ch laun offer - save Summer in the £500 PER PERSON Islands and Highlands of An expedition voyage exploring Scotland’s remote islands aboard the Sea Explorer 14th to 23rd August 2016 Ring of Brodgar

oble Caledonia can take you almost anywhere in the world you ISLANDS Nmay care to go, but remember that some of the finest scenery, Unst & fascinating history and most endearing people may be found close to home. Lerwick Westray & Nowhere is this truer than around Scotland’s magnificent coastline, an Papa Westray Kirkwall indented landscape of enormous natural splendour with offshore islands ISLANDS forming stepping stones into the Atlantic. In the northern summer, when Stornoway Scrabster the sun barely shrinks below the horizon, there is a stillness and an almost Canna wistful feeling in the air. This is the time when the enchanted visitor will & Rum SCOTLAND Tobermory Oban be moved and seduced by the majesty of the islands, lochs and seascapes. Iona One of Europe’s true last remaining wilderness areas affords the traveller a Leith marvellous island hopping journey through stunning scenery accompanied by spectacular sunsets and prolific wildlife.

There is no better way to explore this endlessly fascinating and beautiful Voyage Highlights region than by small ship and the all-suite Sea Explorer is the perfect vessel. This is not a cruise in the conventional sense, more an exploration with • Opportunity to visit remote and isolated islands in the company of 100 or so fellow guests who wish to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the expert expedition team. islands. Learn something of their history, see the abundant bird and marine • Short sailing distances allow maximum life, but above all revel in the timeless enchantment that these islands exude time ashore on each island. to all those who appreciate the natural world. With our naturalists and • In addition to the natural world appeal, there will be some cultural delights local guides we will explore using the nimble Zodiac craft which allow us to such as whisky tasting onboard hosted reach some of the most remote and untouched places. by the Tobermory distillery and an opportunity to listen to local musicians in Lerwick. Now, more than ever there is a great appreciation for the peace, beauty •  Visits to iconic historical sites such as and culture of this special corner of the UK. Having arranged hundreds of Iona Abbey and Skara Brae. small ship cruises around Scotland, we have learned that everyone takes • Chance to spend time in the small something different from the experience. Whether your interest lies in Orkney and Shetland Islands plus places like Canna and Rum where horticulture or the natural world, history or bird watching or simply being we will see wildflowers and wildlife there to witness the timeless beauty of Scotland’s coast and islands, this trip on leisurely walks on the islands or through gardens. will lift the spirits and gladden the heart. www.noble-caledonia.co.uk +44 (0)20 7752 0000 Tobermory

Puffins

The Itinerary

Day 1 Leith, Scotland. Embark incomplete fortress built in the wild flowers bring colour to the the Sea Explorer this afternoon 16th century by Gilbert Balfour, landscape whilst the birdlife on and sail this evening. A transfer to Mary Queen of Scots Sherif of the island is prolific. At the Fetlar the vessel will be available from Orkney whilst in the main village Interpretative Centre and museum Edinburgh Waverley Station and of Pierowall we find the Westray we will learn about the wildlife Edinburgh Airport at a fixed time. Heritage Centre housing Neolithic and archaeological history before carvings. Over lunch we sail the exploring ourselves. Day 2 Kirkwall, Orkney. After a short distance to Papa Westray. morning at sea we arrive at the Here we can visit the 3500 year Day 5 Lerwick, Shetland Islands. Orkney capital of Kirkwall from old Knap of Howar a Neolithic From the Shetland capital we will where we will head into the west of farm building that claims to be the visit the remarkable archaeological Mainland, Orkney’s largest island. oldest standing house in Europe site of Jarlshof. The site was We will pass through gentle rolling and the 12th century St Boniface uncovered by a violent storm in landscape and into the Neolithic Kirk. In the north of the island is the winter of 1896/7, revealing Heartland of Orkney; an area the North Hill reserve, home to an extraordinary settlement site designated as a World Heritage arctic terns and skuas and also the embracing at least 5000 years of Site due to its wealth of pre-historic extremely rare Scottish primrose. human history. The site contains archaeology. We will see the a remarkable sequence of stone Celtic Cross, Iona Standing Stones of Stenness, the Day 4 Unst & Fetlar, Shetland structures – late Neolithic houses, Ring of Brodgar; a huge ceremonial Islands. We begin our exploration a Bronze- Age village, an Iron-Age for use as a holiday home and circle of stones dating back almost of Shetland in the northern islands broch and wheelhouses, several created the beautiful gardens we 5000 years. We continue to the of Unst and Fetlar. Unst is Britain’s Norse longhouse, a medieval will see today. This afternoon we 5000-year-old village of Skara Brae most northerly inhabited island farmstead, and the 16th-century drive along the coast to and see the remarkable dwellings and at the Heritage Centre we laird’s house. Return to the ship for Bay, a glorious crescent of sand revealed from beneath the sand will learn about the islanders lunch and enjoy a free afternoon to and dunes which is home to many dunes by storms only 150 years struggles over the centuries and explore this historic port. Perhaps seabirds and unusual flora which ago. Time permitting we will also the industries that have prospered wander through its narrow stone we will discover on a guided walk visit Birsay, the ancient centre whilst the Unst Boat Haven is lanes or maybe visit the excellent with the local ranger. We continue of Viking power and explore St dedicated to the history of the Shetland Museum, containing to Dunnet Head to see the Magnus Church which dates back island’s distinctive wooden boats artefacts from shipwrecks and the lighthouse built in 1831 by Robert over 900 years. This evening we will which descend from Viking craft. whaling era. Stevenson and enjoy the views be entertained by local musicians Also discover Hermaness National over to Orkney. As we return to onboard as we moor overnight. Nature Reserve with views over to Day 6 Scrabster. Spend the day the ship we will visit the Medieval Muckle Flugga stacks and home in Scrabster, the most northerly Canisbay Kirk whose position over Day 3 Westray & Papa Westray, to thousands of gannets and port on the Scottish mainland. the Pentland has meant it has Orkney Islands. Today we explore puffins as well as rare arcticalpine This morning, visit the Castle and been a landmark for shipping for the islands to the north of the plants. Over lunch we sail to Fetlar, Gardens of Mey which was built centuries. During dinner onboard Orkney mainland. On Westray inhabited for over 5000 years between 1566 and 1572 by George tonight we sail around Cape Wrath we will visit Noup Head, an RSPB the island lays claim to being Sinclair, 4th Earl of . The on our way to the Hebrides. reserve on the sea cliffs and home the first Norse landing site in the castle was purchased by Queen to up to 100 000 nesting seabirds. . Known as the most Elizabeth, the Queen Mother Day 7 Stornoway, Isle of Lewis. We also see Notland Castle an fertile of the Shetland Islands the in 1952 who restored the castle On leaving the island capital www.noble-caledonia.co.uk +44 (0)20 7752 0000 Iona Abbey

Zodiac landing

Cattle, Canna

of Stornoway, today’s tour Day 8 Canna & Rum, Small Isles. the wildflowers across the island learn about the whisky distilling takes you across the island Today, we will visit the Small to the “Bay at the Back of the processes and have a chance to to the beautiful west coast Isles arriving at breakfast time at Ocean”. Over lunch we sail to taste the final product. and Callanish. Described as Canna, owned by the National the Isle of Mull and the pretty Scotland’s Stonehenge, the Trust for Scotland and with a port of Tobermory. Spend the Day 10 Oban. Disembark this Callanish Standing Stones date population of only 20 but a fertile afternoon at leisure in the town morning. Transfers will be from around 3000 BC. There are and prosperous farm. We will walking amongst the colourful provided to Glasgow Central a total of 32 stones in a circular enjoy a guided walk along the buildings or maybe take the Station and Glasgow Airport at and avenue design. The stones shore and through the woods coastal walk to the Rubhanan a fixed time to arrive in the late stand like a petrified forest on and fields. We will learn about Gall lighthouse. This evening morning. the flat top of a peninsula which the history of the islands, hear we enjoy a talk onboard from reaches out into East Loch Roag. stories of life in a small remote the local distillery, we will Visit the excellent visitor centre community and visit the historic to learn more about the site and Celtic cross which dates back venture out amongst the stones around 1300 years. For the themselves to experience their birders there is also the chance Prices per person mysterious atmosphere. Continue of seeing both golden and sea Based on double occupancy around the west coast to the eagles. Over lunch we sail the LAUNCH OFFER – SAVE £500 PER PERSON FOR site of Dun Carloway Pictish short distance to Rum, starting A LIMITED TIME ONLY Broch. Probably built sometime at the village hall we can explore Cat Cabin Description Deck Brochure Price Special Offer in the last century BC, it would the nature trails enjoying the E Suite with portholes 2 £4075 £3575 have served as an occasionally wildflowers along the paths or £ D Suite with window 3 £4395 £3895 defensible residence for an watching for wildlife at the Otter C Suite with window 4 £4695 £4195 extended family complete with Hide. We also hope to see sea B Corner Suite with window 4 £4955 £4455 accommodation for animals at eagles which were re-introduced A Suite with private balcony Veranda £5285 £4785 ground floor level. It would also to Scotland on Rum in the 1980s AA Suite with private balcony Penthouse £5475 £4975 have served as a visible statement alongside Manx Shearwaters and E Suite with portholes for sole use 2 £5895 £5395 of power and status in the local Divers. D Suite with window for sole use 3 £6340 £5840 area. We then head north to C Suite with window for sole use 4 £6775 £6275 Gearrannan Blackhouse Village, Day 9 Iona & Tobermory, Isle a reconstructed settlement of of Mull. At breakfast time we Price Includes: Nine nights aboard the Sea Explorer on a full board basis traditional black houses where arrive at Iona which for more than including wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, shore excursions, Noble Caledonia onboard team, transfers, port taxes, gratuities onboard and people and animals lived in close 1000 years has been a place of whilst on excursions. proximity. The houses are made deep spiritual significance. No Not Included: Travel insurance. using dry stone masonry and less than 62 kings of Scotland NB. Ports subject to change. All special offers are subject to availability. have thatched roofs, distinctively are buried here and St Columba weighted down with rocks. came here from Ireland in 563 Visit the small museum, enjoy AD as early Christianity spread This cruise visits out of the way destinations. You will be a display of a typical crofting through northern Britain from accompanied by an expedition team and landings ashore will activity such as weaving and take this remote island community. often be made by Zodiac landing craft. Cruises such as this in the views at this dramatic site We have time to explore the will appeal to the more adventurous and those who enjoy the on the wild Atlantic coast. Abbey or take a walk amongst natural world. www.noble-caledonia.co.uk +44 (0)20 7752 0000 Sea Explorer Sea Explorer, previously known as Corinthian II, will be joining the Noble Caledonia fleet in the spring of 2016. She will receive an extensive refit in April 2016 and thereby offer the same standards and style as her sister vessels the MS Island Sky and MS Caledonian Sky. Prior to 2016 Noble Caledonia will be honouring the existing charters with a number of specialist cruise companies that are already in place as well as operating a series of cruises from March to June 2015.

Like our very own MS Island Sky and MS Caledonian Sky, Sea Explorer is one of the finest small ships in the world and Sea Explorer offers exceptionally spacious and well designed suites, beautifully appointed public areas and the highest standards of service and food. She is outfitted with the most current navigational and communications technology as well as with retractable fin stabilizers for smooth sailing. The vessel features a fleet of ten Zodiac inflatable craft for forays ashore.

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

The Restaurant The Library The Club

PENTHOUSE DECK

Life Onboard return to the comfort and peace SUN of a well run and exceedingly 603 601 The atmosphere onboard is DECK focused on exploration and comfortable ship. The dress policy JACUZZI SALON 604 602 discovery with all the creature is casual and comfortable for GYM comforts you would expect from a exploration ashore. VERANDA DECK vessel of this calibre. The onboard crew of 72 provide fine onboard For your Comfort, Safety & Security 511 509 507 505 BRIDGE service and the vessel features The vessel carries 114 passengers in SUN DECK four star amenities. A little music comfort and with 72 crew onboard CAFE 512 510 508 506 in the lounge or bar after dinner, your journey will be enhanced by informative talks and briefings attentive onboard service. DECK 4 from the onboard team and of Smoking is restricted to outside LIBRARY 427 425 423 421 419 417 415 course good food, which is created areas and a lift serves all decks. by the highly regarded master There is a medical centre onboard 428 426 424 422 420 418 416 414 CLUB chefs. After a day ashore you will with doctor. 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

2 Chester 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: Sea Eagle. 080415_K