Canal Cruise
11 day Scottish Gardens
Scottish Gardens & Grandeur aboard Lord of the Highlands
Embark the Lord of the Highlands small ship and cruise the famed Caledonian Canal, including Loch Ness, and visit remote Scottish Isles. Absorb the dramatic scenery of the Isle of Skye and the Isle of Mull. Before our cruise, we also gain an appreciation for the royal garden of Dumfries House.
This journey departs:
23 May 2026
11 July 2026
10 July 2027
Highlights
The following highlights provide an overview of some of the captivating encounters awaiting you on tour.
Glamis Castle
Discover the childhood home of the Queen Mother, Glamis Castle, whose ancient trees and sculpted hedges frame one of Scotland’s most storied residences.
Discover Armadale Castle
Overlooking the Sound of Sleat, the castle once belonged to the powerful Clan Donald. Explore its 40 acres of gardens.
Visit Dumfries House
See the Queen Elizabeth II Walled Garden, amid 600 acres of meticulously maintained grounds at Dumfries House.
Botanical Guide - Colin Crosbie
Be escorted by an expert Botanical Guide, who will offer insightful talks on various topics and be available for informal discussions, enriching your travel experience.
Scottish Isles and Canal Cruise
Discover spectacular Scottish gardens during a cruise aboard the Lord of the Highlands small ship.
Inclusions
See below for an overview of your tour’s inclusions and featured sightseeing.
Escorted by an expert Botanical Guide and Cruise Director
Seven-night cruise aboard the Lord of the Highlands, taking a maximum of 18 guests, and three nights’ accommodation in centrally located four- to five-star hotels
Return private transfers, tipping and porterage, port taxes, and 26 meals. Select beverages are available during lunch and dinner aboard the ship
All sightseeing, shore excursions and entrance fees as per the itinerary
Visit the royal gardens of Dumfries House
Visit premier Scottish gardens, including Dundonnell Private Garden, Lip na Cloiche, Attadale Gardens, and Cawdor Castle Gardens
Discover the history of Clan Donald at Armadale Castle on the Isle of Skye, as well as the brightly coloured fishing village of Tobermory on the Isle of Mull
Cruise the Caledonian Canal, including the famed Loch Ness
Itinerary
Your day-by-day itinerary details the gardens and other sights that make up your journey.
Gallery
Lord of the Highlands
Cawdor Castle
Port of Tobermory
Glamis Castle
Fort William
Armadale Castle Gardens
Fort Augustus
Trip Notes
Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
Fitness rating: Medium
You will need to be able to embark and disembark the ship, while some of the towns we visit have steep hills, stairs and cobblestone streets. There is no lift on the ship and some hotels have no air conditioning.
Up to 18 Botanica guests aboard Lord of the Highlands, which has a capacity of 36 passengers. Cruise is in partnership with Hebridean Island Cruises. To view deck plans, visit www.botanica.travel/cruise-fleet
Our experience of gardens, their flora, and other aspects of nature, is subject to weather conditions and seasonality, which may vary
Our 11 July 2026 departure, the cruise portion will run in the opposite direction
Combine This Journey
Extend your Botanica journey to explore more destinations, visit additional gardens, and connect with like-minded travellers. Take advantage of our perfectly timed arrival and departure dates. Learn More.