Discover the enchanting remote Scottish islands this May Bank Holiday weekend on an unforgettable adventure.
The cruise begins in Liverpool, where you'll board your ship Bolette and settle into your comfortable cabin, have dinner, and sail overnight towards Scotland.
Your itinerary is packed to the brim with scenic adventures. See the basalt columns of Fingal's Cave, the bonnet-shaped Bac Mòr island, the Small Isles archipelago and the Holy Isle of Iona, described as the birthplace of Christianity in Scotland.
Bolette will also cruise the narrow, fjord-like Loch Hourn, which is surrounded by some of Scotland's most astounding scenery, and the Sound of Mull, passing by the 13th-century Duart Castle, the ancient seat of Clan Maclean.
The island visits continue with a call to Lewis in the Outer Hebrides, where you can wander the bustling port town of Stornoway, explore the impressive grounds of Lews Castle and visit the Callanish Standing Stones.
There's also time to see the Orkneys archipelago and its well-preserved Stone Age settlements, the Neolithic sites of Skara Brae and the Ring of Brodgar.
Your time spent on board Bolette will be wonderfully relaxing. There are two swimming pools, one with a retractable roof, meaning you can take a dip whatever the weather. Our readers will also enjoy an exclusive onboard spend of £75 per person.
You'll also find a number of bars, lounges, and wide open deck spaces where you can enjoy a tipple and admire the views as you sail from one magical Scottish isle to the next.
You'll board your ship, Bolette, this evening in Liverpool as your Scottish adventure begins.
You'll start today by cruising past Duart Castle. This castle, which guards the sea cliffs of the Isle of Mull, dates back to the 13th century and treasures over 700 years of history of one of Scotland's oldest clans, the Macleans.
Next stop is the Sound of Mull, a tranquil body of water surrounded by sweeping green meadows, rocky shorelines, magnificent stone castles and wild hills. It's a real treat for nature lovers, home to wildlife including seals, otters, over 260 species of bird.
The day's cruising ends with a trip to the Small Isles, four tiny islands - Eigg, Rum, Canna and Muck - all famed for their dramatic scenery, variety of wildlife.
Today's sailing will take you to Stornoway. Located on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides, Stornoway is a thriving town with a busy port, best seen from the top of 'Gallow's Hill' - reached by the impressive grounds of Lews Castle. Originally built in 1847, the castle has had some well-known owners, including Lord Leverhume, who founded the company now known as Unilever. He gave the castle to the people of Stornoway, where it served as a naval hospital and college, but is now a noteworthy museum.
You'll sail to the Orkneys archipelago today, around 70 islands in the far north of Scotland, which were once the centre of innovation in the British Isles. Stones Age farmers brought various cattle, pigs and sheep here and established farmsteads on the islands.
Today, you can witness Skara Brae, a preserved settlement, along with excavated burial and ceremonial sites. Kirkwall stands as the capital of the islands, and is the perfect starting point for exploring Orkney's fascinating historical sites.
Today you will cruise past Bac Mòr, one of the most striking and iconic Scottish Treshnish Isles. Affectionately referred to as The Dutchman's Cap due to its unusual shape, Bac Mòr was formed 60 million years ago when volcanic eruptions on the nearby island of Mull caused lava to flow into the sea.
Next you will catch sight of Fingal's Cave, a basalt sea-cave with distinctive columns and a remarkable symmetry. Looming 69 metres out of the ocean, it appears to look like a piece of contemporary art, but is completely shaped by nature.
The final sight of the day's cruise is the island of Iona, the 'The Cradle of Christianity in Scotland' The highlight is Iona Abbey, one of Europe's oldest Christian buildings and said to be the final resting place of 48 mediaeval kings, including the eleventh-century king Macbeth of Shakespearean fame.
You'll arrive back in Liverpool early this morning after an overnight sailing.
While Bolette is one of the largest of Fred Olsen’s ships by size, she carries fewer than 1,400 guests, meaning you’ll have more space in which to relax. Enjoy a calm atmosphere in public areas such as the all-season pool, the Atlantis Spa, and the beautiful two-tiered entertainment theatre. You’ll experience a premium level of comfort and exceptional service in the ship’s many elegant lounges, bars and dining venues. You can choose between an Interior or Ocean Cabin, Balcony or Suite, all equipped with a Smart TV, hairdryer, tea and coffee-making facilities, a fridge and individually controlled air conditioning.
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