Britain & Ireland - Noble Caledonia

SY Sea Cloud II
For many years we have been
trying to persuade the owners of
Sea Cloud II to bring her to Scotland
so that we may charter her for a
voyage in the area that we consider to
be perfect for exploring under sail.
Those familiar with Sea Cloud II will
immediately see the advantages of
travelling on this magnificent vessel to
some of the loveliest places in
Scotland. A tall ship such as Sea Cloud
II sits perfectly amongst the dramatic
scenery and because we do not have
to travel vast distances we can devote
considerable time sailing between the
islands and in the lochs and bays.
Noble Caledonia can take you almost
anywhere in the world you may care to
go, but remember that some of the
finest scenery, fascinating history and
most endearing people may be found
close to home. Nowhere is this truer
than around Scotland’s magnificent
coastline, an indented landscape of
enormous natural splendor with
offshore islands forming stepping
stones into the Atlantic.
Join us aboard one of the world’s most
famous and loved ships on a journey
through the Northern Isles and the
Inner and Outer Hebrides. This is not a
cruise in the conventional sense, more
an exploration with around 90
passengers who wish to enjoy the
peace and tranquillity of the islands.
Learn something of their history, see
the abundant bird and marine life, but
above all revel in the timeless
enchantment that these
islands exude to all those who
appreciate the natural
world. To explore
remote Scotland
on Sea Cloud II is
a privilege and an
experience that will remain
with you always.
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A VOYAGE UNDER SAIL FROM DUNDEE TO OBAN
Sailing to the Isles
22nd July to 2nd August 2014
The Itinerary
Day 1Edinburgh. Arrive independently this
afternoon in Scotland’s historic capital.
Transportation will be provided at a set time from
Edinburgh railway station and airport to the
Sheraton hotel. On arrival, enjoy some free time to
explore the city before meeting your fellow guests
for our welcome dinner at Edinburgh Castle.
Day 2 Edinburgh to Dundee. Morning at leisure.
This afternoon we will transfer by coach to Dundee
and embark Sea Cloud II. Sail this evening.
Day 3 Castle of Mey, Scrabster. We spend a
morning at sea and after lunch arrive in the port of
Scrabster on Scotland’s north coast. Enjoy an
afternoon visit to the Castle of Mey. In 1952, HM
Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother purchased the
16th century castle and in the following years much
restoration and renovation took place to the castle
and gardens. We will learn of the castle’s turbulent
past and enjoy a walk through the lovely gardens.
Day 4 Lerwick, Shetland. After breakfast tie
alongside in the capital of Lerwick and see some
of the town’s Viking heritage. Later, visit the
magnificent site of Jarlshof where the
archaeological ruins date from the Stone Age to
the 17th century. The site contains a remarkable
sequence of stone structures – late Neolithic
houses, a Bronze-Age village, an Iron-Age broch
and wheelhouses, several Norse longhouse, a
medieval farmstead, and the 16th-century laird’s
house. Before returning to the ship we visit the
Shetland Museum, which has over 3,000 artefacts
on two floors, a wealth of easily accessible archive
material, a temporary exhibition area, Boat Hall
and Sheds.
Puffin
Picturesque Tobermory
Day 5 Kirkwall, Orkney. Like its northern neighbour
Orkney has some of the best Neolithic sites in
Britain as well as an intriguing Norse history and
culture. Explore Kirkwall, one of the earliest
established Norse trading towns, with a visit to the
Norse-built St Magnus Cathedral. Later, drive
through a landscape of sheer rocky cliffs, sandy
beaches and pastures to the excavated village of
Skara Brae which dates back 5000 years to the
Neolithic Age. Also, see the remarkable standing
stones of Stenness and the Ring of Brodgar.
Day 6 Loch Ewe & Ullapool. Spend a relaxing
morning on board as we enter the Minch, arriving in
Loch Ewe at lunchtime. We will spend the afternoon
in Osgood Mackenzie’s imposing gardens at
Inverewe, surely one of the finest sited gardens in all
Scotland. Here, exotic and tender plants thrive in
their northerly location warmed by the Gulf Stream
and protected by the surrounding mountains. On our
return we sail up the coast to Loch Broom and the
attractive fishing village for Ullapool. We will moor
here overnight, allowing for an after dinner stroll.
Day 7 Stornoway, Isle of Lewis. Sail at first light
across the Minch to Stornoway, arriving in the late
morning. This afternoon visit the Stones of
Callanish which date back to approximately 1800
BC and is one of the best pre-historic sites in the
UK and Dun Carloway Broc, a double-walled dry
stone tower dating back to the Iron Age. Moor
overnight in Stornoway.
Day 8 Isle of Skye & Loch Harport. During the
morning our sails carry us south along the coasts
of Lewis and Harris and into the Little Minch.
During lunch we will catch sight of Skye and moor
close to the imposing view of Dunvegan Castle.
Enjoy an afternoon visit to the famous seat of the
St Magnus Cathedral, Kirkwall
Loch Ewe from Inverewe Gardens