GRANITE CASTLES, GREEN GARDENS

25 Jun - 9 Jul 1998, 15 Days, visiting UK, Ireland

Cruise no: 514

On this cruise Minerva journeys around the rugged coastline of Britain and Ireland offering a chance to visit some marvellous gardens such as those at Inverewe where the Gulf stream creates gardens of strikingly warm colours as well as the sub-tropical gardens of Tresco on the Scilly Isles. Other highlights will include our visits to historic Dunrobin Castle, the ancestral home of the Earls of Sutherland, and the great castle of Edinburgh set on a volcanic rock outcrop overlooking the city. We are delighted that Stephen Lacey, a regular gardening columnist and lecturer on plants and planting designs will be accompanying the team of lecturers and talking to us about the ornithological and botanical delights we encounter.

Itinerary:

Thu 25 Jun This cruise begins with a spectacular departure from Tower Bridge in the Pool of London.
Fri 26 Jun A day at sea to settle in or attend the introductory lectures. In the evening enjoy the Cocktail Party and Gala Dinner.
Sat 27 Jun View the principal sights of Edinburgh including the magnificent Castle as well as Hopetoun House. You may alternatively choose to visit the Royal Botanic Gardens.
Sun 28 Jun From Aberdeen we visit the private residence of the Royal family at Balmoral, built in 1855 for Queen Victoria.
Mon 29 Jun A morning at sea followed by excursions to fascinating Dunrobin Castle or the romantic 14th century Cawdor Castle.
Tue 30 Jun During our call to Kirkwall, capital of the Orkneys, we visit the neolithic village of Skara Brae and the standing stones at the Ring of Brodgar.
Wed 1 Jul This morning we arrive in Lerwick, capital of the Shetlands, where we take in the archaeological site of Jarlshof and Clickhimin Broch.
Thu 2 Jul We arrive early in Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis for our excursion to see the Standing Stones of Callanish. In the afternoon Minerva anchors in Loch Ewe for a visit to Inverewe Gardens.
Fri 3 Jul A morning call to the ancient holy island of Iona where St Columba landed from Ireland in 563. We spend the afternoon cruising through the beautiful western isles.
Sat 4 Jul-
Sun 5 Jul		 A morning cruising before arriving in Dublin. During our time here we see the National Gallery, the National Museum and Dublin Castle. Alternatively, you may explore Powerscourt Gardens in Co. Wicklow. We spend Sunday afternoon at sea.
Mon 6 Jul Arrive at Glengarriff early morning for our excursion to Muckross House set amidst the extensive grounds of the Muckross Estate and Killarney National Park. Afternoon visit to the family home of Bantry House or to the garden at Garnish Island.
Tue 7 Jul Arrive at the Scilly Isles in the morning for our walking tour of the wonderful sub-tropical gardens of Tresco Abbey.
Wed 8 Jul An opportunity to consider the cruise in retrospect with the guest lecturers.
Thu 9 Jul Minerva arrives by Tower Bridge in the Pool of London early morning for disembarkation.

GUEST LECTURERS:

DONALD BUTRESS: Architect and architectural historian. He is interested in mediaeval and alte European architecture, and Classical influences thereupon.
DR PETER HARBISON: Studied Archaeology in Dublin and Classical Archaeology at three German universities. Currently Honorary Academic Editor of the Royal Irish Academy.
NICHOLAS HAMMOND: Former Director of Communications of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds.
STEPHEN LACEY: A regular gardening columnist for 'The Daily Telegraph' and presenter of BBC Television's 'Gardeners' World'.
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