Day 1 Glasgow and transfer to Holy Loch

If arriving at Glasgow Airport, you will be greeted and have a free pick up at 2pm on the Saturday for boarding at Holy Loch at 4pm.

We set off this evening once everyone is safely on board and find our first secluded loch for our first celebratory meal together.

Accommodation

On board 'Glen Massan'

All the cabins are double and can be configured as either twin or double beds with ensuite facilities. There are two cabins on deck and four below deck which provide everything you need for a small boat cruise; all cabins are similar in size and style. The size of the cabins is spacious for a boat cruise but compact compared to a hotel bedroom and there is, by necessity, limited storage space.

Your cosy cabins come with a toasty tartan-clad hot water bottle in each bed for the evening.

Transportation Times

One hour transfer to Holy Loch.

Each day's cruise varies in length depending on sea and weather conditions.

Meals Included

Dinners1

Day 2 to 6 South Argyll Cruising

The Glen Massan visits the spectacular sea lochs of the Cowal Peninsula including Loch Goil, Loch Long and Loch Fyne.

There is no set itinerary due to the variable conditions of sailing, however, typical stopovers and anchorages include:

-Cruise Loch Long to Arrochar and enjoy a tranquil dinner at anchor off Carrick Castle in the stunning Loch Goil

-Sail to the Isle of Bute and explore the pretty coastal town of Rothesay

-Visit Rothesay Castle and the amazing Mount Stuart House and Gardens

-Cruise the beautiful Kyles of Bute and anchor in remote Loch Riddon and take an evening stroll along its banks.

-Help the crew drop lobster pots from the boat tender or try your hand at fishing

-Explore the colourful village of East Loch Tarbert

-Take a morning coastal walk to Tighnabruaich

-Sail to East Loch Tarbert and anchor off Stonefield Castle for the night with the opportunity to go ashore to see the gardens

-Cruise Loch Fyne to Inveraray, explore the town and choose from several delightful walks

-Sail the coast of Arran, calling in at Lochranza and visiting the distillery there

-Visit Brodick Castle and Gardens and try locally produced cheeses, beers and aromatics

Each day starts leisurely with breakfast in the saloon bar - you can then spend time in the wheelhouse with the skipper as you head to a new destination. Twice a day, the vessel will anchor off a new location, including many enchanting places that can only be accessed by the smaller cruise vessel. Approaching historic buildings and villages from the sea always gives a unique perspective and every day brings a new slice of Scottish history to investigate. There are always a selection of delightful walks around each anchorage. Trips ashore tend to last around 1-2 hours.

Fishing from the boat is very popular and whenever possible the crew lay down creels for lobster and crayfish; if successful the catch will appear on your breakfast plate! There are three boat rods and tackle on board and you are welcome to bring your own and fish while the vessel is at anchor. Mackeral is the most common fish caught and your catch can be cooked and served. There is also lobster creels on each boat and you can help the crew set them. We do occasionally get a lobster but crab is more common. You can even enjoy a swim in the loch for those brave souls.

Evenings are a wonderful opportunity to relax and socialise with the Glen Massan's open saloon. All meals are served at the communal table in the deck saloon, although canapes and drinks are often served on the outdoor aft deck, which is accessible through French doors, to catch the last of the evening light. After dinner is often a very sociable time when guests and crew exchange stories of the day's activities. There is a good library in the deck saloon with books, maps and videos on the history, culture and wildlife of the local area. You can enjoy a chat over a drink from the bar while others prefer to sit alfresco on the aft deck watching the sun set or take the chance to go ashore by tender for an evening stroll.

Accommodation

On board the 'Glen Massan'

Meals Included

Breakfasts5, Lunches5, Dinners5

Day 7 Return to Holy Loch

All cruises disembark at approximately 11am on the last day of the cruise. There is a transfer provided back to the Glasgow airport or you can enjoy more of Scotland by land.

Meals Included

Breakfasts1