Hebridean Princess, Botanical Wonders of the West Coast ex Oban Return

Details

7 Night Cruise sailing from Oban roundtrip aboard Hebridean Princess.

7 Night Cruise sailing from Oban roundtrip aboard Hebridean Princess.

Garden Interest cruise.

Scotland's west coast and Inner Hebrides are home to a diverse range of world-class gardens. All are unique, not only for their exotic collections, but also for the wild, untamed beauty in which they stand, with unsurpassed views.

Now in the care of the National Trust for Scotland discover the 20 acre plantsman's paradise of Arduaine Garden, ablaze with vibrant rhododendrons and other spring flowers. Contrast the woodland setting of the idyllic gardens at Colonsay House, designed in the 1930s to complement the natural landscape. The remote, hidden gem of Lip na Cloiche Garden is situated on a steep hillside on the north west coast of Mull with far reaching views. A hidden oasis featuring an eclectic mix of plants, Dunvegan Castle's five acres of formal gardens began life in the 18th century. Steaming north, through Kyle Rhea and The Narrows to Gairloch, visit the jewel in the crown of Highland gardens. Sir Osgood Mackenzie's masterpiece, Inverewe, a paradise of 2,500 exotic sub-tropical species. Stroll at white-washed Shieldaig, spilling picturesquely onto the loch beneath the mighty Torridon beinns. Discover the skillfully restored Attadale Gardens where 20 acres of conifers and rhododendron contrast with an impressive collection of sculpture, and the historic gardens and woodland trails attractively complement the romantic ruins of Armadale Castle, sheltered by 200- year old trees. Onwards to your final garden at Ardchattan Priory, first planted in the 13th century by Valliscaulian monks, this tranquil oasis faces south with spectacular views over Loch Etive.

Guest Speaker - Professor Stefan Buczacki:
Professor Stefan Buczacki has no less than thirty years experience as a cruise ship lecturer. He is one of the country's best known and most respected gardening and natural history authors and broadcasters, familiar from his many years as panellist and chairman on Gardeners' Question Time and as a presenter on Gardeners' World. Less expectedly, he is a respected historical blographer and is recognised as an authority on Winston Churchill and his social circle.

Itinerary:

Tuesday 6th May
Oban-Embarkation.

Wednesday 7th May
Craobh Haven - Arduaine Garden.
Colonsay-Colonsay House Gardens.

Thursday 8th May
Ulva Ferry, Mull-Lip na cloiche Garden.
Cruise the Small Isles.

Friday 9th May
Dunvegan, Skye Dunvegan Castle and Gardens Cruise the north coast of Skye.

Saturday 10th May
Gairloch-Inverewe Garden. Shieldaig-Walks ashore.

Sunday 11th May
Kyle of Lochalsh-Attadale Gardens.
Armadale, Skye - Armadale Castle and Gardens.

Monday 12th May
Cruise the Small Isles and Sound of Mull
Oban - Ardchattan Priory Garden.

Tuesday 13th May
Oban - Disembarkation