The wild beauty of the Scottish Highlands is hard to beat. This is a region home to incredible wildlife, pristine white-sand beaches and rugged landscapes dotted with incredible feats of engineering, like the Glenfinnan Viaduct, with its 21 arches, and the majestic 60-mile Caledonian Canal.
On this memorable seven-night cruise on board the small ship Lord of the Glens, you'll explore the best of these enchanting islands and mountains.
Historian and Broadcaster James Crawford will join you for part of the cruise on board Lord of the Glens, where he'll host a talk and answer some of your questions as well as joining you on an excursion.
The cruise starts with a journey along the Caledonian Canal, where you'll pass through the spectacular eight interconnected locks of Neptune's Staircase, descending to sea level to sail around some of Scotland's best-loved isles, including Mull and Skye.
There are several carefully chosen excursions to look forward to, which will introduce you to important Scottish landmarks, including the ancient stones of Clava Cairns, Culloden, the Roman-inspired McCaig's Tower, and the 13th-century Eilean Donan Castle. There's even a chance to have a wee dram at the most remote pub on mainland Britain, The Old Forge Inn.
There'll be plenty of time to relax on your ship too, enjoying
the superb restaurant, elegant bar, and watching the ever-changing
scenery through huge panoramic windows.
Your evenings will be spent on board enjoying delicious dinners
with your fellow travellers, tucking into dishes carefully crafted
from locally-sourced ingredients as you discuss the adventures of
the day.
James Crawford is an acclaimed historian and broadcaster, who worked for Scotland's National Collection of Architecture and Archaeology for over a decade. James has written and presented three series of the BBC One documentary Scotland from the Sky and has written nine books, his latest being Wild History: Journeys Into Lost Scotland
Additional information
Pick up point Cruises commencing in Inverness Inverness airport 15.15 or Kingsmills Hotel Inverness 16.00 Cruises commencing in Oban Inverness airport 13.15 or Kingsmills Hotel Inverness 14.00 Cruises commencing in Kyle of Lochalsh Inverness airport 13.15 or Kingsmills Hotel Inverness 14.00 Drop off point Inverness City Centre at 11:30am / Inverness Airport 12:00 Single supplement NA Accommodation The Lord of the Glens *This information is indicative and subject to change*
Today you'll make your own way to Inverness, where a coach transfer will pick you up from Inverness Airport or the pick up point (Kings Mill Hotel) and transport you to Lord of the Glens, your home for the next seven days.
The rest of the afternoon will be free for you to get to know this wonderful ship, perhaps enjoying a drink before dinner in the stylish bar with panoramic windows.
This morning you'll 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.
You'll 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 before entering Loch Ness and cruising past the romantic ruins of Urquhart Castle.
You'll then ascend an impressive flight of locks that runs through the heart of Fort Augustus, where you'll moor this evening.
Today you'll sail through the tree-lined section of the Caledonian Canal known as Laggan Avenue and into Loch Lochy. You'll continue to descend Neptune's Staircase, a set of eight interconnected locks, to the village of Corpach, from where you'll enjoy outstanding views of Ben Nevis, Great Britain's highest mountain.
In the afternoon you'll travel by coach to beautiful Glenfinnan where you'll have the opportunity to learn more on the renowned Glenfinnan Viaduct, towering over the waters of Loch Shiel, which found fame in the Harry Potter films.
On your way back to the ship in Corpach, keep an eye out for the West Highland Railway steam train passing through the station next to where Lord of the Glens is docked.
Today you'll pass mysterious lochs and islands on the way to beautiful Oban, the seafood capital of the Highlands. Once here, you can join a walk up to McCaig's Tower which dominates the skyline of this town and offers spectacular views over the Western Isles.
This morning you'll sail to Craignure for an excursion to the Isle of Iona, with a pause in front of Duart Castle for photographs.
Iona is the last resting place of some 50 Scottish Kings and where St. Columba introduced Christianity to Britain. Later you'll sail to Tobermory, again on the Isle of Mull. Tobermory's most striking feature is the brightly painted houses lining the harbourfront. These houses were originally built by the British Fisheries Company to house its workers.
This morning you'll set sail northwards from Tobermory, passing the Small Isle of Eigg as you go and catching glimpses of the islands of the Inner Hebrides along the way.
Today's cruising will allow you to spot marine animals and birdlife, including Atlantic seals, minke whales, dolphins, porpoises and a variety of seabirds.
Lateron, you'll arrive at Inverie on Loch Nevis, where you can enjoy a drink at the most remote pub on mainland Britain, The Old Forge Inn, before turning in for the night.
Early this morning you'll sail across the Sound of Sleat to Armadale and the Isle of Skye where there' a visit to the Clan Donald Centre to look forward to, where you'll learn about the history of the area.
Later on, you'll sail to Kyle of Lochalsh and visit the fascinating Eilean Donan Castle, a fully restored 13th-castle on an island.
In the evening, back on board Lord of the Glens, you'll enjoy a wonderful Farewell Dinner before the trip draws to a close.
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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