2017 - APT Small Ships

92 CRUISE APPEAL This Botanica cruise will feature Zodiac use, as well as docking in ports throughout your cruise, and will appeal to guests who: ✫ Wish to explore some of the most exquisite gardens of the British Isles, both public and private ✫ Have a passion for learning about historic architecture, especially monumental castles ✫ Desire to explore the remote Hebridean Islands and beautiful Scottish coast ✫ Enjoy onboard lectures about the history of the British Isles and learn of the castles and gardens you're visiting ✫ Enjoy a special lecture with Monty Don ✫ Wander the splendid gardens of the magnificent 16th-century Crathes Castle ✫ Take a Zodiac cruise to visit one of Scotland's premier gardens, Inverewe ✫ Drive through the picturesque Snowdonia region in Wales to marvel at beautiful Bodnant Garden ✫ Choose to explore Helen Dillon's private garden ✫ Visit the Isles of Scilly and the garden of Tresco Abbey ✫ Freedom of Choice Sightseeing™ on the Isle of Mull and in Belfast, Portmeirion, Dublin and Waterford British Isles Gardens, Castles & Birdlife 11 Day Botanica Cruise | MS Hebridean Sky United Kingdom | Ireland Day 1. Arrive Edinburgh. On arrival in the Scottish capital, Edinburgh, you'll be met at the airport and transferred to the port of Leith. Board the MS Hebridean Sky from 4pm, your home for the next ten nights. After settling in to your suite, enjoy a Welcome Dinner this evening. Ten Night Stay: aboard the exclusive MS Hebridean Sky. D Day 2. Aberdeen, Crathes Castle. Cruising along Scotland's east coast, over the waters of the North Sea, today you'll arrive at Aberdeen. Disembark and travel by coach through Royal Deeside, the picturesque valley of the River Dee. Absorb the lovely scenery as you head to Crathes Castle, a 16th-century castle that's famous for its splendid landscaped grounds and gardens. Return to your ship for a delicious lunch, before enjoying an afternoon visit to Pitmedden Garden. BLD Day 3. Inverewe Gardens. Today your ship will drop anchor and you'll enjoy a Zodiac ride to one of Scotland's premier gardens, Inverewe. This botanical garden presents an amazing collection of exotic trees and shrubs that are sheltered by windbreaks of native pine. Return by Zodiac to your ship and set off across The Minch and past the Isle of Skye. BLD Day 4. Isle of Mull, Duart Castle, Isle of Iona, Freedom of Choice. After breakfast, set off to the Isle of Mull where you have two magnificent sightseeing options. The first option is to explore a quaint private garden. The second option is a visit to Duart Castle, a 13th-century clifftop castle set in the Millennium Wood. Later cruise to the Isle of Iona, a place of tranquillity where more than 40 Scottish Kings, as well as Kings from Ireland, France and Norway are buried. After exploring Iona Abbey, perhaps take a short walk to the Bay at the Back of the Ocean, named as the next westward stop is North America. BLD Day 5. Isle of Gigha, Isle of Jura. This morning visit the beautiful Isle of Gigha. Privately owned by its 120 inhabitants, the landscape consists of deserted sandy beaches, clear green seas and just one single-lane road that meanders between quaint cottages and farms. Here, enjoy time to wander the gardens of Achamore House. Laid out by Sir James Horlick from 1944, this stunning garden boasts rhododendrons, azaleas and exotic plants. Returning to your ship for lunch, you'll then cruise to the Isle of Jura, where you'll enjoy the opportunity to visit the 200-year-old single malt Scotch whisky distillery. BLD Freedom of Choice TM Sightseeing Admire the splendid landscaped grounds of 16th-century Crathes Castle CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS www.botanica.travel

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