Compare Isles and Inlets of Argyll by St Hilda Sea Adventures vs Country Roads of Scotland - Small Group by Insight Vacations

Day 1:

Holy Loch to Loch Riddon. After boarding at 3pm and a safety briefing we depart Holy Loch heading south west along the magnificent Firth of Clyde. Toward Point often has minke whale and basking shark reports and there are frequent pods of dolphins and harbour porpoises. We pass through the tranquil coastal waters of the Kyles of Bute with natural harbours, sheltered beaches and tidal narrows, providing stunning scenery. At around 8pm we arrive at secluded Loch Riddon, a sea loch opening from the Kyles of Bute and surrounded by mountains, and anchor off a beautiful country house with its own wharf and "Admiral steps" and enjoy dinner in perfect peace and tranquillity. Seals are a familiar sight including the more rare and misnamed "common" seal. At night phosphorescence can often be seen because of the high density of plankton. Under the water there are langoustine, crabs (swimmer, shore, hermit and large crabs that are good to eat) lobsters and scallops that are regularly caught by the local fishermen as well as fish to be caught. This area is on the edge of the line of total darkness and is one of the most southern places in Europe to experience the stars as you never have before, with no light pollution at our anchorages at night.

Day 2:

Loch Riddon. Wake up at anchor to the sound of water lapping on the hull. After a leisurely breakfast, watching the seals swim around the boat, we can fish for bait for the lobster pot and for mackerel for dinner. We can also learn how to tie knots or just sit back (and photograph) and enjoy the wildlife - often as much as 24 bird species each day that are seen throughout the season. After lunch we can up anchor and head for the Burnt Islands and the island of Eilean Dubh that help create the picturesque narrows of the Kyles of Bute. From this lovely anchorage we can use the dinghy to pass the remains of an Iron Age fort and, in the breeding season, we can get close to the bird sanctuary to see Greater and Lesser Black Backed Gulls nesting with Oystercatchers, Herring Gulls, Cormorants, Eider Ducks and many other species. We also have a chance to dinghy close to the rare, Common Seal colony on the Islands. We can also launch a lobster pot.

Day 3:

Depending on the weather (and availability) guests can choose an alternative itinerary on Days 3 and 4, exploring Loch Fyne and visiting Inveraray. The cruise will then take in Loch Goil.

Arran and Burnt Islands. We are up early and after picking up the lobster pot we head down the beautiful West Kyle and out over the Sound of Bute to Arran. Sail training can be included if wished. We lunch on the way and once out in the open sea we hoist the sails. We sail over towards Arran for an invigorating and often lively sail as we meet the full force of the ocean swell and winds around the steep sides of the remote east coast of Arran. Stay alert for leaping dolphins and cruising basking sharks. Gannets plunge into the sea from a great height and, if conditions are right, we quietly sail so close to Manx Shearwaters, Guillemots and Razorbills and three metres long "Lion" Jellyfish that we could almost touch them! We return to a secluded and beautiful anchorage off the Burnt Islands at the head of the Kyles of Bute to enjoy a well-deserved dinner.

Alternative itinerary on six night cruise:

Loch Fyne. If the weather suits on day three we can head off to Loch Fyne to explore the longest sea loch in Scotland. This area is a hotspot for marine life and although it can never be guaranteed we are often fortunate enough to spot dolphins and porpoises and even the very occasional whale and basking shark as we travel up the loch. From May to July there are often rafts of puffins on the surface of the loch and many other bird species. We have lunch on the way and passing through the narrows head for our next anchorage off Loch Fyne's west shore at Minard.

Day 4

Burnt Islands/Loch Striven. After breakfast we can take the tender close to the shores of the Isle of Bute and if we are lucky watch the wild goats in close proximity. We can also climb from the dinghy to see the mysterious "Maids of Bute" painted stones with a poignant history and also visit an outdoor "sculpture park". We have the option to go ashore to go rock pooling or for a walk along the East Kyle to see a charming early 19th century community church and try real ale at the Colintraive Arms, a traditional hostelry.

We can leave the Burnt Islands after lunch and head for the very remotest of Scottish sea lochs, Loch Striven which is a total escape.  On the way we can collect a plankton sample to examine later at anchor in the quiet waters of the loch. We anchor at the head of the loch to watch for wildlife and soak in the silence.

Alternative itinerary on six night cruise:

Inveraray. We travel further up Loch Fyne to the small town of Inveraray where we anchor off for the day and visit magnificent Inveraray Castle, a shrine to the Campbell clan and home to the 8th Duke of Argyll. We can also take in the castle gardens and walk through the grounds for a fantastic view of Loch Fyne. We return to Minard to our night time anchorage and dinner.

Day 5

Loch Striven. After breakfast we can go ashore by tender to climb the trail on the loch side, which takes us high enough for magnificent views of the loch and sea. The coastline is also a very pretty walk with lots of shells on the shoreline and perfect for rock pooling at low tide. If the tide is right we can collect plump mussels for dinner that night. After lunch we up anchor and head for the marina for a late arrival.

Day 6

Holy Loch and Disembarking. We have a final breakfast and disembark.

Optional six night tour:

Loch Striven/Loch Goil. We have a lovely long cruise from Loch Striven, enjoying lunch en route, passing Holy Loch and on up Loch Long to Loch Goil. On reaching Loch Goil we pass ancient Carrick Castle, once a Viking fort and a resting place for Mary Queen of Scots. Our anchorage is off a delightful stream in a pretty bay; another excellent spot for swimming from the boat. Loch Goil is a popular place for seals, dolphins and porpoises and we should be lucky enough to spot some from the deck. There is the option for an evening stroll along the shore walk in an area where red squirrels are regularly seen.

Day 1: Welcome to Edinburgh

Welcome to Scotland - land of legends and romance, from the great cultural cities in the south, to the dramatic mountains and misty lochs of the Highlands. On arrival at Edinburgh airport, transfers depart for your hotel at 09:00, 11:00 and 13:00. Then the rest of the day is yours to relax before joining your Travel Director at 16:30 for a Welcome Dinner with wine at a local restaurant. On select departures, during your time in Edinburgh you will also attend The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo — a colourful mix of pipes and drums, dance and display, set against the floodlit backdrop of Edinburgh Castle.

Malmaison Hotel Edinburgh.

Dinner with Wine

Day 2: Edinburgh, The Capital of Culture

Join a Local Expert to see the highlights of the city. In the Old Town, see the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official Scottish residence of the Queen. Drive along Princes Street to the ornate Scott Memorial, then see the 18th century New Town with its neoclassical Georgian facades. Venture up the Royal Mile to visit Edinburgh Castle, home of Mons Meg, the Stone of Destiny and Scotland’s Crown Jewels.The rest of the day is at leisure; why not visit the art treasures in the National Gallery?

Malmaison Hotel Edinburgh.

Breakfast

Day 3: To St. Andrews and the Highland Capital of Inverness

Cross the Firth of Forth into Fife and journey to St. Andrews, passing the Old Course, home of golf since its creation in the 15th century. Enjoy free time to explore. Perhaps stroll to West Sands Beach where the famous 'Chariots of Fire' scene was filmed? Alternatively, wander to St. Andrews University where the love story of Kate Middleton meeting her Prince Charming began. Cross the Tay and journey to the charming Victorian resort town of Pitlochry, famous for its salmon run. Continue via Blair Atholl and pass the Grampian Mountains on the way to the sparkling Spey Valley. Stop at Blair Castle and Gardens, which has been home to the Atholl family for over seven centuries. Tour the magnificent ballroom and learn about the history of the estate. During your visit relish a delicious cream tea. Continue to Inverness, where your luxury hotel is set within four acres of manicured grounds.

Kingsmills Hotel, Inverness.

Breakfast, Afternoon Tea, Dinner with Wine

Day 4: Culloden, Loch Ness and onto Thurso

See Culloden Moor in the morning, where Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Jacobite army was crushed in 1746. Visit the Culloden Visitor Centre before continuing along the shores of Loch Ness. Keep your eyes peeled for the legendary monster! Next, follow the rugged coast north to the fishing port of Wick. Explore Wick with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the Old Pulteney Distillery to taste a wee dram of its award-winning whiskeys. Alternatively, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience with a visit to the highly rated Wick Heritage Museum and hear about the past of this once thriving fishing community.

The Pentland Hotel, Thurso.

Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Day 5: A Day in the Orkney Islands

Start the day by driving to the most northern point of the British mainland, John O’Groats. Board the ferry to the beautiful Orkney Islands where the countryside is breathtakingly majestic and the tranquillity supports a quieter pace of life. Here the hardy locals say they live ‘below the wind and above the water.’ Your Local Expert accompanies you as you visit the 5,000-year-old village of Skara Brae, the mysterious Ring of Brodgar, Kirkwall and the small chapel built by Italian prisoners during World War II.

The Pentland Hotel, Thurso.

Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Day 6: Over the Sea to Skye

Travel through stunning, pristine landscapes along the northern coast with its white sandy beaches, and further inland to misty valleys and glens, lochs and rushing waters. Then it’s ‘Over the Sea to Skye,’ the largest and most beautiful island of the Inner Hebrides. On the way to Broadford, hear romantic tales of how young Flora MacDonald helped rescue Bonnie Prince Charlie and see the dramatic Cuillin Hills.

The Dunollie Hotel, Broadford.

Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Day 7: Through the Scottish Highlands to Glencoe Relaxed Start

Explore this wild and beautiful island on your own, before crossing to the Kyle of Lochalsh. Stop for a photo at remote Eilean Donan Castle, which under a clear sky offers a perfect reflection in its loch. Move on to the WWII Commando Memorial where there is a fine view of Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain. Enjoy spectacular scenery en route to the Valley of Glencoe. Join a ranger for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, learn about the protection of this rare ecosystem and the important work reintroducing lost indigenous species to its flora and fauna. In the evening, enjoy market-fresh Scottish ingredients and wine, as you get together with your newfound friends for a sumptuous Celebration Dinner. Don't be surprised if, by the end of the evening, you're 'Toasting to the Lassies' or singing 'Auld Lang Syne'.

Ballachulish Hotel, Glencoe., Isle of Glencoe Hotel & Leisure Centre.

Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Day 8: Along the Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond to Glasgow Relaxed Start

Spend time around peaceful Loch Lomond, ‘Queen of Scottish Lochs’ according to Sir Walter Scott and the largest in Great Britain. Perhaps experience the beauty and tranquillity of the loch with an optional cruise before continuing to Glasgow? An orientation drive through the city will show you the grand public buildings, including George Square and St. Mungo’s Cathedral. Then the rest of the afternoon is at your leisure.

Holiday Inn Glasgow - City Centre Theatreland.

Breakfast

Day 9: Depart Glasgow

Your travels come to an end after breakfast. Departure transfers arrive at Glasgow airport at 06:30 and 09:00.

Breakfast