bantry Bay. 80 countries. Enjoy time to wander We will explore the house, one of at your own pace along the paths, the finest historic houses in Ireland maybe visit the Valhalla collection along with the gardens. of ship figureheads from ships Our View wrecked on the islands or relax Day 5 Aran Islands. This morning The islands around the edge of England, Scotland and Ireland are home in the cafe. Sail over lunch to St we will cruise by the magnificent “to remote communities, wonderful wildlife and history that dates back Agnes, the most south westerly Cliffs of Moher. Rising to 213 thousands of years. Difficult to visit independently, our cruise is devised community in the United Kingdom. metres and over five miles long to access some of these places where we can meet the locals be they Surrounded by rocks and reefs, they are home to an estimated farmers or landlords, puffins or seals. From the historic naval town of this delightful tiny island offers 30,000 birds including Atlantic Portsmouth we visit the Channel Islands, Isles of Scilly, Aran Islands, Outer marvellous coastal walks with over puffin, razorbills, guillemots and and on our quest to visit the outlying islands. We will find one third designated as “sites of choughs. A little further up the beautiful blooming gardens, walk through islands of wildflowers and special scientific interest”. The small coast and some 30 miles from watch in wonder as thousands of birds fill the sky as we cruise past their island of Gugh lies across a narrow the Galway Coast are the Aran breeding grounds. We will also appreciate the history of the region from sandbar and here we find a single Islands. We will call into the largest the archaeological sites of the Aran Islands and Isle of Lewis to the more stone monolith called the ‘Old Man Inishmore and explore some of modern history of St Kilda. Join us as we take this wonderful opportunity of Gugh’ which dates back to the the early Christian sites. This island to explore the islands on the edge.” Bronze Age. The active may wish to was a place of monastic study from

14 www.noble-caledonia.co.uk MS Serenissima – Britain and Ireland Odyssey the earliest Christian times. Also, Bantry Bay House & Gardens see the dramatic stone fort of Dun Aengus, parts of which date back some 3000 years. Late May is the perfect time to see these islands as the wild flowers should be at their best.

Day 6 Tory Island. After a morning at sea we arrive at Tory Island located off the northwest coast of Ireland and home to 150 or so Gaelic speakers. Although only 14 miles offshore, it feels like many more and island life here is full of traditions. Meet some of the local community in the village hall and enjoy some of their legendary storytelling, music and dance. Tory Island is also famous for its migratory birds; seabirds nest here in large numbers and a puffin colony nests on the northern cliffs. Look out for guillemots, kittiwakes, fulmars, storm petrels and manx shearwaters whilst the corncrake has become a main attraction on Exploring St Kilda by Zodiac Razorbills the island.

St Agnes beyond the . BC, it would have served as an Day 10 Canna & Rum. Today, we Dominated by the highest occasionally defensible residence will visit the Small Isles. Spend the cliffs and sea stacks in Britain, for an extended family complete morning on Canna, owned by the Hirta, St Kilda’s main island was with accommodation for animals at National Trust for Scotland and occupied on and off for at least ground floor level. Our final stop is with a population of only 20 but two thousand years, with the last the Gearrannan Blackhouse Village a fertile and prosperous farm. We 36 Gaelic speaking inhabitants – a reconstructed settlement of will enjoy a guided walk along the evacuated at their own request traditional black houses which were shore and through the woods and in 1930. Immediately after the made using dry stone masonry and fields to where there is a chance of evacuation, the island was bought have thatched roofs, distinctively seeing both golden and sea eagles. by the Marquess of Bute to weighted down with rocks. Visit Sail during lunch to the adjoining Day 7 Iona & Lunga, Scotland. protect the island’s thousands the small museum, enjoy a display island of Rum which is a nature Arrive this morning at Iona which of seabirds including puffin of a typical crofting activity such reserve. We will walk the nature trail, for more than 1000 years has and fulmars, and in 1957 it was as weaving and take in the views a beautiful area of wild flowers and been a place of deep spiritual bequeathed to The National Trust at this dramatic site on the wild typical Scottish island scenery. significance. No less than 62 for Scotland. St Kilda is one of Atlantic coast. Sail this afternoon kings of Scotland are buried only two dozen UNESCO World past the Shiant Islands a group of Day 11 Oban. Disembark this here and St Columba came Heritage Sites with dual status little islands located a few miles morning after breakfast. Transfers here from Ireland in 563 AD as reflecting its natural and cultural off the shores of Lewis. This is an will be provided to Glasgow early Christianity spread through significance. The local ranger excellent place to spot seals and International Airport and Central northern Britain from this remote will join us onboard before our hopefully White Tailed Eagles. Station at a fixed time. island community. We have time expedition staff lead a number of to explore the Abbey, take a walk guided walks on the island. Later, amongst the wildflowers across cruise past two of the largest Prices per person the island to the “Bay at the gannetries in the world at Stac Based on double occupancy Back of the Ocean” or keep an Lee and Boreray. These impressive eye and ear out for the elusive stacs rise 170 metres from the VERY LIMITED AVAILABILITY REMAINING corncrakes. Over lunch we sail to sea and are home to up to 60,000 Cat Cabin Description Brochure Price the tiny Treshnish Isles, located breeding pairs of northern gannet. Inside Twin/Double in the waters between Mull and 1 £3495 2 Standard Stateroom SOLD OUT Tiree. Now uninhabited, this Day 9 Stornoway and Shiant 3 Standard Stateroom Plus SOLD OUT group of low lying islands is home Islands. On leaving the island Superior Stateroom to thousands of sea birds and a capital of Stornoway, we will head 4 £4250 Deluxe Stateroom large population of common and across the island to the beautiful 5 £4550 Junior Suite Atlantic grey seals. Hopefully, west coast. Described as Scotland’s 6 £4895 Executive Suite land on the largest of the islands, Stonehenge, the Callanish 7 £5395 Owner’s Suite Lunga to walk amongst the Standing Stones date from around 8 £5395 Inside Single amazingly tame puffins and see 3000BC. There are a total of 32 9 SOLD OUT Standard Single the remnants of past habitation stones in a circular and avenue 10 SOLD OUT Standard Stateroom for sole use that dates back to Viking times. design which stand like a petrified 2 SOLD OUT 3 Standard Stateroom Plus for sole use SOLD OUT forest on the flat top of a peninsula which reaches out into East Loch Day 8 St Kilda, Outer Hebrides. Price Includes: Ten nights aboard the MS Serenissima on a full board basis Arrive at first light in St Kilda, Roag. We also visit the Dun with house wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner onboard, Noble a remarkable uninhabited Carloway Pictish Broch, probably Caledonia onboard team, shore excursions, all gratuities, transfers, port taxes. archipelago some fifty miles built sometime in the last century Not Included: Travel Insurance.

+44 (0)20 7752 0000 15 Hebrides to the Faroes An island hopping expedition 1st to 11th June 2016

Vestmanna ome with us and see nature in the raw. After the huge success & Saksun FAROE ISLANDS The Itinerary Torshavn of this itinerary over the last few years we are delighted to be Mykines ableC to offer it again in 2016. This expedition cruise will appeal to Day 1 Oban. Embark this afternoon. Transfers will be those who prefer their islands deserted, but with abundant bird and provided from Glasgow Central wildlife. You can travel the world visiting all manner of exotic and Railway station and Glasgow wonderful places without realising that some of the finest scenery, Airport at a fixed time whilst fascinating history and most endearing people may be close to parking can be arranged in Oban. North Rona home and nowhere is this truer than the islands off Scotland’s Sail this evening. indented coastline which form stepping stones into the Atlantic. Stornoway During this unique voyage, we will journey along rugged coastlines Day 2 Barra & Mingulay, Outer St Kilda Hebrides. Today we explore the Loch Scavaig and visit once inhabited islands. We will witness vibrant colours, remote islands at the tip of South Barra & Canna SCOTLAND amazingly prolific birdlife, explore deserted villages and learn of Uist including Mingulay and Mingulay Oban the history and ancient culture of unique island life. Barra. We will use the Zodiacs to Lunga & Iona explore and hope to make some Such a journey can of course only be undertaken by a special beach landings. Despite there vessel with the self-sufficient qualities of the MS Serenissima. With being a continuous population on our Zodiacs we will be able to land on remote beaches and cruise Mingulay for at least two thousand ranger will join us onboard before close to shorelines and cliffs crowded with birdlife. Enabling us to years, evacuation began in 1907 our expedition staff lead a number and the island was completely of guided walks on the island. land in remote places, the Zodiacs make the otherwise inaccessible abandoned by its residents in Later, cruise past two of the largest readily available. Although we will set sail with a schedule, this 1912. The islands are also a gannetries in the world at Stac Lee will not be set in stone as these are perfect waters for expedition nature reserve with important and Boreray. These impressive stacs cruising and our Captain and Expedition team will keep a flexible breeding populations of razorbills, rise 170 metres from the sea and approach allowing for the opportunity to fully experience the guillemots, black guillemots, are home to up to 60,000 breeding unexpected whether it be a sighting of dolphins, a whale or any puffins, fulmars and shags. On pairs of northern gannet. Barra, the southernmost inhabited unusual event. islands in the Outer Hebrides, Day 4 North Rona. Spend the day we find the 15th Century Kisimul around North Rona, an isolated Castle, seat of the Clan Macneil, island some fifty miles north of Our View and a key defensive stronghold Cape Wrath. The last islanders Join us on an adventure as we explore the remote and inaccessible situated on a rock in the bay. We left North Rona in 1844 and today “islands between the Hebrides and the Faroe Islands. Most cruises to this have time to explore the castle it is home to thirteen species of region concentrate on the larger islands and ports whereas the flexibility before landing at Castlebay where breeding seabirds including large of the MS Serenissima and the ability to use Zodiac landing craft mean we we can explore the town and colonies of great black-backed can explore the more remote places of interest. We will explore islands maybe visit the “Dualchas”, the gulls, great skuas and puffins. There of historical significance such as St Kilda and North Rona which once Heritage Centre with collections is also a large population of grey supported vibrant communities but which are now uninhabited; witness showcasing the history of the seals which we hope to observe on wonderful birdlife on Lunga and Mykines where we can walk amongst the islands. a Zodiac cruise. If weather permits puffins as they fly to and from their burrows; discover the archaeological we will also visit the gannet colony sites on the Isle of Lewis and the infamous Abbey on Iona. We also spend Day 3 St Kilda. Arrive at first on Sula Sgeir home to over 5,000 three days in the Faroe Islands allowing us time to see the lives of those light in St Kilda, a remarkable breeding pairs and renowned as the that call this remote archipelago home. uninhabited archipelago some least visited national nature reserve ” fifty miles beyond the Outer in Britain. Hebrides. Dominated by the Guillemot highest cliffs and sea stacks in Day 5 Torshavn, Faroe Islands. Britain, Hirta, St Kilda’s main Enjoy a morning at sea before island was occupied on and off we arrive in the Faroe Islands for at least two thousand years, at lunchtime. From our berth in with the last 36 Gaelic speaking Torshavn we will join a guided tour inhabitants evacuated at their through Torshavn over the hills own request in 1930. Immediately to Kirkjubour, the island’s oldest after the evacuation, the island cultural centre, where we see the was bought by the Marquess ruins of the 13th century St. Magnus of Bute to protect the island’s Cathedral and the 11th century thousands of seabirds including church, still in use. We also visit puffin and fulmars, and in 1957 it the 900-year old “Roykstovan”, was bequeathed to The National the old bishopric, considered to Trust for Scotland. St Kilda is be the oldest wooden house in one of only two dozen UNESCO Europe. We remain in the port until World Heritage Sites with dual late tonight for anyone who wishes status reflecting its natural and to explore the town or enjoy a cultural significance. The local nightcap ashore.

16 www.noble-caledonia.co.uk MS Serenissima – Hebrides to the Faroes Loch Scavaig

Vestmanna cliffs

Torshavn Callanish Standing Stones

Day 6 Vestmanna and Saksun. will head across the island to the the Cuillins. This is great walking to Iona which for more than 1000 Today we explore the northwest beautiful west coast. Described country, but for those who prefer years has been a place of deep corner of Streymoy and the cliffs as Scotland’s Stonehenge, the a less energetic afternoon our spiritual significance. No less at Vestmanna. Here we will board Callanish Standing Stones date Zodiacs will explore the coast than 62 kings of Scotland are local boats to explore these from around 3000BC. There are a looking out for seals. buried here and St Columba came vertical cliffs that climb almost total of 32 stones in a circular and here from Ireland in 563 AD as 1500 feet, sailing into grottos avenue design. The stones stand Day 10 Lunga & Iona. Arrive this early Christianity spread through carved by the surf over the years like a petrified forest on the flat morning at the tiny Treshnish Isles, northern Britain from this remote and watching the thousands top of a peninsula which reaches located in the waters between island community. We have time of sea birds including puffins, out into East Loch Roag. We also Mull and Tiree. Now uninhabited, to explore the Abbey, take a walk guillemots, fulmars and kittiwakes visit the Dun Carloway Pictish this group of low lying islands amongst the wildflowers across that nest here each summer. After Broch, probably built sometime is home to thousands of sea the island to the “Bay at the Back lunch onboard we will drive to in the last century BC, it would birds and a large population of of the Ocean” or keep an eye and the beautiful village of Saksun, have served as an occasionally common and Atlantic grey seals. ear out for the elusive corncrakes. an isolated settlement situated defensible residence for an Hopefully, land on the largest beneath steep majestic mountains. extended family complete with of the islands, Lunga to walk Day 11 Oban. Disembark this We visit Duvugaroar, an old accommodation for animals at amongst the amazingly tame morning after breakfast. Transfers farmhouse, which is now a museum ground floor level. Our final stop puffins and see the remnants of will be provided to Glasgow and visit a traditional Faeroese is the Gearrannan Blackhouse past habitation that dates back International Airport and Central wooden church in Kollafjord. Village – a reconstructed to Viking times. Sail over lunch Station at a fixed time. settlement of traditional black Day 7 Mykines. Our last call in the houses which were made using dry Faroes will be at the westernmost stone masonry and have thatched island of Mykines. One of the roofs, distinctively weighted down Prices per person Based on double occupancy loveliest of the archipelago, it is with rocks. Visit the small museum, wonderfully green and its single enjoy a display of a typical crofting SPECIAL OFFER – SAVE £200 PER PERSON FOR village with bright turf roofed activity such as weaving and take A LIMITED TIME ONLY houses and turf streets is a in the views at this dramatic site Cat Cabin Description Brochure Price Special Offer delight. One of the best walks in on the wild Atlantic coast. 1 Inside Twin/Double SOLD OUT SOLD OUT the Faroes can be found here at 2 Standard Stateroom SOLD OUT SOLD OUT “Lundaland” (land of the puffin) Day 9 Canna & Loch Scavaig. 3 Standard Stateroom Plus £3950 £3750 on the of Mtkinesholmur, Today, we will visit the Small Isles. 4 Superior Stateroom £4250 £4050 which is connected to Mykines Spend the morning on Canna, 5 Deluxe Stateroom £4550 £4350 by a small bridge. There will be owned by the National Trust for 6 Junior Suite SOLD OUT SOLD OUT time to explore the lighthouse Scotland and with a population 7 Executive Suite £5395 £5195 which was built in 1909, and view of only 20 but a fertile and 8 Owner’s Suite SOLD OUT SOLD OUT the large numbers of puffins and prosperous farm. We will enjoy 9 Inside Single SOLD OUT SOLD OUT gannets that inhabit the island. a guided walk along the shore 10 Standard Single SOLD OUT SOLD OUT Enjoy an afternoon at sea. and through the woods and 2 Standard Stateroom for sole use SOLD OUT SOLD OUT fields to where there is a chance 3 Standard Stateroom Plus for sole use SOLD OUT SOLD OUT of seeing both golden and sea Day 8 Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, Price Includes: Ten nights aboard the MS Serenissima on a full board basis Scotland. After a morning at eagles. Sail during lunch to lovely with house wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner onboard, Noble sea we return to Scotland and Loch Scavaig. Just beyond is the Caledonia onboard team, shore excursions, all gratuities, shore excursions, the Isle of Lewis. On leaving the freshwater Loch Corruisk with its port taxes, transfers/parking at Oban. island capital of Stornoway, we breathtakingly beautiful view over Not Included: Travel Insurance.

+44 (0)20 7752 0000 17 Midsummer in the Scottish Isles An expedition voyage around the Hebrides 11th to 18th June 2016

f ever an archipelago was made for expedition cruising it is the Cuillin of Rum to the Paps of the islands off Scotland’s west coast. Join us aboard the Jura, even distant Ben Nevis was Stornoway I Shiant Tanera Mor just visible. But the climax of a very Isles MS Serenissima and witness some of the finest scenery, learn St Kilda full day must be the puffins that Inverewe Gardens of the region’s fascinating history and meet the endearing people awaited us at the top of a short, Isle of Skye that call the islands home. Scotland’s magnificent coastline is an slightly rocky path. Lying down Canna indented landscape of enormous natural splendour with offshore meant that the birds soon became Rum used to our presence, providing SCOTLAND islands forming stepping stones into the Atlantic and in the northern Lunga summer, when the sun barely shrinks below the horizon, there is unparalleled close encounters – Oban Iona a stillness and an almost wistful feeling in the air. This is the time well worth the climb! Some of the more energetic followed John when the enchanted visitor will be moved and seduced by the along a cliff path to Harp Rock, majesty of the islands, lochs and seascapes. which was crammed with nesting guillemots, some razorbills, more One of Europe’s true last remaining wilderness areas affords the puffins, fulmars, kittiwakes and razorbills, puffins and shags. There traveller a marvellous island hopping journey through stunning shags – all presenting wonderful were also some great skuas flying scenery accompanied by spectacular sunsets and prolific wildlife. photo opportunities. Those who around, looking for an opportunity With our naturalists and local guides we will explore the length could not face the climb were to rob the auks of the food and breadth of the isles, and with our nimble Zodiac craft be able still able to enjoy the spectacle they carried to feed chicks. We to reach some of the most remote and untouched places. There is from the Zodiacs as thousands of next crossed the Minch to Loch puffins and other seabirds were Ewe and anchored off Inverewe no better way to explore this endlessly fascinating and beautiful resting on the sea. It had been Gardens where the warm currents region that will cast its spell on you than by small ship. Whether an unbelievably successful first of the Gulf Stream enable a host your interest lies in wildlife, gardens, photography, ancient history day, a long one perhaps, but one of exotic plants – Himalayan or simply an appreciation of this unique corner of the kingdom, this never to be forgotten. Dinner rhododendrons, Tasmanian unique voyage has something for everyone. proved especially welcome as MS eucalypts and many Chilean/ Serenissima continued north to South African plants - to be grown anchor off Canna for the night, here amongst some native Scots Ship’s Log against a most wonderful sunset. Pines and other tall trees. The last We have operated many similar but have continued to attract Zodiac run brought everyone back voyages and below are some visitors and pilgrims to the present to the ship in time for another talk extracts from past ship logs which day and the Abbey as we saw it by John, this time about St Kilda, should provide you with an insight today has been lovingly restored its human and natural history, into what you can expect from this during the 20th century. Many as a primer for tomorrow’s visit, island hopping adventure: passengers heard corncrakes possibly the climax of our cruise. calling in the gardens and fields around the village and some were lucky enough to catch sight of one. While we were ashore the The Itinerary ship had repositioned round the Day 1 Oban. Embark this south of the island to north of the Shiants and Inverewe – June afternoon in Oban. Transfers sandbank in the Sound of Iona. 2014: By breakfast the ship had will be provided from Glasgow All too soon it was time to return anchored amongst the Shiant Central station and Glasgow to the ship for lunch as we still Islands in the Minch. Once more International Airport to arrive had a full day ahead. Once the we were viewing Tertiary basalt in the late afternoon. Parking ship had anchored off Staffa half columns just like Staffa and Canna can also be arranged for those Iona, Staffa and Lunga – June of our passengers were landed but this time several hundred feet choosing to drive. Sail tonight. 2014: We awoke to find ourselves on the island to walk round tall and thronging with seabirds, anchored in the Sound of Iona into Fingal’s Cave, while others many of whom sat on the calm Day 2 Rum & Canna. Today, we and went ashore by Zodiac for a were taken by Zodiac into the sea as our Zodiacs cruised close will visit the Small Isles arriving at pleasant walk up to the Abbey. cave, swapping over later. The off shore. A landing was out of breakfast time at Rum. Starting Little remains of the early Christian latter was a distinct highlight, the question given the seaweed- at the village hall we can explore settlement, founded around made possible only by the ship’s covered rocks but more was to be the nature trails enjoying the AD 563 by St Columba and 12 Zodiacs so not many visitors are seen from the boats. A sea eagle wildflowers along the paths or companions who had sailed from able to view the wondrous basalt was evident on the skyline and watching for wildlife at the Otter Ireland. It became one of the most columns from within the cave some passengers did glimpse Hide. We also hope to see sea important monasteries in early itself! John showed a short but a young golden eagle. We saw eagles which were re-introduced Medieval Europe, renowned as spectacular slide presentation to grey seals hauled out ashore, or to Scotland on Rum in the 1980s a centre of learning and artistic Mendelssohn’s Hebrides Overture swimming around the Zodiacs alongside Manx Shearwaters and excellence; it was here, it is as the ship moved on to Lunga. while we investigated some Divers. Over lunch we sail the thought, that the famous Book It was after five when we began interesting sea caves before then short distance to Canna, owned of Kells was begun (now in Trinity our landing but it was a bright turning along the huge boulder by the National Trust for Scotland College, Dublin). The buildings sunny afternoon which showed the scree along the east side of Garbh and with a population of only 20 declined into picturesque ruins Hebridean vista to full effect –from Eilean with its huge numbers of but a fertile and prosperous farm.

18 www.noble-caledonia.co.uk MS Serenissima – Midsummer in the Scottish Isles Highland Cattle on Isle of Skye St Kilda Dunvegan Castle

White Tailed Eagle

We will enjoy a guided walk along Gulf Stream and protected by over fifty miles beyond the Outer to thousands of sea birds and a the shore and through the woods 100 acres of woodland planted as Hebrides. The largest island, Hirta, large population of common and and fields. We will learn about shelter. Enjoy a guided walk or take once supported a population of Atlantic grey seals. Hopefully, land the history of the islands, hear time to explore at your own pace. over 200, but the last islanders on the largest of the islands, Lunga stories of life in a small remote left in the 1930s. The Medieval to walk amongst the amazingly community and visit the historic Day 5 Shiant Islands & Stornoway. village has been restored by the tame puffins and see the remnants Celtic cross which dates back At dawn we anchor off the Shiant National Trust for Scotland and of past habitation that dates back around 1300 years. For the birders Islands a group of little islands offers a marvellous link with the to Viking times. Sail over lunch there is also the chance of seeing located a few miles off the shores past. The islands are an important to Iona which for more than 1000 both golden and sea eagles. of Lewis. This is an excellent place breeding ground for many years has been a place of deep to spot grey seals hauled out on seabirds including Atlantic puffins spiritual significance. No less Day 3 Isle of Skye. Awake this the rocks whilst on the cliffs we find and northern fulmars. The local than 62 kings of Scotland are morning to the impressive sight White Tailed Eagles, puffins and ranger will join us onboard before buried here and St Columba came of the Cuillins Mountains which shags. If conditions permit we will our expedition staff lead a number here from Ireland in 563 AD as form the dramatic backdrop to use the Zodiacs to explore the sea of guided walks on the island. early Christianity spread through the freshwater Loch Corruisk. This caves. Return to the ship for lunch Later, cruise past two of the largest northern Britain from this remote is great walking country and you as we sail to Stornoway where we gannetries in the world at Stac island community. We have time to can join our naturalists as they lead enjoy an afternoon tour starting on Lee and Boreray. These impressive explore the Abbey or take a walk a number of hikes searching for the islands west coast. Described stacs rise 170 metres from the amongst the wildflowers across flowers and birdlife. For those who as Scotland’s Stonehenge, the sea and are home to up to 60,000 the island to the “Bay at the Back prefer a less energetic morning Callanish Standing Stones date breeding pairs of northern gannet. of the Ocean”. our Zodiacs will explore the coast from around 3000BC. There are looking out for seals. Over lunch a total of 32 stones in a circular Day 7 Lunga & Iona. Arrive this Day 8 Oban. Disembark this we sail along the rugged coastline and avenue design. We also visit morning at the tiny Treshnish Isles, morning. Transfers will be of Skye to Loch Dunvegan where the Dun Carloway Pictish Broch, located in the waters between Mull provided to Glasgow Central we visit Dunvegan Castle, the probably built sometime in the last and Tiree. Now uninhabited, this Station and International Airport famous seat of the MacLeods. It is a century BC, it would have served group of low lying islands is home to arrive in the late morning. Hebridean Fortress, set on a rocky as an occasionally defensible platform with commanding views of residence for an extended family the Loch. See the castle and lovely complete with accommodation gardens and time permitting, the for animals at ground floor level. It Prices per person Based on double occupancy seal colony on the adjoining rocks. would also have served as a visible statement of power and status in SPECIAL OFFER – SAVE £200 PER PERSON FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY Day 4 Tanera Mor & Inverewe the local area. Our final stop is the Gardens. Arrive this morning in Gearrannan Blackhouse Village Cat Cabin Description Brochure Price Special Offer the beautiful Summer Isles, and – a reconstructed settlement of 1 Inside Twin/Double SOLD OUT SOLD OUT the only inhabited island of Tanera traditional black houses where 2 Standard Stateroom £2850 £2650 Mor. On a guided walk enjoy the people and animals lived in close 3 Standard Stateroom Plus £3150 £2950 stunning views and look out for proximity. The houses are made 4 Superior Stateroom £3350 £3150 otters and seals and the prolific using dry stone masonry and 5 Deluxe Stateroom £3550 £3350 bird life. Stop at the unique post have thatched roofs, distinctively 6 Junior Suite £3895 £3695 office, whose own rare stamps are weighted down with rocks. Visit 7 Executive Suite £4295 £4095 much sought after by collectors. the small museum, enjoy a display 8 Owner’s Suite SOLD OUT SOLD OUT During lunch sail into Loch Ewe for of a typical crofting activity such 9 Inside Single SOLD OUT SOLD OUT our visit to the imposing gardens as weaving and take in the views 10 Standard Single SOLD OUT SOLD OUT of Inverewe, surely one of the at this dramatic site on the wild 2 Standard Stateroom for sole use SOLD OUT SOLD OUT finest sited gardens in all Scotland. Atlantic coast. 3 Standard Stateroom Plus for sole use SOLD OUT SOLD OUT Designed by Osgood Mackenzie Price Includes: Seven nights aboard the MS Serenissima on a full board basis with in 1862 it is home to exotic and Day 6 St Kilda. Arrive at first house wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner onboard, Noble Caledonia tender plants which thrive in their light in St Kilda, a remarkable onboard team, shore excursions, all gratuities, port taxes, transfers, parking at Oban. northerly location warmed by the uninhabited archipelago some Not Included: Travel Insurance.

+44 (0)20 7752 0000 19 Ocean Nova

Lounge

We have chartered the expedition ship, the Ocean Nova for our unique island hopping expedition. The vessel was built in Denmark in 1992 with high ice class to serve Greenland’s west coast. In 2006 she was completely refurbished and has now a career as a small and comfortable expedition ship.

Your Cabin The Ocean Nova accommodates just 84 passengers. Cabins are spread over two decks and include cabins for the single traveller, double and triple cabins, all with sea-view and private facilities. The double cabins have either two lower beds or upper and lower beds. The triple cabins have upper and lower beds. In your cabin you will also find a desk with chair and ample storage space for clothes and equipment. They are well designed with typical Scandinavian light woods.

Your Space The Panorama lounge located on the Top deck affords excellent Cat 3 cabin views and is the main meeting place where you can enjoy a drink with a breath taking view of the surrounding landscape. It is here that our Expedition Team will entertain and educate you with TOP DECK lectures on biology, history, geology or ornithology with daily briefings. There is also a library with panoramic views and a good

selection of books on the area you are visiting. Onboard there is DECK

a satellite phone, small gym and medical doctor. Passengers are OBSERVATION welcome on the Bridge and there is always something to see or search for from the spacious observation decks. BRIDGE DECK CAPTAIN

LOUNGE 416 Your Dining 414 412 410 408 406 404 402 The comfortable dining room seats all passengers in a single sitting LIBRARY BRIDGE and offers delicious hearty meals with a mixture of table service and 415 413 411 409 407 405 403 401 buffet. It is comfortable and spacious enough to accommodate all passengers and expedition staff in one seating, and the portholes UPPER DECK allow you to take in your surroundings as you dine. The informal OFFICE

dining arrangement adds to the friendly atmosphere onboard 320 318 316 314 312 310 308 306 304 302 DINING and meals are a great chance to discuss all you have seen with ROOM your fellow travellers, and for the expedition team to share their

321 319 317 BUFFET 315 313 311 309 307 knowledge. 305 303 301

Life Onboard & Exploring Ashore MAIN DECK The atmosphere onboard is informal and time onboard is often H spent out on deck keeping watch for wildlife or admiring the spectacular view. The schedule can change due to weather conditions or unexpected wildlife sightings which adds to the GYM adventure. Daily briefings from our expedition team will prepare you for each day’s activities and experts in subjects such as ornithology or marine biology will give talks and accompany us ashore. CATEGORY 1 CATEGORY 2 CATEGORY 3

20 www.noble-caledonia.co.uk +44 (0)20 7752 0000 21 Ocean Nova anchored off St Kilda Wild Scotland An exploration of the remote islands of Scotland 17th to 27th May 2016

SHETLAND ISLANDS Our View Unst Few cruise ships offer the chance to explore in-depth the islands off Fetlar Papa Stour “ Lerwick the northern coast of Scotland. Due to popular demand, in 2016 we are Foula ORKNEY Mousa repeating this unique expedition which includes the remote, uninhabited ISLANDS Papa Westray North Rona Westray outposts of St Kilda and North Rona with the inhabited island of Foula and Copinsay the northernmost point of the United Kingdom at Unst. Such a trip would be St Kilda Kirkwall almost impossible to arrange independently and requires a small ship with the expeditionary qualities of the Ocean Nova to deliver. With our fleet of Zodiacs and our experienced expedition team we can make safe landings Pabbay Aberdeen Berneray on remote beaches and visit islands and communities far off the traditional Mingulay SCOTLAND tourist routes. As we go ashore in our small groups we know we also will Oban not swamp the islands when we arrive and can appreciate the isolation and Ring of Brodgar wildness of these special places. ”

uring this expedition cruise aboard the ideally suited The Itinerary Later, cruise past two of the largest Ocean Nova, we will travel out into the Atlantic for a visit Day 1 Oban. Embark the gannetries in the world at Stac Lee Dto St Kilda. Once inhabited, this special island is now left to the Ocean Nova in the afternoon. and Boreray. birds, thousands of seabirds on huge cliffs that rise from A transfer will be provided from Glasgow Central Station and the Spend the day the ocean. Day 4 North Rona. international airport to Oban around North Rona, an isolated We also visit Unst, Britain’s most northerly inhabited island at a fixed time. Sail in the early island some fifty miles north of and Fetlar which lays claim to being the first Norse landing evening. Cape Wrath. The last islanders left North Rona in 1844 and today site in the Shetlands. On Lerwick we explore the remarkable Day 2 Berneray, Pabbay & it is home to thirteen species of archaeological site of Jarlshof and during our time on remote Fair Mingulay. This promises to be breeding seabirds including large Isle we will enjoy a walk and spend time with some of the sixty a most memorable day as we colonies of great black-backed or so inhabitants of this tiny island sandwiched between Orkney circumnavigate the uninhabited gulls, great skuas and puffins. and Shetland. After exploring the fascinating sites of Mainland, islands at the very tip of South There is also a large population Uist. Making good use of our of grey seals which we hope to Orkney including the Standing Stones of Stenness, the Ring of Zodiacs we will explore the islands observe on a Zodiac cruise. If Brodgar and Skara Brae, we sail back to the Scottish mainland, and make beach landings. These weather permits we will also visit passing the huge cliffs of Copinsay on the way which are home to islands are a nature reserve with the gannet colony on Sula Sgeir a vast colony of seabirds including 20,000 guillemots. important breeding populations home to over 5000 breeding pairs of razorbills, guillemots, black and renowned as the least visited Each day will bring new experiences and we will witness vibrant guillemots, puffins, fulmars and national nature reserve in Britain. colours, amazingly prolific birdlife, deserted villages and learn of shags. There are also five species the history and ancient culture of unique island life. of gull, all the seabirds being Day 5 Papa Stour & Foula, attracted by the cliffs and caves Shetland Islands. This morning which offer safe nesting sites. we use our Zodiacs to explore the The islands also have significant stunning cliff scenery, sea stacs, historical sites, including the old arches, blowholes and coastal village on Mingulay which the last caves of Papa Stour. Over lunch islanders left in 1912 and which we we sail to Foula, one of Britain’s will visit this afternoon. most remote inhabited islands. Apart from a narrow coastal strip Day 3 St Kilda. Arrive at first of more fertile croftland, Foula is light in St Kilda, a remarkable an expanse of peat and moorland uninhabited archipelago some rising steeply to five dramatic fifty miles beyond the Outer peaks. In the long midsummer Hebrides. For some this is almost days, Foula’s wildflowers provide a pilgrimage and a moving a glorious burst of colour. The experience as we drop anchor off world’s largest colony of Great Village Bay on the island of Hirta. Skuas compete fiercely with many The local Ranger will come aboard Parasitic Jaegers for breeding for a brief talk on the island before territories. we have the chance to wander through the village. St Kilda once Day 6 Unst and Fetlar, Shetland supported a population of over Islands. We continue our 200, but the last islanders left exploration of Shetland in the in the 1930s. Recent restoration northern islands of Unst and work on the village by the Fetlar. Unst is Britain’s most National Trust for Scotland offers northerly inhabited island and at Seal Pup a marvellous link with the past. the Heritage Centre we will learn

22 www.noble-caledonia.co.uk Ocean Nova – Wild Scotland about the islanders struggles Britain. Return to the vessel for and explore St Magnus Church over the centuries and the lunch as we sail to Fair Isle where which dates back over 900 years. industries that have prospered the tiny population of sixty or so As we sail back to the Scottish whilst the Unst Boat Haven is islanders always extend us a warm mainland we cruise past the dedicated to the history of the welcome. Enjoy a walk across the huge cliffs of Copinsay which are islands distinctive wooden boats island, perhaps visiting the Bird home to a vast colony of seabirds which descend from Viking craft. Observatory, searching out the including 20 000 guillemots, Alternatively discover Hermaness puffin slopes. 600 puffins and 4500 pairs of National Nature Reserve with kittiwakes. views over to Muckle Flugga Day 9 Westray & Papa Westray, stacks and home to thousands of Orkney Islands. Today we explore Day 11 Aberdeen. Disembark gannets and puffins as well as rare the islands to the north of the this morning. Transfers will be arctic-alpine plants. Over lunch we Orkney mainland. On Westray provided to the train station and sail to Fetlar, inhabited for over we will visit Noup Head, an RSPB airport at a set time. 5000 years the island lays claim to reserve on the sea cliffs and home Exploring by Zodiac being the first Norse landing site to up to 100 000 nesting seabirds. in the Shetlands. Known as the We also see Notland Castle an most fertile of the Shetland Islands incomplete fortress built in the the wild flowers bring colour to 16th century by Gilbert Balfour, the landscape whilst the birdlife Mary Queen of Scots Sheriff of on the island is prolific. At the Orkney whilst in the main village Fetlar Interpretative Centre and of Pierowall we find the Westray museum we will learn about the Heritage Centre housing Neolithic wildlife and archaeological history carvings. Over lunch we sail the before exploring ourselves. short distance to Papa Westray. Here we can visit the 3500 year Day 7 Lerwick, Shetland Islands. old Knap of Howar a Neolithic After breakfast we will visit the farm building that claims to be the remarkable archaeological site of oldest standing house in Europe Jarlshof. The site was uncovered and the 12th Century St Boniface by a violent storm in the winter of Kirk. In the north of the island is 1896/7, revealing an extraordinary the North Hill reserve, home to settlement site embracing at arctic terns and skuas and also the least 5000 years of human history. extremely rare Scottish primrose. The site contains a remarkable sequence of stone structures – Day 10 Kirkwall & Copinsay, late Neolithic houses, a Bronze- Orkney Islands. This morning Age village, an Iron-Age broch we will head into the west of Arctic Skua and wheelhouses, several Norse Mainland, Orkney’s largest island. longhouse, a medieval farmstead, We will pass through gentle and the 16th-century laird’s house. rolling landscape and into the Return to the ship for lunch and Neolithic Heartland of Orkney; enjoy a free afternoon to explore an area designated as a World this historic port. Perhaps wander Heritage Site due to its wealth through its narrow stone lanes or of pre-historic archaeology. We maybe visit the excellent Shetland will see the Standing Stones of Museum, containing artefacts from Stenness, the Ring of Brodgar; a shipwrecks and the whaling era. huge ceremonial circle of stones dating back almost 5000 years. Day 8 Mousa & Fair Isle. This We continue to the 5000 year-old morning we arrive at the island village of Skara Brae and see the of Mousa to see the forty-foot remarkable dwellings revealed defensive tower built by the Picts from beneath the sand dunes by more than 2000 years ago, and the storms only 150 years ago. Time tallest, best preserved example permitting we will also visit Birsay, Jarlshof of an Iron Age broch (tower) in the ancient centre of Viking power

Prices per person Broch of Mousa, Shetland Islands Based on double occupancy SPECIAL OFFER – SAVE £200 PER PERSON FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY Cat Cabin Description Brochure Price Special Offer 1 Bunk bedded cabin for twin use SOLD OUT SOLD OUT 2 Standard Twin £3895 £3695 3 Superior SOLD OUT SOLD OUT 1 Bunk bedded cabin for sole use SOLD OUT SOLD OUT 2 Standard Twin sole use SOLD OUT SOLD OUT

Price Includes: Ten nights aboard the Ocean Nova on a full board basis including wine and beer with lunch and dinner onboard, transfers, shore excursions, Noble Caledonia Expedition Team, gratuities to crew and whilst on excursions, port taxes. Not Included: Travel Insurance. NB. Ports and itinerary subject to change based on local weather conditions. Broch of Mousa, Shetland Islands

+44 (0)20 7752 0000 23 Cruises with this logo visit out of the way destinations. You will be accompanied by an expedition team and many landings ashore will be made by Zodiac landing craft. Cruises such as these will appeal to the more adventurous and those who enjoy the natural world.

2 Close, Belgravia, London, SW1X 7BE +44 (0)20 7752 0000 | [email protected] | 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: St Michael’s Mount.

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