Jewels of the Clyde

Tuesday 5th to Tuesday 12th March 2024

Scotland is a unique treasury of priceless architectural gems, spanning a long and often turbulent history against haunting landscapes that evoke history and romance. We explore some of the Clyde’s most ancient castles and historic houses, all from the elegance of Hebridean Princess.

Tuesday 5th March

Guests embarked at the new Ocean Cruise Terminal in Greenock where we remained alongside overnight.

Wednesday 6th March

After breakfast, guests travelled to Finlaystone House for a morning tour. Seat of the Clan MacMillan for over 160 years and home to the current clan chief and his family who extended a warm welcome.

Following lunch on board, we berthed alongside at Custom House Quay in Greenock where guests had the option of visiting the Clydeside Distillery for a tour.

When guests were safely back on board, we set sail for our overnight anchorage in Rothesay Bay off the Isle of Bute.

Thursday 7th March

After a morning spent cruising the Clyde and Lower Loch Fyne, the afternoon was spent exploring the pretty village of Ardrishaig on foot and discovering local heritage and maritime history at the Egg Shed, a new community hub.

We anchored overnight in Lachlan Bay off Minard in Loch Fyne.

Friday 8th March

During breakfast, we sailed to Strachur for a morning visit to Inveraray Castle, the magnificent baronial home of the Duke and Duchess of Argyll.

after lunch on board, guests enjoyed a private tour of Strachur House, home of Sir Charles and Lady McLean.

We anchored in Strachur, Loch Fyne overnight.

Saturday 9th March

We spent the morning cruising Loch Fyne and landed guests ashore at Portavadie marina, for afternoon walks on the Cowal peninsula.

We anchored overnight in Rothesay Bay off the Isle of Bute.

Sunday 10th March

Our morning tour from Largs was the seat of Clan Hunter, the 13th century tower house, Hunterston Castle which was replaced in 1799 by Hunterston House.

The sumptuous Palladian style Ardgowan House played host to our afternoon visit. Held by the Shaw Stewart family since the early 15th century, as direct descendants of King Robert III, the family’s story is one of intrigue, scandal, loss, and revival.

We remained alongside overnight in Largs.

Monday 11th March

From Largs guests took the local ferry to Great Cumbrae this morning, to visit Millport and the tiny Cathedral of the Isles which seats just 100 worshippers.

During lunch we sailed into Holy Loch for our final visit to Historic Kilmun and the Argyll Mausoleum, the final resting place of Clan Campbell Chiefs since the 15th century.