Scottish Islands & Lochs Cruise 2012 

Following your individual travel to Edinburgh, your Tour Manager meets you in the reception of the Radisson Blu Hotel (or the Hotel Indigo on 4 May and 9 October departures). The hotel is superbly situated at the halfway point of the city's impressive Royal Mile which runs from Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace. With so many different activities to tempt you, you have today free for individual sightseeing. Edinburgh city centre is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and as you wander through the narrow streets of the medieval Old Town and the elegant terraces of the Georgian New Town, it's easy to see why it was awarded this accolade. Stroll past award-winning modern architecture juxtaposed with majestic old buildings built in the typical grey stone of the area, or amble down the winding alleyways, or wynds, which fan out from the Royal Mile leading up to the castle. This fortress, perched high on Castle Rock, is a symbol of Scotland's turbulent past. (D)

This morning we transfer to Waverley Station to join the ScotRail service (Standard Class) to Oban, travelling via Glasgow to the fishing village of Oban on the Scottish mainland's west coast, which calls itself the 'seafood capital of Scotland'. Arriving in Oban we transfer by coach to the North Pier, where we board the luxury MV Lord of the Glens. After settling in to your cabin, you could explore Oban at leisure before the Captain's welcome reception and dinner on board. We remain moored in Oban overnight. (B,D)

After enjoying our first sumptuous breakfast on board we enjoy a walking tour this morning that includes a trip to a local Whisky Distillery for a tour and tasting and a visit to McCaig's Tower, a circular folly overlooking the town that was based on the Colosseum in Rome. Following our excursion we set sail for the first time, enjoying spectacular rugged coastline in view on both sides of the ship as we cross Oban Bay and Loch Linnhe and enter the Sound of Mull. As we head through small islands and across to Mull, the incredible picture-postcard views are simply awe-inspiring; rugged coastline, hills rising sharply from the waters edge, endless greens, purples and browns of the moorland and jagged, exposed rock faces - one of the highlights of Scotland's incredible west coast. We arrive at Craignure on the Isle of Mull for a visit to Duart Castle, the ancestral home of the Maclean Clan. Leaving Duart Castle, we cross Mull by coach to Tobermory, the capital of the island, located on the northern shore. We moor in Tobermory overnight. (B,L,D)

The fishing port of Tobermory is most recognisable for the gaily painted houses that line the waterfront. This morning you are free to explore the town before we leave Mull and sail to the mainland. Our journey takes us along the length of the Sound of Mull and along Loch Linnhe to Corpach, located at the entrance to the Caledonian Canal. We disembark the Lord of the Glens for a fantastic excursion on the West Highland Line to Glenfinnan, a glorious journey that provides a breathtaking snapshot of the wonderfully scenic highland region. We retrace the route to Corpach, where we remain moored for the night. (B,L,D)

Our day begins with an ascent through Neptune's Staircase - an impressive flight of eight locks operated by a team of at least three lock keepers that raises the vessel to Banavie. From here we continue through Loch Lochy, Scotland's third deepest loch, before entering Loch Oich and along the tree-lined canal known as Laggan Avenue. After making our way and through Laggan Locks we descend the impressive flight of locks that run through the heart of Fort Augustus, lowering us into Loch Ness. We moor at Fort Augustus, a village on the banks of Loch Ness, where you have an afternoon at leisure to explore. (B,L,D)

This morning we set sail across tranquil, mystical Loch Ness, famous for its 'monster' as much as for its beauty. We cruise past Urquart Castle, still an impressive sight on the banks of Loch Ness despite its ruinous state. After passing Loch Dochfour, we sail into Inverness, where our journey on the MV Lord of the Glens concludes. Tonight we enjoy our final evening on board, including the Captain's farewell reception and dinner. (B,L,D)

After breakfast on board the MV Lord of the Glens, we disembark the ship for the final time and transfer to Inverness station. We take the East Coast train (First Class) from Inverness, travelling via Aviemore and through one of Britain's most remote regions. As we leave the brooding Cairngorm Mountains behind, we pass through the popular Victorian town of Pitlochry, famous for its Salmon Ladder and its surrounding forests, before travelling through the rolling Perthshire countryside and eventually into Edinburgh for a final afternoon at leisure in the Scottish capital. We stay for a final night at the Radisson Blu Hotel with dinner (or the Hotel Indigo on 4 May and 9 October departures). (B,D)

After breakfast this morning you are free to leave Edinburgh at your leisure. Alternatively, why not explore this delightful city further before departing later today? (B)

B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
These meals, where shown, are included in the price of your holiday

Tours departing on 4 May and 9 October operate the above itinerary in reverse. Please call for further details.