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 Unveil historic castles and timeless villages on our all-inclusive gay cruise of the dramatic Scottish Highlands. Step into a fantasy novel and discover the raw beauty of Scotland’s legendary Highlands region on an all-inclusive gay cruise. Witness timeworn castles set amidst glacier-cut landscapes, sail through Neptune’s Staircase, visit the Old Man Of Storr, and sample all the cheese and whisky your heart desires. This isn’t just a gay cruise – it’s an exhilarating opportunity to connect with Scotland’s soul, and perhaps indulge in a kilty pleasure along the way. Are you ready to loch?
From clan seats to royal residencies, Scotland has no shortage of stunning and romantic castles and palaces, and the Highlands is home to many. Picturesquely situated and packed with history, they have endured prolific battles and many of those left standing were once home to royals or other significant figures.
Scotland’s land, seas and skies support a wide range of native mammals and birds and is renowned as a wildlife destination. The great wilderness of northern Scotland which abounds with white beaches, turquoise waters and a rugged coastline, is a treasure trove of species including whales, dolphins, seals, White-tailed Eagles and seabirds.
• Hike to the Old Man Of Storr on the Isle Of Skye
• Gaze upon historic Urquhart Castle, set on a rocky promontory on Loch Ness
• Keep a lookout for the legendary Loch Ness Monster as we cruise the fabled waterway
• Enjoy a private tour of Attadale Gardens led by its owners
• Cruise through the iconic Neptune’s Staircase, a feat of 18th-century engineering
• Sample regional cheeses and spirits while learning how they’re made at the Isle Of Mull
• Visit the abbey on the picturesque Isle Of Iona, home to less than 200 residents
• Indulge in local whiskys at the Ben Nevis Distillery
• Get revved up on an optional cycling excursion
• Marvel at close-up views of the interior Highlands from the Caledonian Canal
• Explore Cawdor Castle & Gardens outside Inverness
Day 1
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.
Accommodation: Lord of the Highlands
Day 2
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.
Accommodation: Lord of the Highlands
Day 3
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.
Accommodation: Lord of the Highlands
Day 4
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.
Accommodation: Lord of the Highlands
Day 5
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.
Accommodation: Lord of the Highlands
Day 6
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.
Accommodation: Lord of the Highlands
Day 7
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!
Accommodation: Lord of the Highlands
Day 8
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 us or before the trip confirmation email is sent.
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• Arrival transfer to the joining point hotel
• Departure transfer from the Lord of the Highlands to Finishing Point Hotel or to the airport (group transfer)
• A gay cruise host and a local guide throughout
• All onboard beverages, including Taittinger champagne and premium spirits
• All meals: daily breakfast, 7 lunches, 7 dinners
• All gratuities for drivers, included meals, porters and ship crew
• All activities mentioned in the itinerary
• All land transportation in comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles
• A $50 USD Rainbow Railroad donation to help resettle LGBTQ+ refugees.
• International airfare
• Private departure transfers
• Optional activities, meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
• All items of a personal nature (laundry, souvenirs, etc.)
• Local government taxes ($250 USD)
• Travel insurance is mandatory for all travellers.
Scotland captivates gay travellers with its enchanting castles, iconic cities, and irresistible Highlands region.
With its rugged lochs, charming villages, and historic castles, Scotland’s dramatic scenery and cultural heritage cannot be understated. But we’re also here for the finer delights – kilts, haggis, bagpipes, and the oh-so-adorable accents. Those quintessentially Scottish facets are why Scotland gay travel is taking off faster than a legend about a lake monster.
Local LGBT Scene
In cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow, travellers can enjoy a lively LGBTQ+ scene, with welcoming bars, clubs, and cultural events celebrating diversity. Beyond the cities, the Scottish Highlands provide a breathtaking backdrop for exploration, featuring majestic landscapes, timeworn castles, and quaint villages where travellers can experience the warmth of Scottish hospitality. Whether it’s enjoying the cosmopolitan flair of urban centers or the serene, picturesque beauty of the Highlands, Scotland delivers an inclusive and memorable adventure for all visitors.
Best Time to Visit
May, June, September, and October are ideal months to visit, offering long days, widespread availability of tourism services, and fewer crowds compared to the peak summer months of July and August.
Electricity:
Type G Sockets
Time Zone:
Western European Time (UTC+1)
For our Highlands cruise, we’ve selected a vessel designed to effortlessly glide through Scotland’s deep lochs, narrow canals, and along its dramatic coastlines. While the glacier-cut glens and timeworn castles offer views that never cease, it’s our ship that cranks this cruise up to another level by living up to its name: Lord Of The Highlands. Read on to learn why this ship is in a class of its own. Not only is Lord Of The Highlands the jewel of the Scottish seas, it offers an unparalleled all-inclusive experience while circumnavigating mythical landscapes!
The newly converted boutique cruise ship, Lord of the Highlands is the latest addition to Hebridean Island Cruises’ fleet of beautiful and intimate ships. Continuing the Hebridean tradition of providing the highest quality holidays afloat, the convivial company of just 38 fellow guests creates a relaxed house party atmosphere. Cruising through the Caledonian Canal, the Highlands and Islands of Scotland’s west coast, Orkney and Edinburgh, Lord of the Highlands takes guests on a voyage of discovery through the most beautiful scenery in the world.
A Wee Bit O’ Heaven
Boasting a meticulously crafted interior dripping in old-world class, the interior of the ship is a sight to behold. Every seat is plush, every surface is spotless, and every space is warm and welcoming. One of the most notable features of this vessel is its unimpeded views. Nearly everything is a window, ensuring that even when the Captain is toasting the journey, guests won’t miss a thing!
Spacious Spaces
The uppermost deck of the ship is where the action is! For the best views, grab a spot on the forward deck. As we float leisurely up the Caledonian Canal, this is the place to wave “hello” to Highlands-folk living quietly along the banks. Once we’ve entered Loch Ness, this is also the prime spot to keep an eye out for the fabled lake monster 'Nessie'.
The Panorama Lounge is aptly named and has no shortage of windows, allowing guests to relax without missing a thing! The Caledonian Restaurant is where we’ll enjoy our meals. Breakfast will be set up buffet style, while lunch and dinner are full-service affairs.
Exquisite Everything
Speaking of service, this is where the ship truly elevates the experience! Over the course of the cruise, the ship’s servers will learn each individual guest’s tastes and preferences, ensuring a personalized experience that transcends traditional expectations. Since this is an all-inclusive cruise, simply ask for whatever you’d like, and let them work their magic. With skilled and imaginative chefs crafting each dish with the freshest ingredients, every meal is a culinary journey that showcases the region’s finest fare.
Comfy Cabins
Lord Of The Highlands features 19 picture-windowed cabins spread across its 2 lower decks. The cabins are adorned with elegant hardwood finishes and equipped with a dressing table, stool, wardrobe, satellite TV, safe, and hairdryer. Each cabin also includes a luxurious en suite shower room stocked with Molton Brown toiletries, along with warm bathrobes and slippers for added comfort.
Dining
The elegant Caledonian Restaurant on Lord of the Highlands takes guests on a culinary journey. Using only the freshest and finest ingredients, our talented and creative chefs expertly prepare each dish to tantalise the taste buds. Whether cruising individually or as a group, this is an invitation to dine among friends. Independent travellers are seated with fellow guests in a relaxed and informal atmosphere. Where sparkling glass and fine china complement the excellent cuisine and all-round picture windows mean you will never miss the view.
All-Inclusive Cruise Dining
Lord of the Highlands cruises are fully-inclusive, which means that all food and drinks are included in the fare. Food is complemented with specially selected wines of the day, house wines and spirits, soft drinks and beers, tea and coffee. Taittinger Champagne is also included by the glass.
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