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Sailing to the Isles

As spring gives way to early summer join us aboard the MS Caledonian Sky for a journey to some of the finest gardens on our western shores. This is a spectacularly beautiful time. Many of the gardens, estates and national parks will be at their most appealing and the countryside will be lush and inviting.

The sheer diversity of the coastline, makes for a most appealing sea journey, whether you be an avid gardener, historian, birdwatcher or simply enjoy sailing past and visiting some of the most enchanting places in the world.

Of course our main emphasis will be on gardens and without doubt we shall visit some of the best in Wales, Ireland and Scotland. Gardens warmed by the North Atlantic Drift have a unique quality, the temperate weather and green mountain backdrops make for lovely views whether you are in a grand and dramatic highland setting or in a simpler island landscape. From the formal and manicured, to the wilder and more natural, the gardens are well stocked with some of the finest collections of plants and flowers in the world.

As you might expect such gardens are often accompanied by splendid houses and castles whether it be the neo classical splendour of Mount Stewart in County Down, the eccentricity of Rum’s Kinloch Castle or lonely isolation of Skye’s Dunvegan castle. All offer a fascinating history which will be brought to life by our guest speakers and local guides.
Departures
Sailing to the Isles
20 May, 2012 to 30 May, 2012 Make a booking request

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Castle Std Fwd £2995.00 GBP pp
Castle Std £3295.00 GBP pp
Caledonian Sup £3595.00 GBP pp
Promenade Prem A £3895.00 GBP pp
Promenade Corner £4195.00 GBP pp
Castle Std Fwd Sgl £4195.00 GBP pp
Castle Std Sgl £4595.00 GBP pp
Promenade Prem B £4695.00 GBP pp
Caledonian Sup Sgl £4995.00 GBP pp
Bridge Dlx Balcony £5195.00 GBP pp

Sailing to the Isles itinerary:

Day 1 - PORTSMOUTH.
Embark in the afternoon and sail for the Isles of Scilly.
Day 2 - TRESCO, ISLES OF SCILLY.
After a morning at sea we spend the afternoon on Tresco, to many the most attractive of the Isles of Scilly. It is leased by the Dorrien-Smith family, who have done much to preserve the island’s great charm and created a wonderful 40 acre sub-tropical garden, close to their Tresco Abbey home. Stroll the traffic free lanes and enjoy a walk along one of the lovely whitesand beaches where the sea colour has more in common with the Aegean than the North Atlantic.
Day 3 - DUNMORE EAST.
Land this morning in the picturesque fishing village on the Waterford coast. The main purpose of our call is to visit the spectacular gardens at Mount Congreve a vast woodland garden on the banks of the River Suir. Later, drive to the ancient city of Kilkenny, one of the most historic and attractive cities in all Ireland. After lunch visit the Castle and artisan centre before returning to Waterford and Dunmore East.
Day 4 - PORTMEIRION & BODNANT GARDENS.
This morning we enter Tremadoc Bay in the shadows of Snowdonia. Tides permitting our Zodiacs will carry us to Portmeirion, the extraordinary Mediterranean style village built by Sir Clough Williams- Ellis between 1925 and 1975. Seen from the water it is an exquisite place. Tour the village and gardens and after some refreshments drive across Snowdonia to Bodnant. This is one of the most beautiful gardens in the UK. We will spend the afternoon here strolling through the Upper Garden with its terraces and informal lawns and continue into the ‘Dell’ which is formed by the River Hiraethlyn and contains a wild garden.
Day 5 - DUBLIN.
Arrive this morning in Dublin Bay and enter the mouth of the Liffey. Drive out into the Wicklow Mountains and the wonderfully sited gardens of Powerscourt, 47 acres of Italian, Japanese and walled gardens. Continue to Mount Usher, a lovely romantic garden on the banks of the Vartry. Return to Dublin for a city drive and some free time.
Day 6 - STRANGFORD LOUGH & MOUNT STEWART.
Enjoy a leisurely day in the scenic waters of the great lough. We will ashore to the famous gardens at Mount Stewart which were planted in the 1920s by Edith, Lady Londonderry and are of international importance. The magnificent series of outdoor ‘rooms’ and vibrant parterres contain many rare plants that thrive in the mild climate of the Ards Peninsula. The formal areas exude a strong Mediterranean feel and resemble an Italian villa landscape; the wooded areas support a range of plants from all corners of the world which are particularly vibrant in spring. There will be time to explore the opulent house which reveals a fascinating heritage and historic world-famous artefacts and artwork.
Day 7 - GIGHA & ISLAY.
Our first call in Scotland will be to the beautiful island of Gigha where we will spend the morning in the gardens of Achamore House. The Horlick family, better known for the eponymous milk drink have created a stunning garden with their collection of azaleas, rhododendrons and exotic plants. Gigha is a place apart. Heather covered hills, deserted beaches and a single lane verged with wild flowers that meanders for some six miles between cottages and farms. During lunch sail across to the island of Islay. Landing at Port Ellen there will be a choice of visiting the nearby privately owned Bowmore Distillery with a history dating back to 1779 or the more energetic might prefer a walk around Kilnaughton Bay.
Day 8 - IONA & LUNGA
Arrive at Iona at first light. For more than 1000 years the Island of Iona has been a place of deep spiritual significance. No less than 62 Kings of Scotland are buried here, including Duncan, Macbeth’s victim. St Columba came here from Ireland in 563 AD and early Christianity spread through northern Britain from this remote island community. After exploring the Abbey, time permitting, you may care to take a short walk on the wild side to the ‘Bay at the Back of the Ocean’. Sail during lunch to Staffa and cruise past the cliffs and caves, whose magic inspired both Mendelssohn and Turner. Our next stop is Lunga, the largest of the Treshnish Isles. Of volcanic origin, Lunga has been described as a ‘green jewel in a peacock sea’. Populated until the 19th century, the island still bears the remains of black houses. There is prolific birdlife on the island including storm-petrels, kittiwakes and Manx Shearwaters.
Day 9 - RUM & LOCH SCAVAIG.
Spend the morning on Rum which is now a nature reserve. See the somewhat eccentric Kinloch Castle and walk the nature trail, a beautiful area of wild flowers and typical Scottish island scenery. This lovely island is also a bird watcher’s paradise. Sail across to the southern shores of Skye and enjoy and afternoon sailing in the lovely Loch Scavaig, just beyond is the freshwater Loch Corruisk with its breathtakingly beautiful view over the Cuillins. This is great walking country, but for those who prefer a less energetic afternoon our Zodiacs will explore the coast.
Day 10 - ISLE OF SKYE & THE SHIANTS.
Morning visit to Loch Dunvegan for a visit to the famous seat of the MacLeods, a Hebridean Fortress, set on a rocky platform with commanding views of the Loch. See the Castle and lovely gardens and time permitting, the seal colony on the adjoining rocks. Sail during lunch across the Little Minch to the Shiant Islands. This afternoon we will board the Zodiacs for a cruise around the group of little islands located a few miles off the shores of Lewis.
Day 11 - OBAN.
Disembark this morning after breakfast. Transportation will be provided to Glasgow airport and rail station
Map for Sailing to the Isles

Caledonian Sky

The MS Caledonian Sky accommodates a maximum of 114 passengers in 57 spacious outside suites. Many have walk-in wardrobes and some feature tub baths. There will be seven categories of suites and sixteen suites will have private balconies. For those familiar with the MS Island Sky she will feel like a second home, although there are some differences. The dining room, lounge, Lido Deck and bar are all similar. However, the ‘Club’ on the MS Caledonian Sky has been transported to the very top deck. Here, there is a library and bar which leads out on to a lovely forward deck. The ‘Club’ has wonderful views with ceiling to floor windows.

If you like the MS Island Sky, we are sure you will also approve of her sister. And, of course it is important that we offer the very best of facilities. However, equally as important are the staff on board whether they are the vessel’s crew or our own expedition staff. Noble Caledonia’s reputation has been built on providing the very best in all areas. Our crew of 74 not only offer an excellent service they are also noted for their kindness and attention to detail. A well run ship with a warm atmosphere is what we are known for, and it is because most of our crew have been with us for many years that we are able to engender such an atmosphere.

Your Suite
Onboard there are 57 exceptionally spacious and well designed suites. The passenger accommodation is arranged over four decks and all suites have outside views. All feature a sitting room area and some have private balconies. Each affords considerable comfort with en-suite bathroom featuring a country style wash basin, hot towel rack and vanity unit with sink and walk-in shower and/or bath tub.

Facilities in the suites also include walk-in or spacious wardrobes, dressing table with large mirror and stool or desk, mini-fridge, flat screen television, telephone, programmable electronic safe, hairdryer, assorted toiletries, air-conditioning and heating. Bottled water, towelling dressing gowns and slippers are also provided for your comfort.

Your space
The spacious and finely decorated public rooms include a large lounge where daily briefings and talks will be provided throughout the voyage and an elegant bar where a pianist plays periodically throughout the day. The bar also features a 24-hour tea and coffee station. In addition there is the Club Lounge on the Panoramic Deck which features a bar. The onboard travel library is the perfect place to relax with a book and is stocked with reference books pertaining to the places the vessel is visiting along with a selection of games and two computers with internet access. Daily newspapers and magazines are also placed in the library depending on local availability. Outside there is a rear Lido deck where meals are served in warm weather under shade. On the top deck there is a further observation and sun deck with bar service and comfortable deck furniture for sun bathing or relaxing with a book. There is also a small gymnasium onboard and hairdressers with appointments made on request.

Your dining
With only one sitting and a maximum of just over 100 passengers, the quality of cuisine will be of a consistent superior quality. Where possible and when it meets his high standards, our accomplished chef will obtain local produce in markets or buy the catch of the day from a passing fishing boat. Such purchases enhance the well stocked larders and bring a local touch to the varied menus. In the main elegant dining room, breakfast is served buffet-style, with certain items cooked to order and lunch and dinner is à la carte. When weather permits, breakfast, a buffet-style lunch and dinner are also served on deck. To enhance your dining experience even further a selection of wines are included with lunch and dinner. Afternoon tea is served in the lounge and tea and coffee are available 24 hours. With sufficient notice, most diets can be catered for on board.

For your comfort, safety and security
Our vessel is equipped with the latest safety, navigation and communications equipment along with roll stabilisers to minimise the ship’s motion. The Captain and officers operate an open-bridge policy that allows passengers onto the bridge at most times with the exception of arrival and departure from port and during times of complicated navigation. Here you can check the ship’s progress by charts and learn more from the officers about your journey. There is also a dedicated channel on your television in your suite showing the routing of the vessel along with technical information and estimated times of arrival and departure from port. On board you will also find a clinic and doctor and a lift that serves all decks. Smoking on board is restricted to outside decks only. For

Gratuities
 Unlike many other cruise vessels, onboard the MS Caledonian Sky you do not need to worry about tipping staff as we have included them in your holiday price. In addition we tip all our guides and drivers along the way, thereby taking away the hassle of always having to remember to have some small change with you.

 

Cabin layout for Caledonian Sky