Gardens and Small-Ship Cruises in Scotland
In partnership with Australia-based garden tour specialists Botanica World Discoveries, these two exceptional journeys offer something truly different from our standalone cruises: a seamless blend of intimate Highland cruising and expertly curated garden exploration on land.
Guided by a specialist UK botanical host, guests will enjoy privileged access to some of Britain’s most celebrated and private gardens, many rarely open to the public. Combined with the warm welcome and relaxed elegance of the Lord of the Highlands, carrying just 38 guests through Scotland’s most storied waterways, these packages create a beautifully balanced rhythm of land and sea. From royal estates and historic landscapes to lochs, glens and hidden gardens, this is slow travel at its most enriching, designed for those who wish to delve deeper and discover more.
11-Night Scottish Gardens & Grandeur aboard Lord of the Highlands
23 May – 2 June 2026 | Glasgow ↔ Edinburgh | Embark cruise at Inverness, disembark at Kyle of Lochalsh
Explore the very essence of Scottish splendour with this exclusive adventure in partnership with Botanica World Discoveries. This package pairs an intimate cruise experience aboard Lord of the Highlands with breathtaking land touring through Scotland’s historic gardens and grand estates. Beginning with three nights in vibrant Glasgow, this trip includes guided visits to the royal walled garden at Dumfries House and the sweeping grounds of Glamis Castle, perfect for any garden lover or cultural explorer.
After immersing yourself in these classic landscapes, embark Lord of the Highlands for an unforgettable seven-night voyage through the iconic lochs and canals of the Scottish Highlands. Sail past the dramatic scenery of Loch Ness, visit colourful ports like Tobermory and the Isle of Skye, and savour exceptional horticultural experiences in private gems such as Dundonnell and Lip na Cloiche Gardens. Expert botanical commentary by Botanical guide Colin Crosbie deepens your connection with each site.
Conclude your journey with a night in Edinburgh and dinner aboard The Royal Yacht Britannia, the perfect location to reflect on the rich gardens and grand heritage you’ve discovered.
Learn more about the Scottish Gardens & Grandeur tour & cruise
Itinerary
Arrive in Glasgow and transfer to your hotel. This evening, enjoy a Welcome Dinner and meet your fellow travellers.
Overnight: Glasgow
Meals: Dinner
Travel south to Dumfries House, set within 1,400 acres of countryside. Explore the estate’s beautifully restored gardens, including the Queen Elizabeth II Walled Garden.
Meals: Breakfast
Visit historic Glamis Castle before continuing to Inverness to embark Lord of the Highlands for a seven-night all-inclusive cruise.
Overnight: Aboard Lord of the Highlands
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Choose between Cawdor Castle Gardens or a walking tour of Inverness. Cruise the Caledonian Canal and legendary Loch Ness, passing Urquhart Castle and transiting the locks at Fort Augustus. Welcome reception and dinner onboard.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cruise Loch Oich, Laggan Avenue and Loch Lochy before descending Neptune’s Staircase. In Fort William, ride the mountain gondola on Aonach Mòr for Highland views.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Sail Loch Linnhe to the Isle of Mull. Visit the private garden of Lip na Cloiche, showcasing diverse planting in a mild coastal setting.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Explore colourful Tobermory before cruising around Ardnamurchan to Armadale Castle on Skye. Evening arrival in Inverie, with an optional visit to the Old Forge pub.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy morning sailing before visiting Dundonnell, one of Scotland’s finest private gardens, renowned for its design, planting and dramatic Highland setting.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Arrive at Kyle of Lochalsh and visit Attadale Gardens, featuring sculptures, water features and views towards the Isle of Skye. Farewell dinner onboard.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Disembark in Kyle of Lochalsh and travel to Edinburgh. Farewell Dinner this evening.
Overnight: Edinburgh
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Visit the Royal Yacht Britannia before your tour concludes in Edinburgh around midday.
Meals: Breakfast
17-Night A Royal Passion for Gardens & the Lord of the Highlands
5 July – 21 July 2026 | London → Edinburgh | Embark cruise at Kyle of Lochalsh, disembark at Inverness
Indulge in the royal pull of Britain’s greatest gardens, made even more special by Botanica’s exclusive tour guide Colin Crosbie and an intimate cruise aboard the boutique Lord of the Highlands. Begin with seven nights in London, where you’ll explore iconic royal green spaces including Kensington Palace Gardens, Hampton Court and Windsor Castle, attend the celebrated Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival, and wander landscaped estates such as Sandringham and Highgrove.
Board Lord of the Highlands for a seven-night canal cruise through Scotland’s legendary waterways, from the enchanting Caledonian Canal to the Highlands’ remote isles. Along the way, enjoy curated visits to private and historic gardens, scenic village calls, and botanical insights from expert guides. The cruise’s relaxed pace and small size elevate it beyond ordinary travel to a truly unique experience.
Finish with two nights in Edinburgh, taking in its elegant avenues and parks before departure.
Learn more about the A Royal Passion for Gardens tour & cruise
Itinerary
Arrive in London before midday and transfer to your hotel. This afternoon, visit Hampton Court Palace, once home to Henry VIII, exploring its historic interiors and extensive formal gardens. Welcome Dinner this evening.
Overnight: London
Meals: Dinner
Visit Kensington Palace Gardens, including the Sunken Garden. Continue to Windsor Great Park and the beautifully designed Savill Garden, followed by a tour of Windsor Castle. Evening at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast
Travel to Sandringham Estate, a cherished royal retreat, and explore its formal gardens. Continue to Norfolk Lavender, England’s premier lavender farm, before travelling on to Cambridge.
Overnight: Cambridge
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Enjoy a guided walking tour of Cambridge, including King’s and Trinity Colleges. Continue west, visiting a private garden en route to the Cotswolds.
Overnight: Wotton-Under-Edge
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Visit Highgrove Gardens, the private residence of King Charles, renowned for its organic design and planting. Later, explore Westonbirt Arboretum, celebrated for its trees and seasonal colour.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Spend the day at the RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival, one of England’s finest garden events, featuring show gardens, floral displays and expert talks. Return to London this evening.
Overnight: London
Meals: Breakfast
Travel by train from London to Glasgow, crossing from England into Scotland.
Overnight: Glasgow
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Visit Dumfries House, set within 1,400 acres of countryside. Explore the estate’s restored gardens, including the Queen Elizabeth II Walled Garden.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Travel north to Kyle of Lochalsh and embark Lord of the Highlands. Settle in as we begin a seven-night all-inclusive cruise through Scotland’s lochs and waterways.
Overnight: Aboard Lord of the Highlands
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Visit Attadale Gardens, blending sculpture, water features and sweeping views towards Skye. Cruise north to Gairloch, where we berth overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Explore Dundonnell Private Garden, one of Scotland’s finest Highland gardens. This evening, cruise to Inverie, with a short guided walk and optional visit to the Old Forge pub.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cruise around Ardnamurchan Point to Armadale Castle on Skye, exploring its historic gardens. Continue to Tobermory on the Isle of Mull, with free time ashore.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Visit the private garden of Lip na Cloiche, showcasing diverse planting made possible by Mull’s mild climate. Afternoon sailing through Loch Linnhe to Corpach.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride the Fort William Mountain Gondola for views of Ben Nevis. Cruise Neptune’s Staircase, Loch Lochy, Loch Oich and the tree-lined Laggan Avenue, berthing at Fort Augustus.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cruise the Caledonian Canal and legendary Loch Ness, passing Urquhart Castle. Choose between Cawdor Castle Gardens or a walking tour of Inverness. Farewell reception and dinner onboard.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Disembark in Inverness and visit Glamis Castle, steeped in royal and literary history. Continue to Edinburgh for a Farewell Dinner.
Overnight: Edinburgh
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Visit the Royal Yacht Britannia, former floating residence of the Royal Family. Tour concludes in Edinburgh around midday.
Meals: Breakfast
How to book
Prices start from £8,695 for the 11-night itinerary and £14,490 for the 17-night itinerary. All prices are per person based on two people sharing a deluxe cabin.
To book either of these tour and cruise packages, call the Hebridean Island Cruises reservations team on 01756 704704