Scotland's Highlands and Islands - a Tour of a Lifetime
Experience Scotland as few others have on what National Geographic Traveler magazine named a “Tour of a Lifetime.” Sail on waterways through the heart of the Highlands aboard Lord of the Glens, an intimate ship purpose-built for this journey, and navigate the coastal Hebrides islands, calling on villages seldom seen by outside travelers. Discover ancient landmarks and wild places while fully immersed in the lore, history, and warmth of this fabled region.
Highlights
• Sail through the heart of Scotland via the Caledonian Canal, and explore remote and unspoiled islands of the Inner Hebrides
• Stroll across the battlefield at Culloden—where Bonnie Prince Charlie was dramatically defeated in 1746—and discover Clava Cairns, a Bronze Age circular chamber tomb
• Hike through stunning scenery and kayak on picturesque Loch Linnhe beside the towering grandeur of Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain
• Visit Armadale Castle on the magnificent Isle of Skye, beautiful Eilean Donan Castle in Kyle of Lochalsh, and explore the medieval ruins and the burial ground of Iona Abbey—where Macbeth is buried
• Transit Neptune’s Staircase, a series of eight interconnected locks on the Caledonian Canal that 3 drop, or rise, 64 feet
Arrive in Inverness and transfer from the airport to Lord of the Glens. Embark the ship mid-afternoon and settle into your cabin. Gather for a reception, dinner, and a performance by junior Scottish dancers on board.
Arrival Time: Arrive before 4:00 p.m. local time.
Arrival City: Inverness, Scotland
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Visit Culloden, where Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Jacobite forces met defeat in an infamous 1746 battle that had decisive consequences for life in the Highlands. See the Bronze Age standing stones and tombs of Clava Cairns. Set sail on the Caledonian Canal, built in the early 1800s to connect disparate lochs that thread across the Great Glen. Traverse Loch Ness, steeped in monstrous legend, then ascend impressive locks to moor at Fort Augustus village, where an evening hike awaits.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Continue along the Caledonian, gliding along a tree-lined canal known as Laggan Avenue, then onward across picturesque Lochs Oich and Lochy before descending Neptune's Staircase—eight interconnected locks that drop 64 feet to the sea loch at Corpach. Opt for a drive to spectacularly scenic Glenfinnan, its famous 21-arch viaduct made even more so by the Harry Potter movies. Or enjoy a bracing paddle along Loch Linnhe with Britain's highest mountain, Ben Nevis, as your backdrop.
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Sail through Loch Linnhe to reach Oban, a lively town whose name is revered in whisky circles. Consider visiting a distillery or scoping out the panoramic Oban Bay views from McCaig’s Folly, a hilltop monument with inner gardens whose circular design and arches mimic the Colosseum. This evening, enjoy a Scotch whisky tasting aboard the ship.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Having reached Atlantic waters and the Hebrides, we disembark for a drive across the Isle of Mull and ferry-crossing to Iona, a picturesque island long revered as a Christian pilgrimage site. Stroll through St. Oran’s Chapel and the royal cemetery where Scottish kings, including the actual Macbeth, are buried. Back on Mull, tour Duart Castle, home and stronghold of Clan MacLean for the past eight centuries with the dungeons to prove it. Sail on to quaint Tobermory, where we overnight and learn about the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust’s efforts to protect marine life in these waters.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Depart for either Eigg or Rum, depending on weather conditions. Each island is home to fewer than 100 souls but and is teeming with wildlife. Among the possible sightings: Atlantic seals, minke and humpback whales, dolphins, harbor porpoises, and Manx shearwaters. If on Eigg, a hike or bike around the islet reveals views of the imposing crag of Sgurr. If on Rum, the marquee attraction is fanciful Kinloch Castle, completed in 1900 by a textile baron who clearly did not know when to stop decorating.
We then sail to the tiny village of Inverie and stop at the community-owned and operated Old Forge, the most remote pub in the British Isles, where you can chat with Inverie’s residents over a pint of local ale.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Continue north to the Isle of Skye. At the Museum of the Isles, trace the legacy of the 1,300-year-old Clan MacDonald, the Lords of the Isles, who once ruled the west coast of Scotland. Survey the ruins of Armadale Castle, the MacDonald’s ancestral home, and ramble through its beautiful woodlands and gardens. Sail onward to Kyle of Lochalsh for spectacular coastal and mountain views on a guided walk. Or explore Eilean Donan Castle, a one-of-a-kind landmark stacked on a tidal island at the confluence of three lochs. Celebrate your adventures at a farewell dinner.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Following breakfast on board, disembark in Kyle of Lochalsh for a scenic Highlands drive to Inverness. Then transfer to the airport for your return flight home.
Departure Time: Depart after 12:00 p.m. local time.
Departure City: Inverness, Scotland
Meals Included: Breakfast
Itineraries are subject to change.
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Vessel Type: Luxury Small Ship
Length: 46 metres
Passenger Capacity: 48
Built: 1985
Until recently, size-limiting locks prevented travelers from seeing the Highlands from the remarkable vantage point of the inland waterway that links Scotland's most famous lochs. Now, with the style of a classic luxury yacht, the 48-guest Lord of the Glens journeys through this spectacular countryside in spectacular style.
The moment you step aboard the Lord of the Glens you are surrounded by the rich mahogany finishes of the reception area and lobby. The ship is magnificently appointed and brings to mind that one is in a stately country manor rather than a five-star ship.
Cabins: Cabins are tasteful, comfortable and spacious with wonderful outside views. Most cabins have large picture windows (four have two large portholes). Facilities include a private bathroom with shower, individually controlled air-conditioning and heating, satellite television, music system, hairdryer, telephone, safety deposit box, bathrobes and toiletries.
Public Areas: With all round teak decks, hardwood finished interiors and fine fabrics, the Lord of the Glens offers a stylish and relaxing ambience. The two lounges and two open-air viewing areas are social hubs aboard shop, and the small library and cozy bar are a refuge for the more solitary.
Meals: Served in the elegant single-seating Dining Room. Chefs create healthy, delicious cuisine served by an attentive staff.
Some deck plans vary, please check for detials.
Edinburgh 3 Day Extension. From (3140.00 AUD)
Special Offers
10% OFF BACK-TO-BACK VOYAGES
Save 10% on consecutive departures, applicable on voyage fares only and not valid on extensions or airfare. Valid for new bookings only, subject to availability, and may not be combined with other offers. Call for details.
SAVE 5% TRAVELING AS A GROUP
Save 5% when traveling as a group of eight or more people. Valid on voyage fares only and not applicable on extensions or airfare. Deposit, final payments, and cancellation policies for group travel vary from our regular policies. Valid for new bookings only, subject to availability, and may not be combined with other offers. Call for details.
BRINGING THE KIDS
We believe sharing an expedition with your kids or grandkids is a life-enhancing experience. So take $625 off for each child under the age of 18.
COMBINING OFFERS
Combine now and save!
Certain offers may be combinable, up to two savings opportunities, except where noted otherwise. For example, travel with a group of 8 or more on back-to-back expeditions, and take advantage of both savings.
Inclusions
• Excursions, hotels, and airport transfers, as indicated in the itinerary
• Selection of exploration tools curated to your destination, such as Zodiacs and glass-bottom boats, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, snorkeling equipment (including wetsuits, masks, and fins), and other state-of-the-art gear
• Guidance and company of our leading expedition staff
• All meals as indicated in the itinerary, both aboard and onshore. Meals are inspired by regional cuisine and locally sourced where possible.
• Hors d’oeuvres inspired by regional cuisine and locally sourced where possible
• 24-hour access to snacks, premium coffees and teas, non-alcoholic beverages, and filtered water
• Beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits aboard the NG Endurance, NG Resolution, NG Explorer, NG Orion, NG Endeavour II, NG Islander II, Sea Cloud, Sea Cloud II, Lord of the Glens, and The Jahan. We are also pleased to offer a selection of super premium wines and liquors, available for purchase.
• Beer and wine, spirits and cocktails on all 2024 departures aboard NG Venture, NG Quest, NG Sea Bird, and NG Sea Lion, and specialty cocktails with meals aboard Delfin ll, with super premium wines and liquors available for purchase.
• Crew gratuities aboard NG Endurance, NG Resolution, NG Explorer, NG Orion, Sea Cloud, Sea Cloud II, Lord of the Glens, Oberoi Philae, and The Jahan
• Free Wi-Fi aboard Lord of the Glens and The Jahan.
• Free Wi-Fi, up to one hour a day per person, aboard NG Islander II and NG Endeavour II
• Presentations on your destination by expedition staff and expert guest speakers
• Complimentary reusable water bottle to fill at onboard water refill stations
• The services of a physician, physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner, or paramedic
• Morning stretch classes and 24-hour access to exercise equipment where available
• 24-hour access to lounges, observation decks, library stocked with regionally relevant literature, and other shared spaces
• Complimentary Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic parka or jacket on select Arctic and Antarctic voyages
• Assistance by the onboard NG Photography Expert (NG Endurance, NG Explorer, NG Orion, NG Resolution) and Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic certified photo instructor (all ships)
• Access to the OM System Photo Gear Locker with the latest gear to try out on loan (all Lindblad-National Geographic ships except in Galapagos)
• Park and site entrance fees, special access permits, and port taxes
Exclusions
• Airfare (except flights when indicated as included), pre- and post-expedition extensions, additional hotel nights, and private transfers
• Travel protection plans and passport, visa, and immigration fees
• Laundry, spa treatments, scuba diving, Wi-Fi, and phone services (except when indicated as included)
• Crew gratuities aboard NG Endeavour II, NG Islander II, NG Venture, NG Quest, NG Sea Bird, NG Sea Lion, and Delfin II
Small Ship Cruise
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