Lord of the Highlands, Voyage Through Caledonia ex Oban to Inverness

Regardless of the season, the Highlands and Islands possess a timeless, untainted beauty that intensifies with each passing month. This refreshing cruise of the Inner Isles and the Caledonian Canal reveals Scotland’s brightest autumn gems from the warmth and comfortable ambience of Lord of the Highlands.

Mull’s Georgian harbour town of Tobermory offers pleasant strolls and the opportunity to browse the brightly colour-washed waterfront shops before sailing to your overnight berth in the remote village of Inverie. On Skye, discover the epic history of the Clan Donald at Armadale Castle ahead of a visit to the Small Isle of Eigg, a breathtaking spot for walks off the beaten track beneath the pitchstone ridge of An Sgùrr. Sail to Craignure on Mull, for a tour of Duart Castle, ancestral seat of Clan Maclean for over 700 years before cruising Loch Linnhe to Corpach at the entrance of the Caledonian Canal. At the Glenfinnan Monument Visitor Centre, you discover the story of Bonnie Prince Charlie and the moving tribute to those who died fighting for the Jacobite cause. Lord of the Highlands ascends the spectacular eight interconnected locks of Neptune’s Staircase to Banavie, and sails through Loch Lochy and Loch Oich to Fort Augustus. At Urquhart Castle, discover 1,000 years of drama, experience a glimpse of medieval life and enjoy stunning views over Loch Ness. Your final port of call is the mightiest artillery fortification in Britain, Fort George, created by King George II as the ultimate defence against further Jacobite unrest.

Itinerary:

Day 1:
Oban – Embarkation.

Day 2:
Tobermory, Mull – Free time to explore at leisure.
Sail to Inverie.

Day 3:
Armadale, Skye – Armadale Castle and Clan Donald Centre.
Eigg – Walks ashore.

Day 4:
Craignure, Mull – Duart Castle.
Sail the Sound of Mull and Loch Linnhe to Corpach.

Day 5:
Corpach – Glenfinnan Monument Visitor Centre.
Transit Neptune’s Staircase and cruise the Caledonian Canal to Laggan Locks.

Day 6:
Cruise the Caledonian Canal to Fort Augustus.
Fort Augustus – Urquhart Castle.

Day 7:
Cruise Loch Ness.
Inverness – Fort George.

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.