'Memories of Scotland'
A seven night cruise aboard the deluxe MV Lord of the Glens navigating a course through the beautiful Highlands, Islands, Glens and Lochs of Scotland. Cruising Loch Ness, Loch Oich, Loch Lochy, Loch Linnhe, Loch Leven, and Loch Sunart. Visiting Inverness, Fort Augustus, Fort William, Tobermory (Isle of Mull), Isle of Iona and Oban.
Oban to Inverness
Day 1 Oban. Join the Lord of the Glens under your own arrangements or join the scheduled transfer from Inverness airport/train station/Muir Town Basin car park to Oban. Embark from 16.00 hours. Captains welcome reception and dinner. Moor overnight.
Day 2 Oban to the Isle of Mull. Sail at dawn across to Craignure on the Isle of Mull and enjoy a full day excursion of the island together with a visit to one of Scotland’s holiest shrines on the lovely island of Iona. For more than 1000 years, the island of Iona has been a place of deep spiritual significance. No less than 62 Kings of Scotland are buried here, including Duncan, Macbeth’s victim. St Columba came here from Ireland in 563 AD and early Christianity spread through northern Britain from this remote island community. After lunch return to Mull for a visit and tea at historic Duart Castle, the home of Clan Maclean chiefs for nearly 700 years. Return to the Lord of the Glens which has re-positioned to the attractive village of Tobermory. Enjoy dinner as we cruise the waters of lovely loch Sunart. Return to Tobermory for an overnight mooring.
Day 3 Tobermory to Fort William. Morning free in Tobermory with its painted pastel
color houses, unique clock tower and busy harbour. Spend a leisurely afternoon on board surrounded by magnificent scenery as we cruise the Sound of Mull and Loch Linnhe. Arrive in Fort William in the early evening for an overnight mooring.
Day 4 Glencoe. This morning we will visit Glencoe, some of the finest walking and climbing country in the Highlands. Walk to Signal Hill, near the visitor centre from where the signal was given to start the infamous massacre of 1692. This is also an area of international botanical importance, particularly for the woodlands and Arctic flora. Return for lunch on board and begin our climb of ‘Neptune’s Staircase’ as the Lord of the Glens ascends through eight locks to Banavie. Moor overnight in the shadow of Ben Nevis.
Day 5 West Highland Line. After breakfast we will drive to nearby Fort William Railway Station for one of the great railway journeys of the world. The two hour ride along the West Highland Line will take us through some enchanting scenery to the port of Mallaig. Later we will return to the vessel, this time travelling by road along the ‘Road to the Isles’, arriving back in the mid afternoon. Sail from Banavie through Loch Lochy and on to Laggan Lock for an overnight mooring.
Day 6 Laggan- Fort Augustus. A relaxing morning surrounded by magical scenery. Sail before lunch along the portion of the Caledonian Canal known as Laggan Avenue. Those who wish to walk this section of the canal can rejoin the vessel later. Arrive Fort Augustus and ascend and impressive flight of four locks that run through the heart of the town. Overnight in Fort Augustus.
Day 7 Fort Augustus to Inverness. This morning we will cruise the length of Loch Ness sailing close the impressive ruins of Urquhart Castle and on to Loch Dochfour. Reach Inverness at lunchtime. This afternoon you can immerse yourself in Highland history as we visit Culloden Battlefield where Bonnie Prince Charlie and his men perished in the battle of 1746. Then travel back further in time at the nearby standing stones of Clava Cairns, overlapping the Stone and Bronze Ages. Finally, we will visit Fort George before returning to the vessel. Captain’s Farewell Reception as we cruise the waters of the Moray Firth. Moor overnight in Inverness.
Day 8 Inverness. Disembark after breakfast. Transfer arrangements will be provided to the station/ airport and Muir town basin car park.