NEPTUNES STAIRCASE TO OLD LONDON TOWN - 20 nights

Package Summary: 20 nights Cruise, Stay & Tour
Package Starts: 16th April 2025 - at Glasgow hotel
Cruise Starts: 17th April 2025 - from Oban, Scotland
Cruise Ends: 23rd April 2025 - into Inverness, Scotland
Package Ends: 6th May 2025 - in London, UK
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NEPTUNES STAIRCASE TO OLD LONDON TOWN Cruise, Stay and Tour package includes:
- 1 night hotel stay in Glasgow with breakfast
- One way transfer from Glasgow hotel to Oban port
- 6 night cruise aboard Lord of the Glen from Oban to Inverness
- Onboard cruise ship meals: The delicious cuisine makes use of the bountiful local produce including fresh fish, meats and poultry. A hearty Scottish breakfast welcomes the day with plentiful options. Lunch varies, depending on the day`s activities. In the evening, dinner is a full service, three course meal with coffee. On the final gala evening, no cruise would be complete without a traditional recital of Robert Burns` Address to a Haggis!
- For early risers, complimentary hot beverages are available in the bar on a self-service basis - as well as throughout the day during your cruise
- Shore excursions as indicated in the day by day itinerary (see below) whilst cruising
- A complimentary email/Internet/printing facility is available. Limited wifi.
- Port taxes & dues
- 2 night hotel stay in Inverness with breakfast
- One way transfer from Inverness hotel to Edinburgh hotel
- 2 night Edinburgh hotel stay with breakfast
- 9 night small group fully escorted tour from Edinburgh to London including: 14 meals, 9 nights accommodation, services of a driver and tour leader along with transport throughout (see below for itinerary details and touring inclusions)


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CRUISE DAY TO DAY ITINERARY:
(may vary due to weather and local conditions)

Day 1
Oban – Embarkation.
Embark in Oban and settle into your cabin prior to the welcome reception and dinner. We remain alongside in Oban overnight.

Day 2
Explore Oban, the gateway of the isles, on foot and visit the impressive McCaig`s Folly for spectacular vistas across the bay to the Atlantic Isles. During lunch, we sail to Tobermory, Isle of Mull, for an afternoon exploring the harbour town, where brightly painted houses line the waterfront which were originally built by the British Fisheries Company to house its workers.

Day 3
From Craignure, we travel to the Isle of Iona, the last resting place of some 50 Scottish Kings and where St. Columba introduced Christianity to Scotland. Discover the tranquility of this sacred isle and its restored Benedictine Abbey.

Day 4
Cruising the Sound of Mull and Loch Linnhe, we pass Castle Stalker where the Monty Python film the Holy Grail was filmed, set on its own Island and berth in Corpach, at the entrance of the Caledonian Canal. From here we take a scheduled train along part of the West Highland Railway and cross the 21-arched Glenfinnan viaduct which overlooks Loch Shiel and the Jacobite monument.

Day 5
From sea level, Lord of the Glens ascends the spectacular eight inter-connected locks of Neptune’s Staircase to Banavie in the shadow of Ben Nevis.
Spending a relaxing afternoon on board, we sail through Loch Lochy then transit the tranquil, tree-lined Laggan Avenue to Loch Oich where we moor overnight at the top of the series of locks at Fort Augustus.

Day 6
This morning, we descend the Fort Augustus locks which takes its name from a fort built after the defeat of the 1715 Jacobite uprising, before setting sail along Loch Ness. Pausing briefly, for a view of the ruins of Urquhart Castle, we continue the 21 mile transit of Loch Ness and Loch Dochfour, and along the man-made section of the Caledonian Canal to the cosmopolitan city of Inverness for our final visit to Culloden, the infamous battlefield where Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Jacobite forces were defeated in 1746.

Day 7
After breakfast, we say farewell and disembark in Inverness.

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TOUR DAY TO DAY ITINERARY.

Day 1 - Edinburgh (Scotland)
The historic Scottish city of Edinburgh is where you`ll meet ahead of our incredible journey into Eastern England. Get to know your expert Tour Leader and travel companions better over tonight's delicious welcome meal.
Accommodation: Malmaison Edinburgh (or similar)
Meals: Dinner

Day 2 - Edinburgh – Alnwick – Durham – North York Moors (England)
This morning, cross over into England to begin your tour of the fascinating and scenic eastern region of this enchanting country. Your first stop? Alnwick Castle - the majestic home of the Duke of Northumberland. Here, admire some of the rooms that took a starring role in Downton Abbey and enjoy some free time to wander the serene gardens. Then, move onto Durham, where you`ll step inside the Cathedral: a magnificent Norman-style monument now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Following the visit, drive to North York Moors where tonight, you`ll come together for an included group dinner.
Accommodation: Gisborough Hall Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 3 - North York Moors – Whitby – North York Moors
This morning our road will carry you to the traditional seaside resort of Whitby - where a guided tour of the fascinating Captain Cook Museum awaits. After, visit Whitby Abbey, a 7th century Christian monastery that later became a Benedictine abbey. The abbey church claims its place overlooking the North Sea on the East Cliff. Tonight, enjoy a delicious included dinner at your accommodation in the charming North York Moors district.
Accommodation: Gisborough Hall Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 4 - North York Moors – York – Peak District
Rewind back to the Middle Ages this morning with a visit to the delightful medieval city of York. Here seek out the mystery-filled narrow streets (known as `Snickelways`) and timber-framed buildings of the famed Shambles - where there are plenty of photo opportunities to be claimed! Enjoy some free time to soak up the city`s splendour and settle in for a spot of lunch at a cosy pub or local bistro. Finally, you`ll continue to your accommodation bordering the breathtaking Peak District - where the evening will be yours to enjoy as you please.
Accommodation: Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 - Peak District – Chatsworth House – Peak District
This morning, start with a visit to Eyam, where you`ll learn the tragic story of the villagers who fell victim to the plague in the 1600s. Then, it's time to stretch your legs on a stroll around Chatsworth House, a grand stately home that is said to have inspired Jane Austen with its impressive architecture. In fact, Chatsworth featured in Pride and Prejudice as Pemberley, the home of Mr Darcy. Enjoy an audio tour of the lavish apartments and some free time to wander the exquisite gardens – before returning to the Peak District for an afternoon spent exploring at your leisure. Accommodation: Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 6 - Peak District – Lincoln
Today bid farewell to the picturesque Peak District as you journey onwards to the historic city of Lincoln. When you arrive, you`ll visit Lincoln Castle: the formidable home to an original 1215 Magna Carta. This evening is yours to spend exploring Lincoln`s charming cobbled streets for some local fare or relaxing at your hand-picked accommodation.
Accommodation: The Lincoln Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast

Day 7 - Lincoln
This morning will see you touring the spectacular Lincoln Cathedral - one of the best examples of medieval architecture in England. After that, the afternoon will be yours to seek out a quaint tea room for lunch, stroll the array of vintage boutiques and continue your discovery of the city`s rich history. For dinner tonight, choose from one of the many cosy pubs in the city`s old centre for a hearty English meal. Accommodation: The Lincoln Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast

Day 8 - Lincoln – Sandringham Estate – Cambridge
You`ve a date with royalty today: Sandringham House is our first stop. The private residence of King Charles III, Sandringham is a magnificent stately home with picturesque gardens - and even a museum. After our insightful visit we'll move on to Cambridge: an iconic city filled with history and tradition. This evening, why not relax in one of its centuries-old pubs and soak up the old-world atmosphere. Accommodation: Clayton Hotel Cambridge (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast

Day 9 - Cambridge
It`s time to take to the water! This morning enjoy an iconic punting experience along the `Backs` of Cambridge University. Back on dry land, the afternoon will be yours to spend spotting world-famous buildings such as The Wren Library and the Bridge of Sighs. Step inside colleges and chapels, museums and galleries - or simply indulge in a little retail therapy. Later, look back on your magnificent journey and clink glasses over tonight`s farewell dinner.
Accommodation: Clayton Hotel Cambridge (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 10 - Cambridge – Newmarket – London
There`s time for one more behind-the-scenes tour today: prepare to delve into England`s sporting heritage at Newmarket National Stud. On a guided tour of this working Thoroughbred stud farm, you`ll gain a unique insight into Thoroughbred breeding and may have the opportunity to view some of the Stud`s robust stallions in the paddocks. After that, make tracks to London - where you`ll say your final goodbyes.
Meals: Breakfast