Step aboard Lord of the Glens, a traditionally-furnished yacht-style ship that's small enough to pass through the locks of the Caledonian Canal and offer personalised service to its 52 guests. Setting sail from Inverness, you'll explore Scotland's Caledonian Canal and hidden sea lochs on a five-night voyage to Oban.
This special voyage enjoys the company of proud Scotswoman and broadcaster Kirsty Wark for the first few days. Kirsty will be on hand to chat with guests about the history of modern Scotland - the perfect conversation as you travel through the Caledonian Canal, a masterpiece of 18th-century engineering. You'll also have the opportunity to take a scenic train journey over the renowned Glenfinnan Viaduct. It became even more famous when the Hogwarts Express crossed it in the Harry Potter movies.
Descending through the eight interconnected locks of Neptune's Staircase will be a memorable moment on the itinerary as the ship is slowly lowered back to sea level following its journey through the Great Glen. A stop at the pretty painted waterfront town of Tobermoray provides an opportunity to explore on foot, along with a walking tour around Oban, where you'll visit McCaig's Folly, a hilltop tower with far-reaching views across Oban Bay and the Atlantic Islands.
This trip is a full-board cruise, and on each evening of the five-night sailing you'll be seated for dinner in the Robert Louis Stevenson restaurant for banquet-style, three-course meals. To finish the evening, guests can enjoy the David Livingstone Lounge or Sir Walter Scott Bar, fitted with rich mahogany tables and plush sofas, including original seating from the 1929 armchairs from the legendary Cote d'Azur Express.
Kirsty Wark is an award-winning Scottish broadcaster and journalist. Starting her career on Radio Scotland, she is now Newsnight's longest-serving presenter. Kirsty also presented 'The Women Who Changed Modern Scotland' which tells the stories of key women who have had a role in shaping Scotland over the last 50 years.
You'll board Lord of the Glens in Inverness in the late afternoon. There's time to settle into your cabin and familiarise yourself with the ship before an evening welcome reception and dinner with time to mingle with your fellow passengers. Lord of the Glens moors in Inverness overnight, ready to sail tomorrow morning.
This morning, the ship sets sail to Culloden, the battlefield where Bonnie Prince Charlie's Jacobite forces were defeated in 1746. You'll see the ancient standing stones of Clava Cairns, a prehistoric site above the River Nairn, before an afternoon sailing takes you through the Caledonian Canal. This engineering marvel was built between 1803 and 1822 to connect the Great Glen's four lochs. On Loch Ness, you'll pass the romantic ruins of Urquhart Castle, before ascending the flight of locks that runs through the heart of Fort Augustus, the scenic and historic village, where Lord of the Glens remain overnight.
You'll sail into Loch Oich, the highest point of the Caledonian Canal, continuing through the tree-lined Laggan Avenue to Loch Lochy, eventually arriving at Banavie in the shadow of Ben Nevis. You'll descend the eight inter-connected locks of Neptune's Staircase, lowering Lord of the Glens to sea level at Corpach.
In the afternoon, you'll disembark Lord of the Glens to board a train, travelling along part of the West Highland Railway route and over the famous 21-arch viaduct to beautiful Glenfinnan, curving high over the waters of Loch Shiel.
This morning, you'll sail into the sheltered waters of Loch Linnhe, passing Castle Stalker. Then it's onwards to the Sound of Mull, for an excellent views of the brightly painted waterfront at Tobermory. It's a place best explored on foot, so the afternoon is spent exploring the Georgian harbour town and island capital.
The voyage continues with a call at Craignure on the Isle of Mull, stopping to visit Duart Castle. Finally, you'll sail to Oban for a walking tour to impressive McCaig's Folly which dominates the skyline. A farewell dinner is held alongside in Oban.
After breakfast, you'll disembark Lord of the Glen in Oban and transfer to Inverness for your journey home.
This is not a cruise, but a private yacht experience, similar to
the Royal Yacht Britannia. With just 26 outward-facing en suite
cabins and a maximum of 52 passengers, the yacht offers sumptuous
accommodation, superb cuisine and supreme comfort.
You will love its top-notch restaurant, elegant bar, panoramic
windows, armchairs from the Orient Express and David Roberts
lithographs.
This a ship that favours the classic over the contemporary - rich hardwood finishes throughout offset by cream paneling, very much reminiscent of Belmond's British Pullman. The fixtures, fittings and furnishings are beautiful - individually chosen and each offering their own story. Of special note are the original 1929 'Riviera' armchairs (Orient Express), hand painted David Roberts lithographs, light fittings from the SS France and Nord Norge, restaurant chairs, overhead glass paneling, deck furniture from the RMS Windsor Castle and lovely brass friezes from the RMS Kenya Castle.
All 26 State Cabins are outward facing. They are spread over
three decks, appropriately named after well known Scottish people
(Alexander Graham Bell, Thomas Telford, David Roberts etc ). Each
State Cabin is finished in rich hardwood finishes, plush carpeting,
dressing table, stool, wardrobe, internal telephone, satellite TV
and en-suite facilities with shower, WC and washbasin.
All State Cabins are air-conditioned/heated - the Top and Middle
Deck State Cabins have a picture
window, whereas the Lower Deck State Cabins have two portholes
each.
The cuisine is excellent, freshly prepared onboard by a team of experienced chefs with a focus on locally sourced produce. From its hearty classic Scottish breakfast to sumptous dinners, the Robert Louis Stevenson Restaurant will not disappoint.
On the Upper Deck you will find the well-stocked David Livingstone Bar and Walter Scott Lounge richly decorated in hardwood finishes.
You will enjoy complimentary hot beverages in the lounge throughout.
Access to the vessel whilst on the Caledonian Canal is via a
lowered stepped gangway, and a ramp gangway whilst out at sea.
Internally there are three stairways each of 11 steps that
inter-connect each deck level - all have a handrail.
There is no lift onboard and therefore, unfortunately, the Ship is
not suitable for guests with severe mobility impairment. Guests
with limited mobility can be accommodated provided they are
accompanied by an assisting companion. Collapsible wheelchairs can
be stowed in reception (providing advance notice is given) - but
whilst they cannot be used anywhere onboard they can be used on any
excursions.
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* From price is per person, based on two people sharing a highest category (category 3) cabin, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement on request. Full payment required at time of booking. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. In the case of unforeseen circumstances, expert(s) may be substituted, and any expert-led events may be subject to change. Expert(s) will not join you for your full trip duration unless otherwise stated. Travel insurance is not included and should be taken out at time of booking. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of TS Travel Ltd (ATOL-bonded).