2013 - APT Europe River Cruising

11 Day British Isles Gardens, History & Birdlife Uniquely Themed Small Ship Ocean Cruise Scotland | Ireland | Wales | England Wander the picture-perfect Crathes Castle in Scotland EMBARK CRUISE IN EDINBURGH Day 1. Arrive Edinburgh, Embark Ship. On arrival in the Scottish capital, Edinburgh, you'll be met at the airport and transferred to the port of Leith. Here, board the luxurious small ship, the MS Island Sky. Tonight, enjoy a Welcome Dinner on board. Ten Night Stay: the MS Island Sky. EXPERT BOTANICAL GUIDES Joining you as an expert Botanical Guide for the duration of this superb British Isles cruise is Toby Musgrave, a leading British authority on garden history and design. With a degree in horticulture and a doctorate in garden history, Toby is able to provide wonderful insight into the plants, ecology, horticulture and gardening techniques of each destination you'll visit. When you disembark, you may choose to join Toby as you wander amid the incredible surrounds. Alternatively, you're able to set off on your own independent exploration. On board, Toby will present a series of lectures that are certain to enhance your botanical understanding and enrich your holiday. D SCOTLAND'S SWEEPING COAST Day 2. Aberdeen, Crathes Castle. Cruise along Scotland's east coast to 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 landscaped grounds and gardens. After time to explore, return to your ship and continue cruising around the top of Scotland. Day 3. Inverewe Gardens. This morning your ship will drop anchor and you'll enjoy a zodiac ride to one of Scotland's premier gardens, Inverewe. Set on the coast among the north-west Scottish Highlands, this botanical garden presents an amazing collection of exotic trees and shrubs that are sheltered by well-positioned windbreaks of native pine. After a tour, return by zodiac to your ship and set off during lunch across The Minch and past the Isle of Skye. ASK FOR BOTANICA'S BOUTIQUE CRUISING BROCHURE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE MS ISLAND SKY Freedom of Choice InclusionsTM 188 Isle of Iona, a place of tranquillity and natural beauty where more than 40 Scottish kings, as well as kings from Ireland, France and Norway, are buried. After exploring the elaborate and well-preserved Iona Abbey, perhaps take a short walk to the Bay at the Back of the Ocean – named because the next westward stop is North America. BLD Day 5. Isle of Gigha, Achamore House and Gardens, Isle of Jura. This morning visit the beautiful Isle of Gigha. Privately owned by its 120 inhabitants, the island landscape consists of heather-covered hills, sandy beaches, clear green seas and one single-lane road. This morning, wander the gardens of Achamore House. Laid out by Sir James Horlick from 1944, it boasts a wonderful collection of azaleas, rhododendrons and exotic plants. Later, cruise to the Isle of Jura, where you'll enjoy the opportunity to visit the 200 year-old Single Malt Scotch Whisky Distillery. BLD BLD BLD TRANQUILLITY OF THE SCOTTISH ISLES Day 4. Isle of Mull, Duart Castle, Isle of Iona. After breakfast, set off on the Isle of Mull for a visit to Duart Castle, a 13th-century clifftop castle surrounded a superb collection of indigenous trees and shrubs. Later, cruise to the A TASTE OF NORTHERN IRELAND Day 6. Strangford Lough, Mount Stewart. Enjoy a morning on board as you cruise the scenic waters of Strangford Lough. After lunch, visit Mount Stewart, an 18th-century house and garden in County Down, Northern Ireland. A series of outdoor 'rooms' and vibrant parterres of many rare plants frame the garden, while the formal areas exude a strong Mediterranean feel and resemble an Italian villa landscape. Enjoy time to explore the gardens as well as the opulent house, which boasts a fascinating heritage and contains world-famous artefacts and artwork. Return to your ship for dinner. BLD EXCLUSIVE CHARTER UNIQUE

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