Scottish Islands & Lochs Cruise

Edinburgh

Following your individual travel to Edinburgh, your Tour Manager meets you at your hotel. After arriving, you are at leisure in Edinburgh, perhaps to explore its historic centre, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.

As you wander through the narrow streets of the medieval Old Town and the elegant terraces of the Georgian New Town, it is easy to see why the city was awarded this accolade. Stroll past award-winning modern architecture and majestic old buildings, built in the area's typical grey stone, or amble down the winding alleyways which fan out from the beautiful Royal Mile, named because it runs between Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace.

Edinburgh Castle itself might be an excellent place to explore. The building serves a mighty symbol of Scotland's turbulent past, and overlooks the city from its perch on an extinct volcano.

Edinburgh to Inverness, and embarkation

Transfer from Edinburgh Waverly station to Inverness today, travelling through some of the Highland's most fantastic scenery. On arrival, we board our ship, the MV Lord of the Glens. On Day 3, set sail across mystical Loch Ness, famed for its 'monster' as well as its serene beauty.

Banavie and the West Highland Line

Today, sail onwards towards pretty Banavie, where you disembark our vessel for a fantastic rail excursion on the West Highland Line to Glenfinnan. This evening, the ship moors in Banavie.

Neptune’s Staircase and Tobermory

Today, begin by ascending through the incredible feat of engineering that is Neptune's Staircase, which lowers the vessel to Corpach. From here, continue through the myriad of lochs and rivers out towards Tobermory, on the Isle of Mull.

Duart Castle

Today, we arrive in Craignure, where we take an excursion to stunning Duart Castle. After some time here, return to the ship for lunch, continuing to Oban where we take a tour of the whisky distillery. Enjoy a 'wee dram', then visit McCaig's Tower, which was built to resemble the Colosseum in Rome. This is your final evening on board, and tonight, you indulge in a captain's farewell dinner.

Homeward bound

Disembark in Oban after breakfast, where you are free to return home at your leisure.

Departure Times

On many of our UK & Ireland tours, you may check in at the first hotel on your itinerary anytime after 14:00; your Tour Manager will be available between 16:00 and 18:00. However, if you are arriving later, you can meet your Tour Manager before dinner from 19:00.