Compare Islay and the Southern Hebrides Cruise by The Majestic Line vs Scotland in 8 days - Highlands, Castles and Medieval Cities - Charm by Exoticca
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Trip |
5 | Excellent
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4.5 | Great
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Duration | 11 days | 8 days |
Price From | $ 5,868 | $ 1,599 |
Price Per Day | $ 533 | $ 200 |
Highlights |
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Trip Style | Small ship cruise | Small group tour |
Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
Physical Level |
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Travel Themes |
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Countries Visited | ||
Cities and Attractions | N/A |
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Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
Activities |
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Meals Included | N/A | 7 Breakfasts. |
Description |
Despite their close proximity, each island in the Southern Hebrides has a distinct personality, from the wild mountainous wilderness of Jura to the lush gardens of Gigha. Historically, the area was of great significance as “Argyll’s Sea Kingdom” from the 10th century which had far reaching influence over Scotland and beyond. Clusters of small islands, The “Slate Isles” and the Garvellachs provide some idyllic anchorages. The most westerly and remote island, Colonsay, is surprisingly wooded and fertile with fabulous beaches and scenery whereas Islay is justly famous for its whisky distilleries. The highly-indented coastline of the Argyll mainland offers sheltered stopovers in Loch Crinan and the magnificent sea loch of Loch Sween. |
Discover Edinburgh, the mountainous and compact capital of Scotland. Explore the different castles that the cities of Stirling and St. Andrews offer. Discover the port city of Aberdeen on a panoramic tour. Relax whilst tasting the famous whiskeys in Speyside. Admire the wild nature of the Highlands on the way to Inverness and enjoy a quick visit to the Trossachs and the city of Glasgow. |
Typical stopovers and anchorages
Loch Spelve, Isle of Mull: Cruise the Firth of Lorn to Loch Spelve on the Island of Mull, a hot spot for otters and eagles for a dinner of mussels, fresh from the farm
The Slate Isles: The Islands of Seil, Easdale and Luing are collectively known as the “Slate Isles” because the slate industry there literally roofed the world. This is an interesting and unique shore visit
The Garvellachs: Anchor off these uninhabited small islands for a real sense of remote beauty. A visit to the well-preserved ruins of a 5th century Celtic monastery is well worth the walk
Loch Melfort: Loch Melfort is a beautiful small sea inlet on the mainland, perfect for an evening stroll
The Island of Colonsay: This lush, fertile island in the North Atlantic has amazing beaches and a rich history. Visit the gardens at Colonsay House
The Isle of Jura: Red deer roam here in their thousands. Anchor in pretty Small Isles Bay, with its seal colony, to visit the Jura Distillery
The Isle of Islay: The picturesque Isle of Islay is currently home to eight whisky distilleries, producing whiskies unlike any other around the globe. Call in at Port Ellen and Bowmore to visit as many distilleries as desired, or simply soak up the tranquillity of the setting
The Isle of Gigha: Cross the Sound of Jura to this tiny, tranquil island with its wonderful gardens. A four mile walk takes you around the entire island
Loch Sween: Stopover in Loch Sween on the Argyll mainland for a trip ashore at Tayvallich to see the ancient oak forest
Loch Crinan: The charming village of Crinan at the head of the Crinan Canal is a picturesque anchorage
Corryvreckan Whirlpool: Navigate the infamous Corryvreckan whirlpool in the Strait of Corryvreckan between the isles of Jura and Scarba
Day 1: US - Night on board
Arrive at your US departure airport ready to board a flight to Edinburgh. Night on board.* * If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.
Day 2: Edinburgh
Arrive in Edinburgh and self-transfer* to the hotel. The capital of Scotland, Edinburgh is famed for its charming medieval Old Town and elegant Georgian New Town with neoclassical gardens and buildings. The rest of the day is free at your leisure to explore the city. Overnight stay in Edinburgh. Please note: During the winter season, the itinerary may be affected. In this case, it is important to review the notes section before your departure. * You will have the option to add a transfer from the airport to your hotel in the next step of the booking process.
Day 3: Edinburgh
Breakfast at the hotel. Discover the city’s most famous tourist sights and monuments on a panoramic walking tour of Edinburgh with a professional English-speaking guide, visiting the Grassmarket area of the city, the elegant Georgian New Town and the historic Old Town. Among its main attractions, there is the Palace of Holyroodhouse, St Giles Cathedral and The National Gallery of Scotland. Stroll along the majestic Royal Mile and visit Canongate. Take some free time in the afternoon to wander through the city's atmospheric streets at your leisure, browsing the shops or stopping for a warming 'dram' of whiskey in one of the local bars. Overnight stay in Edinburgh.
Day 4: Edinburgh
Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a full day at your leisure to continue discovering this amazing city. Why not take in the views from Carlton Hill or, if the weather is good, take a hike up Arthur's Seat for an unforgettable panorama of Edinburgh and beyond. Alternatively, Edinburgh is a paradise for shoppers, with plenty of quirky boutiques to explore. Overnight stay in Edinburgh.
Day 5: Edinburgh - Stirling - St Andrews - Aberdeen
After breakfast, meet your guide and depart towards Stirling. The castle played an important role during the Scottish independence wars and many will recognise it as it is featured in the 1995 film, Braveheart. Continue to St Andrews where to visit this picturesque town, known as the home of golf. Enjoy some free time to take in the sea views before continuing towards Aberdeen, stopping on the way to take pictures of beautiful Dunnottar Castle. Overnight stay in Aberdeen.
Day 6: Aberdeen - Castle Fraser - Cairngorms National Park - Aberdeen
Breakfast at the hotel. Explore the city of Aberdeen on a guided Panoramic coach tour. Visit the area surrounding the Cairngorm Mountains, home to breathtaking scenery, typical of the Scottish Highlands. Enjoy some free time at your disposal at lunchtime. In the afternoon, head to Speyside, famous for the whisky distilleries. Here, pay a visit to a local whisky distillery for a fascinating tour and tasting session. Afterwards, return to Aberdeen for an overnight stay.
Day 7: Aberdeen - Inverness - Aviemore
Breakfast at the hotel. Head west today as you depart on a guided coach journey towards Inverness. Along the route, admire the wild nature of the Highlands as you pass by spectacular landscapes of moorlands and glens. Arrive in Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, and enjoy a city tour. Afterwards, leave the city behind as you head to your hotel in the beautiful area of Aviemore, within the Cairngorms National Park. Overnight stay in the Aviemore area.
Day 8: Aviemore - Trossachs - Glasgow - Edinburgh
Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, depart south towards Glasgow via the beautiful Trossachs where you can admire the scenery and see the largest Loch in Scotland, Loch Lomond. On arrival in Glasgow, the second most important and largest city in Scotland, enjoy a panoramic tour and some free time to explore the city at your leisure. In the evening, return to Edinburgh to enjoy your final night in Scotland at your leisure. Overnight stay in Edinburgh.
Day 9: Edinburgh - US
Breakfast at the hotel.* At the indicated time, self-transfer** to the airport for a flight back to the US. Arrive in the US and end your trip. * Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day. ** You will have the option to add a transfer to the airport in the next step of the booking process.