From Oban to Oban · Northern Europe · 7 nights
We know of no ship quite like this one; a tiny little gem, dedicated to Scotland and all things Scottish, this Princess is fit for a queen!
A single ship with just 48 guests and in operation for only nine
months of the year – hardly viable in the modern day, you would
think – and when you step aboard you will also feel as if you have
been swept into a bygone age, when kindness was key. A one word
descriptor? Charm, perhaps. But that only begins to cover what is
special about Hebridean Princess.
The waterfront town of Oban, situated on Scotland's west coast, is the main gateway to the Hebridean islands, and it's a busy place in summer. We recommend sampling the excellent seafood while enjoying the views across to the islands of Mull and Kerrera.
Disagreements over the correct name for Northern Ireland’s second city date back to 1613, and are unlikely to be resolved any time soon, so let’s focus instead on what the city has to offer. Highlights include the 17th century city walls, a vibrant live music scene and a city centre rejuvenated by Derry’s stint as UK Capital of Culture in 2013.
The seaside resort town of Ballycastle is just a short drive from the Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and highlight of the Antrim coast. The town also has a lovely mile-long beach and a number of attractive 18th-century buildings, and a regular ferry service operates between Ballycastle and Rathlin Island.
The fishing port of Peel is on the west coast of the Isle of Man, and the town’s main attraction is the 11th century Peel Castle, which sits atop St Patrick’s Island and is accessed via a causeway. Just outside Peel is the village of St John’s, where the island’s parliament meets in the open air on Tynwald Hill once a year.
Rugged and unspoilt, peaceful and perhaps a little parochial, the Isle of Man is proud to be different. The island has its own government, the Tynwald, which is said to be the oldest continuous parliament in the world, as well as its own language and even its own currency, the Manx pound.
Just 20 minutes from Belfast and connected to the Irish Sea by a narrow strait, Strangford Lough is a popular destination for all sorts of water-based activities, including sailing, kayaking, kite surfing and fishing. The lough is also home to grey seals and basking sharks, and it’s an important habitat for a number of migratory bird species.
Bangor is a seaside resort town on County Down’s north coast with an attractive marina, and it’s also a popular base for commuters working in nearby Belfast. Points of interest include Bangor Abbey, with its history dating back to the 6th century, the North Down Museum, and the 19th-century Bangor Castle.
Islay is renowned for its peaty, smoky whiskies, and the island is home to nine different distilleries, including the famous Laphroaig. Other highlights include the RSPB Loch Gruinart Nature Reserve and the ruins at Finlaggan, former seat of the Lords of the Isles.
The waterfront town of Oban, situated on Scotland’s west coast, is the main gateway to the Hebridean islands, and it’s a busy place in summer. We recommend sampling the excellent seafood while enjoying the views across to the islands of Mull and Kerrera.
