Scotland’s Highlands & Islands

Depart on a flight to the Scottish Highlands and arrive in the City of Inverness, where the exciting journey ahead will begin.

Arrive at the Scottish Highlands City of Inverness and transfer to Kyle of Lochalsh to embark Lord of the Glens overlooking the Isle of Skye. Tonight, enjoy a reception and welcome dinner on board, followed by a concert of Scottish traditional music by local musicians.

This morning, explore Kyle of Lochalsh. Set out on a guided walk on the Balmacara Estate, affording spectacular coastal and mountain views. Alternatively, explore nearby Eilean Donan Castle, which sites on a tidal island at the confluence of three lochs, and is connected by a causeway to the mainland. A Jacobite stronghold, it was destroyed by government forces in 1719 but restored in the early 20th century. Return to the ship for lunch while sailing over the sea to the Isle of Skye.

This afternoon, visit the Museum of the Isles, tracing the legacy of the 1,300-year-old Clan MacDonald, the Lords of the Isles who once ruled the west coast of Scotland. See the ruins of Armadale Castle, the ancestral home of the MacDonalds, and take a walk through the beautiful woodlands and gardens. Then sail to the tiny village of Inverie and stop at the Old Forge, the most remote pub in the British Isles, where you can chat with Inverie’s residents over a pint of local ale.

This morning, sail south to the Small Isles to land on Eigg or Rum, depending on weather conditions. The islands have small populations of fewer than one hundred souls, but they teem with wildlife. Look for marine animals and birdlife, including Atlantic seals, minke and humpback whales, dolphins, basking sharks and harbor porpoises, and one of the largest colonies of Manx shearwaters in northern Europe. If a visit to Eigg is in order, enjoy the chance to walk or cycle around the island trails, enjoy views of the imposing crag of An Sgurr, and talk with the local residents. If today’s stop is in Rum, then visit fanciful Kinloch Castle, completed in 1900 as the home of Sir George Bullough, who had purchased the island with money earned as a textile magnate. The castle is now managed by Scottish National Heritage.

Continue aboard Lord of the Glens to the picturesque town of Tobermory. The colorful village was established in 1788 and is famous for the brightly painted houses that line its waterfront, located at the bottom of a cliff face. In the afternoon, explore the town and visit its small whisky distillery. This evening, plan to meet with a member of the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust to learn about their efforts to protect marine mammals in these waters.

This morning, sail along the coast of Mull to Craignure, then drive to the ferry that leads to Iona. Explore this picturesque island, which is of vital historic importance. Saint Columba arrived here in 563 with twelve followers, built a church, and began the process of converting the peoples of the area to Christianity. Iona became famous as a place of learning and as a pilgrimage site. Visit the medieval abbey ruins and the rebuilt abbey church. Stroll through St. Oran’s Chapel and the royal graveyard, where generations of Scottish kings (including Macbeth), the Lords of the Isles, and High Kings of Norway were buried. Enjoy a home-cooked lunch in the Saint Columba Hotel.

On the way back to Craignure, visit Duart Castle. The ancestral home of Clan MacLean—an impressive fortress with a dungeon and dramatic views over the Sound of Mull—was built in the 13th century and is still lived in by the MacLean family. Then, sail across the Sound of Mull to the bustling town of Oban, set on a picturesque bay on the Firth of Lorn, and stay for the evening. Those who wish may walk all the way up to McCaig’s Folly, a monument on a hill overlooking the town and bay that was inspired by the Roman Colosseum. This evening, have a whisky tasting on board.

This morning, sail to Corpach and enter the Caledonian Canal, built between 1803 and 1822 to connect Loch Linnhe with the three other lochs that lie in the slip fault of the Great Glen. Kayak from the Corpach moorings in the shadow of Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain. Or choose to drive to beautiful Glenfinnan, along Loch Sheil and surrounded by mountains, where Bonnie Prince Charlie first raised the Jacobite standard on mainland Britain in 1745. Explore the spectacularly scenic location, home to the Glenfinnan Railway Viaduct on the West Highland Railway line, made famous in the Harry Potter movies. Moor at Corpach for the night.

From Corpach, ascend Neptune’s Staircase, a set of eight interconnected locks rising 64 feet from the sea lock at Corpach. Sail into Loch Lochy, glide along the tree-lined canal known as Laggan Avenue, sail across picturesque Lochs Lochy and Oich, and descend an impressive flight of locks that run through the heart of Fort Augustus. Seeing the process of getting the ship through the locks is always exciting, and Lord of the Glens is purpose-built to fit in the locks’ narrow confines. The ship is always an object of curiosity among local residents and other visitors as she transits. This evening, moor at Fort Augustus, with a chance to take an exploratory hike through the surrounding countryside.

Enter Loch Ness, cruise past the romantic ruins of Urquhart Castle, a Norman castle on an Iron Age site, and learn about the legendary Loch Ness Monster, which is said to inhabit the loch in this vicinity. Continue through Loch Dochfour to Inverness.

This afternoon, visit Culloden, the infamous battlefield where Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Jacobite forces were defeated on April 16, 1746. The battle was brief but bloody and decisive, with as many as 2,000 Jacobites killed or wounded. It had drastic consequences for Scotland’s Highlands and was followed by the infamous Highland Clearances that saw the mass expulsion of Catholic clansmen from their homes, and in many cases from their country. Visit both the battlefield and the award-winning visitor center, the National Trust for Scotland’s flagship site. Continue to the evocative burial chambers and standing stones of Clava Cairns, dating from the early Bronze Age. The impressive structures of this sacred site were developed for over a thousand years.

Tonight, enjoy a reception and dinner on board, with a special after-dinner performance in the lounge by a local troupe of junior Scottish dancers.

Disembark in Inverness and transfer to the airport for homeward-bound flights.

Included

Meals as indicated; coffee and tea with included meals; soft drinks such as sodas and fruit juices aboard ship; tours as shown in the itinerary services of the ship expedition leader and two expedition staff members aboard Lord of the Glens; local guides on all excursions; tips to local guides and bus drivers; porterage; arrival and departure transfers in Inverness and Kyle of Lochalsh.

Exclusions

Air transportation; meals not shown in itinerary; alcoholic beverage except for first and last nights aboard; additional hotel nights; private transfers; insurance of any kind; passport, visa, immigration fees, expedition extensions; additional gratuities; alcoholic beverages; laundry, phone and items of personal nature.

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of $1,000 is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 120 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
120 or more days – $350 of deposit retained (may be applied to future trip by trip operator)
119-90 days – 100% of deposit
89-60 days – 25% of total trip cost
59-45 days – 50% of total trip cost
44-0 days – 100% of total trip cost

Terms & Conditions

This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.

Arrival & Departure

The Reverse Scotland’s Highlands & Islands Cruise begins in Inverness, Scotland (INV) with an overland transfer to Kyle of Lochalsh. Travelers must arrive by 12:00pm noon on embarkation day (day 2 of itinerary). Disembarkation is in Inverness at 8:00am on day 9. Plan to depart Inverness on the final day of the cruise no earlier than 12:00pm noon. We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues.  If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.

Activities

Whether you are looking for light activity options or more challenging outdoor pursuits, the ship’s crew can tailor most excursions to suit your skill level. Adventure activities may including biking and kayaking.

Room Configuration

Rates listed in double occupancy. Four cabins are available for solo use with listed single cabin rates.

Families & Children

Children under the age of 18 are eligible for $500 off the double occupancy rate. Skilled staff members trained with National Geographic Education organize activities that inspire curiosity in young people of all ages. Programming for kids may include activities like photo workshops, journaling, scavenger hunts, Zodiac-driving lessons, hands-on nature and science programming and kid-friendly menu options.

Travel Insurance

Protect your travel investment with insurance. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. You must purchase your travel insurance policy within 15 or 21 days of booking (depending on plan) for it to cover pre-existing medical conditions; refer to plan details. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.

Itinerary Notes

Use the itinerary as a guide only. Itineraries may be altered due to weather, wildlife, national park regulation or at the captain’s discretion. The ability to be flexible makes this type of small ship cruising unique.