Highlands and Islands of ScotlandA cruise featuring Scotland's Highlands and Hebrides

Itinerary

Days 1-2 - U.S., Inverness, Scotland
Depart the U.S. for Inverness, Scotland. Upon arrival embark Lord of the Glens to the strains of a highland piper. Tonight, enjoy a reception and dinner on board while docked in Inverness. (D)

Day 3 - Culloden, Clava Cairns, Loch Ness
Visit Culloden, the infamous battlefield where “Bonnie” Prince Charlie’s Jacobite forces were defeated in 1746, and then see the ancient standing stones of Clava Cairns. Set sail this afternoon on the Caledonian Canal, built between 1803 and 1822 to connect Loch Ness with the Great Glen’s three other lochs. Enter Loch Ness, cruise past the romantic ruins of Urquhart Castle, and learn about the legendary monster said to inhabit the loch. Moor this evening at Fort Augustus. (B,L,D)

Day 4 - Laggan Locks, Banavie, Glenfinnan
Ascend an impressive flight of locks that runs through the heart of Fort Augustus. Glide along the tree-lined canal known as Laggan Avenue, or hike or bike along the towpath and rejoin the ship at the first lock. Depart Laggan Locks and sail into Loch Lochy. Follow the canal to the town of Banavie, nestled in the shadow of Ben Nevis, Great Britain’s highest mountain. In the afternoon visit Glenfinnan, surrounded by mountains, where there are fine walking options. From Glenfinnan we’ll see the West Highland railway line’s renowned viaduct made famous in the Harry Potter movies. Welcome local musicians on board for a lively evening of music. (B,L,D)

Day 5 - Loch Linnhe, Oban
Lord of the Glens descends Neptune’s Staircase, a set of eight interconnected locks, and continues through Loch Linnhe to the town of Oban, set on a picturesque bay on the Firth of Lorn. Enjoy time to explore this lively town on foot, visiting a whiskey distillery and McCaig’s Tower, a monument on a hill overlooking the town and bay that was inspired by the Roman Colosseum. (B,L,D)

Day 6 - Isle of Mull - Duart Castle, Tobermory - and Iona
Today, sail to the Isle of Mull, located in the Inner Hebrides. Visit the photogenic Duart Castle, an impressive fortress with a dungeon. Then drive across Mull and cross to Iona by ferry to explore this picturesque island. Visit the medieval abbey ruins and the rebuilt abbey church, and learn about the ecumenical movement based there. Stroll through St. Oran’s Chapel and the royal graveyard where generations of Scottish kings are buried, and enjoy a brief walking tour of Iona. Continue to the picturesque town of Tobermory. After dinner, attend a presentation aboard ship by saff from the Wings Over Mull Birds of Prey and Conservation Centre. (B,L,D)

Day 7 - Tobermory, Isle of Eigg or Isle of Rum, Inverie
This morning, explore Tobermory’s lively quayside on your own or join a walk led by our staff. Sail north from Tobermory to tiny Eigg, catching glimpses of the islands of the Inner Hebrides along the way. At Eigg you will get a sense of what life is like for the roughly 90 people who live on this island community. Look for marine animals and birdlife, including Atlantic seals, minke whales, dolphins, porpoises, and a variety of seabirds. Alternatively, we may visit the Isle of Rum, renowned for spectacular Kinloch Castle. Then sail to the town of Inverie, where you can have a drink at the most remote pub in the British Isles. (B,L,D)

Day 8 - Isle of Skye
Sail from Inverie this morning and spend the day on the Isle of Skye. At the Museum of the Isles, trace the legacy of the 1,300-year-old Clan Donald, the Lords of the Isles, who once ruled the west coast of Scotland, and take a walk through the woodlands in Armadale. You’ll then take a guided walk in the Cuillin Hills (weather permitting) amid some of Scotland’s most spectacular scenery. Those who prefer not to hike can explore Eilean Donan Castle and the charming village of Plockton. Celebrate your Scottish voyage at a farewell dinner on board ship. (B,L,D)

Day 9 - Kyle of Lochalsh, Inverness, Depart
Disembark in Kyle of Lochalsh and drive to Inverness for return flights to the U.S. (B)


Please note that the August 5 and August 19 departures feature a reverse itinerary.