Scotland's Royal Majesty
All-Gay Cruise & Exploration 2022

June 25–July 07, 2022
MV Lord of the Glens

We invite you to join Brand g Vacations for an exclusive and inclusive, 13-day all LGBT journey, exploring Scotland’s Royal Majesty. This all-gay cruise & tour offers a fascinating insight into Scotland’s history and its Royal connections past and present with unparalleled access to the former and current homes of the Her Majesty The Queen and Her Majesty The Queen Mother.

Following two nights in Inverness, enjoy a breathtaking 7-day luxury cruise from Fort Augustus to Inverness on board the Lord of the Glens. See Scotland’s famous Summer scenery and visit the islands of Eigg, Mull, Iona and Skye as well as the towns of Fort William and Laggan and sail on famous Loch Ness.

Following the cruise, our exploration continues with three nights in Edinburgh. Here we tour Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace while taking in the famous Scottish atmosphere and culture. Optional bookable tours are available to Roslin Chapel (made famous in the Da Vinci Code) or historic Stirling Castle.

Our last night ends with a Royal Invitation to a luxury State farewell dinner onboard HM The Queen’s former floating home, the Royal Yacht Britannia.

The Ship - Lord of the Glens

Scotland’s highlands and coastline are both exceptionally beautiful but seeing them both on one cruise is impossible for cruise ships – but not the nimble Lord of the Glens.

Lord of the Glens a luxury expedition vessels feature in the Lindblad and National Geographic portfolios.

At just 150 feet, this elegant vessel can squeeze through the Caledonian Canal linking the North Sea to the Atlantic, but her design as a seafaring yacht means she can sail through the Atlantic with aplomb too. It’s all done in grand style, the locks and Lochs, the starkly beautiful islands of the Inner Hebrides all viewed from the comforts of a ship that feels like a small stately home.

Lord of the Glens features polished wood, teak decks, sumptuous fabrics and upholstery contribute to the cosy feel as much as the intimate size – there are just 27 mainly twin-bedded cabins, all well-appointed accommodating 54 guests.

The open top deck, with tables and chairs is a wonderful place to watch the glorious Scottish country and seascapes slip past; while the lounge and bar on board Lord of the Glens provide all the warmth and welcome of a good country house hotel.

Dining on Lord of the Glens
Dining on board Lord of the Glens is a treat – the restaurant is an elegant room, with fine views without, sparkling crystal and fine china within. The meals are exceptional too. A full Scottish breakfast welcomes the day, and local ingredients sourced en- route are the basis of hearty buffet-style lunches and dinners. Dinner is served at a single seating, with some tables for odd numbers to allow for easy mingling.

You will enjoy complimentary wines with lunch & dinner and a full bar service is available at reasonable prices at all other times. Select tours may also include a beverage.

Cabin Amenities
All cabins are equipped with air-conditioning, central heating, bathroom with shower, satellite TV, safe, hairdryers, 220 V electrical outlets — and each gives you a view of the river.

Travel Itinerary

Day 1 - Saturday, June 25, 2022
Inverness, Scotland
Welcome to Scotland! Our guides will meet you at the Inverness Airport (INV) to assist with your transfer to the Coul House Hotel conveniently located and in an area of natural beauty.

After settling in to the hotel, enjoy the remainder of your day by walking the hotel grounds and making use of its public areas.

Join us in the evening for a welcome reception and buffet.

Included: Welcome Reception & Buffet

Day 2 - Sunday, June 26, 2022
Inverness, Scotland
After a leisurely breakfast enjoy a briefing from your hosts who will take you for a morning tour by bus, to visit historic Scone Palace. Scone was, for nearly 1000 years the crowning-place of Scottish kings, and the home of the Stone of Scone. It is a site of immense historic significance and is one of the finest examples of late Georgian Gothic style Further work was undertaken in 1842 to make Scone Palace ready for the visit of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert.

After the palace tour enjoy a private lunch in HRH Prince Charles’s Restaurant, The Rothesay Arms where you can also shop for luxury gifts in the Duchy Highgrove shop.

In the evening enjoy a private hosted Scottish themed welcome dinner with local entertainment.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Welcome Dinner

Day 3 - Monday, June 27, 2022
Inverness / Lord of the Glens (Embarkation) / Fort Augustus
After Breakfast enjoy a free morning to explore Inverness on your own. Local sights include the River Ness, Inverness castle, Victorian Market, Botanic Gardens and the Museum of Art.

In the afternoon depart from Inverness, explore on a scenic 1-hour drive through the beautiful West of Scotland along the banks of Loch Ness to Fort Augustus to board the Lord of The Glens and begin your luxury 7-night voyage.

Enjoy a welcome reception and dinner. Moor Fort Augustus overnight

Meals Included: Breakfast, Welcome Reception & Dinner

Day 4 - Tuesday, June 28, 2022
Loch Oich / Glenfinnan Viaduct / Corpach
In the morning view the exceptional Autumn foliage as we sail via Loch Oich, Laggan Avenue and Loch Lochy to Banavie in the shadow of Ben Nevis, Scotland’s highest Mountain.

Later descend Neptune’s Staircase, a flight of eight inter-connected locks that lower the vessel 103 feet to Corpach.

In the afternoon take world’s most famous train trip to the Glenfinnan Viaduct of Harry Potter fame.

Moor Corpach overnight.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5 - Wednesday, June 29, 2022
Inner Hebrides / Tobermory, Mull
Today we sail into the Sound of Mull and enter the Inner Hebrides to arrive at Tobermory on the Isle of Mull.

Tobermory’s most striking feature is the gaily painted houses that line the waterfront, originally built by the British Fisheries Company to house its workers for £20 pound each.

Moor Tobermory overnight.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6 - Thursday, June 30, 2022
Ardnamurchan Point / Eigg / Skye / Knoydart / Inverie
This morning we sail around Ardnamurchan Point, the most westerly point of mainland Britain and arrive at the tiny island of Eigg, where you will explore on foot and get a sense of what life is like for the roughly 90 people who live on this island community.

Later we sail for the Island of Skye to visit Armadale Castle and the Clan Donald Centre before sailing back to the peninsular of Knoydart on mainland Scotland to visit Inverie on the North side of Loch Nevis and home to the loneliest pub in the UK mainland.

Moor Inverie overnight.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7 - Friday, July 01, 2022
Sound of Mull / Iona / Oban
Today we sail to Craignure on Mull to make a visit to the Isle of Iona, the last resting place of some 50 Scottish kings and where St Columba introduced Christianity to Britain.

Return to the vessel at Craignure and sail across to Oban – the seafood capital of Scotland – with a pause in front of Duart Castle for photographs.

Moor Oban overnight.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8 - Saturday, July 02, 2022
Corpach and Laggan Avenue
Enjoy a morning sail via the Sound of Mull and Loch Linnhe to Corpach and the entrance to the Caledonian Canal.

We continue ascending the flight of locks at Neptune’s Staircase and sail via Loch Lochy to Laggan Avenue where we overnight in the wilds of the Scottish Highlands.

Moor Near Laggan Avenue.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 9 - Sunday, July 03, 2022
Fort Augustus and Inverness
After breakfast we sail for Inverness once again taking in the amazing Autumn color of the highlands via Loch Oich, Fort Augustus and into Loch Ness pausing approximately half way in front of Urquhart Castle for photographs.

Later cross Loch Dochfour and arrive at Inverness. Enjoy the Captains farewell reception and dinner.

Moor Inverness overnight.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Farewell Reception & Dinner

Day 10 - Monday, July 04, 2022
Inverness (Disembarkation) / Edinburgh
We disembark in Inverness after breakfast at 9:00am and board our luxury motor coaches to Edinburgh.

En- route we’ll experience stunning scenery and exceptional wildlife. We stop for a short break in Aviemore before continuing to Glamis Castle, former home of HHR The Queen Mother. Here we dive into the splendor of the life of a Queen and experience a lunch fit for a Queen before setting off for our luxury Hotel in Edinburgh.

After checking in and settling into your luxury room, enjoy some free time to explore the city or relax.

Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 11 - Tuesday, July 05, 2022
Edinburgh, Scotland
After your included Scottish breakfast enjoy the morning exploring Scotland’s Historic Capital City of Edinburgh. Join our expert tour guides for a tour of Holyrood Palace, HM The Queen’s formal Scottish home and The Queen’s Gallery.

Enjoy lunch at the award winning Michael Neave Kitchen and Whisky Bar situated just off the Royal Mile.

Followed by a guided tour of the Royal Mile and the historic cobbled streets with entrance to Edinburgh castle.

Tonight enjoy the evening on your own.

Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 12 - Wednesday, July 06, 2022
Edinburgh, Scotland
After breakfast enjoy some free time to explore Edinburgh on your own and do some shopping. Or, book the optional tour to Roslin Chapel (made famous in the Da Vinci Code) the optional tour visiting historic Stirling Castle.

This afternoon get fitted for your kilt or pick up your highland sash before we set of for a luxurious tour and farewell experience on board the Royal Yacht Britannia, HM The Queens former floating home. Follow in the footsteps of Kings, Queens, Prime Ministers and Presidents. One of the most famous ships in the world, on board, Her Majesty The Queen’s former floating Royal residence, you will find the same high standards today as when The Royal Yacht Britannia was in Royal service.

The Royal Yacht Britannia in Edinburgh will provide you with a truly unforgettable evening See all the private and public rooms, including the State Drawing Room. During your tour of Britannia, you will receive a unique insight into life aboard in days gone by.

Following the tour join your fellow guests in the State Drawing Room for a glass or two of chilled champagne and a selection of irresistible canapés. You are then invited into the State Dining Room, where world leaders and celebrities were entertained, from Frank Sinatra and Ursula Andress to Presidents Mandela and Clinton. you are cordially invited to dine in HM The Queens state dining room. The finest crystal, gleaming cutlery, fresh flowers and personalized menus embossed with Britannia’s unmistakable gold crest await you. Dine on the finest food and wines fit for a Queen. Enjoy Scottish entertainment throughout and after dinner speeches and toasts before you return to your hotel.

Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 13 - Thursday, July 07, 2022
Edinburgh, Scotland / Departure
Enjoy breakfast at your leisure this morning before our hosts transfer you to the Edinburgh airport (EDI) or train station for your trip home or onward destination. Hotel check-out is at 11:00am this morning.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Highlights and Sightseeing

• See Scone Palace home Scotland’s ancient founding fathers, both pagan and Christian.

• View the spectacular Cairngorms and take in the breathtaking scenery of Scotland’s wilderness

• Visit Culloden where “Bonnie” Prince Charlie’s Jacobite forces were defeated in 1746

• Take the West Highland railway line over the renowned viaduct to beautiful Glenfinnan, made famous in the Harry Potter films

• Enjoy Loch Ness and search for the world-famous Loch Ness Monster “Nessie” and take in the romantic ruins of Urquhart Castle

• Sail Neptune’s Staircase in the shadow of Ben Nevis, Great Britain’s highest mountain

• Visit Eigg where you can get a sense of what life is like for the roughly 90 people who live on this island community

• Visit the World Heritage site, the Isle of Iona the last resting place of some 50 Scottish Kings and where St. Columba introduced Christianity to Britain and home to Duart Castle

• Visit Tobermory on the Isle of Mull

• Tour Glamis Castle, former home of HM The Queen Mother and enjoy a private tea in the kitchen

• Visit Holyrood Palace, HM The Queen’s formal home in Edinburgh and view the Queen’s gallery

• Enjoy a guided tour of the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle

• Explore the Royal Yacht Britannia and enjoy a Luxury State Dinner

Included Features

• Welcome buffet reception in Inverness

• Traditional Highland Dinner in Inverness with local entertainment

• 2 nights hotel accommodation in Coul House Hotel, Inverness including breakfast

• Lunch at Prince Charles Rothesay Arms Hotel

• 7 nights deluxe cruise accommodation

• Gourmet dining with all meals included during your cruise

• Free flowing house wine and local beer with lunch and dinner during cruise

• Hosted receptions throughout the cruise

• Lunch at HM The Queen Mother’s former home Glamis Castle

• Three nights deluxe accommodation in The Hilton Carlton Edinburgh

• Exclusive lunch on the Royal Mile, Edinburgh

• Optional tours of Stirling Castle or Roslin Chapel

• Formal state dining on the Royal Yacht Britannia, HM The Queens former floating home.

Frequently Asked Questions

What about the weather?
The weather in Scotland and especially on the islands will be varied. Prepare for wet and windy conditions as well as bright sunshine. Layering clothing items is always your best bet, as this allows each person to adjust to any temperature, including artificially maintained temperature, by removing or adding items throughout the day.

What is the local and on board currency?
The local currency and the official currency on board the Lord of the Highlands is the UK Pound. During the cruise, we operate on a cashless system, with all purchases billed to your onboard account. At the end of the cruise, bills may be settled in cash with UK cash or by credit card with Visa or MasterCard. The Lord of the Highlands does not provide a currency exchange service, nor is there an ATM on board. In Inverness and Edinburgh you will find options for obtaining pounds at both Scottish and English banks.

What if I have dietary requirements (allergies, religious restrictions, or preferences)?
We will make every effort to accommodate special dietary requests. Please inform our office at least 45 days prior to departure of these requests.

How do I power and charge my devices?
The voltage in Scotland is officially 220/50Hz. To use any electrical product from the US that is not dual voltage, you will need an electrical converter. You will also need a type G plug adapter. Because the voltage may fluctuate at times, we also recommend unplugging your devices when not in use or when leaving them unattended.

What should I expect on the included shore excursions?
Most shore excursions during your travel program are included (exceptions are Roslin Chapel and Stirling Castle). Excursions are led by expert guides, and guests are normally divided into two groups. Electronic listening devices, where required, are complimentary to all guests in order to ensure that guests are able to hear their guides, without disturbing nearby wildlife.
Brand g makes every effort to ensure that shore excursions are performed as promoted and outlined. In certain circumstances beyond our control, it may not be possible or practical for an excursion to be modified.

Will there be smoking areas?
The comfort and safety of our guests is our first priority. Smoking is not permitted in the suites or enclosed, public areas on board. Smoking will be allowed in designated smoking areas only.

What are pre-paid gratuities?
Gratuities are customary expressions of appreciation for a job well done. It is our goal to ensure that the service you receive is as wonderful as the sites you visit. Gratuities for the included portions of this program have been pre-paid. At your own discretion you may choose to provide additional tips.

What should I wear?
Comfortable, casual clothing is appropriate both onshore and on board. You will find a significant amount of walking over very uneven terrain during your time ashore. We recommend comfortable walking shoes with good ankle support, as well as head covering to protect from the sun. At some sites, you may also be required to have knees and shoulders covered. Don’t forget to pack a waterproof jacket (preferably hooded) for unpredictable rain and cooler temperatures. You may also wish to bring something a bit dressier for one or two evenings. For our Gala evening on the Royal Yacht Britannia we will provide you with complimentary full-dress kilt (incl. shoes) and a sash for those who wish to wear a cocktail dress or trouser suit (not provided). Should you not wish to wear the complimentary kilt, please bring your own formal clothes for this special event.

I have concerns about my physical ability. What do I do?
Guests with mobility issues should discuss their concerns with us at the time of booking. Guests requiring the use of a mobility device, such as a wheelchair, motorized scooter, or walker, may not be able to participate in many shore excursions or use them on board the ship.
Also, guests who may be limited in their ability to walk long distances may also have difficulties, as there is often uneven terrain on many shore excursions. Please discuss any concerns or questions with your physician.

Land Accommodations

Coul House Hotel, Inverness
Coul House Hotel is set in the hills above Contin and offers scenic views and an award-winning restaurant. Located within 8 km of Loch Achilty and Loch Ussie, this hotel is only 20 minutes' drive from Inverness.

The spacious rooms are individually decorated, and many have period features and mountain views. All rooms have a 32-inch flat-screen TV, a private bathroom with free toiletries, tea and coffee facilities and a seating area. Free Wi-Fi is included.

The restaurant has a unique octagonal shape and an ornate ceiling. Serving a contemporary gourmet menu using local produce, there is also a wide ranging wine list.

Set in 8 acres of beautiful mature woodland, Coul House is opposite the biking track to Rogie Waterfalls, in Achilty Forest. It features a pitch and putt, cosy guest lounges, open log fires and beautiful views.

Hilton Edinburgh Carlton Hotel, Edinburgh
Overlooking The Royal Mile, the Hilton Edinburgh Carlton has a stylish cocktail bar and modern brasserie. Lively Princes Street is just 300 m away and Waverley Rail Station is directly adjacent to the hotel. Free WiFi is available throughout the hotel.

The hotel is a 10-minute walk from Edinburgh Castle. Holyrood Palace is half a kilometer away.

The spacious, 4-star bedrooms at Hilton Edinburgh Carlton each have a private bathroom with Peter Thomas Roth toiletries. Rooms also feature a work desk and HD freeview TV.

Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Restaurant offers a traditional British menu and some of Marco’s classic dishes. Nineteen Hundred Bar features a lounge, and offers a range of cocktails, a selection of whisky and light snacks and meals.