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Touring Scotland: Leave the car behind

Itinerary Cruise-3: Mull & Argyll Luxury Island Cruising

Enjoy a fabulous Scottish cruise aboard these beautifully crafted traditional wooden vessels. The Glen Massan and The Glen Tarsan access the sheltered waters and remote, idyllic places of the West Coast of Scotland, carrying no more than 12 guests at any time.

These cruises provide excellent hospitality, wonderful food, ensuite cabins, spacious indoor deck saloon with panoramic views and three outdoor decks. You can relax onboard in perfect comfort and style or go ashore to explore deserted coastlines, traditional communities and historic castles and gardens.

There are two main week long options, and throughout the year shorter 3 night options may be available.

First Option: Inlets and Islands of South Argyll 6-night cruise

Departing from Holy loch, within easy reach of Glasgow, you cruise some of the most spectacular sea lochs of the Cowal peninsular and watch for sea birds and mammals. Go ashore on remote coastlines of South Argyll to explore or take a walk. Visit pretty coastal towns and villages and explore historic castles and gardens on the Islands of Bute and Arran.

Typical Cruise Highlights:

• Cruise Loch Long to Arrochar and enjoy a tranquil dinner at anchor off Carrick Castle in Loch Goil.
• Sail to the Isle of Bute and explore the pretty coastal town of Rothesay.
• Visit Rothesay Castle and the amazing Mount stuart House and gardens.
• Cruise the beautiful Kyles of Bute and anchor in remote Loch Riddon and take an evening stroll along its banks.
  
• Help the crew drop lobster pots from the boat tender or try your hand at fishing.
  
• Explore the colourful village of Tarbert.
• Take a morning coastal walk to Tighnabruaich.
  
• Anchor off Stonefield Castle for the night with the opportunity to go ashore to see the gardens.
  
• Cruise Loch Fyne to Inveraray, explore the town, including the fairytale styled castle and choose from several delightful walks.
  
• Sail the coast of Arran, calling in at Lochranza and visiting the distillery there.
  
• Visit Brodick Castle and Gardens and try locally produced cheeses, beers and aromatics.

Second Option - Around Mull: Islands and Inlets 6-night cruise

This cruise starts and finishes in the west coast port of Oban. Explore stunning coastal landscapes of islands, inlets and sea lochs around the Island of Mull. Enjoy gourmet meals at anchor with the backdrop of stunning landscapes. Go ashore to stroll along deserted beaches and rugged coastlines. Explore tiny islands and watch for a wide variety of birdlife and sea mammals. Depending on wind direction, cruise east to the idyllic island of Iona, or west to the stunning sea lochs of Sunart and Linnhe.

Typical cruise highlights:

• Anchor in Duart bay in the shadow of Duart Castle on its magnificent clifftop setting. Visit the castle and nearby Torosay House.
  
• Sail the Sound of Mull and explore the charming town of Tobermory with lots of delightful walks to choose from.
  
• Watch for basking sharks, whales, dolphins and seals.
  
• Cruise the top coast of Mull, past romantic Glengorm Castle and walk the beautiful sands of Calgary Bay.
  
• Sail past the wildlife sanctuaries of the Treshnish Isles and call in at Fingal's cave on Staffa.
  
• Enjoy tranquil dining while moored off the small isles of Ulva and Gometra.
• Explore tiny bays and islands of the sea lochs, visiting wetland areas rich in birdlife and where otters are frequently seen.

Prices & Dates

Both cruises cost £1565 per person based on 2 people sharing a double/twin cabin, for 6 nights. Cruises depart on Saturdays between April and October 2010.

Shorter 3 night cruises, based on similar, but shortened itineraries are sometimes available, for £795 per person in 2010.

On each cruise cabins may be available for single occupancy at no supplement.

Prices are inclusive of all meals, snacks, wine with dinner and trips onshore. All accommodation is ensuite and serviced daily. Prices do not include costs for personal activities, entry fees to attractions and drinks from the bar.

We would be delighted to assist with any additional travel, transfer or accommodation arrangements required.

As we act as an agent for the cruise company these prices do not include our normal service charge.

All itineraries and room types are presented subject to availability at specific hotels.