Sea Kingdom of the Southern Hebrides 8 Nights

This fascinating 8-night cruise travels south from Oban to explore the historic islands of the Southern Hebrides, where the Lords of the Isles ruled in the 10th century.  Today the pristine waters are also a sea kingdom for rare marine wildlife including whales, dolphins, basking sharks, porpoises and seals. Stopovers include the Garvellachs, or "Isles of the Sea", with a fascinating heritage and the lush, fertile isles of Colonsay and Gigha with their fabulous beaches,and home to the rare corncrake. Jura is stark and dramatic, with remote anchorages with plentiful wildlife, especially red deer and the place to see golden eagles. A visit to Islay must include a distillery, with Port Askaig home of Bunnahabhain also offering stunning beach walks.  A favourite anchorage overlooks the tide race of Corryvrechan and Ardecaple Bay on Seil is one of the most lovely, remote anchorages in the Southern Hebrides.