Scotland: Highlands Gay Cruise

Halò and welcome to Scotland! Our adventure begins at 12PM with a Welcome Lunch and Group Meeting at the Kingsmills Hotel before departing for a scenic drive to Kyle Of Lochalsh where our boutique ship awaits. Once on board, we’ll meet our friendly crew and be treated to dinner. Afterward, we’ll have the option to relax and get to know the ship, or take a stroll through this quaint Scottish village.

Good morning! After a hearty breakfast on board, we’re off to enjoy a private owner-led tour of the gorgeous Attadale Gardens, famous for its sprawling trails that meander through cascading waterfalls, exotic ponds, and ancient rhododendrons. After returning to the ship for an included lunch, it’s on to explore the wondrous Isle Of Skye and its 60 million year old pinnacles of basalt rock. Guests will have the option to take a 2.4 mile (3.8km) hike to visit the famed Old Man Of Storr, or remain on the coach for a tour of the Trotternish Peninsula that includes Kilt Rock and the Skye Museum Of Island Life. Tonight, we’ll indulge in the first of two Gala dinners that showcase the chef’s most inventive cuisine, and we’ll even be joined by several crew members.

This morning, we arrive in brightly-colored Tobermory on the Isle Of Mull, where we’ll have some free time to explore this quaint seaside village. After a light onboard lunch, we’ll take a short transfer to Isle Of Mull Cheese & Spirit, a family run dairy farm where we’ll indulge in regional specialty cheeses as we learn about how they’re made. The farm also produces their own vodka and gin, of which there will be ample samples. Tonight, we’ll have dinner on the ship and enjoy a performance from a local musician as we cruise toward Craignure.

Rise and shine! Today, we’ll leave our ship docked at the village of Craignure and board a coach for a scenic drive (approx. 1 hour) to a ferry that will take us to the Isle Of Iona, a small island that juts out into the North Atlantic. Once there, we’ll stroll through the quaint village and dine at a casual restaurant before touring the Iona Abbey and Nunnery. Established in 563 AD, it is considered one of the earliest religious centers in Europe and remains a popular site of Christian pilgrimage today. After returning to our ship, we’ll set sail for Corpach via scenic Loch Linnhe. Tonight, we’ll enjoy a tasty meal aboard the ship accompanied by local entertainment.

After breakfast, we’ll start our day the Scottish way with a visit to nearby Ben Nevis Distillery, known for its whisky! After lunch, we recommend finding a spot on deck to watch as the ship cruises into Neptune’s Staircase, an 18th-century feat of engineering and the longest staircase lock in Scotland. For the rest of the day, we’ll float leisurely along the Caledonian Canal, built to connect Scotland’s east and west coasts. Guests will have the option to stay on board or disembark and cycle for 7 miles (11.2km) on the road that runs parallel to the canal, rejoining the ship in Gairlochy. Tonight, we’ll arrive in Laggan and enjoy another mouthwatering onboard meal.

This morning, we’ll continue our relaxing cruise along the lengthy Caledonian Canal, which boasts close-up views of cozy villages nestled throughout the country’s interior. After lunch is served, we’ll arrive in Fort Augustus where we’ll hop on a short transfer to the ruins of Urquhart Castle, one of the largest medieval fortresses in Scotland. Perched on a rocky promontory overlooking Loch Ness, the castle provides a firsthand look into the dramatic history of conflicts between the Scots and the English, who both gained and relinquished control of the castle during the Wars of Independence. Tonight, we’ll dine aboard the ship.

This morning, we’ll awaken on the legendary Loch Ness! Keep your eyes peeled for ‘Nessie,’ as she’s colloquially known. Even though the famous 1934 photo has since been proven a hoax, monster hunters worldwide continue to visit Loch Ness in hopes of catching a glimpse of the elusive, mystical creature. We’ll dock at the village of Foyers on the south side of the loch, where we’ll have an opportunity to stroll to the Falls Of Foyers, a woodland waterfall with a 140ft (43m) drop. After lunch, we’ll arrive in Inverness, where we’ll visit Cawdor Castle and Gardens. Tonight, we’ll share stories over a scrumptious Farewell Dinner. For our second of two Gala dinners, we’ll be regaled by a Bagpiper and Highland Dancers, whose flowing kilts and staccato moves are sure to leave an indelible memory. On top of that, a local Scottish drag queen will also perform for us. For those feeling festive, this is the best evening to don your own Scottish kilt and join in the fun!

There are no activities planned today. A group transfer will be provided from the Lord of the Highlands to our departing point hotel or to the Inverness airport. Please do not book your flights before getting in touch with Out Adventures or before the trip confirmation email is sent.