Scottish Highlands and Islands
The 48-guest Lord of the Glens is the only ship that allows you to:
* Sail through the heart of Scotland via the Caledonian Canal that bisects the country, plus explore remote and beautiful islands of the Inner Hebrides.
* Kayak Loch Ness, see the storied battlefield of Culloden, beautiful Glenfinnan, the historic Isle of Iona, and the isles of Mull, Eigg, and Skye.
* Travel to hauntingly beautiful moorlands, grand castles, sacred abbeys, and sweeping mountains.
The only expedition of its kind, you’ll explore Scotland as few people have on an encompassing and enchanting voyage. Purpose-built for these waters, our gracious ship, Lord of the Glens is able to fit through narrow canals and stepped locks in the heart of the country and also navigate among the islands and their small communities along the coast. The result is a panoramic voyage, a rare expedition that offers an immersive, in-depth experience at a comfortable pace in the company of our professional National Geographic Expedition Team.
Each expedition is crafted to offer a holistic, panoramic experience of the sweep of Scottish history and the beauty of its moorlands and islands. Flexibility is the hallmark of a Lindblad-National Geographic Expedition, and our daily itineraries will sometimes adjust to take advantage of unique opportunities.
DAY 1: Depart for Inverness, Scotland 
DAY 2: Inverness
Arrive in Inverness, and embark Lord of the Glens to the strains of a highland piper. Tonight, enjoy a reception and dinner on board while docked in Inverness. (D)
DAY 3: Culloden/Clava Cairns/Loch Ness
Following an optional morning walk, visit Culloden, the infamous battlefield where “Bonnie” Prince Charlie’s Jacobite forces were defeated in 1746, and then see the ancient standing stones of Clava Cairns. Set sail this afternoon on the Caledonian Canal, built between 1803 and 1822 to connect Loch Ness with the Great Glen’s three other lochs. Enter Loch Ness, cruise past the romantic ruins of Urquhart Castle, and learn about the legendary monster said to inhabit the loch. Moor this evening at Fort Augustus. (B, L, D)
DAY 4: Laggan Locks/Banavie/Glenfinnan
Ascend an impressive flight of locks that runs through the heart of Fort Augustus. Glide along the tree-lined canal known as Laggan Avenue, or hike or bike along the towpath and rejoin the ship at the first lock. Depart Laggan Locks and sail into Loch Lochy. Follow the canal to the town of Banavie, nestled in the shadow of Ben Nevis, Great Britain’s highest mountain. In the afternoon we travel to beautiful Glenfinnan, surrounded by mountains, where there are fine walking options. From Glenfinnan we’ll see the West Highland railway line’s renowned viaduct, made famous in Harry Potter movies. Welcome local musicians on board for a lively evening of music and song.
(B, L, D)
DAY 5: Loch Linnhe/Oban
Lord of the Glens descends Neptune’s Staircase, a set of eight interconnected locks, and continues through Loch Linnhe to the town of Oban, set on a picturesque bay on the Firth of Lorn. We’ll have time to explore this lively town on foot, visiting a whisky distillery and McCaig’s Tower, a monument on a hill overlooking the town and bay that was inspired by the Roman Colosseum. (B, L, D)
DAY 6: Sound of Mull / Duart Castle / Iona / Tobermory
This morning we sail to the Isle of Mull, in the Inner Hebrides. Visit photogenic Duart Castle, an impressive fortress (with a dungeon!). Drive across Mull, then cross to Iona by ferry to explore this picturesque island. Visit the medieval abbey ruins and the rebuilt abbey church, and learn about the ecumenical movement based there. Stroll through St. Oran’s Chapel and the royal graveyard where generations of Scottish kings are buried, and enjoy a brief walking tour of Iona. Continue on to the picturesque town of Tobermory, with time in the evening to explore this colorful place if you wish. (B, L, D)
DAY 7: Tobermory/Isle of Eigg or Isle of Rum/Inverie
This morning, explore Tobermory’s lively quayside on your own or on a walk led by our staff. Then we sail north to tiny Eigg, catching glimpses of the islands of the Inner Hebrides along the way. At Eigg you can get a sense of what life is like for the roughly 90 people who live on this island community. Look for marine animals and birdlife, including Atlantic seals, minke whales, dolphins, porpoises and a variety of seabirds. Alternatively, we may visit the Isle of Rum, renowned for spectacular Kinloch Castle. Then sail to the tiny village of Inverie, where you can have a drink at the most remote pub in the British Isles. (B, L, D)
DAY 8: Isle of Skye
We sail from Inverie this morning, and spend the day on the Isle of Skye. At the Museum of the Isles, trace the legacy of the 1,300-year-old Clan Donald, the Lords of the Isles, who once ruled the west coast of Scotland, and take a walk through the woodlands in Armadale. You’ll then take a guided walk in the Cuillin Hills (weather permitting) amid some of Scotland’s most spectacular scenery. Those who prefer not to hike can explore Eilean Donan Castle and the charming village of Plockton. Celebrate your Scottish voyage at a farewell dinner on board. (B, L, D)
DAY 9: Kyle of Lochalsh/Inverness/New York
Disembark in Kyle of Lochalsh and drive to Inverness for homeward bound flights. (B)
Extensions:
Edinburgh Pre-Voyage Extension
PRE-TRIP / 2 DAYS
Visit historic Edinburgh Castle and see the Stone of Scone—an oblong block of red sandstone used for centuries in the coronation of Scotland's legendary monarchs. Our visit is timed to coincide with the world famous Edinburgh Military Tattoo, a uniquely Scottish festival of thrilling martial music, engaging entertainment, and world class theater and art that is not to be missed.
Edinburgh Post Voyage Extension
POST-TRIP / 2 DAYS
After disembarking from the Lord of the Glens spend two full days discovering the highlights of Edinburgh's unique cultural life on a curated tour. This extension includes the same experiences as the pre-voyage extension, only it's timed and paced to accommodate time-specific cultural events unique to Scotland's capital city.
Weekly Departures: June, July, August
Call for Details: 800-766-8899
in collaboration/Linblad Expeditions/National Geographic Expeditions
