Scotland's Highlands and Islands Aboard Lord of the Glens

Arrive in Inverness, the capital of the Scottish Highlands, and embark Lord of the Glens this afternoon. Enjoy a reception and welcome dinner onboard, followed by traditional Scottish music by local musicians. Arrival Time: Arrive before 4:00 p.m. local time. Arrival City: Inverness, Scotland

Visit Culloden, where Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Jacobite forces met defeat in an infamous 1746 battle that had decisive consequences for life in the Highlands. See the Bronze Age standing stones and tombs of Clava Cairns before setting sail on the Caledonian Canal, built in the early 1800s to connect disparate lochs that thread across the Great Glen. Traverse Loch Ness, steeped in monstrous legend, then ascend impressive locks to moor at Fort Augustus village, where an evening hike or bike ride awaits.

Continue along the Caledonian Canal, crossing the second loch of your voyage and gliding along a tree-lined canal known as Laggan Avenue, then onward across picturesque Lochs Oich and Lochy before descending Neptune’s Staircase—eight interconnected locks that drop 64 feet to the sea loch at Corpach. Opt for a drive to spectacularly scenic Glenfinnan, where the Jacobite rising began in 1745. Spend some time on the shores of Loch Shiel, where you’ll see the Glenfinnan Monument, erected to commemorate the historic 18th century event, and the famous 21-arch viaduct constructed in 1898. Alternatively, kayak along peaceful Loch Linnhe with Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis, as your backdrop.

Sail through Loch Linnhe to reach Oban, a lively town whose name is revered in whisky circles. Scope out the panoramic Oban Bay views from McCaig’s Folly, a hilltop monument with inner gardens whose circular design and arches mimic the Colosseum. Aboard the ship this evening, enjoy a special, private whisky tasting of Oban Distillery’s renowned scotch whisky.

Having reached Atlantic waters and the Hebrides, disembark for a drive across the Isle of Mull and ferry-crossing to Iona, a picturesque island long revered as a Christian pilgrimage site. Stroll through St. Oran’s Chapel and the royal cemetery where Scottish kings—including the actual Macbeth—are buried. Back on Mull, tour Duart Castle, home and stronghold of Clan MacLean for the past eight centuries with the dungeons to prove it. Members of the local Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust (HWDT), a partner of National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions, will join you on board for the evening. The HWDT team is always thrilled to share their efforts to protect marine life in these waters, shedding light on citizen science opportunities during your voyage, and recounting why whales and dolphins have been so culturally significant in this region since the Iron Age.

Explore Tobermory and its surroundings this morning before departing for the off-grid village of Inverie, home to fewer than 100 souls and incredible views. As you travel north along the coast, you'll enjoy the scenic views and stunning geology of the Isle of Eigg. Among the possible sightings at sea: Atlantic seals, minke and humpback whales, dolphins, harbor porpoises and Manx shearwaters. Once in Inverie, you'll embrace nature through a photographic lens and pay a visit to the community-owned and operated Old Forge, the most remote pub in the British Isles. Chat with Inverie’s residents over a pint of local ale, or head out on a coastal or inland bog walk.

Before departing Inverie this morning, opt for a morning plunge to start off your day rejuvenated. Set sail for Armadale, where you’ll visit the Museum of the Isles and trace the legacy of the 1,300-year-old Clan MacDonald—the Lords of the Isles who once ruled the west coast of Scotland. Survey the ruins of Armadale Castle, the MacDonald’s ancestral home, and ramble through its beautiful woodlands and gardens. Sail onward to Kyle of Lochalsh for spectacular coastal and mountain views on a guided walk. Or explore Eilean Donan Castle, a one-of-a-kind landmark stacked on a tidal island at the confluence of three lochs. Celebrate your adventures at a farewell dinner this evening.

Following breakfast on board, disembark in Kyle of Lochalsh for a scenic Highlands drive to Inverness airport for your return flight home. Departure Time: Depart after 12:00 p.m. local time. Departure City: Inverness, Scotland