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www.noble-caledonia.co.uk The Itineraryoriginal locomotives and carriages. Return to the ship for lunch and a free afternoon to explore Peel at your own pace. Perhaps make your way to the cathedral, visit some of the many independent shops or explore Peel Castle. Built by the Vikings in the 11th century, the castle has been a royal residence, centre of government and military stronghold. We sail late for anyone wishing to take an after dinner stroll.Day 5 Barrow-in-Furness, England. Today we explore the picturesque Lake District on a choice of tours. On the southern tip, on the lower reaches of the River Kent, stands what has been described as %u2018one of the wonders of Lakeland%u2019. Levens Hall, a remarkable Elizabethan mansion, evolved from a simple pele tower erected in the 13th century and has an intriguing past with fascinating links to the Duke of Wellington. A tour of the house will take you through Levens%u2019 spectacular rooms lined with exquisite carved oak panelling, leather wall coverings, ornate plasterwork and magnificent collections of Elizabethan furniture and paintings. Then stroll in the gardens, first established in 1694 by Colonel James Grahame. He commissioned a French designer/artist, Guillaume Beaumont, to create the topiary, reputedly, the oldest topiary in the world. In addition to over 100 unique topiary pieces, the gardens also have numerous vibrant showcases of beautiful colourful plants. Alternatively, drive along the scenic banks of Lake Windermere towards Rydal Mount, home of England%u2019s most celebrated poet, William Wordsworth, who lived here from 1813 to his death in 1850. The house is much as it was when the family resided there. Discover the ambience that inspired Wordsworth as you wander through bright %u2018lived-in%u2019 rooms filled with furniture bought second hand from country sales and an abundance of Wordsworth%u2019s possessions. Climb to Wordsworth%u2019s attic study, his place of work when he reluctantly agreed to become Poet Laureate. Wordsworth is recognised for his love of flowers, in particular daffodils. He had a keen eye for design and was quite a skilled landscape gardener. Take some time to wander through the delightful gardens, which remain very much as he originally designed them and enjoy the spectacular views of Windermere and Rydal Water.Day 6 Llandudno, Wales. From our anchorage in Llandudno we will use Zodiacs to land and then drive the short distance to Bodnant Garden, which is situated above the River Conwy and has stunning views across Snowdonia. Begun in 1875, Bodnant Garden is the creation of four generations of Aberconways and features huge Italianate terraces and formal lawns on its upper level, with a wooded valley, stream and wild garden below. There are dramatic colours throughout the season, with herbaceous borders, roses, hydrangeas, water lilies and clematis that delight throughout the summer. You can then choose to return to the ship for lunch and enjoy a free afternoon in Llandudno. Developed as an upmarket holiday town for Victorian visitors, this seaside town still retains much of its 19th century grandeur, with graceful wedding-cake architecture Day 1 Oban, Scotland. Embark the MS Hebridean Sky this afternoon. Transfers will be provided from Glasgow Central Railway Station and Glasgow Airport at a fixed time. Enjoy welcome drinks and dinner as we sail this evening.Day 2 Gigha & Jura, Hebrides. Gigha is a place apart: heather covered hills, deserted beaches, and a single lane verged with wildflowers that meanders for some six miles between cottages and farms. Privately owned by its 120 inhabitants, it is a gem of a place and somewhere not easily forgotten. After landing by Zodiac, we will walk to the gardens of Achamore House where the Horlick family have created a lovely and eclectic garden with their collection of azaleas, rhododendrons and exotic plants. This afternoon we will use our Zodiacs to land on Jura. We will go ashore at the village of Craighouse and be welcomed at the cooperage of the Jura Distillery where we will be given an introduction to the distilling process and an opportunity to taste the local whisky. Alternatively, join one of our naturalists on a walk along the shore.Day 3 Belfast, Northern Ireland. Arrive this morning in Northern Ireland and enjoy some free time to explore the city of Belfast at your own pace or maybe make an independent visit to the Titanic Experience. Located by the site of the ship%u2019s construction, this museum tells the story of the Titanic from her conception through her construction and launch in 1911. After lunch we will make our way to the famous gardens at Mount Stewart, which were planted in the 1920s by Edith, Lady Londonderry and are of international importance. The magnificent series of outdoor %u2018rooms%u2019 and vibrant parterres contain many rare plants that thrive in the mild climate of the Ards Peninsula. The formal areas exude a strong Mediterranean feel and resemble an Italian villa landscape; the wooded areas support a range of plants from all corners of the world. There will be time to explore the opulent house which reveals a fascinating heritage and historic world famous artefacts and artwork. Do not leave without taking in the magnificent views of Strangford Lough from the Temple of the Winds. Day 4 Peel, Isle of Man. Arrive this morning on the Isle of Man at the main fishing port of Peel. Settlements have been here since the Mesolithic Age and the island also claims to have the longest continuous parliament which was founded in 979 AD. Leaving Peel we will visit Tynwald Hill, located in the little village of St John%u2019s. This grass-topped, tiered hill is made from the soil and stones from each of the island%u2019s 17 parishes and is the point from which, each 5th of July, all the laws enacted in the year preceding are promulgated to the gathered government officials and the public at large, both in Manx and English languages. Continue to Castletown where we board the vintage steam train for a delightful and traditional journey to Douglas. Dating from 1874, the Isle of Man Steam Railway is the island%u2019s oldest Victorian rail system and this narrow gauge railway still runs with its Peel Castle, Isle of Man Mount Stewart HouseAchamore Gardens, Gigha St Martin%u2019s Little Chapel, Guernsey

