Lord of the Highlands, Highland Wildlife Safari ex Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh

Nature & Wildlife Themed Cruise

Scotland’s land, seas and skies support a wide range of native mammals and birds and is renowned as a wildlife destination. The great wilderness of northern Scotland which abounds with white beaches, turquoise waters and a rugged coastline, is a treasure trove of species including whales, dolphins, seals, White-tailed Eagles and seabirds.

Cruise out to Chanonry Point in the Moray Firth, home to around 200 dolphins which can often be seen at very close quarters, before sailing the Caledonian Canal and Loch Ness to Foyers. Walk to the spectacular waterfalls and look out for the elusive red squirrel. Discover more about Scottish wildlife at the Dundreggan Rewilding Centre and binoculars at the ready to spot birds of prey, red deer, herons and other wading birds as you sail the tranquil waters of the Caledonian Canal. Later you take the Glenfinnan Viaduct Trail which passes through a range of habitats; keep an eye out for otter, dippers, red deer and raptors. The machair of Iona becomes a carpet for rare wild flowers in spring and early summer, this fertile grassland is home to a myriad of plant and birdlife where you go in search of the elusive Corncrake. From Tobermory take a small boat to the tiny Isle of Lunga in the Treshnish Isles to see the island’s famous colonies of puffins. Known as ‘Europe’s last wilderness, Inverie is blessed with an abundance of magnificent wildlife which you explore with a local ranger. Ashore at Kyle of Lochalsh, we visit Plockton and experience a seal boat trip on the waters of Loch Carron.

Day 1:
Inverness - Embarkation.

Day 2:
Inverness - Wildlife cruise to Chanonry Point.
Foyers – Falls of Foyers.

Day 3:
Fort Augustus – Dundreggan Rewilding Centre.
Cruise the Caledonian Canal to Laggan Locks.

Day 4:
Cruise the Caledonian Canal and descend Neptune’s Staircase to Corpach.
Corpach – Glenfinnan Viaduct Nature Trail.

Day 5:
Sail Loch Linnhe and the Sound of Mull to Craignure.
Craignure, Mull – Iona Wildlife Walk or Abbey.

Day 6:
Tobermory, Mull – Small boat trip to Lunga for puffin watching.

Day 7:
Inverie - Walks ashore with ranger.
Kyle of Lochalsh – Plockton Seal boat trip.

Day 8:
Kyle of Lochalsh - Disembarkation.

The challenge as with her sister vessel ‘Lord of the Glens’ was to craft a vessel that could both transit the intricate waters of the Caledonian Canal as well as navigate the sheltered waters around Scotland’s hauntingly beautiful fretted west coast, the result being the splendid ‘Lord of the Highlands’. Its elegance calls to mind that of a luxury yacht.

There are 19 outward facing state cabins spread over two decks each named with references to John Buchan’s “THIRTY-NINE STEPS”. Each cabin is finished in hardwood finishes, plush carpeting, dressing table, stool, wardrobe, satellite tv, and en suite facilities with shower, wc and washbasin. All state cabins are air conditioned and heated with an internal telephone and picture windows.

All sailings are made during daylight hours and overnight moorings are alongside with no tendering required. At each port of call there is time to independently explore as well as a programme of included shore visits. Dependent on the itinerary these include Culloden & Clava Cairns, West Highline Line to Glenfinnan, Isle of Iona, Clan Donald Centre on Skye and Eilean Donan Castle.

The cuisine is excellent, freshly prepared onboard by a loyal and long serving brigade of chefs, drawing on the rich bounty of locally sourced produce. What could be more delightful than to awake to the prospect of a full scottish breakfast and for early risers to take advantage of the complimentary hot beverages that await in the lounge and for that matter for the rest of the day as well?

Lord of the Highlands was constructed by Spanish craftsmen in Vigo for completion in July 2019 but will only enter passenger service in May 2020.

Hebridean Island Cruises has been setting the benchmark for luxury cruising since 1989. Featuring some of the finest Privately Escorted Tours, our small, five star luxury cruise ship – Hebridean Princess – affords our guests the highest standards of luxury cruise ship accommodation, together with a level of service from an almost forgotten era.

Each all-inclusive cruise is carefully planned by our own highly experienced researchers, whose brief is to capture the cultural essence and historical significance of each port of call.

Hebridean Princess, the small cruise ship which re-introduced the ‘Golden Age of Cruising’ nineteen years ago, will show you the dramatic coast of Scotland and the Western Isles and Norway from the best possible vantage point.

Outstanding service, fine cuisine, unusually spacious cabins and some of the most elegant public rooms afloat, the Hebridean Experience offers you the most relaxing luxury holiday you could wish for. An all-inclusive tariff, the very best in personal service, and some of the finest Privately Escorted Tours all tailored to be as individual as you are.