If you are looking for an extra special Easter getaway this year look no further than to our Mull and her Inlets and Islands 6-nights cruise departing Saturday 20th April 2019. Relax aboard Glen Massan and enjoy our famous Scottish hospitality while you island hop round Mull exploring inlets and sea lochs and watching for wildlife. This special 6-night cruise also includes a 'Regional Whisky Tasting from Ian Macleod Distillers', one of Scotland's leading family owned distillery companies. The whisky tasting will include 6 different whiskies; 2 Highland, 2 Speyside and 2 Islay malts. Guests will have the opportunity to learn a little more about these whiskies and their distilleries. According to 'Rough Guides' 'One of the best ways to enjoy whisky' is aboard a Majestic Line cruise.
Mull is the second largest of the Inner Hebrides and is a haven for wildlife from the white tailed sea eagles soaring above; to the puffins breeding on the Treshnish isles and the dolphins that play on the bow wave of the boat. Sometimes we are lucky enough to spot humpback whales and even orcas in the waters off Mull. Guests have delighted in spotting otters at the shore as well as deer and wild goats in the hills.
Here are some of Mull's satellite islands that may be visited on the cruise;
Iona – a small island situated off the tip of the Ross of Mull. This island is famous as the place where St Columba chose to settle and build his church. Iona Abbey as it stands today was built close to the site of St Columba’s original church.
Inch Kenneth – a tiny island at the mouth of Loch Na Keal on the west of Mull, Inch Kenneth has spectacular sea cliffs which can be seen to best advantage from the deck of one of our Majestic Line vessels. Inch Kenneth was once owned by the Mitford family and the imposing white house they used can still be seen. The island also has the remains of a 13th Century church and a collection of medieval grave slabs.
Staffa – the famous home of ‘Fingal’s Cave’ which inspired Mendelssohn to compose his ‘Hebrides Overture'. A more recent visit by Jane McDonald whilst cruising with the Majestic Line demonstrated the incredible acoustics of Fingal’s Cave. The geology of Staffa is fascinating – it is composed of hexagonal basalt columns, which now form breeding grounds for black guillemot, fulmars and puffin.
Ulva and Gometra – The Island of Ulva is literally a stone’s throw from the mainland of Mull. The island was owned by the Macquarie family for centuries and was the birth place of Lachlan Macquarie, Governor of New South Wales, Australia from 1810 – 1821. The island was bought by the community in 2018. Gometra lies to the west of Ulva and can be reached by means of a causeway and the Silver Bridge.
The Treshnish Isles – are an archipelago of small islands and skerries lying to the west of Mull. Lunga is the largest of the Treshnish Isles and during the season we are regular visitors to see the puffins and other nesting birds.
No visit to Mull would be complete without stopping at the island's colourful capital Tobermory with its brightly painted shops and houses. There is a lovely walk round the bay and guests can get dropped off at the landing near Aros and walk back to the pontoons in the village. It is worthwhile taking time to visit the many and varied shops with brightly coloured frontages, you will be amazed at what you can buy. Locally produced food; chocolate, cheese, bakery and fish products. Beautiful locally made crafts as well as everyday shopping. Tobermory is also home to the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust and a visit their shop and visitor centre in the middle of the village is a must. The Mull Aquarium at the Harbour is also a popular place to visit.
Mull is a fertile island and is home to some of the best food producers in Scotland - our chefs make sure you get to sample some of this wonderful produce. Mull Cheddar, Tobermory Chocolate, The Tobermory Seafood Company, Loch Spelve Mussels are just some of the island's produce.
