Landscapes & Legends of the Scottish Isles 8 night No Fly Cruise - from £1199

<p>Departure: late afternoon</p>

<p>As you sail past the tiny, uninhabited island of Ailsa Craig, you will be afforded incredible vistas of this unusually shaped volcanic plug from a long extinct volcano. Designated as an RSPB Reserve, it is home to Europe&rsquo;s largest gannet colony, as well as guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes, and puffins, and is also renowned for producing blue-hone granite that&rsquo;s been used for curling stones over the last century, most notably for the Olympics and Paralympics. Ailsa Craig is steeped in Scottish legend and is said to be a pebble that fell from the apron of the female giant, Cailleach, or &lsquo;fairy rock&rsquo; when translating from its Gaelic spelling.</p>

<p>Fingal&rsquo;s Cave is an iconic structure comprised of basalt rock, renowned for its distinctive symmetrical columns that soar out of the ocean. Famed for its naturally arched roof that creates eerie sounds from the echoes of the waves as they tumble against its walls, it was said to be Mendelssohn&rsquo;s inspiration for the &lsquo;Hebrides Overture&rsquo;. According to legend, the giant Finn McCool built Fingal&rsquo;s Cave as a place of refuge from his archenemy, Benandonner, and the road connects to the Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland, both formed from the same ancient lava flow. In June, the cave is a popular place for wild swimming in its clear waters, so you may spot bathers from the decks of your ship snorkelling amongst the hexagonal columns.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Bac M&ograve;r, also known as Dutchman&rsquo;s Cap due to its unique mushroom-like shape, is one of the most iconic of the Scottish Treshnish Isles. Sailing alongside this geological spectacle offers a unique perspective from the sea, as the striking appearance of this uninhabited island appears before your ship, creating a rugged silhouette against the skyline. During June and the summer months, you&rsquo;ll be able to witness rich grasslands and an abundance of wildflowers on the island; as well as nesting puffins, guillemots, fulmars, and razorbills, as it has been designated as a Special Area of Conservation.</p>

<p>Located opposite the island of Skye, and branching inward from the Sound of Sleat, the narrow, fjord-like Loch Hourn is flanked by some of Scotland's most dramatically scenic landscapes. Lined with steep mountains that slide down into the shoreline and dotted with bays and beaches that break the waters edge, Loch Hourn is home to an abundance of native wildlife like seals and porpoises and a creature who, according to local legend, lives in the loch and is known as the Loch Hourn Monster.</p> <p>The Small Isles, a picturesque archipelago off the west coast of Scotland, are comprised of the rugged and remote landscapes of the islands of Canna, known for its archaeological sites; Rum for its mountain peaks; Eigg for its renewable energy and huge variety of wildflowers; and Muck, the smallest and known for its community and wildlife. The region is also rich in biodiversity, hosting a variety of seabirds and marine life, which you may spot from your ship as you sail past basalt cliffs and sandy beaches glistening in the Scottish summer sun.</p>

<p>A thriving town with a busy fishing port, Stornoway is a delight to explore and offers opportunities for discovering Lews Castle, home to a museum and cultural centre telling the story of the Hebrides, or simply wandering through its garden pathways, hills, and carriage trails. In August, a stroll through the town&rsquo;s centre offers chances to try freshly caught seafood like lobster, scallops, and salmon, accompanied by locally distilled Scottish whisky, and listen to foot-tapping music from nearby pubs. Meanwhile, there will be opportunities to venture further afield to witness the striking Callanish Standing Stones.</p>

<p>The friendly capital of the Shetland Islands, Lerwick is a bustling seaport with a wonderful natural harbour, which is ideal for exploring on foot. There will be opportunities to visit nearby Sumburgh Head, where colonies of various birdlife, including guillemots, shags, and fulmars, congregate on its steep cliffsides; and during the summer months you are ideally placed to see orcas hunting seals close to the shore or a school of white-sided dolphins. Alternatively, you can spend time with local fishermen to discover the importance of Shetland&rsquo;s fishing industry or wander along the foreshore to explore the Lodberries, trading booths built in the 19^th century, and learn about their maritime history.</p>

<p>Kirkwall promises an intriguing mix of nature, history, and traditional Scottish pastimes, with opportunities to discover Orkney&rsquo;s haven for seals, puffins, and seabirds during the summer months on hikes that will also include remarkable views of the island&rsquo;s rugged coastline. During a stroll of the town, you can explore the striking red and yellow sandstone construction of St. Magnus Cathedral or the Italian church, built by World War II prisoners of war. Venture further afield to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Skara Brae or the mysterious Ring of Brogdar, offering incredible insights into Neolithic life in the Orkneys. Amidst your explorations of Kirkwall, relish opportunities to savour authentic Scottish cuisine, such as Orkney cheese and beef, and sample a wee dram at one of the island&rsquo;s whisky distilleries.</p>

<p>Portree in June makes for a delightful exploration of its natural harbour, lined with brightly coloured houses and surrounded by rocky cliffs. Close by, the iconic basalt rock formation of The Old Man of Storr is one of Skye&rsquo;s most famous landmarks, offering spectacular views from the trail that leads to it, while the crystal-clear Fairy Pools of Glen Brittle are a wonderful photography spot. During your explorations, sample one of Scotland&rsquo;s most renowned single malt Scotch whiskies at the Talisker distillery and savour the rich notes of sea-salt and peat smoke as you listen to tales of its deep connection to the rugged Skye landscape. There will also be opportunities to explore Dunvegan Castle, the oldest inhabited castle in Scotland, belonging to Clan MacLeod.</p>

<p>Arrival: early morning</p>