Compare Islay and the Southern Hebrides Cruise by The Majestic Line
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 11 days |
| Price From | $ 5,868 |
| Price Per Day | $ 533 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small ship cruise |
| Lodging Level | Standard |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | |
| Cities and Attractions | N/A |
| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included | N/A |
| 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. |
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
