SPECIAL OFFER - SAVE £300 PER PERSON SPLENDOURS OF SCOTLAND A springtime voyage through the Hebridean, Shetland & Orkney Islands aboard the MS Serenissima 23rd May to 3rd June 2021 ords do not do justice to the spectacular beauty, rich wildlife and SHETLAND ISLANDS fascinating history of the Scottish islands and highlands which we apa Sto r o a W erwic will explore during this wonderful journey around Scotland’s magnificent orth ona dsa apa estra air s e coastline aboard the 95-passenger MS Serenissima. If you have always had Stac ee Stornowa ORKNE a hankering to visit some of the remotest and most inaccessible islands in St i da ISLANDS OUTER n erewe Scotland, this is the ideal opportunity. Few cruise ships offer the chance to HE RIDES ardens Shiant s ands explore in-depth the islands off the northern coast of Scotland and this m och Sca aig A erdeen unique itinerary ventures far north to the Shetland and Orkney Islands as nga SCOTLAND Staffa an well as the magical Hebridean islands. We will visit both inhabited and INNER ona HE RIDES igha uninhabited islands and places of great natural beauty rich in birdlife, s a wildlife and mystical history, many with a long history dating back to the Iron Age. One of Europe’s last true remaining wilderness areas affords the traveller a marvellous island hopping journey through stunning scenery accompanied by spectacular sunsets and prolific wildlife and there is no better way to discover the beauty of this region than by small ship. With our naturalists and local guides we will explore using the nimble Zodiac craft which allow us to reach some of the most remote and untouched places. We will witness vibrant colours, explore deserted villages and learn of the history and ancient culture of unique island life. Whether your interest lies in the natural world, history or bird watching or simply being there to witness the timeless beauty of the islands, this trip will lift the spirits and gladden the heart.
Loch Scavaig
St Kilda Puffins, Lunga
www.noble-caledonia.co.uk Exploring by Zodiac
Whisky tasting, Gigha Inverewe gardens
Lerwick Stac Lee Atlantic grey seals, North Ronaldsay
Our View “We have been operating cruises around the tip of Scotland for many origin, Lunga has been described as ‘a green jewel in a peacock sea’ and is years and it is itineraries such as these that really showcase the benefits a summer nesting-place for hundreds of seabirds. of small ship cruising. With our fleet of Zodiacs we are able to make calls into some of the remote and uninhabited islands that surround Day 4 Loch Scavaig & Rum. Awake at our anchorage in lovely Loch the Scottish coast. Few ships make the journey to these outer islands Scavaig. Just beyond is the freshwater Loch Corruisk with its breathtakingly and we are fortunate to be able to explore them in our small groups. beautiful view over the Cuillins. This is great walking country, but for those Combining visits to the small community of Iona with uninhabited who prefer a less energetic morning our Zodiacs will explore the coast St Kilda and Lunga into one itinerary is rare and by also including looking out for seals. Sail over lunch to the Small Isles for an afternoon on Stornoway and Lerwick we can experience the history, wildlife and Rum which is a nature reserve. We will walk the nature trail, a beautiful area culture of these varied and remote islands.” of wildflowers and typical Scottish island scenery. This lovely island is also a bird watcher’s paradise.
The Itinerary Day 5 St Kilda & Stac Lee, Outer Hebrides. Arrive over breakfast at Day 1 Oban, Scotland. Embark the MS Serenissima this afternoon. St Kilda, a remarkable uninhabited archipelago some fifty miles beyond Transfers will be provided from Glasgow International Airport and Glasgow the Outer Hebrides. Dominated by the highest cliffs and sea stacks in Central Railway Station at a fixed time. Enjoy welcome drinks and dinner as Britain, Hirta, St Kilda’s main island was occupied on and off for at least we sail this evening. two thousand years, with the last 36 Gaelic speaking inhabitants evacuated at their own request in 1930. Immediately after the evacuation, the island Day 2 Gigha & Islay, Inner Hebrides. Gigha is a place apart; heather was bought by the Marquess of Bute to protect the island’s thousands of covered hills, deserted beaches and a single lane verged with wildflowers seabirds including puffin and fulmars, and in 1957 it was bequeathed to The that meander for some six miles between cottages and farms. Privately National Trust for Scotland. St Kilda is one of only a few UNESCO World owned by its 120 inhabitants, it is a gem of a place and somewhere not Heritage Sites with dual status reflecting its natural and cultural significance. easily forgotten. After landing by Zodiac, we will walk to the gardens of The local ranger will join us on board before our expedition staff lead a Achamore House where the Horlick family have created a lovely and eclectic number of guided walks on the island. This afternoon we will cruise past garden with their collection of azaleas, rhododendrons and exotic plants. two of the largest gannetries in the world at Stac Lee and Stac an Armin. This afternoon we will use our Zodiacs to land on Islay where, on a distillery These impressive stacs rise 170 metres from the sea and are home to up to visit, we can learn about the production of the island’s single malt whisky 60,000 breeding pairs of northern gannet and enjoy a tasting. Day 6 Inverewe Gardens & Shiant Islands. Sailing into Loch Ewe we will Day 3 Staffa, Iona & Lunga. At first light we arrive at Staffa where the use our Zodiacs to visit Inverewe, surely one of the finest sited gardens in all perpendicular rock face features an imposing series of black basalt Scotland. Cared for by the National Trust for Scotland since 1952 it was first columns, known as the Colonnade, which has been cut by the sea into designed by plant hunter Osgood Mackenzie in the late 19th century and is cathedralesque caverns, most notably Fingal’s Cave. Weather permitting, home to a multitude of exotic and tender plants that are sheltered by well we will use our Zodiacs to explore closer. Continue to Iona which has been positioned windbreaks of native pine. After a guided tour of the gardens, occupied for thousands of years and has been a place of pilgrimage and we will return to the ship and sail over lunch. This afternoon we will board Christian worship for several centuries. It was to this flat, Hebridean island the Zodiacs for a cruise around the spectacular basalt cliffs of the Shiant that St Columba fled from Ireland in 563 and established a monastery. Here Islands, a group of little islands located a few miles off the shores of Lewis. his followers were responsible for the conversion of much of pagan Scotland This is an excellent place to spot puffins, razorbills, guillemots, seals and and Northern England. No less than 62 Scottish Kings are buried in the hopefully white-tailed eagles. Abbey. Visit the Abbey or perhaps walk along the white sandy beaches or go in search of the corncrake amongst the irises. Our day ends at the Day 7 Stornoway, Isle of Lewis. On leaving the island capital of Treshnish Isles, an archipelago of uninhabited volcanic islets. The island of Stornoway, we will head across the island to the beautiful west coast. Lunga is the largest of the Treshnish Isles in Argyll and Bute. Of volcanic Described as Scotland’s Stonehenge, the Callanish Standing Stones date Noup Head, Westray
Iona Callanish Standing Stones
from around 3000 BC. There are a total of 32 stones in a circular and species whilst the rugged coastline provides nesting sites for seabird avenue design. The stones stand like a petrified forest on the flat top colonies. A series of walks will include the bird observatory and we of a peninsula which reaches out into East Loch Roag. We also visit can also view the seals hauled up on the beaches. Those wishing to the Dun Carloway Pictish Broch, probably built sometime in the last explore further can visit the lighthouse with views over the nearby century BC it would have served as an occasionally defensible residence islands or the wool mill where yarn is produced from the island’s for an extended family complete with accommodation for animals at seaweed eating sheep. ground floor level. Our final stop is the Gearrannan Blackhouse Village, a reconstructed settlement of traditional black houses which were made Day 11 Papa Westray. Spend the morning on Papa Westray where using dry stone masonry and which have thatched roofs, distinctively there will be the opportunity for a number of island walks. Visit the weighted down with rocks. Visit the small museum, enjoy a display of 3500-year-old Knap of Howar, a Neolithic farm building that claims a typical crofting activity such as weaving and take in the views of this to be the oldest standing house in Europe and the 12th century dramatic site on the wild Atlantic coast. St Boniface Kirk. Meanwhile in the north of the island is the North Hill Reserve, home to Arctic terns and skuas and also the extremely rare Day 8 Foula & Papa Stour, Shetland Islands. This morning we visit Scottish primrose. We sail over lunch and have an afternoon at sea as Foula, one of Britain’s most remote inhabited islands. Apart from a we return to the Scottish mainland. narrow coastal strip of more fertile croftland, Foula is an expanse of peat and moorland rising steeply to five dramatic peaks. In springtime Foula’s Day 12 Aberdeen. Disembark this morning. Transfers will be wildflowers provide a glorious burst of colour. Translated as “Bird Island” provided to Aberdeen International Airport and Train Station at from Old Norse the island is a designated as a Special Protection Area a fixed time. for birds and is home to the world’s largest colony of great skuas, known locally as bonxies, which compete fiercely with Arctic skuas for breeding territories. Over lunch we will sail the short distance to Papa Stour where we will use our Zodiacs to explore the stunning cliff scenery, sea stacks, PRICES PER PERSON arches, blowholes and coastal caves. Based on double occupancy
Day 9 Lerwick. From the Shetland capital, we will visit the remarkable SPECIAL OFFER – SAVE £300 PER PERSON archaeological site of Jarlshof. The site was uncovered by a violent FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY storm in the winter of 1896/7, revealing an extraordinary settlement Cat Cabin Description Brochure Price Special Offer Price site embracing at least 5000 years of human history. The site contains Standard Stateroom a remarkable sequence of stone structures – late Neolithic houses, a 2 £4695 £4395 Classic Stateroom Bronze-Age village, an Iron-Age broch and wheelhouses, several Norse 3 £4895 £4595 Superior Stateroom longhouse, a Medieval farmstead and the 16th century laird’s house. 4 £5295 £4995 Deluxe Stateroom Return to the ship for lunch and enjoy a free afternoon to explore this 5 £5695 £5395 Junior Suite historic port. This evening we will be entertained by local musicians. 6 £6095 £5795 7 Owner’s Suite £6495 £6195 8 Serenissima Suite £6495 £6195 Day 10 Fair Isle & North Ronaldsay, Orkney Islands. This morning we 10 Standard Single £4695 anchor off the remote island of Fair Isle. Located midway between the £4395 Shetland and Orkney Islands, the tiny population of sixty or so islanders PRICE INCLUDES: 11 nights aboard the MS Serenissima on a full always extend us a warm welcome. Enjoy a walk across the island board basis • House wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner searching out the puffin slopes, visit the community hall for a cup of tea • Noble Caledonia expedition team • Shore excursions • Gratuities or maybe purchase some of the famous knitwear. After lunch we arrive in • Transfers • Port taxes. the Orkney Islands at the northernmost island of North Ronaldsay. The Not Included: Travel insurance. birdlife is prolific as the wetland habitats support the wildfowl and wader
+44 (0)20-7752 0000 ms serenissima
Harald Jarl Lounge Venice Restaurant Andrea Lounge
The charming MS Serenissima began her career as the Harald Jarl, cruising the Norwegian coastline and fjords. Since 2003, when she was extensively renovated, she has been operating as a classic cruise ship. Previously known as the MS Andrea, she was upgraded again in 2013 and started her new life as the MS Serenissima. 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.
Your Cabin/Suite Accommodating no more than 95 passengers, there are eight different with hot and cold dishes available. Dinner is served à la carte and is four grades of cabins arranged over five decks, and all feature either courses, except at the Captain’s Dinner, which is a six course affair. Where windows or portholes. The cabins are attractively designed for comfort possible, local produce is sourced for an authentic dining experience. A and convenience. All cabins are fully air conditioned with an en-suite choice of red or white wine, beer and soft drinks is included at lunch and bathroom with shower (please note cabins 601 - 605 and 507 have a dinner. In good weather there are al fresco dining facilities available and tea bath with shower attachment) and a selection of toiletries in addition and coffee are available around the clock in the Andrea Lounge. to a hairdryer, robes and slippers. All cabins come equipped with telephone, flat screen television, safety deposit box and other thoughtful Your Space appointments. Refillable water bottles are available in all cabins for use The facilities on board include two lounges – the larger Andrea Lounge on board. Due to the very nature of the ship, the cabins vary in shape is comfortable and spacious and the smaller Harald Jarl Lounge is more and size, adding to the vessel’s overall charm. intimate. There is also a small library and Wi-Fi is available at an extra cost throughout the vessel. The outside areas really are something Your Dining special. A spacious observation deck allows 360 degree views of the The free seating Venice Restaurant passing scenery. From here, step down to the lido area with Jacuzzi accommodates all guests in one sitting and outside bar. The covered seating area at the back of Deck 6 is ideal and, with its Deck 5 location, all of the for relaxing with a drink in hand. Perhaps, one of the best known and tables benefit from great views. The loved features of this vessel is its unique style. During the major refit in picture windows also make the restaurant Sweden the then owners commissioned Swedish interior designers to wonderfully light and airy. Breakfast is served create a country house style which has recently been updated with some buffet-style with cooked dishes available and Art Deco styling which works particularly well on a vessel of this vintage, eggs to order by the ship’s accomplished providing intimacy and a classic nautical sensibility often lacking in chef. Lunch is also served buffet-style larger vessels. MS SERENISSIMA DECK PLAN & CABINS
DECK 7 RIDGE RIDGE DECKDECK 7 7 704704 702702 RIDGE 702 RIDGE 703 704 704702 703 701701 703 703 701 701 CO ERED SEATING AREA DECK 6 CO ERED SEATING AREA CO ERED SEATING AREA ODIAC DECKDECK 6 CO ERED 6 SEATINGTENDERTENDER AREA ODIAC 604604 602602 TENDERTENDER ODIAC ODIAC 604 604 602PRI ATEPRI ATE602 SERENISSIMA SUITE 605 603 601 WALKWA (25 square metres) 605 603 601 WALKWA TENDER ODIAC PRI ATEPRI ATE TENDER ODIAC 605 605603 603 601 601WALKWA WALKWA TENDER TENDER ODIAC ODIAC RECEPTION DECK 5 RECEPTION DECK 5 HARALD JARL RECEPTIONRECEPTIONHARALD JARL LOUNGE
DECK 5 ANDREA LOUNGE DECK 5 HARALD JARL LOUNGEANDREA HARALD JARL AR LOUNGE LOUNGE ENICE LOUNGE AR ANDREAANDREA RESTAURANT ENICE LOUNGE AR AR LOUNGE RESTAURANT ENICE ENICE JACU I FITNESS 507 505 503 501 RESTAURANTRESTAURANT 507 JACU I ROOMFITNESS 505 503 501 ROOM FITNESS 507 507 JACU IJACU I FITNESS DECK 4 505 505503 503501 501 ROOMROOM DECK 4 418 412 410 DECKDECK 4 4244 414 408 406
422 404 402 420 418 412 410 408 406 424 418 414 412 412410 410 422 418 408404 402406 424 420 424 414 414 408 406
422 404 402 422
420 404 402 420
421 419 407 417 401 409 405 403
421 419 407 417 401 409 403 419
421419 407 421 417 407405 401 417 401 409 409 405403 403 OWNER’S SUITE 405 (22 square metres) DECK 3 322 320 318 316 314 312 310 308 306 304 DECK 3 322 320 318 316 314 312 310 308 302 DECK 3 322 320318 318 316 314316 312314 310312 308310306 308304 DECK 3 322 320 306 306 304 H 304302 301 302 302 H303 305 H H 321 319 317 311 309 307 301 301 315 313 303 301 305 303 303 321 319 321 319 311 309 307 307305 305 321 317319 317315 313317315 313315 311313 309311 309307 STANDARD STATEROOM DELUXE STATEROOM SERENISSIMA SUITE STANDARDSTANDARD STATEROOM STATEROOM DELUXEDELUXE STATEROOMDELUXE STATEROOM STATEROOM SERENISSIMASERENISSIMASERENISSIMA SUITE SUITE SUITE CLASSICSTANDARD STATEROOM STATEROOM JUNIOR SUITE STANDARD SINGLE JUNIORJUNIOR SUITEJUNIOR SUITE SUITE STANDARDSTANDARD SINGLE SINGLE SUPERIORCLASSICCLASSIC STATEROOM STATEROOMCLASSIC STATEROOM STATEROOM OWNER’S SUITE STANDARD SINGLE SUPERIORSUPERIOR STATEROOMSUPERIOR STATEROOM STATEROOM OWNER’SOWNER’S SUITEOWNER’S SUITE SUITE
NB. Please note cabin sizes vary in each category and measurements shown are approximate. JUNIOR SUITE (21 square metres)
DELUXE STATEROOM SUPERIOR STATEROOM CLASSIC STATEROOM (15 to 25 square metres) (11.5 to 18 square metres) (14 to 19 square metres)
During this voyage you will be visiting out of the way destinations and will be accompanied by an expedition team. Landings and excursions will be made by Zodiac landing craft. This cruise will appeal to the more adventurous and those who enjoy the natural world. STANDARD STATEROOM STANDARD SINGLE (10 to 11.5 square metres) (7 to 12.5 square metres)
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: Dun Carloway Broch, Isle of Lewis.
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