Scotland Knitting Cruise: Scenic Islands and the Highlands

Enjoy a full day cruising at sea as we make our way north to Scotland.

Whilst sailing, join Julie for a workshop and make the most of the wonderful programme of events and activities on board the ship.

Nestled within the breathtakingly beautiful Scottish Highlands at the head of the Cromarty Firth, Invergordon is our first port of call.

Enjoy some free time here, or join one of the optional excursions offered by Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines (additional cost), which can include legendary Loch Ness, 15th-century Cawdor Castle, magnificent Dunrobin Castle or the nearby Glenmorangie whisky distillery.

Lerwick, the northernmost town in the United Kingdom, is the capital of the Shetland Isles, a group of over 100 islands and islets.

On our exclusive guided excursion, we'll discover the craft traditions and way of life that have shaped Shetland for generations. Through museum visits, we'll gain an insight into the islands' remarkable textile heritage.

We'll discover the history behind Shetland's famous wool and knitwear, explore treasured examples of traditional craftsmanship and learn how these distinctive skills have been preserved and passed down through generations.

We'll then take in the beautiful Shetland countryside as we visit a working croft, discovering the realities of rural island life and learning about crofting traditions, island farming and the close relationship between the people, their animals and the landscape.

A light lunch at a local café is included today.

Portree is the largest town on the Isle of Skye, set within a natural harbour and surrounded by brightly coloured houses and rocky cliffs.

On this exclusive half-day guided excursion, we'll visit a traditional working tannery and gain an insight into the skilled, time-honoured process of transforming sheepskins into beautiful, practical products.

We'll learn about the craftsmanship behind this distinctive island tradition and discover the connection between local materials, rural life and sustainable production.

We continue to one of Skye's most celebrated historic landmarks, Dunvegan Castle, set amidst spectacular gardens and dramatic Highland scenery. Here we'll explore its fascinating history, discover stories of the generations who have lived here and admire the surroundings that make this such a memorable part of the island.

Enjoy a spectacular day of scenic cruising through some of Scotland's most dramatic coastal landscapes, taking in the striking basalt columns and natural acoustics of Fingal's Cave, the distinctive silhouette of Bac Mòr (Dutchman's Cap) and the historic Duart Castle, perched high above the Sound of Mull.

We continue through the fjord-like Loch Hourn, surrounded by steep mountains, secluded bays and rich wildlife, with opportunities to spot seals and porpoises.

Whilst sailing, join Julie for a workshop and make the most of the wonderful programme of events and activities on board ship.

The port of Ullapool sits on the shores of Loch Broom and is the gateway to the Northern Highlands of Scotland. The picturesque town was founded by the British Fisheries Society in 1788, and its row of whitewashed harbour cottages lines the seafront.

Join one of Fred Olsen Cruise Lines' optional excursions (additional cost), or our exclusive included visit to Noost Knitwear, followed by free time.

Noost is rooted in its local community and is passionate about keeping skilled textile production alive in the Highlands. During the visit we'll gain an insight into the craftsmanship behind their finished pieces and see how traditional skills meet modern technology in the working studio.

We'll also learn about the design and development process and the natural yarns and materials used.

On our exclusive guided excursion, we'll explore the fascinating history and culture of Orkney, along with some of its most striking landscapes.

We'll discover a unique historic chapel, browse local art galleries and enjoy time to explore Kirkwall.

We'll also learn about Orkney's rich wool-making heritage and venture into the breathtaking countryside for some of the islands' most remarkable prehistoric monuments.

Whilst sailing, join Julie for your final workshop as well as making the most of the wonderful programme of events and activities onboard ship.