The wild and rugged landscapes of Scotland's Highlands and islands host bountiful wildlife and are punctuated with flashes of incredible engineering, including the Caledonian Canal and the Glenfinnan Viaduct. It's where mountains and moors are painted in a palette of shades unmistakably Scottish and where islanders fiercely protect a heritage that's uniquely theirs.
A seven-night cruise aboard Lord of the Glens, a small and traditional ship, begins with a voyage along the 60-mile Caledonian Canal. The Canal was built for safe passage, allowing seafarers to avoid the precarious Pentland Firth and Cape Wrath. Today it links the Great Glens' four lochs - Loch Lochy, Loch Oich, Loch Ness and Loch Dochfour. You'll venture through locks, descending to sea level to continue your nautical journey around some of Scotland's beautiful islands, including Mull, Eigg, and Skye.
While there's ample time to sit back and watch the ever-changing scenery through huge picture windows, you'll also regularly disembark for onshore adventures, discovering Scottish landmarks, including Culloden, Clava Cairns, McCaig's Tower, and Eilean Donan Castle. You'll also board the West Highland Railway to appreciate the heather-clad scenery along what's considered one of the most beautiful stretches of railway in the world. A highlight is crossing the famous arches of the magnificent Glenfinnan Viaduct.
You'll return to the ship for memorable evening meals in the company of your fellow travellers, enjoying dishes created with locally-sourced ingredients and relaying the stories of the day.
Celebrity guest Monty Halls will join the cruise for the first three days as the ship goes down the Caledonian Canal. He'll host two talks and take questions from guests, join the group on a wildlife spotting expedition, and hosts a photography masterclass, sharing tips from his worldwide adventures.
A former Royal Marines Officer who worked for Nelson Mandela in the early '90s, Monty left the forces to pursue a career in expeditions, travel journalism, and marine biology. He has presented award-winning documentaries and become a renowned speaker and writer.
* Please note, this price is for Telegraph subscribers only. From price is per person, based on two people sharing an entry level cabin, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement on request. Deposit 20%. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. In the case of unforeseen circumstances, expert(s) may be substituted, and any expert-led events may be subject to change. Expert(s) will not join you for your full trip duration unless otherwise stated. Travel insurance is not included but required for most of our overseas trips, and should be taken out at time of booking. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of TS Travel Ltd (ATOL bonded).
* Please note, this price is for all other readers. From price is per person, based on two people sharing an entry level cabin, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement on request. Deposit 20%. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. In the case of unforeseen circumstances, expert(s) may be substituted, and any expert-led events may be subject to change. Expert(s) will not join you for your full trip duration unless otherwise stated. Travel insurance is not included but required for most of our overseas trips, and should be taken out at time of booking. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of TS Travel Ltd (ATOL bonded).
You'll board Lord of the Glens at Inverness today. After settling in, Monty Halls joins the group for a welcome reception and dinner while the ship remains overnight in Inverness.
Today, you'll sail the Caledonian Canal to Fort Augustus. Before you depart, Monty Halls joins you on a visit to Culloden, the infamous battlefield where Bonnie Prince Charlie's Jacobite forces were defeated in 1746. You'll see the ancient standing stones of Clava Cairns before returning to the ship and setting sail on the Caledonian Canal - an impressive waterway built between 1803 and 1822 to connect the Great Glen's four lochs.
As you enter Loch Ness, you'll pass the ruins of Urquhart Castle before ascending the flight of locks that runs through the heart of Fort Augustus, the pretty and historic village where you'll dock overnight.
In the company of Monty Halls, you'll continue along the canal through Loch Oich, ascending to 106 feet at Laggan Locks after gliding along the tree-lined section known as Laggan Avenue. Onwards through picturesque Loch Lochy to Banavie in the shadow of Ben Nevis. Next, you'll descend the spectacular eight interconnected locks of Neptune's Staircase, lowering to sea level at Corpach.
In the late afternoon, you'll board a train along part of the West Highland Railway and over the Glenfinnan viaduct - made even more famous by its appearance in the Harry Potter movies - curving high over the waters of Loch Shiel.
Entering the beautiful waters of Loch Linnhe, you'll sail to Oban, the seafood capital of the Highlands. You'll take a guided walk to McCaig's Tower, inspired by the Roman Colosseum, with views of the Hebrides. You'll berth overnight in Oban.
This morning, you'll sail to Craignure on Mull for a visit to the Isle of Iona, the last resting place of Scottish Kings. Later, you'll sail to the island capital of Tobermory, where brightly painted houses line the waterfront.
Sailing north to the Isle of Eigg this morning with glimpses of the islands of the Inner Hebrides along the way. This community-owned island is a nature reserve where you can spot marine animals and birdlife, including Atlantic seals, minke whales, dolphins, porpoises and seabirds. The ship docks overnight at Inverie on Loch Nevis, where you can pay a visit to the most remote pub in mainland Britain.
Sail across the Sound of Sleat to Armadale on the Isle of Skye to trace the legacy of the Clan MacDonald. The final port of call is Kyle of Lochalsh to visit Eilean Donan Castle before gathering with your fellow passengers for a farewell dinner.
Disembark in Kyle of Lochalsh after breakfast for the onward transfer to Inverness.
A charming, small ship with elegant furnishings, a comfortable bar and restaurant, panoramic windows and outward-facing cabins.
There are nautical nods, including scaled models of ocean-going vessels and hardwood flooring inlaid with compass motifs made by artisans. There are 26 outward-facing State Cabins spread over three decks and finished in rich hardwood, plush carpeting, and en-suite facilities.
A single restaurant serves freshly prepared dishes by a loyal brigade of chefs, drawing on the rich bounty of local produce. The aft area is reserved for the Bar, a comfortable, relaxing place, and a stern-facing viewing deck.
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* Please note, this price is for Telegraph subscribers only. From price is per person, based on two people sharing an entry level cabin, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement on request. Deposit 20%. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. In the case of unforeseen circumstances, expert(s) may be substituted, and any expert-led events may be subject to change. Expert(s) will not join you for your full trip duration unless otherwise stated. Travel insurance is not included but required for most of our overseas trips, and should be taken out at time of booking. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of TS Travel Ltd (ATOL bonded).
* Please note, this price is for all other readers. From price is per person, based on two people sharing an entry level cabin, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement on request. Deposit 20%. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. In the case of unforeseen circumstances, expert(s) may be substituted, and any expert-led events may be subject to change. Expert(s) will not join you for your full trip duration unless otherwise stated. Travel insurance is not included but required for most of our overseas trips, and should be taken out at time of booking. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of TS Travel Ltd (ATOL bonded).