KEENAN SMART

National Geographic wildlife filmmaker Keenan Smart was born in Dunoon, Scotland, on the shores of the Firth of Clyde. He spent a wonderful childhood roaming the magnificent mountains, glens, and lochs of the Scottish Highlands you will visit. He is passionate about wildlife, Scottish history, traditional Celtic music, folklore, and Argyll’s famous single malts! Keenan now manages National Geographic's Natural History Film Division, a group that has won 29 Emmys and every major award for wildlife films.

Keenan will accompany the June departure.

Day 1 and 2 New York/Edinburgh, Scotland/Inverness
Depart for Edinburgh and upon arrival, drive north to Inverness, the capital of the Highlands. Embark the Lord of the Glens to the strains of a highland piper. This evening, enjoy a welcome reception and dinner on board.
Lord of the Glens (D)

Day 3 Moray Firth/Loch Ness
Board a chartered boat for a dolphin safari in the Moray Firth. A local expert joins us as we explore one of Britain’s most important habitats for bottlenose and harbor dolphins. Set sail this afternoon on the Caledonian Canal, built between 1803 and 1822 to connect Loch Ness with the Great Glen’s three other lochs. Enter Loch Ness, cruise past the romantic ruins of Urquhart Castle, and learn about the sea creature said to inhabit the loch. Moor this evening at Fort Augustus.
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Day 4 Laggan Locks/Banavie/Glencoe
Ascend an impressive flight of locks that run through the heart of Fort Augustus. Travel the tree-lined canal known as Laggan Avenue where you may choose to stroll alongside the ship, rejoining the vessel at the first lock. Depart Laggan Locks during breakfast and cruise Loch Lochy. Follow the twisting, human-made sections of the canal to Banavie, in the shadow of Ben Nevis, Great Britain’s highest mountain. Travel through mountain passes to Glencoe, site of the 1692 massacre of 38 members of the MacDonald Clan, who were killed at the hands of the loyalist Campbells. This evening, enjoy a private performance of Scottish music.
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Day 5 Isle of Skye
Following the route of Bonnie Prince Charlie’s escape after the Battle of Culloden, cross by ferry to Skye. At the Museum of the Isles, trace the legacy of the 1,300-year-old Clan Donald, the Lords of the Isles, who once ruled the west coast of Scotland. Enjoy lunch in the renowned Sligachan Hotel, a favorite with mountaineers. See the Cuillin Hills, some of Britain’s wildest mountains, with jagged, dark peaks that have lured climbers and geologists for more than a century.
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Day 6 Loch Linnhe/Sound of Mull/Tobermory
Today, the Lord of the Glens descends Neptune’s Staircase, an impressive set of eight interconnected locks, and emerges into the sheltered waters of Loch Linnhe, and then cruises into the Sound of Mull, docking in Tobermory. Enjoy time to explore Tobermory’s lively quayside on your own.
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Day 7 Iona/Oban
Cross by ferry to the island of Iona, where St. Columba established a monastery in A.D. 563. Visit ancient St. Oran’s Chapel, explore the royal burial place of early Scottish kings, and discover the lively abbey. Enjoy lunch followed by a walk on the island. Rejoin our ship in Craignure, and sail for Oban.
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Day 8 Kilmartin Glen/Inverary/Oban
In the Kilmartin Glen, Scotland’s richest prehistoric landscape, trace nearly 5,000 years of human history, while investigating chambered and round cairns, standing stones, and rock carvings. Meet the director at the Kilmartin House Museum, explore the stone circle at Temple Wood, and visit Dunadd, once the capital of the ancient kingdom of Dalriada. According to legend the Stone of Destiny was originally used here in the crowning of the first kings of Scotland. Visit Inverary Castle, the turreted home of the Duke of Argyll.
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Day 9 Oban/Edinburgh
Disembark in Oban and travel to Stirling. Visit Stirling Castle, seat of the Stewart dynasty during the 16th and 17th centuries. Drive to Edinburgh, Scotland’s vibrant capital, and settle into the Balmoral Hotel in the center of the historic city. Enjoy a reception at the elegant Georgian House in Charlotte Square.
Balmoral Hotel (B,L)

Day 10 Edinburgh
At Edinburgh Castle, view Scotland’s crown jewels and Stone of Destiny—recently returned from London after 700 years. Walk the Royal Mile, and visit St. Giles’ Cathedral, where John Knox preached his fiery sermons. Go on board the royal yacht Britannia, once the traveling residence of the Queen. Later, gather for a gala farewell dinner at the hotel.
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Day 11 Edinburgh/New York
Transfer to the airport for the return flight home.
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The sleek Lord of the Glens is the only vessel able to navigate both the inland waterways of the Caledonian Canal and the open sea. This recently reconstructed 150-foot teak-lined luxury yacht accommodates 54 guests. Each tastefully appointed cabin features a private bathroom, a picture window, satellite television, air-conditioning, and bathrobes. The chef prepares sumptuous meals using local products and specialties. The ship’s two observation lounges are ideal for enjoying the extraordinary passing scenery.

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