This wonderfully scenic cruise will take you to some of the Scottish isles' most intriguing sights, including the bonnet-shaped island of Bac Mòr island, the basalt columns of Fingal's Cave, the Small Isles archipelago and the Holy Isle of Iona, thought to be the birthplace of Christianity in Scotland.
You'll be sailing aboard the elegant ship Bolette, where you can enjoy two swimming pools along with a number of bars, lounges, and wide open deck spaces where you can enjoy a tipple. Our readers will also enjoy an exclusive onboard spend of £75 per person.
Bolette will take you on a cruise of the fjord-like Loch Hourn, surrounded by some of Scotland's most jaw-dropping scenery, and the Sound of Mull, where you'll pass by the 13th-century Duart Castle.
Also on the itinerary are visits to Lewis in the Outer Hebrides, where you can visit the bustling port town of Stornoway and wander the impressive grounds of Lews Castle, and the Orkneys with their well-preserved Stone Age settlements.
You'll board your ship, Bolette, this evening in Liverpool as your Scottish adventure begins.
You'll start today by cruising past Duart Castle. This castle, which guards the sea cliffs of the Isle of Mull, dates back to the 13th century and treasures over 700 years of history of one of Scotland's oldest clans, the Macleans.
Next stop is the Sound of Mull, a tranquil body of water surrounded by sweeping green meadows, rocky shorelines, magnificent stone castles and wild hills. It's a real treat for nature lovers, home to wildlife including seals, otters, over 260 species of bird.
The day's cruising ends with a trip to the Small Isles, four tiny islands - Eigg, Rum, Canna and Muck - all famed for their dramatic scenery, variety of wildlife.
Today's sailing will take you to Stornoway. Located on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides, Stornoway is a thriving town with a busy port, best seen from the top of 'Gallow's Hill' - reached by the impressive grounds of Lews Castle. Originally built in 1847, the castle has had some well-known owners, including Lord Leverhume, who founded the company now known as Unilever. He gave the castle to the people of Stornoway, where it served as a naval hospital and college, but is now a noteworthy museum.
You'll sail to the Orkneys archipelago today, around 70 islands in the far north of Scotland, which were once the centre of innovation in the British Isles. Stones Age farmers brought various cattle, pigs and sheep here and established farmsteads on the islands.
Today, you can witness Skara Brae, a preserved settlement, along with excavated burial and ceremonial sites. Kirkwall stands as the capital of the islands, and is the perfect starting point for exploring Orkney's fascinating historical sites.
Today you will cruise past Bac Mòr, one of the most striking and iconic Scottish Treshnish Isles. Affectionately referred to as The Dutchman's Cap due to its unusual shape, Bac Mòr was formed 60 million years ago when volcanic eruptions on the nearby island of Mull caused lava to flow into the sea.
Next you will catch sight of Fingal's Cave, a basalt sea-cave with distinctive columns and a remarkable symmetry. Looming 69 metres out of the ocean, it appears to look like a piece of contemporary art, but is completely shaped by nature.
The final sight of the day's cruise is the island of Iona, the 'The Cradle of Christianity in Scotland' The highlight is Iona Abbey, one of Europe's oldest Christian buildings and said to be the final resting place of 48 mediaeval kings, including the eleventh-century king Macbeth of Shakespearean fame.
You'll arrive back in Liverpool early this morning after an overnight sailing.
While Bolette is one of the largest of Fred Olsen’s ships by size, she carries fewer than 1,400 guests, meaning you’ll have more space in which to relax. Enjoy a calm atmosphere in public areas such as the all-season pool, the Atlantis Spa, and the beautiful two-tiered entertainment theatre. You’ll experience a premium level of comfort and exceptional service in the ship’s many elegant lounges, bars and dining venues. You can choose between an Interior or Ocean Cabin, Balcony or Suite, all equipped with a Smart TV, hairdryer, tea and coffee-making facilities, a fridge and individually controlled air conditioning.
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