The untamed and wildly beautiful landscapes of the Scottish Highlands and islands are home to varied flora and fauna and dotted with incredible feats of engineering, like the Glenfinnan Viaduct, with its 21 arches and the majestic 60-mile Caledonian Canal.
Join an unforgettable seven-night cruise on Lord of the Glens, a small yacht-like ship and explore the best of these enchanting islands and mountains.
Documentary presenter and travel journalist Monty Halls will join you for the first three days on board, where he'll host two talks and answer some of your questions as well as joining a wildlife-spotting expedition, and hosting a photography masterclass, sharing expert tips from his adventures.
The voyage starts with a cruise along the Caledonian Canal, where you'll sail through the spectacular eight interconnected locks of Neptune's Staircase, descending to sea level to glide around some of Scotland's best-loved isles, including Eigg, Mull, and Skye.
There's time to relax on Lord of the Glens, enjoying the superb restaurant, elegant bar, and watching the ever-changing scenery through huge panoramic windows.
But you'll spend plenty of time on shore too, with lots of excursions to Scottish landmarks, including Clava Cairns, Culloden, McCaig's Tower, and Eilean Donan Castle. You'll board the iconic West Highland Railway to ride through heather-clad hills along what's often voted one of the most scenic railway lines in the world, where you'll cross the magnificent Glenfinnan Viaduct.
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.
A former Royal Marines Officer who worked for Nelson Mandela in the early '90s, Monty left the forces to pursue a career in expeditions, travel journalism, and marine biology. He has presented award-winning documentaries and become a renowned speaker and writer.
You'll board Lord of the Glens at Inverness today. After settling in, Monty Halls joins the group for a welcome reception and dinner while the ship remains overnight in Inverness.
Today, you'll sail the Caledonian Canal to Fort Augustus. Before you depart, Monty Halls joins you on a visit to Culloden, the infamous battlefield where Bonnie Prince Charlie's Jacobite forces were defeated in 1746. You'll see the ancient standing stones of Clava Cairns before returning to the ship and setting sail on the Caledonian Canal - an impressive waterway built between 1803 and 1822 to connect the Great Glen's four lochs.
As you enter Loch Ness, you'll pass the ruins of Urquhart Castle before ascending the flight of locks that runs through the heart of Fort Augustus, the pretty and historic village where you'll dock overnight.
In the company of Monty Halls, you'll continue along the canal through Loch Oich, ascending to 106 feet at Laggan Locks after gliding along the tree-lined section known as Laggan Avenue. Onwards through picturesque Loch Lochy to Banavie in the shadow of Ben Nevis. Next, you'll descend the spectacular eight interconnected locks of Neptune's Staircase, lowering to sea level at Corpach.
In the late afternoon, you'll board a train along part of the West Highland Railway and over the Glenfinnan viaduct - made even more famous by its appearance in the Harry Potter movies - curving high over the waters of Loch Shiel.
Entering the beautiful waters of Loch Linnhe, you'll sail to Oban, the seafood capital of the Highlands. You'll take a guided walk to McCaig's Tower, inspired by the Roman Colosseum, with views of the Hebrides. You'll berth overnight in Oban.
This morning, you'll sail to Craignure on Mull for a visit to the Isle of Iona, the last resting place of Scottish Kings. Later, you'll sail to the island capital of Tobermory, where brightly painted houses line the waterfront.
Sailing north to the Isle of Eigg this morning with glimpses of the islands of the Inner Hebrides along the way. This community-owned island is a nature reserve where you can spot marine animals and birdlife, including Atlantic seals, minke whales, dolphins, porpoises and seabirds. The ship docks overnight at Inverie on Loch Nevis, where you can pay a visit to the most remote pub in mainland Britain.
Sail across the Sound of Sleat to Armadale on the Isle of Skye to trace the legacy of the Clan MacDonald. The final port of call is Kyle of Lochalsh to visit Eilean Donan Castle before gathering with your fellow passengers for a farewell dinner.
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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