Exclusive Caledonian & Great Glen Explorer 2026

Duration

8 Days

Departure Dates

21st April 2026, 16th October 2026

Prices from

£3,599 Per person

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Embark on a brand new and exclusive tour in Inverness including a six-night leisurely cruise along the endlessly beautiful Caledonian Canal aboard the stunning Lord of the Glens. Journeying through the heart of the Highlands along the intricate inland waters, hidden sea lochs, ancient and historic sites, and breathtaking scenery with fascinating excursions at every stop. Indulge yourself in exquisite cuisine, First Class travel, and relaxation on this luxurious, small group tour.

Overview
Itinerary
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Lord of the Glens ©Hebridean

8 days from £3,599

DEPARTS

Tuesday 21 April 2026

Friday 16 October 2026

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Experience a stunning cruise aboard the luxurious, unique Lord of the Glens
Journey along the ‘Royal Route’ of the Caledonian Canal
Stunning Scottish hospitality, excellent cuisine, and attentive service
Soak up history at Culloden and Fort Augustus
Visit the impressive Neptune’s Staircase
Marvel at the Glenfinnan Viaduct
Take in the natural beauty of Mull and Iona
Explore the iconic Duart castle
Enjoy stunning scenery through the heart of the Highlands

Also included in your Tour Fare:

7 nights’ bed, breakfast & evening meal plus 5 lunches
Full Board accommodation on the cruise*
Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager
First Class rail throughout, where available

*Not Included: Drinks, Gratuities, and Travel Insurance

DAY 1

Journey in First Class from your home station to Inverness and, on arrival, we will make our way to the Kingsmills Hotel for our overnight stay. We enjoy free time to explore our new surroundings before meeting for our first evening meal together.

DAY 2

This morning, we enjoy a leisurely breakfast and free time in Inverness before our private transfer takes us to embark on the Lord of the Glens, a luxurious vessel that embraces a classic and timeless style. After settling into our cabins, we enjoy a welcome reception and dinner whilst remaining berthed in the city.

B, D

DAY 3

After breakfast 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.

B, L, D

DAY 4

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.

B, L, D

DAY 5

Today we sail Loch Linnhe, passing mysterious lochs and islands until we reach our destination of Tobermory where brightly painted houses adorn the waterfront, and we enjoy free time to explore as we remain berthed overnight.

B, L, D

DAY 6

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. We enjoy time to discover the restored medieval abbey, beautiful beaches, and fantastic wildlife before returning to the Lord of the Glens for our evening meal.

B, L, D

DAY 7

After breakfast, we will visit Duart Castle which has dominated the view to the Sound of Mull and Loch Linnhe for over 700 years before sailing to our final 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. This evening, we berth in Oban overnight and enjoy our final evening meal aboard the Lord of the Glens.

B, L, D

DAY 8

After breakfast, we bid farewell to Oban and make our way to the station for our homeward journeys.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

HOTELS

Kingsmills Hotel, Inverness

Perfectly located in Inverness and the beautiful Scottish Highlands, the Kingsmills Hotel is a luxury spa hotel offering a welcoming lounge, two elegant restaurants, and a cosy whisky bar plus spa and leisure facilities including a swimming pool, jacuzzi, steam room, and gym. The stylish bedrooms provide an en-suite bathroom with a rainfall shower, a flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, and tea/coffee making facilities.

Lord of the Glens

Lord of the Glens is comfortable and welcoming providing a relaxed atmosphere with a classical and timeless style. The delicious cuisine on board makes use of local produce providing a hearty Scottish breakfast to begin the day, various lunches, and a 3-course banquet style evening meal served daily whilst the Sir Walter Scott lounge and bar, on the upper deck, provide for magnificent all-around panoramic views of the Highland scenery. Lord of the Glens has 26 comfortably appointed cabins offering en-suite facilities, eco-friendly toiletries, ample wardrobe space, a dressing table, hairdryer, flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, and picture windows.

Cabin Allocation

We have Category 2 Cabins allocated as a minimum. We have a select number of Category 3 Cabins available for upgrade. These are the largest cabins on the vessel and all have large picture windows.

Link: >> Lord of the Glens - 360° Tour <<

FARES

Fare Region	First*
London: Kings Cross	£4,065
Greater London	£4,089
South of England	£4,159
East Anglia	£4,165
South West	£4,345
Heart of England	£4,159
Midlands	£4,139
Yorkshire	£4,055
North East	£3,965
North West	£4,035
South Wales	£4,225
North Wales	£4,129
Scotland	£3,749
Join & Leave at Hotels	£3,599
Single Traveller Supplement	On Request
Deposit	£660

*Please note: Some local and regional train services are Standard Class only, so First Class ticket holders will travel in standard class accommodation for these sections of journeys.

Category 2 Cabin Supplement £0

Category 3 Cabin Supplement £500

Single Occupancy – Strictly on Request.

7 nights’ bed, breakfast & evening meal plus 5 lunches

Rail travel & seat reservations from your Home Station to Tour Base (First Class)

Rail & coach travel, with transfers as described

All excursions & admissions as detailed

Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager

Important – Please select the number of passengers before proceeding to ‘Book Now’

Number of passengers:

Date	From Price	Book Now	Callback
21st April 2026	£3,599 Per person	Book Now	Callback
16th October 2026	£3,599 Per person	Book Now	Callback

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Kingsmills Hotel, Inverness

Culloden1 ©Shutterstock

Culloden2 ©Shutterstock

Clava Cairns ©AdobeStock

Loch Ness ©Shutterstock

Urquhart Castle ©Hebridean

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Exclusive Caledonian & Great Glen Explorer 2026

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What our customers say

Sounds like the holiday for you?

Why Book with Railtrail

Unique Experiences

Financial Protection

Loyalty Rewards

Award Winning Team