EUROPE TALL SHIP SAILING 2014

Transcription

1 EUROPE TALL SHIP SAILING 2014 TALL SHIP VOYAGES SCOTLAND, ENGLAND & HOLLAND From 5 to 7 days cruising in the Hebrides, along the East Coast, and through the Caledonian Canal Imagine sailing on a twin-masted schooner, from port to port, island to island exploring the Hebrides Islands off the rugged west coast of Scotland, or making your way through the famous Caledonian Canal and across Loch Ness (yes, of monster fame) through the beautiful Scottish Highlands of Scotland, journeying eastwards towards Aberdeen, Newcastle in the north of England and to Holland across the North Sea. Imagine hoisting the sails, helping the ship s crew, and learning about seamanship and about life onboard a traditional sailing ship in seas where Vikings once sailed. Experience the culture and the history of these magical places along these wild and rugged coastlines, far off the beaten track with a Zodiac to take you to places that are only accessible from the water. Imagine a journey with time to walk and discover, to share hearty meals and after dinner conversations with likeminded travellers over a glass of local whiskey from an island distillery. Imagine the gentle sound of waves against the side of this traditional sailing ship moored in a small fishing port or a village near to some of the world s most beautiful glens. These voyages will sail on a tall ship, an ocean-going two-masted schooner, formerly a North Sea herring lugger, renovated and refitted with 10 cosy, comfortable cabins, all with ensuite shower/toilet. Meals are served in the saloon in the deckhouse, and if you join the captain astern you may even get the opportunity to steer and help navigate or sail the ship. Departs: From Edinburgh, Oban, and Newcastle. Costs: From $650 per person twin share for a 5-day / 4-night voyage across the North Sea or to $1665 for an 8-day / 7-night journey to the Northern Hebrides Islands. Sail for 2-weeks in combination from $2710. Single cabins available on request with a supplement ask for details and availability. Includes: Twin share cabin accommodation with private bathroom (with an option to upgrade to standard plus cabin for a surcharge ask when booking), half board, use of Zodiac for landings, experienced crew including captain, steersman/deckhand & chef, experienced guide for walks/hikes where indicated. Each voyage will begin with a briefing on life aboard the boat, safety procedures, the local region and the proposed itinerary. There will usually be an introduction to the working of the ship by a member of the crew explaining about the sails and ropes. Then, once the sails are hoisted we can feel the ship responding to the wind. The engine is switched off and we are in the hands of the captain, the wind, the waves and sea currents. The itinerary is determined by the captain dependant on tides, wind and the weather conditions. Call OUTDOOR TRAVEL on for details or reservations

2 EDINBURGH AND THE CALEDONIAN CANAL Sunday 13 th July 2014 in Edinburgh, Sunday 20 th July 2014 in Oban $1495 per person (twin share) Edinburgh, traditional Scottish fishing villages, Caledonian Canal, Loch Ness, spectacular views Suggested itinerary: Day 1 Arrive Edinburgh. Embark the ship and meet your crew and fellow passengers. Welcome dinner onboard. You may have some time to explore Edinburgh after dinner perhaps to view Edinburgh Castle high on a cliff above the city, stunningly lit at night. Day 2 Set sail early this morning for Aberdeen, the Granite City, where the ubiquitous stone is somewhat softened by the masses of rose bushes planted in public spaces. You will have some time to explore the city s varied architecture, some dating back to the 15 th Century. From the market square at Castlegate, where Mercat Cross marks where once the city s castle stood, you can walk along the brick-paved Shiprow, past Provost Ross s house, a fine example of late medieval architecture, now housing the Aberdeen Maritime Museum, to the harbour where the ship is berthed. Day 3 Today we sail along the beautiful east coast of Scotland with its many small port towns. Keep your eyes open for ruined castles atop soaring cliffs. At the end of the day the captain will choose one of the villages for your overnight stay, most likely Macduff Harbour, a typical old Scottish fishing village. Day 4 Our journey today takes us to Inverness, at the entrance to the famed Caledonian Canal. Inverness is a cosy city with authentic bars, and tonight we will have the opportunity to hear (and perhaps join in!) traditional Scottish music in one of these charming pubs. Day 5 Our first day on the canal sees us through six locks to arrive at Loch Ness will we spot Nessie? Monster or not, this is a wonderful trip with some breath-taking views. We finish in Fort Augustus at the southwest end of Loch Ness. Day 6 We cast off to continue our journey. Today, we sail across the mesmerising lakes Loch Lochy, Loch Oich and Loch Dochfour. And if possible, we will put the sails up and let the wind take us, and simply absorb the natural beauty surrounding us. We continue towards the famous Neptune s Staircase, eight locks in a row, where the ship is bound to attract much attention as one of the biggest ships that can go through the Canal and the locks. We berth tonight in Fort William, a charming and lively city, where we will have dinner and fit in a visit to a local pub. Day 7 After breakfast we set sail for Oban, along the beautiful west coast where we can truly appreciate the spaciousness and beauty of this pristine area. We will have wonderful views of the Isle of Mull. Oban s skyline is dominated by McCaig s Tower, a replica of the Coliseum, high on Battery Hill above the town. Oban once was a small fishing village with a sheltered harbour, but with the coming of a steamship and a railroad in 1880, Oban became the centre for sailings to the Inner and Outer Hebrides. A lovely place for a meal and a nip of the town s eponymous whisky. Day 8 Cruise ends after breakfast. Call OUTDOOR TRAVEL on for details or reservations

3 EXPERIENCE THE NORTHERN HEBRIDES Sunday 10 th August 2014 in Oban FULL FOR 2014 ASK FOR 2015 DETAILS Sunday 17 th August 2014 in Oban $1665 per person (twin share) Rugged coastline & remote islands, Isles of Mull, Skye, Uist, Barra and Benbecula, spectacular landscapes, traditional Scottish fishing villages, Gaelic language & culture Day 1 Arrive Oban. Get acquainted with other participants and crew, after which you will have plenty of time to get settled and familiarise yourself with the ship. The reception dinner and information and instructions will follow this. After this, we will raise our glasses to a beautiful trip and we can visit a cozy pub with live music. Day 2 The crossing to the Isle of Mull is quite short, since the island is right next to Oban. Mull, Gaelic for cliff or hill, was once a Viking stronghold and they plundered it in the year We moor in Craignure and from there, we will visit the beautifully renovated Duart Castle. After our walk and visit, we sail on and tie up in the picturesque fishing village of Tobermory. Day 3 We sail towards the Isle of Skye, one of the largest islands of the Hebrides. Skye is an absolute must-see and has some truly impressive landscapes: steep cliffs, picturesque coasts, a famous whisky distillery (Talisker) and many sights to see. We moor in Portree, Skye s largest town, with 2000 inhabitants. Day 4 Today the ship remains in Portree, giving us a full day to explore Skye. Both cycling and hiking are a possibility here ask your crew for details. Day 5 We cross over to the Isle of Lewis and tie up in Stornoway, the capital. The islands of Lewis and Harris are connected through a narrow isthmus and have totally different characters. What they generally do have in common is their Gaelic culture and language, and day of rest on Sunday. Lewis is the northern part with rolling hills and lochs and a surprisingly dense population. Stornoway (Steomabhagh in Gaelic) is a busy fishing port and also the only town on Lewis. Harris is the southern part with dramatic scenery: deep bays and high mountains. The west coast of Harris consists of a series of breathtaking beaches, flanked by dunes and the local Machair (a type of plant, unique to these islands). Seilebost, Horgabost and Scarista compete with each other over having the whitest sandy beaches. This is also where the famous Harris Tweed originated. Day 6 Further exploration of the rugged and remote Outer Hebrides islands. We go to Uist, Barra, and Benbecula: three small islands of undiscovered beauty, so remote that few tourists make the effort to go here. The signs on the roads are in Gaelic and the food supply depends on how much room was available on the boat it came on. The islands have a wealth of prehistoric monuments and nature reserves. The east mainly consists of mountains, while the west coast is strung with white sand beaches. We moor in Castlebay on Barra and visit Kisimul Castle. This castle, the stronghold of the MacNeils, is the only medieval castle in the Hebrides to survive. Day 7 Today, we sail back to Oban and enjoy everything there is to see on our way, along the beautiful west coast: space, stunning views of Mull Island and other beauties of unspoilt Scotland. We will arrive in Oban at the end of the day, which is the final destination of our adventurous and varied journey. Day 8 Today, it s time to say goodbye cruise ends after breakfast. You can spend another beautiful day in Oban, where a visit to the Oban whiskey distillery is highly recommended. If you have booked the Northern + Southern Hebrides combination, early this morning you will be taken by bus to Fort William to climb Ben Nevis with an experienced guide. EXPERIENCE THE SOUTHERN HEBRIDES Sunday 17 th August 2014 in Oban, Sunday 24 th August 2014 in Oban $1495 per person (twin share) Whisky on Islay, abbey and monastery at Iona, basalt columns of Staffa, remote & inaccessible islands, wild moors, heaths and Fingal s Cave Day 1 Arrive Oban. Get acquainted with other participants and crew, after which you will have plenty of time to get settled and familiarise yourself with the ship. The reception dinner and information and instructions will follow this. After this, we will raise our glasses to a beautiful trip and we can visit a cozy pub with live music. Day 2 Today the ship will take us to Iona and Staffa. The small island of Iona is located off the southwest point of Mull. In Gaelic it is I Chaluim Chille: the island of Colm Cille, an Irish priest who later became Saint Columba. This small island, the site of an important monastery in the early Middle Ages, has a unique place in the history

4 of Scotland, and ignites the imagination of thousands who travel here every year, such as monks, pilgrims, clan chiefs and kings. It s possible that the Book of Kells was produced here in the 8th Century. The uninhabited island of Staffa is famous because of Fingal s Cave a huge natural cathedral-like structure is 70m long and 20m high, pounded out by the relentless waves of the Atlantic Ocean. This place inspired Mendelsohn to compose the Hebridean Overture. A visit to Staffa can be rough all year long, and it s not always possible to get to land. Despite that it is an unforgettable experience to go to this distant piece of rock by Zodiac. The basalt columns of Staffa resemble those of the Giant s Causeway in Northern Ireland, and in fact we are not far from Ireland here! Day 3 To the north of Islay and west of Jura, today we explore Colonsay and Oransay two islands which are connected by a narrow isthmus every day at low tide. Scalasaig is the largest village, with a small general store and a post office. Colonsay is renowned for its tranquility and unspoiled natural beauty, and a visit here is a truly unique experience. Day 4 Islay (pronounced eye-lay) is THE whisky island. On this relatively small island you can find the distilleries of Ardbeg, Bowmore, Bruichladdich, Bunnahabhain, Coal Ila, Lagavulin and Laphoroaig. The most southern island of the Inner Hebrides, Islay has a varied landscape from small hills to devilish cliffs and mountain tops. Before visiting one of the distilleries, you can take a beautiful walk along the sandy beaches and enjoy all the bird species that live here. Day 5 The island of Jura is a paradise of unspoilt wilderness and natural beauty. Jura is Norwegian and means Deer Island, and it is still an appropriate name, because the island inhabited by about 5500 deer, compared to only 180 Diurach (people from Jura in Gaelic). The island is 45km long and only 10km wide and is divided into 2 parts. The wild, practically uninhabited west is only accessible to dedicated hikers or kayakers. There is only one road along the more sheltered East Coast of the island which goes to the main town, Craighouse, home to the world-famous Isle of Jura Distillery. Immerse yourself in nature and take a long walk through the famous Paps of Jura, the mountains that determine the view over Jura with their three apparent peaks. Nature lovers can spot more than 100 types of birds, including the rare golden eagle, as well as goats, seals, rabbits, hares, stoats, and otters. You may like to visit to the remote farm Barnhill, 37 km north of Craighouse, where George Orwell wrote his masterpiece 1984 in the 1940s. He described it very correctly as an extremely inaccessible place. Day 6 The Kintyre peninsula on the Scottish West Coast is more island than mainland. A landscape with rolling hills and small fishing villages awaits discovery: hidden bays, castle ruins, desolate beaches, the rugged Atlantic coast, and rich wildlife including otters, seals and seabirds. At the end of the peninsula we find the Mull of Kintyre, made famous by the song by Paul McCartney & Wings; Ireland is only 20km away from this point. Day 7 We sail through a fantastic area back to Oban and come across the swirling phenomenon of the Corryvreckan whirlpool. This is the second largest whirlpool in the world. You can hear the noise of the water from far away. It is also the only water in the British Isles that is labelled unnavigable by the British Royal Navy, although small boats can pass during low tide and calm waters. In attempts to try this, many boats and lives have unfortunately been lost. During his stay on Jura, the writer George Orwell nearly drowned when his boat capsized in the Gulf of Corryvreckan. This whirlpool may be Homer s Charybdis, which is mentioned in The Odyssey. After arriving in Oban, we go together to a cosy pub for dinner and to celebrate our last night. Day 8 Today, it s time to say goodbye cruise ends after breakfast. You can spend another beautiful day in Oban, where a visit to the Oban whiskey distillery is highly recommended. Glasgow is easily accessible by train from Oban two or three departures daily, along the famous & scenic West Highland Line, with the journey taking about 3 hours to Glasgow s Queen Street station. SAILING AND WHISKY Saturday 6 th September 2014 in Troon FULL FOR 2014 ASK FOR 2015 DETAILS Saturday 13 th September 2014 in Oban $1495 per person (twin share) Whisky tasting at distilleries in Arran, Islay, Jura, and Oban, traditional music & friendly pubs Day 1 Arrive Troon (easily accessible from Glasgow) and board the ship. Once you have embarked, you will get to know the crew and your fellow passengers. This is followed by an welcome dinner and a small introduction to the local whisky, and we will raise our glasses to a beautiful voyage ahead. And then the music will begin... Day 2 Our journey begins with a short crossing to the unspoilt Isle of Arran. This island is sometimes described as miniature Scotland, because of the large variety in landscapes. The north is hilly, and the south is more pastoral. The island has about 5,000 inhabitants and is popular during summer, mainly among travellers who like to deviate from the beaten track. Ruins of many castles stand as stark reminders of clans that once reigned over

5 the area. Arran affords us a perfect opportunity for some bird-watching, with its 200 bird species. There are no foxes on the island; but the lack of a natural enemy attracts many birds of prey. We moor in the north, near the distillery of Isle of Arran, a youthful distillery but one with a long history. According to the Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre, the distillery is in one of the most beautiful spots of Scotland. We also look for an opportunity to stretch our legs with a walk on the island. After our first distillery tasting we continue on to Campbeltown. This town used to be called Kinlochkilkerran (literally: at the head of the loch near the church of Saint Kieran), until Archibald Campbell, Count of Argyle, built a stronghold here in 1667, after which it became an important region that distilled a lot of whisky. At one point in time there were 34 different distilleries. Enough reason to crown itself Whisky capital of the world. But they mainly focused on quantity, not quality, and many distilleries closed down during Prohibition in the United States and the ensuing Great Depression. The lyrics of the local folk song Campbeltown Loch, I wish you were whisky are hilarious, accompanied by (of course!) bagpipe music. Day 3 We carry on with whisky tasting while the ship remains berthed in Campbeltown. Today, only three distilleries remain in Campbeltown: the ancient Glen Scotia, the new Glengyle and the internationally renowned and acknowledged Springbank distillery. So there is plenty to do on shore. The friendly town also has a historical museum and an Art Deco cinema from 1913, that still runs movies. Day 4 We sail to Islay, the whisky island par excellence. On the way there, we pass the high Mull of Kintyre, the most southern point of the Kintyre peninsula. The lighthouse from 1788 is a familiar local landmark, but the location gained worldwide fame in 1997, when Paul McCartney & Wings scored a huge hit with Mull of Kintyre. It was a tribute, he called it a declaration of love, to a piece of land, which he by the way also owns. Day 5 Islay owes much of its fame to its 8 distilleries that produces millions of litres of liquid gold. Because of the multiple taxes on alcohol, it is said that this is the most heavily taxed part of Great Britain. We will visit a large number of distilleries. The ship will sail from one distillery to the next, because most of them have their own jetty. Day 6 Today, we set sail for Jura and taste the single malts available at the Isle of Jura distillery. Jura is a paradise of unspoilt wilderness and natural beauty. There is only one road along the more sheltered East Coast of the island, to Craighouse, where the distillery is located. Day 7 A beautiful sailing trip to Oban, where we will end our trip with a visit to the Oban distillery. Day 8 Cruise ends after breakfast in Oban. OBAN TO INVERNESS: THE CALEDONIAN CANAL Saturday 13 th September 2014 in Oban Saturday 20 th September 2014 in Inverness $1495 per person (twin share) Mountain lakes, spectacular scenery, Caledonian Canal from the Atlantic to the North Sea Day 1 Arrive in Oban. Once you ve embarked, you can get acquainted with other participants and the crew. This is followed by an elaborate dinner and we ll raise our glasses to a beautiful journey. Day 2 The crossing to the Isle of Mull is quite short, since the island is right next to Oban. Mull, Gaelic for cliff or hill, was once a Viking stronghold and they plundered it in the year 1100 AD. We moor in Craignure and from there, we will visit the beautifully renovated Duart Castle. After our walk and visit, we sail on and tie up in the picturesque fishing village of Tobermory.

6 Day 3 This morning we set sail for Fort William after breakfast. We sail along the beautiful west coast where we can truly appreciate the spaciousness and beauty of this pristine area. We will have wonderful views of the Isle of Mull. We go through the sea lock at Corpach, the entrance to the Caledonian Canal. Day 4 We continue to the famous Neptune s Staircase, eight locks in a row. We always attract a lot of attention, because we are one of the biggest ships that can go through the Canal and the locks. After the locks, we arrive in a fairy tale part of the canal with some little lakes now and then, but sometimes also very narrow, with high rising trees in autumn colours. We sail to mesmerising lakes Loch Lochy, Loch Oich and Loch Dochfour. And if it s possible, we will set sail upwards and let the wind take us over the magnificent lakes. Enjoy the tranquility of the water and the beautiful landscape that floats by. Watch the amazing skies and views. At the end of the day, we moor in the middle of the Highlands. Day 5 After breakfast and a nice walk for the enthusiasts, we continue to sail the beautiful lakes. We stop again before lunch, so we can explore the surroundings. After a beautiful day with many photo opportunities, we arrive at Fort Augustus, where we may visit a cosy pub. Day 6 Today, we will go through 6 locks to get to the famous Loch Ness and we might even see Nessie. Monster or not, it s a wonderful trip through Scotland in a breathtaking environment. Day 7 At the end of the day we get to Inverness, having travelled straight through Scotland to the East Coast. Inverness is a cosy city with authentic bars, and tonight we will have the opportunity to hear (and perhaps join in!) traditional Scottish music in one of these charming pubs. Day 8 Cruise ends after breakfast in Inverness. EAST COAST OF SCOTLAND & ENGLAND: EDINBURGH TO NEWCASTLE Friday 26 th September 2014 in Edinburgh, Wednesday 1 st October 2014 in Newcastle $1160 per person (twin share) Wildlife and birdlife, Bass Rock, Farne Islands, nature & photography * This journey can also be booked as part of a 10-day trip from Edinburgh to Rotterdam Day 1 Arrive Edinburgh. Embark the ship and meet your crew and fellow passengers. Welcome dinner onboard. After dinner there is time for a walk through Queensferry, the marina where the ship is moored, with a drink at the cosy pub, or perhaps make your way to Edinburgh city. Day 2 We sail to Bass Rock, 107 m high, rising steeply from the sea. Bass Rock hosts many nesting birds including puffins, guillemots, eiders, kittiwakes, razorbills, herring gulls, cormorants and fulmars but the 150,000 gannets attract the most attention. This is the largest colony in the world on a rock, 10% of the world s population. The ship will slowly circumnavigate the rock twice so that everyone has a chance to take some great photos. We will then go slowly with the zodiac almost into the caves. At the end of this impressive day we moor in Eyemouth, an atmospheric Scottish fishing village. Day 3 We head to Holy Island, a very special island on the border with England. The island is connected to the mainland by a dam that is under water at high tide. The actual name is Lindisfarne and this is also the name of the monastery on the island. The monastery was founded around 635 by the Irish monk Aiden Lindesfarne, who came from the island of Iona. In 793, the monastery was plundered by Vikings. In the southeast corner of the island is Lindisfarne Castle on a steep cliff, a 16th Century castle which was restored in the early twentieth century. We drop anchor in the marshy area around Holy Island, surrounded by hundreds of gray seals, perhaps with their pups. We visit the island, by zodiac if necessary.

7 Day 4 Today we visit the Farne Islands 15 to 28 islands, depending on the tides. A beautiful area with many bird species and the largest population (over 3000) of gray seals in Europe. Watching the seals at play, with their amusing and sometimes incredible antics, is an unforgettable experience. We use the zodiac to get as close as possible, to observe the birds and seals and of course take photographs. Some birds have already begun their winter migration but many remain. We may have an opportunity to talk to the rangers and perhaps witness the catching and ringing of many birds. The Farne Islands are also still known for the old lighthouses. Inner Farne lighthouse dates from Longstone also has a characteristic red and white lighthouse. At the end of the day we sail to Amble, a friendly town on the estuary of the Coquet River in Northumberland. Day 5 Today we will visit Coquet, which is a small island of about 6 hectares and is a designated seabird sanctuary. A large colony of seals can also be found here, as well as countless different types of birds, especially puffins. Have your cameras at the ready. After our sightseeing, we continue to Newcastle. Day 6 Cruise ends after breakfast in Newcastle. ACROSS THE NORTH SEA: NEWCASTLE TO ROTTERDAM Wednesday 1 st October 2014 in Newcastle Sunday 5 th October 2014 in Rotterdam $650 per person (twin share) East coast of England, Whitby, Scarborough, sailing the North Sea to Rotterdam * This journey can also be booked as part of a 10-day trip from Edinburgh to Rotterdam Day 1 Arrive Newcastle. Meet the crew and your fellow passengers. After dinner and the instructions about the ins and outs on board, there is time to explore Newcastle. Day 2 We have an early breakfast and after some proper instructions, we hoist the sails and we re off to Whitby. This place became famous by several highlights in history and literature. Explorer James Cook is connected to Whitby, and a statue of him can be found in the city. The remains of the Whitby Abbey (which offers great views of the entire city), and St. Mary s Church portray the greatness from the Anglo-Saxon period until the beginning of the twentieth century. An important source of income in the 1900s, Whitby s fishing fleet still catches fish and crab on the North Sea. It s a popular coastal city among English families for a holiday or a daytrip: strolling along the harbour and coast, the beach and of course a walk (199 steps) to the abbey. The harbour forms the heart of the city: the small river Esk separates the city in two. Day 3 Scarborough is a much celebrated harbour city with a cosy centre. Scarborough was the first beach resort spa in England, from the mid-17th Century, and it still is the beach resort of choice for countless families, with its large sandy beaches on both sides. It is also a city full of history and culture the headland that divides the sea into the North Bay and the South Bay is dominated by beautiful old castle ruins. It dates from Norman times (although occupancy was detected from even earlier periods). Scarborough is also home to a great pub. Days 4-5 Solid sailing over the next two days, over 250 nautical miles to Holland. We leave Scarborough early in the morning, and arrive in Rotterdam some 40 hours later. It s always impressive to witness all there is to see on this new waterway. As soon as we see the stunning Erasmus bridge, we have arrived at our destination. Of course we will toast to our safe return. We will probably arrive on Sunday morning, and you will have the day to explore Rotterdam. These are unique sailing and sightseeing journeys. 20th and 27th July an 3rd August 2014 have been setasside for Bike & Boat cycling cruises with 8-days / 7-nights of guided cycle touring from Oban to Mull, Tobomory, Fort William and through the Caledonian Canal back to Oban early bookings are essential - for deatils see: Outdoor Travel specialises in active holidays in many areas of the world including Europe, Australia & New Zealand. Active holidays include inn-to-inn or centre-based walking, trekking, cycling, e-bike touring, Bike & Barge or Bike & Boat cruises, boating or barging, horse riding, sea-kayaking & cooking. Contact Outdoor Travel or see our website for more details, travel brochures and reservations Call Toll free or (03) or Fax (03) info@outdoortravel.com.au Web: Mail: Outdoor Travel Pty Ltd, PO Box 286, Bright, VIC 3741, Australia Travel Agent Licence No 31102