From Oban to Oban · Northern Europe · 7 nights
From Oban to Oban
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.
Fort William, on the shores of Loch Linnhe, is the gateway to mighty Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the British Isles. The town itself is nothing special, but the Highland scenery in the area around nearby Glencoe is truly stunning.
The village of Ballachulish is rather unusual in that it is actually two villages, situated either side of Loch Leven. The main draw here is the spectacular Highland scenery of Glen Coe, which was used as a filming location for ‘Skyfall’ and several of the Harry Potter films.
The Isle of Coll is rocky and rugged in the north, while to the south a landscape of grassy dunes known as machair is surrounded by sandy beaches. The tranquility is disturbed only by the island’s abundant birdlife, and in particular by the rasping call of the corncrake.
Tiree is the westernmost of the Inner Hebrides, and enjoys some of the longest sunshine hours in the UK. The influence of the Gulf Stream also means the climate is milder than on the mainland, and the island is characterised by sweeping white sand beaches, pretty wildflowers and strong winds that keep the midges away.
Muck is the smallest and most southerly of the Small Isles, just 2½ miles across and home to barely 40 people. Flat, fertile and flecked with wildflowers, the island provides a haven for wildlife including puffins, kittiwakes, fulmars, shearwaters, sea eagles and porpoises.
Armadale sits near the southern tip of the Sleat Peninsula on the Isle of Skye, linked by ferry to Mallaig on the mainland. Next to the ruins of Armadale Castle is a visitor’s centre dedicated to the history of Clan Donald, one of the largest clans in Scotland, and the castle is surrounded by beautiful gardens.
Situated on the shore of Loch Gairloch in picturesque Wester Ross, the scattered settlements known collectively as Gairloch serve as a popular base for whale and dolphin watching trips, and the surrounding area is home to some beautiful sandy beaches.
Shieldaig is one of the prettiest villages on Scotland's west coast , perched on the edge of Loch Torridon. The village is mostly comprised of picturesque whitewashed cottages, and there are some great walks to be enjoyed along the coast and up in the brooding Torridon Hills.
The Isle of Skye is one of Scotland’s most popular tourist destinations, thanks to a spectacular landscape of jagged peaks, misty moors and glassy lochs. The island’s biggest town is Portree, a pleasant little place with a colourful harbour.
The isle of Raasay lies off the east coast of Skye, just 10 miles long and rising to a 443-metre peak at Dun Caan. Raasay has an interesting history, visited by James Boswell and Samuel Johnson during the 18th century, and was the birthplace of the Scottish poet Sorley McLean.
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.
