If you were compiling a bucket list of British breaks, this is surely a strong contender. On this trip, you'll sail on a luxurious private yacht through the Highlands and islands of Scotland, exploring the Caledonian Canal, hidden sea lochs and the magical islands of Scotland's western shore.
Better still, proud Scotswoman and weather presenter Carol Kirkwood will join you for part of the cruise. Carol will tell you about her Scottish family's history during a private talk and Q&A session, and she will accompany you on an excursion.
The cruise will take you to some of western Scotland's most stunning locations - Loch Ness, Loch Nevis, the Sound of Mull, Iona, Skye, Fort Augustus, Fort William... the names conjure up images of glistening waters, wild landscapes, towering castles, majestic flora and fauna, and myths and legends of old.
During the cruise, you will be able to see views of Silver Sands beaches in Morar, where Carol grew up, and where scenes from the movie Local Hero were filmed.
There is no finer way to explore them than on board Lord of the Glens. This is not simply a cruise, but a private yacht experience, similar to the Royal Yacht Britannia. With just 26 outward-facing en suite cabins and a maximum of 54 passengers, the yacht offers sumptuous accommodation and superb cuisine.
Scottish weather presenter Carol Kirkwood, who trained with the Met Office, has been presenting the weather for more than 20 years and famously danced with Pasha Kovalev in the 13th series of Strictly Come Dancing.
Make your own way to Inverness, where a coach transfer will pick you up from either Inverness Airport or bus station in the afternoon. Embark Lord of the Glens.
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, cruise past the romantic ruins of Urquhart Castle. Ascend an impressive flight of locks that runs through the heart of Fort Augustus. Moor this evening at Fort Augustus.
Sail through the tree-lined section known as Laggan Avenue and into Loch Lochy and on until we descend Neptune's Staircase, a set of eight interconnected locks, to the village of Corpach, nestled in the shadow of Ben Nevis, Great Britain's highest mountain. In the afternoon we will travel by coach to beautiful Glenfinnan. Moor overnight at Corpach.
Today we enter the ocean, passing mysterious lochs and islands till we reach Oban, the seafood capital of the Highlands. Join us for a walk up to McCaig's Tower dominating the skyline of the town with great views of the Western Isles. Overnight at Oban.
This morning we sail to Craignure for the excursion to the Isle of Iona, with a pause in front of Duart Castle for photographs. Visit 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.
Sail north from Tobermory, catching glimpses of the islands of the Inner Hebrides. You will cruise past Eigg, Silver Sands beach and Mallaig; look out for marine animals and birdlife along the way including Atlantic seals, minke whales, dolphins, porpoises and a variety of seabirds. Then sail to the town of Inverie in Loch Nevis, where you can have a drink at the most remote pub in the British Isles.
Early this morning you'll sail across the Sound of Sleat to Armadale and the Isle of Skye. Visit the Clan Donald Centre. Later sail to Kyle of Lochalsh from where we visit Eilean Donan Castle. Evening Farewell Reception and Dinner tonight and overnight in Kyle.
Disembark after breakfast for your transfer to Inverness.
This is not a cruise, but a private yacht experience, similar to
the Royal Yacht Britannia. With just 26 outward-facing en suite
cabins and a maximum of 52 passengers, the yacht offers sumptuous
accommodation, superb cuisine and supreme comfort.
You will love its top-notch restaurant, elegant bar, panoramic
windows, armchairs from the Orient Express and David Roberts
lithographs.
This a ship that favours the classic over the contemporary - rich hardwood finishes throughout offset by cream paneling, very much reminiscent of Belmond's British Pullman. The fixtures, fittings and furnishings are beautiful - individually chosen and each offering their own story. Of special note are the original 1929 'Riviera' armchairs (Orient Express), hand painted David Roberts lithographs, light fittings from the SS France and Nord Norge, restaurant chairs, overhead glass paneling, deck furniture from the RMS Windsor Castle and lovely brass friezes from the RMS Kenya Castle.
All 26 State Cabins are outward facing. They are spread over
three decks, appropriately named after well known Scottish people
(Alexander Graham Bell, Thomas Telford, David Roberts etc ). Each
State Cabin is finished in rich hardwood finishes, plush carpeting,
dressing table, stool, wardrobe, internal telephone, satellite TV
and en-suite facilities with shower, WC and washbasin.
All State Cabins are air-conditioned/heated - the Top and Middle
Deck State Cabins have a picture
window, whereas the Lower Deck State Cabins have two portholes
each.
The cuisine is excellent, freshly prepared onboard by a team of experienced chefs with a focus on locally sourced produce. From its hearty classic Scottish breakfast to sumptous dinners, the Robert Louis Stevenson Restaurant will not disappoint.
On the Upper Deck you will find the well-stocked David Livingstone Bar and Walter Scott Lounge richly decorated in hardwood finishes.
You will enjoy complimentary hot beverages in the lounge throughout.
Access to the vessel whilst on the Caledonian Canal is via a
lowered stepped gangway, and a ramp gangway whilst out at sea.
Internally there are three stairways each of 11 steps that
inter-connect each deck level - all have a handrail.
There is no lift onboard and therefore, unfortunately, the Ship is
not suitable for guests with severe mobility impairment. Guests
with limited mobility can be accommodated provided they are
accompanied by an assisting companion. Collapsible wheelchairs can
be stowed in reception (providing advance notice is given) - but
whilst they cannot be used anywhere onboard they can be used on any
excursions.
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* From price is per person, based on two people sharing an entry level cabin, subject to availability and including a £300pp discount. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement on request. Deposit 20%. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. In the case of unforeseen circumstances, expert(s) may be substituted, and any expert-led events may be subject to change. Expert(s) will not join you for your full trip duration unless otherwise stated. Travel insurance is not included and should be taken out at time of booking. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of TS Travel Ltd (ATOL bonded).