Cruise In The Scotland Highlands On The Caledonian Canal And Loch Ness Aboard The Deluxe Hotel-Barge SCOTTISH HIGHLANDER
SEVEN DAYS / SIX NIGHTS
The four cabin, eight passenger Scottish Highlander has the atmosphere of a Scottish Country House with subtle use of tartan furnishings and landscape paintings. At 117 feet, she is spacious and has every comfort for year round cruising. Scottish Highlander cruises the Caledonian Canal between Fort William and Inverness, through the Great Glen and along legendary Loch Ness, encountering some of Scotland's finest scenery along the way. Cuisine aboard Scottish Highlander is traditional Scottish fare - Salmon, Game, Venison and Seafood, prepared by your own master Chef. Your knowledgeable and experienced crew of four will ensure that your every need is met during your week long cruise. There is one large suite and three staterooms, and each can be configured with a double bed or two twin sized beds. Each cabin also offers private, fully tiled ensuite bathrooms.
Cruise Highlights
- All-inclusive - open bar, free wines, gourmet cuisine, entry fees to excursions
- Cawdor Castle, home of Shakespeare's Macbeth
- Culloden Moor, last British based battleground in 1746
- Tea at Glengarry Castle Hotel
- Overnight mooring alongside 13th century Urquhart Castle
- Cruise Lochs' Ness, Oich, Lochy and the Caledonian canal
- Spectacular scenery, Wildlife and Folklore
- Visit Glencoe, treachery between the Campbell and MacDonald clans
Features
- Size of barge: 117 ft by 16.5 ft
- Number of Passengers: 8
- Number of Cabins (all with private bath): 4
- Crew: 4
- Air Conditioning and Central Heating: Central heating. No air-conditioning.
- Salon: Salon/dining area with eight observational windows. Tartan carpet, armchairs and sofas.
- Bar: Open bar
- Deck: Sundeck with deck chairs. Centrally heated bridge with seating for 4.
- Spa Tub: No
- Cabin Features: Cameron suite: approx 147 sq ft. MacKintosh, Frazer, & MacPherson staterooms: approx. 115 sq ft. All can be configured as twins or queen bed and include ensuite bathroom with shower.
- Vehicle for Transfers/Excursions: Air-conditioned 9-seater long wheelbase VW Caravelle minibus. Ship's fender with outboard motor for exploring creeks and rivers and fly fishing.
- Accessibility: Steps from deck to salon/cabins.
- Bicycles: 6 mountain bikes
Scottish Highlander's Deck Plan
Dining Aboard The Scottish Highlander:
SAMPLE MENU
BREAKFAST
Our Continental & hot breakfast offerings include a full Scottish breakfast with eggs, bacon, sausages,
black pudding and sauteed mushrooms along with Continental breakfast food items such as fresh breads
and jams, cereals and porridge, fresh and dried fruits and yogurt, in addition to fresh fruit juices, coffee and tea selections.
LUNCH
- Homemade quiche
- Highland pie
- Pasta bake
- Assorted Risotto
- Stroganoff
- Potato Bake
- Assorted Soups
- Tarragon chicken
- Choice of salads
- Cheese and cracker selection
DINNER
- Terrine of leek and banana shallots with apricot and cardamom dressing
- Marinated fillet of Scottish beef on a mustard mash finished with wilted Spinach and a veal demi glaze sauce
- Cullen skink (haddock soup)
- Roast fillet of lamb encased in a courgette and aubergine robe served with a rich port sauce
- Tartare of crabmeat, smaked salmon & pink grapefruit with sour cream horseradish
- Braised saddle of venison with pot-roasted root vegetables flavored with gin and juniper
- Roasted sweet pepper tartlet with oyster mushroom duxelle and crème fraiche
- Medley of sea bass, tiger prawns, turbot & crayfish on a tomato and aubergine galette
- Foie Gras over salad of new potatoes with a chervil and honey dressing
- Pan fried breast of guinea fowl with glazed apples and prunes with a lightly spiced Indian sauce
- Breast of chicken with a mango and sweet corn farce (stuffing) set upon a rich red wine tarragon sauce
Desserts
- Chilled banana soufflé with burnt orange sauce
- Choux pastry balls filled with hazelnuts and bananas with a rich caramel glaze
- Baked cinnamon cheesecake with raspberry sauce
- Cranachan sponge with raspberry whiskey cream
- Poached meringue with chocolate and raspberries and a warm elderflower and amaretto sauce.
Cheese Board:
- Mull of Kyntyre, Smoked Orkney, Scottish Brie, Campbelltown Smoked Cheddar, Lanark Blue, Gruth Dhu,
Caboc, Inverloch, White Scottish Cheddar, Strathdon Blue, Arran Cheddar, Crowdie
Passenger Comments:
Barge is beautiful, I enjoyed it all!
S.B., WA, USA, August, 2012
The route was excellent ; The vessel was of the best; the captain was a study in top notch barge-manship; the table attendant and room service girl, Carlyn was a true treat ; our tour guide and transport man (Also) Dan was excellent.
J & J C., Canada, June 2012
Scotland is one of my favorite countries. What wonderful scenery and people. The barge had loads of books on the places, wild life and fauna for our use. The crew was very nice and helpful. Captain Dan as very interesting and enteraining. He loves what he does. Despite Carolyn and Dan #2 being new, they certainly put themselves out for our comfort and wellbeing.
J.J., CA, USA, June 2012
This was a fabulous trip...it really could not have been better....crew was wonderful...service was excellent and could not have been better...food and weather were superb and side trips were excellent. We certainly will recommend Special Places Travel to all our friends. THANK YOU...THANK YOU!!
H & B W., CO, USA, May 2008
Fantastic!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! the Capt. and crew were EXCEPTIONALLY friendly and lots of fun. When we disembarked EVERYONE was very solemn- we didn't want to part- the crew as much as all of the passengers. It truly was one of our best trips , ever. Thank you for a fantastic experience- It's people like you who make life's experiences grand. Thank you for all of your arranging it.
B & D S., NY, USA, May 2008
SAMPLE ITINERARY:
Scotland: Caledonian Canal, Loch Ness
Inverness (Dochgarroch) to Fort William (Banavie) 2013
Sunday - Inverness to Dochgarroch
At 4pm we meet at the Glenmoriston Town House Hotel in Inverness and transfer to Scottish Highlander moored at Dochgarroch. Champagne welcome followed by a short evening cruise along the heather-lined canal to the winding hole. Dinner aboard.
Monday - Dochgarroch to Fort Augustus
This morning we visit the 14th century fairytale Cawdor Castle immortalized by Shakespeare with Macbeth. It houses a superb collection of tapestries, pictures, and furniture with beautiful landscaped gardens. We also visit Culloden Moor made famous by the MacDonalds and Campbell Battle in the 13th century.
After lunch we cruise Loch Dochfour to Fort Augustus passing Urquhart Castle and the south shore of Loch Ness where there is an abundance of wildlife, and moor near Fort Augustus Abbey. Tonight we often invite the local piper on board. Dinner aboard.
Tuesday - Fort Augustus
After breakfast we cruise up the staircase of five locks, through the village of Fort Augustus, which gives us plenty of time to shop and look around this pretty Caledonian gem. After lunch we visit Urquhart Castle and Invermoriston Falls (or with family charters explore the Nessie Museum). There is also a picnic opportunity today. Fort Augustus has a charming heather-laced 9 or 18 hole golf course, where the official greenskeepers are sheep! We dine out tonight at a local restaurant.
Wednesday - Fort Augustus to Cullochy Lock
We leave Fort Augustus this morning and cruise to Cullochy Lock via Kytra. After lunch we drive through Glen Moriston and stunning highland countryside to romantic medieval Eilean Donan Castle, setting for the film 'Highlander'. Eilean Donan Castle has an idyllic island setting with
commanding views of three sea lochs and frequent sightings of otters, dolphins, and the Isle of Skye. Following the abortive Jacobite rising of 1719, the ruins of the castle were abandoned for 200 years until the 20th century when a complete reconstruction was undertaken. Dinner aboard.
Thursday - Cullochy Locks to Gairlochy
Leave Cullochy Lock for a morning cruise via two locks at Laggan through Lochs Oich and Lochy to Gairlochy. In the afternoon there is a chance to see either the World War II Commando Memorial, the woolen mill at Spean Bridge selling traditional knitwear and tweeds, or the Clan Cameron Museum. Dinner aboard.
Friday - Gairlochy to Banavie
Morning visit to the mystic battlefields of Glencoe. On the way back visit the Glen Nevis distillery for an insight into the secrets of the various stages of Whisky preparation and taste a wee dram or two. In the afternoon we cruise to Banavie and Neptune's Staircase, a flight of eight lochs that is a spectacular feat of engineering. Farewell Captain's Dinner on board.
Saturday - Banavie (Fort William)
After a hearty Scottish breakfast, passengers disembark for the minibus transfer to Inverness by 11am.
NOTE: On alternate weeks the itinerary is in reverse direction. This itinerary is subject to change.
SCOTLAND CYCLING CRUISE
SAMPLE BIKE and BARGE ITINERARY:
Scotland: Caledonian Canal, Loch Ness
Inverness (Dochgarroch) to Fort William (Banavie) Cycling Itinerary 2013
Sunday - Dochgarroch
We meet you at the designated meeting place and transfer to Scottish Highlander moored at Dochgarroch near Inverness. 'Champagne Welcome' followed by a short cruise along the heather lined canal. Dinner on board.
Monday - Dochgarroch to Loch Ness
After breakfast we ride from Culloden to Inverness where we can take in the views over Moray Firth. In Inverness we join General Wade's military road on the east shore of Loch Ness. After passing through the village of Dores the road hugs the bank of the loch, where you should keep an eye open for "the Monster" in the deep, dark waters as you look across Urquhart Bay and the ruins of Urquhart Castle. At Foyers we stop to enjoy the spectacular Falls of Foyers before rejoining the barge for lunch. Afternoon cruise followed by dinner on board.
Tuesday - Loch Ness to Fort Augustus
This morning we begin with a climb following the river, past the upper falls and on to a high section before the steep drop to Fort Augustus. Take time to explore this pretty village and view the boats going through the 6 canal locks. Join the towpath for a level ride to Oich Bridge and from here we follow the forest track. Returning to the barge for lunch followed by an afternoon cruise to Fort Augustus. Dinner ashore this evening at a local hostelry.
Wednesday - Fort Augustus to Invergarry
Begin this morning on a quiet minor road, which runs alongside Loch Eil. The road continues to Loch Linnhe and across the water you will see mighty Ben Nevis, Scotland's highest mountain. Follow the loch side road to Corran, cross on the small ferry and return to the barge by minibus to save those tired legs. Afternoon cruise to Invergarry. Dinner onboard.
Thursday - Invergarry to Gairlochy
After breakfast the minibus takes us to Clunes to join part of the Great Glen Cycle Route. The fairly level forest track runs parallel to Loch Lochy for nine miles to Laggan and after another more hilly section we arrive in Invergarry. After lunch there is a steep climb in the forest before descending to the Bridge of Oich and onto the towpath. Afternoon cruise to Gairlochy. Dinner on board.
Friday - Gairlochy to Banavie
This morning we visit "Legend of the Dew of Ben Nevis" whisky distillery for an insight into the secrets of the various stages of whisky preparation and a tasting. Alternatively there is plenty of opportunity for shopping possibilities in Fort William. After lunchtime for more cycling along the towpath to Banavie. Dinner on board.
Saturday - Banavie
Passengers disembark after a hearty Scottish Breakfast for their transfer back to the designated drop off point by minibus
NOTE: On alternate weeks the cruise will be in the reverse direction. This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change.
Scottish Highlander
2013 Season Cruise Schedule* |
| Week |
Route |
Season |
| Mar 31 |
Fort William (Banavie)-Inverness (Dochgarroch) |
Value
|
| Apr 7 |
Inverness (Dochgarroch)-Fort William (Banavie) |
Value
|
| Apr 14 |
Fort William (Banavie)-Inverness (Dochgarroch) |
Value
|
| Apr 21 |
Inverness (Dochgarroch)-Fort William (Banavie) |
Value
|
| Apr 28 |
Fort William (Banavie)-Inverness (Dochgarroch) |
Value
|
| May 5 |
Inverness (Dochgarroch)-Fort William (Banavie) |
Value
|
| May 12 |
Fort William (Banavie)-Inverness (Dochgarroch) |
Regular
|
| May 19 |
Inverness (Dochgarroch)-Fort William (Banavie) |
Regular
|
| May 26 |
Fort William (Banavie)-Inverness (Dochgarroch) |
Regular
|
| Jun 2 |
Inverness (Dochgarroch)-Fort William (Banavie) |
Regular
|
| Jun 9 |
Fort William (Banavie)-Inverness (Dochgarroch) |
Regular
|
| Jun 16 |
Inverness (Dochgarroch)-Fort William (Banavie) |
Regular
|
| Jun 23 |
Fort William (Banavie)-Inverness (Dochgarroch) |
Regular
|
| Jun 30 |
Inverness (Dochgarroch)-Fort William (Banavie) |
Regular
|
| Jul 7 |
Fort William (Banavie)-Inverness (Dochgarroch) |
Regular
|
| Jul 14 |
Inverness (Dochgarroch)-Fort William (Banavie) |
Regular
|
|
| Cruise Schedule* ... continued |
| Week |
Route |
Season |
| Jul 21 |
Fort William (Banavie)-Inverness (Dochgarroch) |
Value
|
| Jul 28 |
Inverness (Dochgarroch)-Fort William (Banavie) |
Value
|
| Aug 4 |
Fort William (Banavie)-Inverness (Dochgarroch) |
Value
|
| Aug 11 |
Inverness (Dochgarroch)-Fort William (Banavie) |
Value
|
| Aug 18 |
Fort William (Banavie)-Inverness (Dochgarroch) |
Regular
|
| Aug 25 |
Inverness (Dochgarroch)-Fort William (Banavie) |
Regular
|
| Sep 1 |
Fort William (Banavie)-Inverness (Dochgarroch) |
Regular
|
| Sep 8 |
Inverness (Dochgarroch)-Fort William (Banavie) |
Regular
|
| Sep 15 |
Fort William (Banavie)-Inverness (Dochgarroch) |
Regular
|
| Sep 22 |
Inverness (Dochgarroch)-Fort William (Banavie) |
Regular
|
| Sep 29 |
Fort William (Banavie)-Inverness (Dochgarroch) |
Value
|
| Oct 6 |
Inverness (Dochgarroch)-Fort William (Banavie) |
Value
|
| Oct 13 |
Fort William (Banavie)-Inverness (Dochgarroch) |
Value
|
| Oct 20 |
Inverness (Dochgarroch)-Fort William (Banavie) |
Value
|
| Oct 27 |
Fort William (Banavie)-Inverness (Dochgarroch) |
Value
|
|
Scottish Highlander
2014 Season Cruise Schedule* |
| Week |
Route |
Season |
| Mar 30 |
Inverness (Dochgarroch)-Fort William (Banavie) |
Value
|
| Apr 6 |
Fort William (Banavie)-Inverness (Dochgarroch) |
Value
|
| Apr 13 |
Inverness (Dochgarroch)-Fort William (Banavie) |
Value
|
| Apr 20 |
Fort William (Banavie)-Inverness (Dochgarroch) |
Value
|
| Apr 27 |
Inverness (Dochgarroch)-Fort William (Banavie) |
Value
|
| May 4 |
Fort William (Banavie)-Inverness (Dochgarroch) |
Value
|
| May 11 |
Inverness (Dochgarroch)-Fort William (Banavie) |
Regular
|
| May 18 |
Fort William (Banavie)-Inverness (Dochgarroch) |
Regular
|
| May 25 |
Inverness (Dochgarroch)-Fort William (Banavie) |
Regular
|
| Jun 1 |
Fort William (Banavie)-Inverness (Dochgarroch) |
Regular
|
| Jun 8 |
Inverness (Dochgarroch)-Fort William (Banavie) |
Regular
|
| Jun 15 |
Fort William (Banavie)-Inverness (Dochgarroch) |
Regular
|
| Jun 22 |
Inverness (Dochgarroch)-Fort William (Banavie) |
Regular
|
| Jun 29 |
Fort William (Banavie)-Inverness (Dochgarroch) |
Regular
|
| Jul 6 |
Inverness (Dochgarroch)-Fort William (Banavie) |
Regular
|
| Jul 13 |
Fort William (Banavie)-Inverness (Dochgarroch) |
Regular
|
|
| Cruise Schedule* ... continued |
| Week |
Route |
Season |
| Jul 20 |
Inverness (Dochgarroch)-Fort William (Banavie) |
Regular
|
| Jul 27 |
Fort William (Banavie)-Inverness (Dochgarroch) |
Regular
|
| Aug 3 |
Inverness (Dochgarroch)-Fort William (Banavie) |
Regular
|
| Aug 10 |
Fort William (Banavie)-Inverness (Dochgarroch) |
Regular
|
| Aug 17 |
Inverness (Dochgarroch)-Fort William (Banavie) |
Regular
|
| Aug 24 |
Fort William (Banavie)-Inverness (Dochgarroch) |
Regular
|
| Aug 31 |
Inverness (Dochgarroch)-Fort William (Banavie) |
Regular
|
| Sep 7 |
Fort William (Banavie)-Inverness (Dochgarroch) |
Value
|
| Sep 14 |
Inverness (Dochgarroch)-Fort William (Banavie) |
Value
|
| Sep 21 |
Fort William (Banavie)-Inverness (Dochgarroch) |
Value
|
| Sep 28 |
Inverness (Dochgarroch)-Fort William (Banavie) |
Value
|
| Oct 5 |
Fort William (Banavie)-Inverness (Dochgarroch) |
Value
|
| Oct 12 |
Inverness (Dochgarroch)-Fort William (Banavie) |
Value
|
| Oct 19 |
Fort William (Banavie)-Inverness (Dochgarroch) |
Value
|
| Oct 26 |
Inverness (Dochgarroch)-Fort William (Banavie) |
Value
|
|
*Note: Cruise directions and sample itineraries may be in reverse and are subject to change and may depend on bookings and local navigation conditions. Alternate excursions of equal appeal are substituted when needed. For charter cruises special itineraries can be arranged.
SCOTTISH HIGHLANDER
2013 SEASON PRICES in US DOLLARS |
| ACCOMMODATION |
VALUE
Mar 31 thru May 11
Jul 21 thru Aug 17
Sep 29 thru Nov 2 |
REGULAR
May 12 thru Jul 20
Aug 18 thru Sep 28
|
|
Cabin (per person, double occupancy) |
$3,690 |
$4,250 |
|
Suite (per person, double occupancy) |
$4,290 |
$4,950 |
|
Single Occupancy Supplement |
$1,450 |
$1,600 |
|
Honeymoon Charter for 2 |
$18,900 |
$21,900 |
|
Charter for 6 |
$27,000 |
$30,600 |
|
Charter for 7 |
$28,000 |
$31,800 |
|
Charter for 8 |
$29,000 |
$33,000 |
|
Three Night Stateroom (per person, double occ) |
$2,550 |
$2,550 |
|
Three Night Suite (per person, double occ) |
$2,950 |
$2,950 |
|
Three Night Single Supplement |
$950 |
$950 |
|
Three Night Charter for 6 |
$18,400 |
$18,400 |
|
Three Night Charter for 7 |
$19,100 |
$19,100 |
|
Three Night Charter for 8 |
$19,800 |
$19,800 |
|
Cycling Charter Supplement for up to 8 |
$3,000 |
$3,000 |
|
Golf Supplement (pp w/ 4 players minimum) |
$800 |
$800 |
Cycling cruise includes daily cycling with a professional Cycling Guide and an upgrade of bicycle for duration of your cruise.
NOTE: Only those golfing pay the supplement. Not all persons on a golf charter must play golf.
Golf cruises include 4 pre booked tee times and transfers to and from the clubs.
SCOTTISH HIGHLANDER
2014 SEASON PRICES in US DOLLARS |
| ACCOMMODATION |
VALUE [2013 RATES]
Mar 30 thru May 10
Sep 7 thru Nov 1 |
REGULAR [2013 RATES]
May 11 thru Sep 6
|
|
Cabin (per person, double occupancy) |
$3,690 |
$4,250 |
|
Suite (per person, double occupancy) |
$4,290 |
$4,950 |
|
Single Occupancy Supplement |
$1,450 |
$1,600 |
|
Honeymoon Charter for 2 |
$18,900 |
$21,900 |
|
Charter for 6 |
$27,000 |
$30,600 |
|
Charter for 7 |
$28,000 |
$31,800 |
|
Charter for 8 |
$29,000 |
$33,000 |
|
Three Night Stateroom (per person, double occ) |
$2,550 |
$2,550 |
|
Three Night Suite (per person, double occ) |
$2,950 |
$2,950 |
|
Three Night Single Supplement |
$950 |
$950 |
|
Three Night Charter for 6 |
$18,400 |
$18,400 |
|
Three Night Charter for 7 |
$19,100 |
$19,100 |
|
Three Night Charter for 8 |
$19,800 |
$19,800 |
|
Cycling Charter Supplement for up to 8 |
$3,000 |
$3,000 |
|
Golf Supplement (pp w/ 4 players minimum) |
$800 |
$800 |
*2013 rates will be honored for 2014 bookings placed before the announcement of 2014 prices (expected in late Spring 2013).
What's Included In 2013 & 2014 Cruises
- 7 days and 6 nights on the barge, all cabins with private bath
- Transfers from Inverness to the barge and return
- All meals beginning with dinner on Sunday through breakfast on Saturday
- All wines with lunches and dinners
- Open bar
- All escorted side-excursions (hot air ballooning, golf, etc. at additional cost)
- Use of bicycles
3-night cruise:
- 4 days and 3 nights on the barge, all cabins with private bath
- Transfers from Inverness to the barge and return
- All meals beginning with dinner on Sunday through breakfast Wednesday (or Wednesday to Saturday)
- All wines with lunches and dinners
- Open bar
- All escorted side-excursions (hot air ballooning, golf, etc. at additional cost)
- Use of bicycles
What's Not Included In 2013 & 2014 Cruises
- Overseas air transportation to Inverness and return
- Suggested 5-7% gratuity for the crew, to be paid in equivalent British pounds to the captain
| Please visit our Special Offers page to see potential discounts for this barge or many others. |
 |
Special Places Travel, LLC
"Barges in France (and the rest of Europe) ... for the experience of a lifetime!" ™
For booking information,
Phone (toll-free): 1-877-64-BARGE (1-877-642-2743)
Outside of the U.S.: 001.443.321.3614
or E-mail: info@specialplacestravel.com
|
Return to TOP of PAGE
Text and images Copyright © 2010, 2011, 2012 by Special Places Travel, LLC, Edgewater, MD, and by other copyright holders used by permission. Web design by Special Places Travel, LLC. All rights reserved. No further use without express written permission from copyright holders. Contact Special Places Travel LLC, +1-443-321-3614 for further information.
Last Update: May 13, 2013
Barges in France, A Division of Special Places Travel, LLC.
Barges in Europe, A Division of Special Places Travel, LLC.
Member: American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA), Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), Outside Sales Support Network (OSSN). Bonded. Founded 1997. American Express, Visa, Mastercard, Discover accepted.
Accredited, Better Business Bureau
