Scotland's Highlands and Islands Aboard Lord of the Glens

Depart for the picturesque town of Tobermory, a village established in 1788, which is famous for its brightly painted houses that line its waterfront. Along the way, cruise the coast along the Isle of Eigg, keeping an eye out for Atlantic seals, minke and humpback whales, dolphins, harbor porpoises and Manx shearwaters. After exploring the geological history of Tobermory and tasting its world-renowned whiskey, the ship will stop in Craignure for the night. Members of the local Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust (HWDT), our Lex-NG partner, will join you on board for the evening. The HWDT team is always thrilled to share their efforts to protect marine life in these waters, shedding light on citizen science opportunities during your voyage, and recounting why whales and dolphins have been so culturally significant in this region since the Iron Age.

This morning, 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. Then, sail across the Sound of Mull to the bustling town of Oban, a lively town whose name is revered in whisky circles. Scope out the panoramic Oban Bay views from McCaig’s Folly, a hilltop monument with inner gardens whose circular design and arches mimic the Colosseum. Aboard the ship this evening, enjoy a special, private whisky tasting of Oban Distillery’s renowned scotch whisky.   

This morning, Lord of the Glens sails to Corpach, where she’ll enter the Caledonian Canal, built between 1803 and 1822 to connect Loch Linnhe with the three other lochs that lie in the slip fault of the Great Glen. Opt for a drive to spectacularly scenic Glenfinnan, where the Jacobite rising began in 1745. Spend some time on the shores of Loch Shiel, where you’ll see the Glenfinnan Monument, erected to commemorate the historic 18th century event, and the famous 21-arch viaduct constructed in 1898. Alternatively, kayak along peaceful Loch Linnhe with Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis, as your backdrop. The ship will moor at Corpach for the night. 

Start the day by ascending Neptune’s Staircase, a set of eight interconnected locks rising 64 feet from Corpach’s sea lock. Glide along the tree-lined canal known as Laggan Avenue, cross picturesque Lochs Lochy and Oich and descend an impressive flight of locks that run through the heart of Fort Augustus. This evening, the ship will moor at Fort Augustus village, where an evening hike or bike ride awaits.  

Traverse Loch Ness, steeped in monstrous legend, and cruise past the romantic ruins of Urquhart Castle—a Norman castle on an Iron Age site. Continue through Loch Dochfour to Inverness. This afternoon, 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. Tonight, enjoy a farewell dinner followed by traditional Scottish performances on board.