Heritage and Wildlife of Islay, Jura and Gigha 6-night cruise
6-night cruise: Oban to Islay, Jura & Gigha £1285pp all-inclusive.
We have introduced another similar cruise into the calender in October 2008, because of the popularity of this itinerary, but please note it is likely to board and disembark in Ardfern. Transport will be provided from and to Oban. We have provided this cruise for six dates so far in 2009 because of popular demand. This cruise is available at 2008 prices until August 31 2008 - a saving of £205.00 per person.
Explore this idyllic and remote area of the Inner Hebrides, calling in at the Islands of Jura, Islay and Gigha, rich in wildlife and heritage. Moor off small islands and serene lochs for dinner with a backdrop of stunning scenery. Go ashore to visit wildlife reserves and ancient historical sites. This cruise has a bird expert on board and will include a land tour of historical sites on Islay and to Kilmartin.
Typical cruise highlights
- Cruise the Firth of Lorne and anchor for dinner in tranquil Loch Spelve on the Island of Mull
- Sail to Jura where red deer roam in their thousands
- Anchor in Loch na Mile to visit the town of Craighouse and Jura Distillery
- Drop anchor in idyllic Craggain Bay on Islay, rich in wildlife and archaeology
- Cruise to Port Ellen and Port Charlotte on Islay and join a land tour to see the culture and wildlife of the Island
- Cruise across the Sound of Jura to Gigha and go ashore to visit the gardens or walk around the island
- Go north to Loch Sween for a trip ashore at Tayvallich to see the ancient oak forest
- Anchor in Loch Crinan and visit Kilmartin, the birthplace of Scotland
- Moor off the small isles of Scarba, Luing and Seil; the "Slate Isles"
Getting to Oban: If arriving by train to Glasgow, there is an excellent and very scenic train route from Glasgow to Oban. If driving, cars may be left in secure paid parking in Oban. If flying to Glasgow Airport, pickup can be arranged at 12 noon on the Saturday for transfer to Oban Bay. There is a subsidised charge for this service which takes around two and a half hours. Alternatively you may wish to take the Glasgow to Oban seaplane which boards at Glasgow at 1.30pm and arrives in Oban Bay less than one hour later.