Explore Scotland’s Highlands and islands by luxury yacht with Doug Allan

Sail the stunning Caledonian Canal and Scotland’s western isles in the company of the Scottish wildlife cameraman and photographer

Scotland's west coast is home to some of the most breathtaking scenery in the UK, with its mysterious islands, highlands and lochs. There can be few better ways to see Skye, Mull and Oban than sailing on luxury private yacht Lord of the Glens, which can take you to the hidden sea lochs and magical islands of Scotland's western shore.

The names Loch Ness, Loch Nevis, the Sound of Mull, Iona, Eigg, Skye, Fort Augustus, Fort William conjure up images of majestic flora and fauna, towering castles, and wild landscapes steeped in myth. You will visit all these spots with acclaimed wildlife cameraman Doug Allan, who will join you for the duration of your trip. He will deliver two talks as well as a photography and filming masterclass.

This is not a cruise but a private yacht experience, similar to the Royal Yacht Britannia. With just 27 outward-facing ensuite cabins, the yacht offers sumptuous accommodation and superb cuisine.

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Reasons to book

Exclusive events with Doug Allan

Scottish wildlife photographer and cameraman Doug will join you on the trip and give talks, a Q&A session and a photography masterclass

Sail on a luxury yacht

Lord of the Glens has a superb restaurant, elegant bar, panoramic windows, armchairs from the Orient Express and David Roberts lithographs

Enjoy seafood and whisky in Oban

In the seafood capital of Scotland, you can indulge. Plus, walk up to McCaig’s Tower which boasts incredible views of the Inner Hebrides

See Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle

As well as keeping your eyes peeled for the mythical Loch Ness monster, you will sail past the romantic ruins of Urquhart Castle

Discover Culloden and the Clava Cairns

Visit the battlefield where Bonnie Prince Charlie’s forces were defeated in 1746, and the ancient standing stones of Clava Cairns

Explore Skye, Mull and Eigg

You will visit Skye and Mull, with its eye-catching painted houses. On Eigg, look for Atlantic seals, minke whales, dolphins and porpoises

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Tour brochure

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Your expert guides

Doug Allan

Wildlife photographer and cameraman

In Doug's 30-year career as a wildlife cameraman and photographer, his credits include the inspiring Frozen Planet, Ocean Giants, Human Planet, Life, Planet Earth, The Blue Planet and Life in the Freezer. He has won seven Emmys and four BAFTAs, and has twice won the underwater category in the Wildlife Photographer of the Year. Doug was born in Scotland and holds a degree in marine biology from Stirling University. He worked for eight years for the British Antarctic Survey in Antarctica as a research diver, scientist and photographer has also contributed to numerous radio shows.

Price includes

100% financially protected through the Travel Trust Association
Two exclusive talks and private Q&A with Doug Allan
Photography and filming masterclass with Doug Allan
Seven nights' full-board accommodation in a James Watt Deck porthole cabin on Lord of the Glens
All meals, including welcome and farewell dinners
Train journey on the West Highland Line
All excursions, tours and entry fees (as indicated in the online itinerary)
Transfers from and to Inverness at pre-determined times

Availability

Call now to book 02039938321

Quote ref: TEL DOUG ALLAN

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Itinerary

Day
1

Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh

Inverness, United Kingdom

Make your own way to Inverness, where a coach transfer will pick you up from either Inverness Airport or bus station in the afternoon. You'll drive to Kyle of Lochalsh to embark Lord of the Glens. Tonight, enjoy a welcome reception and dinner on board while docked.

Meals - Dinner
Day
2

Eileen Donan and Skye

Isle of Skye, United Kingdom

After breakfast we depart by coach on an excursion to Eilean Donan Castle. This must be one of the most photographed castles in Scotland, with its impossibly romantic setting on Loch Duich. The beginnings of Eilean Donan Castle reach back into the early mists of time - evidence of a pictish fort was found in vitrified rock uncovered during excavations, some of which has been kept for visitors to see.

Following the visit to the castle, we sail via the narrows at Kyle Rhea and the Sound of Sleat to Armadale on the Isle of Skye. Here we will see the Clan Donald Centre and Gardens before sailing to Inverie in Loch Nevis, one of the most remote locations in Scotland with a famous pub which can only be accessed by boat. We moor at Inverie overnight.

Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day
3

Mull

Tobermory, United Kingdom

We sail around Ardnamurchan Point, the most westerly point of mainland Britain, and into the Sound of Mull to arrive at Tobermory on the Isle of Mull. Tobermory's most famous and striking feature is the row of brightly painted houses that lines the waterfront, originally built by the British Fisheries Company for £20 each to house its workers. We moor in Tobermory overnight.

Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day
4

Sound of Mull and Isle of Iona

Craignure, United Kingdom

After breakfast we sail down the Sound of Mull to Craignure, the main ferry port of Mull, and depart by coach for a visit to the Isle of Iona, the last resting place of some 50 Scottish Kings and the place where St Columba introduced Christianity to Britain. The tiny island has a unique sense of peace and tranquillity. Later we return by coach to the vessel at Craignure, and sail across the Firth of Lorn, pausing for photographs in front of Duart Castle, the 13th century home of the Chief of Clan MacLean. We continue to Oban, where we moor overnight.

Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day
5

Corpach, West Highland Railway

Corpach, United Kingdom

In the morning we sail north into Loch Linnhe, a long fjord carved out by the last ice age, to Corpach and the southern entrance to the Caledonian Canal. Later we ascend Neptune's Staircase, an impressive flight of eight inter-connected locks that lifts the vessel 103 feet above sea level to Banavie.

In the afternoon we depart by train on a scheduled Scotrail train from Glenfinnan to Fort William, travelling over the impressive Glenfinnan Viaduct. We moor in Banavie overnight

Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day
6

Loch Lochy and Loch Oich

Banavie, United Kingdom

After breakfast we sail through peaceful Loch Lochy and Loch Oich and various man-made sections of the Caledonian Canal, which was started in 1803 to plans produced by Thomas Telford following survey work by James Watt thirty years earlier. Overnight in Fort Augustus.

Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day
7

Fort Augustus, Loch Ness, Culloden

Fort Augustus, United Kingdom

Cruise Loch Ness today - 23 miles long, one mile wide and up to 600ft deep - and arrive at Inverness at approximately 2pm. You'll pass photogenic Castle Urquhart, and travel onwards by coach to Culloden, scene of the last battle fought on British soil in 1746. At Culloden, your first stop should be the visitor centre to make the most of your visit. In the evening you will be joined by members of the crew for a farewell dinner. Moor here in Inverness overnight.

Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day
8

Return home

Inverness, United Kingdom

Disembark after breakfast for your transfer to Inverness.

Meals - Breakfast

Lord of the Glens

Lord of the Glens

This is not a cruise, but a private yacht experience, similar to the Royal Yacht Britannia. With just 26 outward-facing en suite cabins and a maximum of 52 passengers, the yacht offers sumptuous accommodation, superb cuisine and supreme comfort.
You will love its top-notch restaurant, elegant bar, panoramic windows, armchairs from the Orient Express and David Roberts lithographs.

Style & Character

This a ship that favours the classic over the contemporary - rich hardwood finishes throughout offset by cream paneling, very much reminiscent of Belmond's British Pullman. The fixtures, fittings and furnishings are beautiful - individually chosen and each offering their own story. Of special note are the original 1929 'Riviera' armchairs (Orient Express), hand painted David Roberts lithographs, light fittings from the SS France and Nord Norge, restaurant chairs, overhead glass paneling, deck furniture from the RMS Windsor Castle and lovely brass friezes from the RMS Kenya Castle.

State Cabins

All 26 State Cabins are outward facing. They are spread over three decks, appropriately named after well known Scottish people (Alexander Graham Bell, Thomas Telford, David Roberts etc ). Each State Cabin is finished in rich hardwood finishes, plush carpeting, dressing table, stool, wardrobe, internal telephone, satellite TV and en-suite facilities with shower, WC and washbasin.
All State Cabins are air-conditioned/heated - the Top and Middle Deck State Cabins have a picture
window, whereas the Lower Deck State Cabins have two portholes each.

Food & Drink

The cuisine is excellent, freshly prepared onboard by a team of experienced chefs with a focus on locally sourced produce. From its hearty classic Scottish breakfast to sumptous dinners, the Robert Louis Stevenson Restaurant will not disappoint.

On the Upper Deck you will find the well-stocked David Livingstone Bar and Walter Scott Lounge richly decorated in hardwood finishes.

You will enjoy complimentary hot beverages in the lounge throughout.

Ship Information

Access to the vessel whilst on the Caledonian Canal is via a lowered stepped gangway, and a ramp gangway whilst out at sea. Internally there are three stairways each of 11 steps that inter-connect each deck level - all have a handrail.
There is no lift onboard and therefore, unfortunately, the Ship is not suitable for guests with severe mobility impairment. Guests with limited mobility can be accommodated provided they are accompanied by an assisting companion. Collapsible wheelchairs can be stowed in reception (providing advance notice is given) - but whilst they cannot be used anywhere onboard they can be used on any excursions.

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Availability

Call now to book 02039938321

Quote ref: TEL DOUG ALLAN