Lord of the Highlands, Secrets of the Highlands ex Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh

This seven night voyage, through the very heart of the Scottish Highlands, introduces the interested traveller to the intricate and endlessly fascinating inland waters of the Caledonian Canal, the glistening waters of Loch Linnhe, the Sound of Mull, the Sound of Sleat and finally, Kyle Rhea.

Discover Culloden, the infamous battlefield where Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Jacobite forces were defeated in 1746, and observe the ancient burial ground of Clava Cairn, before setting sail on the Caledonian Canal, built between 1803 and 1822 to connect the Great Glen’s four lochs. Entering Loch Ness, you pass the romantic ruins of Urquhart Castle, before arriving at the scenic and historic village of Fort Augustus. Continue along the canal through Loch Oich and Loch Lochy, before descending Neptune’s Staircase, a set of eight interconnected locks dropping 19 metres into the sea lock at Corpach. Visit the iconic monument honouring the fallen Jacobite clansmen at Glenfinnan, framed by spectacular Highland scenery. Sail Loch Linnhe to Oban for a walking tour which takes in the panoramic vistas from McCaig’s Tower. From Craignure on Mull travel to the sacred isle of Iona to relish the tranquility of the restored Benedictine abbey which stands on the site of the monastery founded by St Columba. Later, explore the island capital of Tobermory where brightly painted houses line the waterfront and trace the legacy of Clan Donald at the Museum of The Isles housed in the grounds of Armadale Castle. Your final port of call is the iconic Eilean Donan Castle, situated on an island at the point where three great sea lochs meet.

Day 1:
Inverness - Embarkation.

Day 2:
Inverness - Culloden and Clava Cairns.
Cruise the Caledonian Canal to Fort Augustus.

Day 3:
Cruise the Caledonian Canal to Banavie and transit
Neptune’s Staircase to Corpach.
Corpach – Glenfinnan Monument Visitor Centre.

Day 4:
Sail Loch Linnhe to Oban.
Oban – Walking tour and McCaig’s Tower.

Day 5:
Craignure, Mull – Visit to Iona.

Day 6:
Tobermory, Mull – Free time to explore at leisure.
Inverie, Loch Nevis – The Old Forge.

Day 7:
Armadale, Skye – Armadale Castle and Clan Donald Centre.
Kyle of Lochalsh – Eilean Donan Castle.

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.