Cruise Description

9 Night Cruise sailing from Swansea to Oban aboard Hebridean Princess.

Garden interest cruise.

Preparing to return to home waters, you plot a northerly course taking in the wonders of Wales, a country of natural beauty and rich heritage. The delightful Isle of Man acts as a stepping stone on your voyage to the land of the Caledonian Celts.

Marvel at the stone fortress of Pembroke Castle, the birthplace of Henry Tudor, before travelling to the hidden gem of Tenby; the harbour sits below a steep street of pastel coloured cottages and town walls which date back to the 13th century. Stroll around Britain's smallest city and visit the fantastic cathedral of St David's, founded by the patron saint of Wales. The 'last invasion of mainland Britain', also known as the battle of Fishguard, took place in the town in 1797. Visit the 100ft long tapestry dedicated to the event. Cruise the Welsh coast to the Isle of Anglesey, where Plas Newydd House and Gardens are set on the shores of the Menai Strait amidst breathtakingly beautiful scenery. Take a ride on the Manx Electric Railway to Laxey, where the Great Laxey Wheel is the largest surviving waterwheel of its kind in the world. Explore the medieval gem of Castle Rushen in the ancient capital of Castletown, the historic meeting place of the Manx parliamentary assembly at Tynwald Hill, and Peel Castle, constructed by the Vikings in the 11th century. Cruising the Irish Sea, head to Castle Ward, a unique 18th century mansion, famed for its architectural styles. On your return to Scotland, enjoy a stretch of legs at Craighouse on Jura and your final garden at Arduaine where bold colours and fragrant scents bring an exotic touch to the Argyll coast.

Guest Speaker - Caroline Holmes:
Caroline Holmes is a garden historian of ancient, modern and contemporary people, places and plants. Author of 12 books in 8 languages. Academic but not dry, her research, writings, lectures and design consultancies delve into the myriad ways humans have shaped landscapes from the 'Astute Butes' to Monet. She lectures as a course director for the University of Cambridge ICE, for The Arts Society, The Gardens Trust and internationally.

Itinerary:

Wednesday 10th September
Swansea - Embarkation.

Thursday 11th September
Cruise the South Wales coast.
Pembroke - Picton Castle and Gardens.

Friday 12th September
Pembroke - Tenby.
Cruise the Welsh coast.

Saturday 13th September
Fishguard St David's Cathedral.
Fishguard - Last Invasion Tapestry.

Sunday 14th September
Cruise the west coast of Wales.
Holyhead - Plas Newydd House and Gardens.

Monday 15th September
Cruise the Irish Sea to the Isle of Man.
Douglas - Electric railway to Laxey Wheel.

Tuesday 16th September
Douglas - Castle Rushen and Tynwald Hill.
Peel - Peel Castle.

Wednesday 17th September
Strangford - Castle Ward and Garden.
Cruise North Irish coast and North Channel.

Thursday 18th September
Loch na Mile, Jura - Craighouse.
Craobh Haven - Arduaine Garden.

Friday 19th September
Oban - Disembarkation.