A = ship will be at anchor and landing will be via ship’s boats or zodiacs.

There are few places in the world more spectacular than the west coast of Scotland. This week-long cruise will take us to visit some of the most interesting of the Hebridean islands to discover their wildlife, culture, geology and history.

Our first call will be to the beautiful Isle of Barra, famed for its abundance of wild flowers and spacious white beaches. The next day we will awake near Fort William on the north shore of Loch Linnhe from where we will have the chance to visit the National Trust for Scotland properties of Glencoe and Glenfinnan Monument. Our next call is to the Isle of Muck, the smallest of the Small Isles at just over 1,500 acres. Our next stop is the capital of the Western Isles: Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis, steeped in history and culture. The next day brings us to St Kilda, the ‘island on the edge of the world’. Towering out of the storm-tossed waters of the Atlantic Ocean, the cliffs clamour with the cries of a million seabirds. We will spend our final day in the delightful Isle of Gigha and visit the famous Achamore Gardens, created by Sir James Horlick. Fifty acres of woodland protect an important and spectacular collection including rhododendrons, camellias and azaleas as well as a variety of rare subtropical plants, some now endangered in their countries of origin.

Lecturers

Our lecturers on this cruise will be Kenneth Steven (a writer, poet and broadcaster),  Professor Geoffrey Boulton (Emeritus Regius Professor of Geology and Vice Principal at the University of Edinburgh) and naturalist Bob Elliot (Head of Investigations for RSPB Scotland).

Artistes

Our entertainment team for this cruise will include ‘Scotland the What?’ entertainer George Donald OBE, the ‘first lady’ of Scottish song, Sheena Wellington and the Rhona Mackay Trio, an enchanting combination of clarsach, flute and cello.

Prices (per person)

• Three-berth inside - £1,070
• Inside singles from - £1,820-£1,860
• Outside singles from - £2,130-£2, 850
• Inside Twins/Doubles from -£1,490-£1,650
• Outside Twins/Doubles from - £1,910-£2,350
• Suites (single/double/twin) - £2,540-£2,960

5% early booking discount available for bookings made before 1 November 2009.