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Hebrides and Highlands, Lands of Legends Luxury Cruise

Hebrides and Highlands, Lands of Legends Luxury Cruise

From AUD $7,140

Description

From Ireland, arrive in Scotland and plunge into the heart of the Hebrides and the Highlands, legendary lands immersed in a wild atmosphere and imbued with mystery. During the cruise, volcanic islands, vertiginous cliffs, isolated lochs and heather-covered moors will reveal themselves, providing a grandiose setting among the most spectacular and preserved in Europe. Within these exceptional landscapes, you will set off to discover an abundant heritage mixing prehistoric megalithic sites, Celtic and Viking influences, old monasteries, castles and Gaelic traditions that are still very much alive. At the crossroads of raw nature and thousand-year-old history, you will experience a passionate and timeless journey.

Trip Name
Hebrides and Highlands, Lands of Legends Luxury Cruise
Days
10
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury Small Ship Length: 142 metres Passenger Capacity: 224 Launched: 2015 A sleek silhouette, a welcoming intimate atmosphere, discover aboard this new ship the philosophy that has made our sisterships such a success: the spirit of Yacht Cruises. Sailing under the French flag, this magnificent yacht of only 122 staterooms and Suites, with balconies, will join our fleet in April 2015. You will be enchanted by the contemporary decor inspired by the our destinations and the blue light of the Vega star in the Lyra constellation. The result is a subtle variation around a palette of blues, ranging from the  luminous delicate grey-blue of the Polar ice to splashes of the vivid turquoise blue found in  Mediterranean coves A refined ambiance is enhanced by the quality of the workmanship and materials: white Corian counters in the lobby contrast with the warmth of leather to recall a boat’s hull, while the central sculpture of enamelled pieces takes its inspiration from the sea. In the loungebar, the carpet picks up a tennis stripe theme symbolising a certain idea of cruising, one synonymous with French elegance and a chic seaside spirit.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 - Dublin
The Irish capital stretches along the banks of the Liffey to Dublin bay, on the East coast of Ireland. Discover Ireland’s warm conviviality in the pedestrian district of Temple Bar. Its cobbled streets are brimming with fabulous shops, pubs and arts centres. Next to Trinity College, famous for its 18th century library, you can stroll along Grafton Street: in one of its famous tea shops, try a delicious scone and clotted cream served hot and melt-in-the-mouth with jam. Not far from here, the majestic O’Connell bridge leads you to the avenue with the same name, on which Spire, a luminous contemporary sculpture presides.
Day 2 - Day 2 - Portrush
Portrush is a small seaside resort in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, which is famous for hosting The Open golf tournament in 1951 and 2019. The main part of the old town is located on a peninsula that is 1.5-km (1-mile) long, Ramore Head. With three beautiful sandy beaches, the town has a pleasant seaside atmosphere and great appeal due to its proximity to exceptional cultural sites, such as Dunluce Castle or the Giant’s Causeway, a unique natural wonder, the most fascinating formation of basalt columns in the world, and the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in Northern Ireland.
Day 3 - Day 3 - Canna, Hebrides
The Hebrides archipelago has many natural treasures, including Canna, a preserved little island with the pretty nickname “the garden of the Hebrides”. Inhabited since the Neolithic period, Canna has only around twenty inhabitants today but its territory has a rich history featuring Christians, Celtic monks, Norse settlers and Scottish communities, all of whom left traces of their passage, monuments, churches or Celtic crosses as heritage. You will take the time to enjoy beauty of the nature here, between the land and the ocean, from the diversity of the floral species to the captivating dance of the seabirds, including guillemots, come to nest in the island’s protected spaces. 
Day 4 - Day 3 - Loch Scavaig
In the south of the Isle of Skye, Loch Scavaig, located on the eponymous river, the shortest in Great Britain, will reveal its stunning scenery: you will not fail to admire the reflections of the Cuillin Hills, granite hills carpeted with heather and shrouded in morning mist, on the waters of the loch. Perhaps you will be lucky enough to spot some harbour seals and grey seals lazing on the shore.  Let yourself be tempted by a hike to discover Loch Coruisk and its sublime panorama at the foot of the Black Cuillin ridge, which has inspired many painters, including J. M. W. Turner.
Day 5 - Day 4 - Sailing along Shiant Islands
The Shiant Islands derive their name from the Gaelic, Na h-Eileanan Seunta, which means “enchanted isles”. Whether in the mist that frequently envelops the archipelago or beneath a radiant sun, the visitors discovering the Shiant Islands quickly fall under their spell. A veritable paradise for observing seabirds and marine mammals, the archipelago offers magnificent scenery. Puffins, guillemots and razorbills find refuge in the cliffs here, co-existing with fulmars and black-legged kittiwakes. White-tailed eagles soar above inaccessible cliffs. As for the seals, they gather around rocky formations.
Day 6 - Day 4 - Loch Ewe
Loch Ewe, located in the Northwest Highlands, is a sea loch surrounded by mountains, looking out onto the North Atlantic. It was an assembly point for maritime trade in the past and military ships used to gather there during the Second World War to organise safe convoys to the Arctic. On its shores, the loch shelters a remarkable botanic garden, Inverewe Garden, whose many hundreds of tropical plants and species prosper thanks to the Gulf Stream. Protected from the violent winds by endemic pine trees, the garden, which was created in 1862 by landowner Osgood Mackenzie and his daughter Mairi Sawyer, will unveil unsuspected colours, shapes and perfumes. It is now managed by the National Trust for Scotland. Perhaps you will be lucky enough to glimpse some of Scotland’s wild animals: red squirrels, red deer, otters, seals or golden eagles.
Day 7 - Day 5 - Stornoway, Hebrides
Discover Lewis, the largest island of the Hebrides, considered to be the cradle of Gaelic culture. Here, the peat- and heather- covered valleys and lochs stretch on to infinity, and numerous bird colonies have taken up residence in the long, jagged coastlines where. Not far from Stornoway, the island’s main town, built by the Vikings in the 9th century stands one of Scotland’s most prominent prehistoric sites: The Standing Stones of Callanish. Dating back to more than 3,000 years B.C., these imposing stones placed in a cruciform pattern were laid out according to the moon and stars and their main purpose was to keep track of seasonal cycles, as this was essential for farmers at the time.
Day 8 - Day 6 - Saint Kilda, Hebrides
St Kilda is an archipelago of seven volcanic islands, located 35 nautical miles west of the Outer Hebrides. They are the most remote of the British Isles. It is the only site in the United Kingdom to hold joint UNESCO World Heritage Site status for both its natural and cultural qualities. St Kilda has been managed by the National Trust for Scotland since 1957. According to the vestiges discovered there, the first travellers to the island appear to date back to the Bronze Age. For 2,000 years, a small community of inhabitants survived there, economically self-sufficient, until the last ones left in 1930. The village was organised around blackhouses, typical of the Hebrides, cultivable plots and cleitean, dry stone foodstuff storage huts, scattered across the archipelago. The endemic Soay sheep live wild, while the archipelago’s impressive cliffs shelter colonies of Atlantic puffins and gannets.
Day 9 - Day 7 - Iona, Hebrides
Of all the islands in the Inner Hebrides, Iona is by far the most conducive to contemplation and meditation. And for good reason... it is here that St Columba landed from Ireland in 563 and undertook to establish Christianity in Scotland. Now an abbey, the islandメs true spiritual centre stands where the ancient monastery founded by the Irish missionary was built. Many kings of Scotland, including the legendary Macbeth, are buried in the nearby cemetery. In sunny weather, arriving on the Isle of Iona is a stunningly beautiful experience.
Day 10 - Day 7 - Staffa
A singular and uninhabited island in the Inner Hebrides, Staffa is famous for its basalt columns that the Vikings compared to the logs of wood they used to build their houses. Fall under the spell of its raw beauty, which attracted many personalities as far back as the 18th century, including Sir Joseph Banks, Queen Victoria and Felix Mendelssohn.
Day 11 - Day 8 - Fort William
A port town on the eastern shore of Loch Linnhe, Fort William is sometimes described as the "Outdoor Capital of the UK."  Because it sits at the base of Ben Nevis, the highest peak in the British Isles, and is in close proximity to the dramatic landscape of Glencoe, it is a popular destination for hikers and rock climbers. For those looking for a less adventurous experience, the nearby Ben Nevis Distillery offers tours and tastings, and Old Fort and Old Inverlochy Castle are interesting historical sites.
Day 12 - Day 9 - Duart Bay
Nestled in the hollow of the Isle of Mull, one of the largest islands in the Hebrides, Duart Bay is famous for its eponymous castle, the ancestral residence of the Maclean clan for over 600 years, which stands majestically on rocky outcrops. Take the time to plunge into the history of this passionate site and delight in the stunning views it affords over the Sound of Mull and the neighbouring islands.
Day 13 - Day 10 - Glasgow, Scotland
In the heart of the Clyde Valley, the bustling city of Glasgow contrasts starkly with the wild beauty of the surrounding countryside. Scotland's biggest city overflows with landmarks from its extensive artistic heritage and outstanding architectural tradition. The city's chequerboard layout makes walking through the major pedestrian thoroughfares easy: go with the flow and let the lively street atmosphere take you past the many Victorian monuments. Don't miss the collections on display in the numerous museums and art galleries. The Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is an outstanding example.
Day 14 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change. 

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
21-05-202730-05-2027AUD $7,140Superior Stateroom
21-05-202730-05-2027AUD $7,700Deluxe Stateroom
21-05-202730-05-2027AUD $23,740Owner's Suite
21-05-202730-05-2027AUD $8,090Prestige Stateroom Deck 4
21-05-202730-05-2027AUD $8,320Prestige Stateroom Deck 5
21-05-202730-05-2027AUD $8,650Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
21-05-202730-05-2027AUD $11,590Deluxe Suite
21-05-202730-05-2027AUD $12,450Prestige Suite
21-05-202730-05-2027AUD $12,850Privilege Suite
21-05-202730-05-2027AUD $13,480Grand Deluxe Suite
21-05-202730-05-2027AUD $15,150Grand Privilege Suite

Inclusions

    • Wild and legendary lands of the Hebrides and the Highlands, with a port of call at Portrush (Ireland), between grandiose nature and fascinating heritage.
    • Places of interest: the Giant’s Causeway and St Kilda island — both UNESCO World Heritage Sites —, the Calanais Standing Stones, the Highlands, fascinating islands hosting bird colonies that can be discovered while sailing.
    • Planned activities: among these are included excursions led by expert local guides and activities conducted with your naturalist guides (opportunities for dinghy trips, hikes, etc.)

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