This superb cruise voyages from Inverness along the length of the Caledonian Canal and out to the Hebridean Islands. Cruise through Scotland's scenic Great Glen and the atmospheric Loch Ness before visiting the enchanting Islands of Mull, Skye, Iona and Eigg.
The Caledonian Canal runs 60 beautiful miles from Inverness, through the mountains of the Great Glen, linking Loch Ness, Loch Oich, Loch Lochy and Loch Linnhe. Climbing and descending through spectacular lock systems to emerge on Scotland's wild west coast at Fort William, there are wonderful views of mighty Ben Nevis before sailing across the Sound of Mull to the Isle of Mull.
Visit brightly coloured Tobermory, Iona's historic Abbey and the tiny isle of Eigg, with its abundant marine and bird life, before crossing the sea to the Isle of Skye.
J329 Operated by Lord of the Glens
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Secrets of the Highlands and Islands Itinerary
Day 1 - Inverness
Drive from Inverness and embark ship. Tonight, enjoy a welcome reception and dinner on board.
Day 2 - Culloden - Loch Ness - Fort Augustus
This morning 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, pausing in front of Urquhart Castle for photographs. Ascend the impressive flight of locks that run through the heart of Fort Augustus. Moor Fort Augustus overnight.
Day 3 - Laggan Avenue - Corpach - Glenfinnan
Glide along the tree-lined canal known as Laggan Avenue. Depart Laggan Locks and sail into Loch Lochy and on until descending Neptune’s Staircase, a set of eight interconnected locks, to the village of Corpach, nestled in the shadow of Ben Nevis. In the afternoon take the West Highland railway line over the renowned viaduct to beautiful Glenfinnan, surrounded by mountains. Moor overnight at Corpach.
Day 4 - Oban
Today your ship enters the ocean, passing mysterious lochs and islands to Oban, the seafood capital of the Highlands. Take a walk up to McCaigs Tower dominating the skyline of the town with great views of the Western Isles. Overnight at Oban.
Day 5 - Craignure - Tobermory (Isle of Mull)
This morning sail to Craignure on the Isle of Mull, with a pause in front of Duart Castle for photographs. Visit to Iona, the last resting place of some 50 Scottish kings and where St. Columba introduced Christianity to Britain. Later sail to Tobermory, again on the Isle of Mull. Tobermory’s most striking feature is the gaily painted houses that line the waterfront originally built by the British Fisheries Company to house its workers for £20 each. Moor Mull overnight.
Day 6 - Tobermory - Isle of Eigg - Inverie
Sail north from Tobermory to tiny Eigg this morning, catching glimpses of the islands of the Inner Hebrides along the way. At Eigg you can get a sense of what life is like for the roughly 90 people who live on this island community. Then sail to the small village of Inverie on Loch Nevis, where you can have a drink at the most remote pub in the British Isles. Moor Inverie overnight.
Day 7 - Kyle of Lochalsh
Early morning sail across the Sound of Sleet to Armadale and the Isle of Skye. Visit the Clan Donald Centre. Later sail to Kyle of Lochalsh from where we visit the Eilean Donan Castle. Evening Captain's Farewell Reception and Dinner. Overnight in Kyle of Lochalsh.
Day 8 - Inverness
Disembark in Kyle of Lochalsh after breakfast and enjoy the scenic 2hr transfer to Inverness.
The Captain reserves the right to alter the itinerary if weather conditions prevent the ship from calling at a scheduled port of call.
Inland Waterways and Idyllic Isles
Day 1 - Kyle of Localsh
Embark the ship in Kyle of Localsh
Day 2 - Kyle of Localsh - Armadale - Inverie
Cameras at the ready for our visit to the iconic Eilean Donan Castle, situated on an island at the point where three great sea lochs meet, and surrounded by majestic scenery. Departing from Kyle of Lochalsh we sail the narrows of Kyle Rhea and the Sound of Sleat to Armadale where we discover the epic history of Clan Donald at the Museum of the Isles. In Loch Nevis we explore the remote village of Inverie where we remain overnight.
Day 3 - Eigg - Tobermory
An early morning sail to the Small Isle of Eigg allows us to experience what life is like for the island community of 90 people, living in the shadow of the dramatic pitchstone ridge of An Sgùrr. Later, we cruise around the most westerly point of the British mainland, Ardnamurchan, to the Isle of Mull and its capital Tobermory where brightly painted houses line the waterfront; originally built by the British Fisheries Company to house its workers. We remain alongside at the island overnight.
Day 4 - Craignure - Oban
This morning, we sail to Craignure on Mull for a tour to the Isle of Iona, the last resting place of some 50 Scottish Kings and where St. Columba introduced Christianity to Scotland. Onwards to Oban, the seafood capital of the highlands, for a guided walk up to McCaig's Tower. This prominent landmark, on Battery Hill, was inspired by the Roman Colosseum. We berth in Oban overnight.
Day 5 - Banavie - Glenfinnan
Today we sail Loch Linnhe, passing mysterious lochs and islands until we reach the Caledonian Canal at Corpach. Later, we ascend Neptune’s Staircase, a set of eight interconnected locks, which lift the vessel 64 feet to Banavie. After lunch, we take the scheduled West Highland railway over the renowned viaduct to beautiful Glenfinnan, surrounded by mountains, and moor overnight at Banavie.
Day 6 - Fort Augustus
We spend a relaxing morning on board as we sail through Lochs Lochy and Oich before transitting the tranquil, tree-lined Laggan Avenue and descending the series of locks to Loch Ness. At Fort Augustus we enjoy free time to explore this walkers paradise which affords spectacular views down Loch Ness, or you may prefer to relax and watch boats navigating the locks.
Day 7 - Loch Ness - Inverness
This morning, we enter Loch Ness, pausing approximately half-way for a photo opportunity in front of the romantic ruins of Urquhart Castle. Our final visit is Culloden, the infamous battlefield where Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Jacobite forces were defeated in 1746, and observe the ancient standing stones of Clava Cairns, ahead of the farewell reception and dinner at our overnight berth in Inverness.
Day 8 - Inverness
Disembark after breakfast
The Captain reserves the right to alter the itinerary if weather conditions prevent the ship from calling at a scheduled port of call.