Scotland's Highlands and Islands Aboard Lord of the Glens

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.

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.

You'll always receive a welcome to remember, as the colourful cafes, houses and shops that line Tobermory's picturesque harbour salute your arrival. Located on the craggy Scottish Inner Hebrides, Tobermory serves as the capital of the Isle of Mull. There's a high chance you'll recognise the town’s colourfully-daubed buildings, as their charming exteriors have featured in countless TV shows - most notably in the children’s favourite, Balamory. There's always a new story to discover here – not least the legend that suggests there's a sunken Spanish galleon, brimming with lost gold, sitting just below the waves that roll around the harbour. Learn a little more of the area’s history at the Mull Museum, or head out to enjoy some of the fabulous wildlife watching opportunities on offer on a boat tour. You can spot majestic birds like white tail and golden eagles circling in the skies, or turn your attention to the waves, where friendly dolphins and Minke whales are regular visitors. Treat yourself to a sample of one of the island's finest exports before leaving, as you drop in at the Tobermory Distillery for some whiskey tasting. Established in 1798, it’s one of Scotland's oldest distilleries.

With a population of 120 residents, Iona is Located off the Southwest of Mull. The island is 3 miles long and 1.5 miles wide but draws in thousands of visitors each year due to its natural beauty and historical interest. Saint Columba and his fellow monks landed here in 563. This beautiful stretch of coastline brings out the true beauty of Iona facing onto the Gulf Stream that gives the island its mild climate. Located to the south of the road lies Sìthean Mòr (Large fairy hill) and alternatively known as the Hill of Angels, this is said to have been the setting for many rituals and traditions dating far back in history. This wonderful highlight, Iona Abbey was founded by Saint Columba in 563 and is said to have survived many Viking attacks. Although little remains of the monastic buildings of this period, the magnificent Abbey is the main attraction.

You'll always receive a welcome to remember, as the colourful cafes, houses and shops that line Tobermory's picturesque harbour salute your arrival. Located on the craggy Scottish Inner Hebrides, Tobermory serves as the capital of the Isle of Mull. There's a high chance you'll recognise the town’s colourfully-daubed buildings, as their charming exteriors have featured in countless TV shows - most notably in the children’s favourite, Balamory. There's always a new story to discover here – not least the legend that suggests there's a sunken Spanish galleon, brimming with lost gold, sitting just below the waves that roll around the harbour. Learn a little more of the area’s history at the Mull Museum, or head out to enjoy some of the fabulous wildlife watching opportunities on offer on a boat tour. You can spot majestic birds like white tail and golden eagles circling in the skies, or turn your attention to the waves, where friendly dolphins and Minke whales are regular visitors. Treat yourself to a sample of one of the island's finest exports before leaving, as you drop in at the Tobermory Distillery for some whiskey tasting. Established in 1798, it’s one of Scotland's oldest distilleries.

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.

Oban, "little bay" in Gaelic, today has a resident population of 8,500 and is the unofficial capital of the West Highlands - the "Gateway to the Isles." The panoramic views of the mountains, lochs and islands which have captivated artists, authors, composers, and poets for centuries are as striking now as they were when Dunollie Castle, a ruined keep which has stood sentinel over the narrow entrance to the sheltered bay for around six hundred years, was the northern outpost of the Dalriadic Scots. It is no surprise to find Oban in the 21st-century remains a magnet for travellers from all over the world. The town's present day popularity owes much to the Victorians, and as early as 1812, when the Comet steamship linked Oban with Glasgow, the town played host to intrepid travellers touring Staffa - the inspiration for Mendelssohn's Hebridean Overture - and Iona - home of Scottish Christianity since St Columba stepped ashore in AD563. Indeed once Oban had the royal seal of approval from Queen Victoria, who called it "one of the finest spots we have seen," the town's destiny as an endearingly enchanting holiday destination was as firmly set as the lava columns of Fingal's Cave in Oban is justifiably known as the “gateway to the Isles.” The town's south pier is the embarkation point for car ferries to Mull, Coll, Tiree, Barra, South Uist, Colonsay, Lismore and Islay. From these islands you can travel further a field to Iona, Staffa and to many of the smaller less well known isles.

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.

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.