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.
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Scottish 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. There is also a visit to the picturesque village of Plockton (2020 only). 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.