Discover, Plan & Go!

Day 1 - U.S./Fly overnight to Edinburgh, Scotland

Days 2 & 3 - Edinburgh

Arrive this morning in Edinburgh and check in to the George Hotel. This is the perfect vantage for your outings in the city Robert Louis Stevenson described as “what Paris ought to be.” Scotland's capital is a city of contrasts: tall, dark buildings in medieval Old Town and classical architecture in Georgian New Town. Explore fortified Edinburgh Castle, overlooking the panorama of the Firth of Forth. See the Scottish crown jewels and the Stone of Scone, on which kings and queens have been crowned for more than 1,000 years.

Day 4 - Edinburgh/Inverness/Embark Ship

From Edinburgh, drive to Inverness, capital of the Highlands. The elegant Lord of the Glens awaits our arrival.

Day 5 - Culloden/Loch Ness/Fort Augustus

Today Highland history comes alive at legendary Culloden Battlefield, where Bonnie Prince Charlie fought in 1746. Visit the impressive 18th-century Fort George, built to ensure that the Jacobites would never rise again, and see the ancient standing stones of Clava Cairns. In the afternoon, sail the length of Loch Ness, past the ruins of Urquhart Castle, and moor at Fort Augustus.

Day 6 - Caledonian Canal/Laggan Locks

This morning is at leisure to explore Fort Augustus. After lunch, we sail scenic Loch Oci along tree-lined Laggan Avenue, where golden eagles are often spotted. Join a guided walk in this natural area of Scotland. Moor at Laggan Locks.

Day 7 - Glencoe/Banavie

Cross Loch Lochy this morning to Banavie, in the shadow of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Great Britain. Explore rugged Glencoe, some of the finest walking countryin the Highlands rich with flora and fauna, and hear tales of the infamous MacDonald massacre of 1692. Moor at Banavie.

Day 8 - Neptune's Staircase/Tobermory

Our day begins with the descent of Neptune’s Staircase, a series of eight locks that lowers our ship. Cruise magnificent Loch Linnhe into the Sound of Mull, past historic Duart Castle. Visit Torosay Castle, with its magnificent gardens, and continue to the attractive town of Tobermory with its unique clock tower.

Day 9 - Isles of Mull & Iona, Inner Hebrides/Tobermory

Today we sail to the isles of Mull and Iona, the heart of Celtic Christianity. Walk through the ancient nunnery and along the stone walls to 12th-century Iona Abbey, where sixty kings lie buried including Duncan and Macbeth. Return to Mull and visit Duart Castle, an enchanting setting for afternoon tea.

Day 10 - Isle of Skye, Inner Hebrides/Armadale

Cruise scenic Loch Nevis to Armadale on the rugged Hebridean isle of Skye, legendary for its snow-capped Cuillin Mountains. Visit the ancestral home and gardens of the Clan MacDonald and enjoy a nature walk on the trails.

Day 11 - Isle of Skye/Kyle of Lochalsh

Cruise along the Sleat Peninsula, known as the garden of Skye, to arrive at Kyle of Lochalsh. Afternoon exploration of romantic Skye and Dunvegan Castle. Or you may choose to do some hiking in the Cuillin Mountains. Moor at Kyle of Lochalsh.

Day 12 - Loch Carron/Gairloch

A day cruising in protected water, viewing the stunning scenery of Lochs Carron and Torridon en route to the fishing village of Gairloch.

Day 13 - Inverewe/Gairloch

This morning we visit the famous Inverewe Gardens. Tempered by the Gulf Stream, the delightful gardens are an anomaly of subtropical color -- grown at the same latitude as St. petersburg! We take a stroll through nearby Ullapool, a neat town of whitewashed cottages and shops filled with highland crafts.

Day 14 - Gariloch/Disembark/Inverness/Home

Disembark in Gairloch and drive to Inverness for flights home, or on to other adventures.