Exclusive Secrets of the Highlands & Islands

DAY 1

Journey in First Class from your home station to Inverness arriving at the Kingsmills Hotel, a luxury spa hotel, for two nights. We enjoy our first evening meal together.

DAY 2

This morning we enjoy a leisurely breakfast and free time in Inverness to explore the beautiful landscapes before our journey to Dalwhinnie Distillery set in splendid mountain scenery. Here we will enjoy a guided tour followed by a tutored tasting of their famous Highland Single Malt Whisky known for its gentle flavours. We return to the Kingsmills for our evening meal.

DAY 3

After breakfast, our private transfer will take us to embark on the Lord of the Glens, a luxurious vessel that embraces a classic and timeless style. After settling into our cabins on the David Roberts Deck, we enjoy a welcome reception and dinner whilst remaining berthed in the city.

DAY 4

This morning we visit Culloden, the infamous battlefield where Bonnie Prince Charlie's Jacobite forces were defeated and explore the ancient standing stones of Clava Cairns. We set sail this afternoon on the Caledonian Canal entering Loch Ness and passing the romantic ruins of Urquhart Castle before ascending the impressive flight of locks that runs through the heart of the scenic and historic of Fort Augustus, where we remain overnight.

DAY 5

Today we will continue along the canal through Loch Oich, ascending to 106 feet at Laggan Locks and onwards through picturesque Loch Lochy, before descending Neptune's Staircase, a dramatic flight of eight interconnected locks. After lunch, we take the West Highland railway over the renowned viaduct to beautiful Glenfinnan, surrounded by mountains. Our overnight mooring is in Corpach.

DAY 6

Today we sail Loch Linnhe, passing mysterious lochs and islands until we reach our destination of Oban, the seafood capital of the highlands. We enjoy a guided walk up to McCaig's Tower (inspired by the Roman Colosseum) where we will enjoy spectacular views of the Hebrides. We berth in Oban overnight.

DAY 7

This morning, we sail to Craignure on Mull for a visit to the Isle of Iona, the last resting place of some 50 Scottish Kings and where St. Columba introduced Christianity to Scotland. Later, we sail to the island capital of Tobermory where brightly painted houses adorn the waterfront and where we remain berthed overnight.

DAY 8

Sailing north to the small Isle of Eigg this morning, we glimpse the islands of the Inner Hebrides along the way. Eigg is a community owned nature reserve allowing us to go in search of a wealth of marine animals and birdlife, including seals, minke whales, dolphins, and a variety of seabirds. This afternoon we spend time at Inverie on Loch Nevis, where you can enjoy a drink at the most remote pub on mainland Britain, The Old Forge Inn.

DAY 9

Today we take an early morning sail across the Sound of Sleat leading us to Armadale on the Isle of Skye where we learn of the history of the Clan MacDonald at the Museum of The Isles. Our final port of call is historic Kyle of Lochalsh where we visit the iconic Eilean Donan Castle. This evening we enjoy a farewell reception and dinner.

DAY 10

After breakfast this morning, we disembark and visit Kyle station museum and café to learn of the intertwined stories of the famous Kyle Line Railway and Kyle Harbour before enjoying free time in the Kyle of Lochalsh. We will experience a "Great Railway Journey of the World" returning to Inverness and transferring to the Kingsmills Hotel for our final evening meal together.

DAY 11

This morning, after breakfast, we bid farewell to Inverness making our way homeward.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner