Scottish Highlands & Caledonian Canal

Scottish Highlands & Caledonian Canal

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DETAILS

Exclusive land and cruise journey on an intimate ship built specifically to fit through the locks and canals of the Scottish highlands. Explore the UNESCO-inscribed Old and New Towns in Edinburgh and transit Neptune’s Staircase, a series of 8 locks on the Caledonian Canal that raises the water 62 feet over a quarter-mile.

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$9,995

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Trip Type
International Ocean & Sea Voyages
Departure Dates
Jun 26, 2027 - Jul 7, 2027

ITINERARY

  • day 1 & 2

    Depart home city/Inverness, Scotland

    Arrive in Inverness and transfer to the first-class Kingsmill Hotel. Spend the rest of the day exploring Inverness and dining at your leisure.

  • day 3

    Inverness | Kyle of Lochalsh | Embark Lord of the Glens

    Alongside Loch Ness, guarding the entry into the Great Glen (and the Highlands, the center of the country) stand the ruins of Urquhart Castle. There has been a fortified building on this site since the sixth century. Climb the tower, stroll the remains of the great hall and even peer inside a prison cell.
    This afternoon, take a scenic motorcoach drive past rolling hills, lochs and glens to Kyle of Lochalsh, on Scotland’s rugged west coast. Embark Lord of the Glens. Settle into your stateroom and explore the ship. Join your fellow travelers for a Welcome Reception on board this evening. Enjoy a delicious dinner with entertainment by Scottish dancers.

  • day 4

    Kyle of Lochalsh | Armadale, Isle of Skye

    Visit Eilean Donan Castle, one of the world’s most recognized and famous castles — located at the confluence of three sea lochs amid some of Scotland’s most dramatic scenery. During your visit, learn the rich history of this castle and its clansmen. Dig in to a delectable lunch onboard as the ship sails across the Sound of Sleat to the Isle of Skye. Disembark and visit Museum of the Isles, located near the ruins of Armadale Castle, surrounded by 40 acres of woodland gardens. Learn about 1500 years of history and culture in this area — once known as the Kingdom of the Isles.

  • day 5

    Tobermory, Isle of Mull | Eigg

    Eigg, a community-owned island, is a designated nature preserve. The nutrient-rich waters around the island support many species of seals, whales and dolphins, and a wide variety of seabirds. On this scenic cruise, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife! After lunch, head for the Isle of Mull, well-known for its rugged beauty and marine and bird life. Disembark in Tobermory, where charming, brightly painted houses line the waterfront.

  • day 6

    Craignure, Isle of Mull | Isle of Iona

    On the emerald-green, teardrop-shaped Isle of Iona, visit Iona Abbey, founded in the year 563 and considered the birthplace of Christianity in Scotland. The abbey is the resting place of some 50 Scottish kings, including Macbeth, buried here in 1057!

  • day 7

    Oban

    Take a walking tour of this charming town, with its water – front shops, cafes and cobbled streets. Climb to McCaig’s Tower, perched on Battery Hill above the town. Inspired by the Roman Colosseum and made of local granite, the tower affords spectacular views of the Hebrides Islands. After lunch, take a train ride along part of the famed West Highland Railway. Glide over the spectacular Glenfinnan viaduct, curving high above the waters of Loch Shiel; a scene familiar to fans of the Harry Potter films as the route of the Hogwarts Express.

  • day 8

    Caledonian Canal

    Spend the morning cruising the Caledonian Canal. After lunch, the ship will enter the imposing Neptune’s Staircase. Ascending the dramatic series of eight interconnected locks, Lord of the Glens will be raised up and pass through pictur-esque Loch Oich and Loch Lochy. All the while Ben Nevis, the tallest mountain in Great Britain, looks on. Enjoy this awesome feat of engineering and highlight of the cruise!

  • day 9

    Culloden and Clava Cairns | Inverness

    Savor breakfast as the ship enters Loch Ness. Disembark to discover Clava Cairns, a fascinating, well-preserved Bronze Age cemetery. The stones and passage graves here date back 4,000 years. Visit the battlefield at Culloden, where Bonnie Prince Charlie was dramatically defeated in 1746. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a Farewell Reception and Dinner.

  • day 10

    Inverness | Disembark | Edinburgh

    Disembark and head to Scone Palace. Storied Scone was an ancient gathering place of the Picts, the site of an early Christian church, and from the ninth century on, the crowning place of the kings of Scotland. Tour the palace, with its fascinating decor, then enjoy an included lunch in the Palace Old Kitchen. Today will also include a whisky tasting at a local distillery. Transfer to Edinburgh, where you’ll check in to the Hoxton Hotel.

  • day 11

    Edinburgh

    Embark on a panoramic tour of Edinburgh’s New Town. Tour the Royal Yacht Britannia, which served the Royal Family for over 44 years. Next, explore Old Town, site of the ancient city, which grew up along the route of the Royal Mile. Atop Castle Rock, the core of an extinct volcano, you’ll see Edinburgh Castle. This majestic landmark has been the symbol of Scottish strength and power for centuries. This evening, gather with your fellow travelers to bid farewell to your Scottish adventure!

  • day 12

    Edinburgh | Depart for Home City

    This morning transfer to the airport for your return flight

Everything you need to know about the tour

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HOTELS

The Hoxton Hotel Edinburgh | Edinburgh
Set across 11 beautifully unified Georgian-style townhouses, Edinburgh’s Hoxton Hotel is just a short stroll from Edinburgh Castle, Princes Street and the Old Town. The property includes a buzzing Italian restaurant, an intimate cinema and vibrant spaces to gather and unwind. Drift off in one of the beautiful hotel bedrooms, finished with cozy, thoughtful touches.

Kingsmill Hotel | Inverness
Experience true Scottish hospitality at Kingsmill Hotel,
a first-class hotel located close to Inverness city center in the magnificent Scottish Highlands. This hotel boasts comfortable rooms, impeccable dining options and extensive spa and leisure facilities. Enjoy accommodation in a building that has hosted luminaries, such as poet Robert Burns, since the 1700s.The hotel’s mix of contemporary design with historic period features creates a relaxing, homey feel.

TRANSFER INFORMATION

Airport transfers and luggage handling abroad are only included if air arrangements are booked through Gohagan & Company. If travelers make their own air arrangements, transfers and luggage handling are not included; transfers can be organized through Gohagan & Company and purchased by the traveler.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

TOUR MAP

Map of Scotland showing major cities including Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Inverness with surrounding.

Be prepared with the National Trust Travel Plan

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