Lord of the Highlands, Pearls of the Highlands ex Inverness to Oban

Join Lord of the Highlands to transit Telford’s remarkable Caledonian Canal through the dramatic Highland scenery of the Great Glen. Onwards to discover the delights of Mull and Iona and sail into Oban, the gateway to the isles, on this enlightening voyage.

Set sail along the Caledonian Canal, built between 1803 and 1822 to connect the Great Glen’s four lochs, and enjoy a cruise of Loch Ness, full of mystery and intrigue. Take a walk to the scenic Falls of Foyers, set in a dramatic gorge and surrounded by woodland. Ascend the impressive series of locks which runs through Fort Augustus and enjoy a glimpse of medieval life at Urquhart Castle which has witnessed some of the most dramatic chapters of the nation’s history. Continuing along the canal, visit the unforgettable Commando Memorial and take the mountain Gondola up Aonach Mor, the eighth highest mountain in Britain. You descend Neptune’s Staircase, the longest lock staircase in Scotland, before cruising out into open sea to the colourful harbour town of Tobermory on Mull. On Iona, the tranquility of the restored Benedictine Abbey awaits, standing on the site of the monastery founded by St Columba. Travel back centuries at ancient Duart Castle, ancestral seat of Clan Maclean, enjoying unsurpassed views from its rocky promontory. Your final port of call is Oban, where Dunstaffnage Castle, the mighty stronghold of the MacDougalls overlooks the Firth of Lorn.

Day 1:
Inverness - Embarkation.

Day 2:
Cruise the Caledonian Canal and Loch Ness to Foyers.
Foyers – Falls of Foyers.

Day 3:
Cruise the Caledonian Canal to Fort Augustus.
Fort Augustus – Urquhart Castle.

Day 4:
Gairlochy – Commando Memorial.
Corpach – Aonach Mor Mountain Gondola.

Day 5:
Sail Loch Linnhe and the Sound of Mull to Tobermory.
Tobermory, Mull – Free time to explore at leisure.

Day 6:
Craignure, Mull – Visit to Iona.

Day 7:
Craignure, Mull – Duart Castle.
Oban – Dunstaffnage Castle.

Day 8:
Oban - 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.