Lord of the Highlands, Inner Isles Odyssey ex Kyle of Lochalsh to Oban

7 Night Cruise sailing from Kyle of Lochalsh to Oban aboard Lord of the Highlands.

Imbued with the magic and mystery of the remote and unknown, the Inner Isles form a unique universe apart, sheltered by the crescent moon of the Outer Hebrides. Divided into two halves, the Northern and Southern Hebrides, they encompass an extraordinary diversity of landscapes, rich in wildlife and history.

Our first port of call is the delightful conservation village of Plockton, the ‘jewel of the Highlands’ for walks and strolls around the shores of Loch Carron. Situated on the shore of Loch Gairloch amongst the awe-inspiring scenery of Wester Ross, we visit Gairloch to uncover the secrets of local history and heritage at the museum located in a converted nuclear bunker.

Tour the lunar-like landscapes of the Trotternish Peninsula on Skye where the Museum of Island Life includes a preserved township of thatched cottages giving a feel for the crofting way of life. Enjoy a drink at the most remote pub on mainland Britain, the Old Forge at Inverie.

Westwards to Coll, a bird haven which is fringed by silver sand beaches and the idyllic location for an exploration on foot or by bicycle. Neighbouring Tiree is home to the museum which tells the fascinating story of the hazardous construction of Scotland’s tallest lighthouse at Skerryvore, on one of Britain's most dangerous rocks, over 10 nautical miles out to sea.

A 20-acre rhododendron garden surrounds historic Colonsay House, on the island of Colonsay. The gardens are considered one of the finest in Scotland. Aside from rhododendrons, the gardens feature a mix of trees and shrubs, many from the southern hemisphere.

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.