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BOOK EARLY - SAVE £300 Wild PER PERSON An exploration of the remote islands of Scotland aboard the Ocean Nova 17th to 27th May 2015 St. Kilda Jarlshof

SHETLAND ou can travel the ISLANDS The Itinerary Day 4 . Spend the day Unst Embark the around North Rona, an isolated world visiting Day 1 Oban. Y Papa Stour Ocean Nova in the afternoon. island some fifty miles north of Cape Lerwick all manner of exotic A transfer will be provided from Wrath. The last islanders left North and wonderful places ISLANDS Papa Glasgow Central Station and the Rona in 1844 and today it is home North Rona Westray without realising that Copinsay international airport to Oban at a to thirteen species of breeding St Kilda some of the finest fixed time. Sail in the early evening seabirds including large colonies scenery, fascinating along the southern shores of of great black-backed gulls, great Mull and past Tiree for the Outer skuas and puffins. There is also a Pabbay Aberdeen history and most Berneray . large population of grey seals which Mingulay endearing people may SCOTLAND we hope to observe on a Zodiac Oban be close to home. Day 2 Berneray, Pabbay & cruise. If weather permits we will also Nowhere is this truer Mingulay. This promises to be visit the gannet colony on a most memorable day as we home to over 5000 breeding pairs than around Scotland’s circumnavigate the uninhabited and renowned as the least visited magnificent coastline, an indented landscape of enormous islands at the very tip of South national nature reserve in Britain. natural splendour with offshore islands forming stepping Uist. Making good use of our Zodiacs we will explore the islands stones into the Atlantic. Day 5 Papa Stour & Foula, and make beach landings. These Islands. This morning This unique voyage will appeal to those who prefer their islands are a nature reserve with we use our Zodiacs to explore the islands deserted, but with abundant bird and wildlife. If you important breeding populations stunning cliff scenery, sea stacs, of razorbills, guillemots, black arches, blowholes and coastal caves have always had a hankering to visit some of the remotest guillemots, puffins, fulmars and of Papa Stour. Over lunch we sail to and most inaccessible islands in Scotland, this is the ideal shags. There are also five species Foula, one of Britain’s most remote opportunity. Join us aboard the Ocean Nova as we sail from of gull, all the seabirds being inhabited islands. Apart from a the port of Oban to the islands on the edge, visiting both attracted by the cliffs and caves narrow coastal strip of more fertile which offer safe nesting sites. croftland, Foula is an expanse of inhabited and uninhabited islands and places of great natural The islands also have significant peat and moorland rising steeply beauty, rich in wildlife and mystical history, many with a historical sites, including the old to five dramatic peaks. In the long history dating back to the Iron Age. Learn something of village on Mingulay which the last long midsummer days, Foula’s their history, see the abundant bird and marine life, but above islanders left in 1912 and which we wildflowers provide a glorious burst will visit this afternoon. of colour. The world’s largest colony all revel in the timeless enchantment that these islands exude of Great Skuas compete fiercely to all those who appreciate the natural world. Day 3 St Kilda. Arrive at first with many Parasitic Jaegers for One of Europe’s true last remaining wilderness areas affords light in St Kilda, a remarkable breeding territories. uninhabited archipelago some the traveller a marvellous island hopping journey through fifty miles beyond the Outer Day 6 Unst and Fetlar, Shetland stunning scenery accompanied by spectacular sunsets and Hebrides. For some this is almost Islands. We continue our prolific wildlife. With our naturalists and local guides we a pilgrimage and a moving exploration of Shetland in the experience as we drop anchor off northern islands of Unst and Fetlar. will explore the isles, and with our nimble Zodiac craft be Village Bay on the island of Hirta. Unst is Britain’s most northerly able to reach some of the most remote and untouched places. The local Ranger will come aboard There is no better way to explore this endlessly fascinating for a brief talk on the island before and beautiful region that will cast its spell on you whether we have the chance to wander through the village. St Kilda once your interest lies in wildlife, gardens, photography, ancient supported a population of over history or simply an appreciation of this unique corner of 200, but the last islanders left in the kingdom. With just over eighty travelling companions, the 1930s. Recent restoration work the atmosphere is more akin to a private yacht trip and on the village by the National Trust for Scotland offers a marvellous ashore with our local experts and expedition members link with the past. Later, cruise past we will divide into small groups thereby enjoying a more two of the largest gannetries in the comprehensive and peaceful experience. world at Stac Lee and Boreray. Oban

2 www.noble-caledonia.co.uk +44 (0)20 7752 0000 Seal pup Exploring by Zodiac

inhabited island and at the tower built by the Picts more than Heritage Centre we will learn about 2000 years ago, and the tallest, best the islanders struggles over the preserved example of an Iron Age centuries and the industries that broch (tower) in Britain. Return to the have prospered whilst the Unst vessel for lunch as we sail to Boat Haven is dedicated to the where the tiny population of sixty history of the islands distinctive or so islanders always extend us a wooden boats which descend warm welcome. Enjoy a walk across from Viking craft. Alternatively the island, perhaps visiting the Bird discover Hermaness National Observatory, searching out the Nature Reserve with views over to puffin slopes. Muckle Flugga stacks and home Broch of Mousa, Shetland Islands to thousands of gannets and Day 9 Westray & , puffins as well as rare arctic-alpine Orkney Islands. Today we explore plants. Over lunch we sail to Fetlar, the islands to the north of the inhabited for over 5000 years the Orkney mainland. On Westray island lays claim to being the first we will visit Noup Head, an RSPB Norse landing site in the . reserve on the sea cliffs and home Known as the most fertile of the to up to 100 000 nesting seabirds. Shetland Islands the wild flowers We also see Notland Castle an bring colour to the landscape whilst incomplete fortress built in the 16th the birdlife on the island is prolific. century by Gilbert Balfour, Mary At the Fetlar Interpretative Centre Queen of Scots Sherif of Orkney and museum we will learn about the whilst in the main village of wildlife and archeological history we find the Westray Heritage Centre before exploring ourselves. housing Neolithic carvings. Over lunch we sail the short distance to revealed from beneath the sand which are home to a vast colony Day 7 Lerwick, Shetland Islands. Papa Westray. Here we can visit dunes by storms only 150 years of seabirds including 20 000 After breakfast we will visit the the 3500 year old Knap of Howar a ago. Time permitting we will also guillemots, 600 puffins and 4500 remarkable archaeological site of Neolithic farm building that claims visit , the ancient centre pairs of kittiwakes. Jarlshof. The site was uncovered to be the oldest standing house of Viking power and explore St by a violent storm in the winter of in Europe and the 12th Century St Magnus Church which dates back Day 11 Aberdeen. Disembark this 1896/7, revealing an extraordinary Boniface Kirk. In the north of the over 900 years. As we sail back to morning. Transfers will be provided settlement site embracing at island is the North Hill reserve, home the Scottish mainland we cruise to the train station and airport at a least 5000 years of human history. to arctic terns and skuas and also the past the huge cliffs of Copinsay set time. The site contains a remarkable extremely rare Scottish primrose. sequence of stone structures – late Neolithic houses, a Bronze- Day 10 Kirkwall & Copinsay, Age village, an Iron-Age broch Orkney Islands. This morning we PRICES PER PERSON Based on double occupancy and wheelhouses, several Norse will head into the west of Mainland, longhouse, a medieval farmstead, Orkney’s largest island. We will SAVE £300 PER PERSON FOR LIMITED TIME ONLY and the 16th-century laird’s house. pass through gentle rolling Cat Cabin Description Brochure Price Special Offer Return to the ship for lunch and landscape and into the Neolithic 1 Bunk bedded cabin for twin use SOLD OUT SOLD OUT enjoy a free afternoon to explore Heartland of Orkney; an area 2 Standard Twin £3895 £3595 this historic port. Perhaps wander designated as a World Heritage 3 Superior £4195 £3895 through its narrow stone lanes or Site due to its wealth of pre-historic 1 Bunk bedded cabin for sole use SOLD OUT SOLD OUT maybe visit the excellent Shetland archaeology. We will see the 2 Standard Twin sole use £4895 £4595 Museum, containing artefacts from Standing Stones of , the shipwrecks and the whaling era. Ring of Brodgar; a huge ceremonial Price Includes: Ten nights aboard the Ocean Nova on a full board basis including circle of stones dating back almost wine and beer with lunch and dinner onboard, transfers, shore excursions, Noble Day 8 Mousa & Fair Isle. This 5000 years. We continue to the Caledonia Expedition Team, gratuities to crew and whilst on excursions, port taxes. morning we arrive at the island of 5000 year-old village of Skara Brae Not Included: Travel Insurance. Mousa to see the forty-foot defensive and see the remarkable dwellings NB. Ports and itinerary subject to change based on local weather conditions. www.noble-caledonia.co.uk +44 (0)20 7752 0000 3 Lounge

Cat 3 cabin

Ocean Nova 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 or search for from the spacious The Ocean Nova accommodates observation decks. Please note that this is an expedition cruise and Zodiacs just 84 passengers. Cabins are will be used regularly to make landings ashore. Due to the spread over two decks and include Your Dining rugged nature of the islands and the lack of transportation, cabins for the single traveller, The comfortable dining room seats on many of the islands our exploration will be on foot and double and triple cabins, all with all passengers in a single sitting and to make the most of this fascinating trip participants should sea-view and private facilities. The offers delicious hearty meals with a be prepared for walks, often over uneven surfaces. double cabins have either two lower mixture of table service and buffet. It beds or upper and lower beds. The is comfortable and spacious enough TOP DECK triple cabins have upper and lower to accommodate all passengers beds. In your cabin you will also find and expedition staff in one seating, a desk with chair and ample storage and the portholes allow you to take space for clothes and equipment. in your surroundings as you dine. DECK They are well designed with typical The informal dining arrangement OBSERVATION Scandinavian light woods. adds to the friendly atmosphere BRIDGE DECK CAPTAIN onboard and meals are a great Your Space chance to discuss all you have seen LOUNGE The Panorama lounge located with your fellow travellers, and for 416 414 412 410 408 406 404 402

on the Top deck affords excellent the expedition team to share their LIBRARY BRIDGE 415 413 411 409 407 405 403 401 views and is the main meeting knowledge. place where you can enjoy a drink with a breath taking view Life Onboard & Exploring Ashore UPPER DECK of the surrounding landscape. It The atmosphere onboard is informal OFFICE 320 318 316 314 312 310 308 306 304 302 is here that our Expedition Team and time onboard is often spent out DINING will entertain and educate you on deck keeping watch for wildlife ROOM

with lectures on biology, history, or admiring the spectacular view. 321 319 317 BUFFET 315 313 311 309 307 305 303 301 geology or ornithology with daily The schedule can change due to briefings. There is also a library weather conditions or unexpected MAIN DECK with panoramic views and a good wildlife sightings which adds to the selection of books on the area adventure. Daily briefings from our H you are visiting. On board there expedition team will prepare you is a satellite phone, small gym for each day’s activities and experts GYM and medical doctor. Passengers in subjects such as ornithology or are welcome on the Bridge and marine biology will give talks and there is always something to see accompany us ashore. CATEGORY 1 CATEGORY 2 CATEGORY 3

2 Chester Close, Belgravia, London, SW1X 7BE +44 (0)20 7752 0000 | [email protected] | www.noble-caledonia.co.uk Our current booking conditions apply to all reservations and are available on request. All special offers are subject to availability.

Cover image: Great Skua. 311014_P

4 www.noble-caledonia.co.uk +44 (0)20 7752 0000