SAVE 15% - Caledonian Explorer

Cruise Itinerary

Date	Port	Arrive	Depart
5 May 2025	Oban, Scotland	Embark
6 May 2025	Oban, Scotland
6 May 2025	Tobermory, Scotland
6 May 2025	Mull, Scotland
7 May 2025	Mull, Scotland
7 May 2025	Craignure, Scotland
8 May 2025	Loch Linnhe, Scotland
8 May 2025	Corpach, Scotland
9 May 2025	Corpach, Scotland
9 May 2025	Laggan Locks, Scotland	Caledonian Canal & Neptune's Staircase
10 May 2025	River Cruising	Caledonian Canal
10 May 2025	Fort Augustus, Scotland
11 May 2025	River Cruising	Caledonian Canal & Loch Ness
11 May 2025	Inverness, Scotland
12 May 2025	Inverness, Scotland	Disembark

This epic journey through the very heart of Scotland is full of breath-taking contrasts in scenery, history and wildlife. The towering mass of Ben Nevis is a stunning backdrop to magnificent Loch Linnhe and the quintessential Scottish castle, Castle Stalker, before entering the 60-miles of the Caledonian Canal.

Travel back in time and immerse yourself in the history of Clan MacDougall at Dunollie Castle with its far- reaching views over Oban Bay and the isles. During lunch, sail to Tobermory to wander at will through the brightly coloured houses and delightful independent shops which line the harbour. Travel to the sacred Isle of Iona, the last resting place of some 50 Scottish Kings and where St. Columba introduced Christianity to Scotland, before cruising the Sound of Mull and Loch Linnhe to Corpach at the entrance of the Caledonian Canal. Established in 1825 and situated at the foot of Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis distillery is one of the oldest licensed distilleries in Scotland. Here you enjoy a guided tour and tutored tasting before heading to the Glenfinnan Monument Visitor Centre to discover the story of Bonnie Prince Charlie and the moving tribute to those who died fighting for the Jacobite cause. After ascending the spectacular eight interconnected locks of Neptune’s Staircase and transiting the canal, you arrive at Fort Augustus and explore the ruins of Urquhart Castle which overlook 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:
Oban – Dunollie Castle.
Tobermory, Mull – Free time to explore at leisure.

Day 3:
Craignure, Mull – Visit to Iona.

Day 4:
Cruise Loch Linnhe to Corpach.
Corpach – Ben Nevis Distillery.

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

Day 6:
Corpach – Glenfinnan Monument Visitor Centre.
Ascend Neptune’s Staircase and sail the Caledonian Canal to Laggan Locks.

Day 7:
Cruise the Caledonian Canal and Loch Ness to Inverness.
Inverness – Fort George.

Day 7:
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.