Lord of the Highlands, Caledonian Odyssey ex Kyle of Lochalsh to Inverness

Sail north to the scenic coast of Wester Ross before exploring the delightful islands of Skye and Mull on this enchanting voyage of discovery. Enter the Caledonian Canal in the shadow of Ben Nevis and experience a full transit of this man-made wonder which cuts through the heart of Caledonia.

Situated on the shore of Loch Gairloch amongst the awe-inspiring scenery of Wester Ross, visit Gairloch to experience the present day settlement and visit its ancestral past at the local museum. Creative Connections brings together local artists and producers; Meet-the-Makers gives you the opportunity to sample their wares and enjoy demonstrations of arts and crafts. Explore the bustling port and island capital of Portree before touring Sgriob-ruadh dairy farm and distillery which produces the award-winning Isle of Mull Cheese. Admire the mighty stronghold of the MacDougalls, Dunstaffnage Castle, where Flora MacDonald was held before being sent to the Tower of London before sailing Loch Linnhe to Corpach where the Ben Nevis distillery has been crafting malt whisky from the highest water source in Scotland since 1825. From sea level, Lord of the Highlands ascends the spectacular eight interconnected locks of Neptune’s Staircase to Banavie, and you spend a relaxing afternoon on board you sail through Loch Lochy and Loch Oich to Fort Augustus, which takes its name from a fort built after the defeat of the 1715 Jacobite uprising. A scenic sail of Loch Ness leads you to your final visit of Culloden, the infamous battlefield where Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Jacobite forces were defeated in 1746, and observe the ancient burial ground of Clava Cairns.

Day 1:
Kyle of Lochalsh - Embarkation.

Day 2:
Sail to Gairloch.
Gairloch – Gairloch Museum and Meet the Makers.

Day 3:
Sail to Portree.
Portree, Skye – Free time to explore at leisure.

Day 4:
Sail to Tobermory.
Tobermory, Mull –Isle of Mull Cheese Farm.

Day 5:
Oban – Dunstaffnage Castle.
Corpach – Ben Nevis Distillery.

Day 6:
Transit Neptune’s Staircase and sail the Caledonian
Canal to Fort Augustus.

Day 7:
Cruise the Caledonian Canal and Loch Ness.
Inverness – Culloden and Clava Cairns.

Day 8:
Inverness - 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.