4* Spring & autumn in the Highlands itinerary

Day 1 Your holiday begins as you make your own way by car or train or opt for the flight to Glasgow, where you will be transferred to Fort Augustus*. This lovely settlement is located at the south-west end of Loch Ness, and it is here where you will embark your magnificent vessel, the MV Lord of the Glens. You can enjoy an evening’s Captain’s welcome reception and dinner while cruising Loch Ness; see if you can spot the elusive Loch Ness Monster, Nessie, who is rumoured to dwell here. Your vessel will moor in Fort Augustus overnight.

Day 2 This morning, you will ascend a flight of six inter-connected locks than run through the centre of Fort Augustus. You’ll also cruise various fascinating sections of the Caledonian Canal, which runs for 62 miles connecting the Scottish east coast with the west coast. The canal was designed by engineer Thomas Telford and built between 1803 and 1822; one-third of the length being man-made and the remainder formed by Loch Dochfour, Loch Ness, Loch Oich and Loch Lochy. You will pass through Loch Oich and Loch Lochy and arrive in Banavie. At Banavie, located near Fort William, you’ll descend Neptune’s Staircase. This is a famous staircase lock consisting of eight locks on the Caledonian Canal; the longest staircase lock in the United Kingdom, lifting your vessel 64 feet. After travelling through this staircase, you will arrive in Corpach. While this town is fairly small, its picturesque setting offers superb views over the mountain of Ben Nevis. In the afternoon, we offer fantastic optional excursions, enabling you to board the West Highland Line train to Glenfinnan, a Highland village in Lochaber, to cross the famous viaduct. Built in 1897-1901 by the engineer Sir Robert McAlpine, the viaduct most recently gained prominence in the Harry Potter films, when the Jacobite Steam Train became the Hogwarts’ Express Train and was filmed crossing the viaduct. Later, you’ll be able to see the fascinating Glenfinnan Monument that was erected in 1815, situated at the Loch Shiel to mark the place where Prince Charles Edward Stuart raised his standard at the beginning of the 1745 Jacobite Rising. Later, return to the vessel via Fort William. We will moor in Corpach tonight.

Day 3 After exiting the Caledonian Canal this morning, we will enter Loch Linnhe. This stunning sea loch is very popular with photographers during this time of year, as spring and autumn sunsets cast sweeping golden, red and blue bands of colour across the vast horizon, reflected in the tranquil waters. Later, travel along the Sound of Mull to Craignure, a village located on the Isle of Mull.
Here, you can take advantage of an optional excursion, which takes you to visit the grand Duart Castle and the wonderful Torosay Gardens. Standing proudly on a high cliff top overlooking the Sound of Mull, Duart Castle dates back to the 13th century and remains the ancestral home of the Clan Maclean. Torosay Gardens meanwhile, is well worth a visit, with features to admire such as the Water Garden, the Oriental Garden, Greenhouses, the Fountain Terrace, Statue Walk and the White Lady. Later, head to Tobermory where our vessel is docked. Tobermory is perhaps most famous for the children’s television show Balamory, whose row of brightly coloured houses along the main street were filmed there until 2005.

Day 4 This morning you have time at leisure to explore Tobermory. This stunning destination offers much for the visitor, including cosy cafes to relax in, beautiful walks and shops to browse. Later sail to Oban in Argyllshire. This wonderful resort town is home to many of attractions, such as the Waterfront Centre, the Cathedral of St. Columba, and the Oban Distillery. In addition, historical sights include Dunollie Castle, Dunstaffnage Castle and McCaig’s Tower, which dominates the town’s skyline. This evening, enjoy the Captain’s farewell reception and dinner, while we moor in Oban overnight.

Day 5 Today we bid farewell to our vessel and disembark after breakfast. Transfer to Glasgow, from where you can make your own home by car or train, or join your return flight.

Reverse itinerary
On occasion the holiday itinerary may operate in reverse, as follows:
Day 1: Join vessel in Oban from Glasgow
Day 2: Oban, Tobermory
Day 3: Tobermory, Craignure
Day 4: Craignure, cruising the Caledonian Canal
Day 5: Caledonian Canal, depart Fort Augustus to Glasgow

*In the event of late flight arrivals you will be required to make your own way to the vessel.

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