Cruise in the Scotland Highlands on the Caledonian Canal and Loch Ness aboard the Deluxe Hotel-Barge SCOTTISH HIGHLANDER
SEVEN DAYS / SIX NIGHTS
The 8 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, and the experienced crew of four ensure attention to your every need during your week long cruise. There is one large suite and three junior suites, each with twin beds or a double bed and 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 staterooms: approx. 115 sq ft. All can be configured as twins or double 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
Regional Specialties
- Munro of Marinated Salmon
- Pheasant Breast with Horseradish Sauce
- Navarin of Lamb with Thyme, Parsley and Bay Leaf
- Chicken Breasts with Raspberry Vinegar
Wine Cellar
- A good selection of French and New World wines, complimented by assorted single malt Malts and 80 Shilling Ales
Cheese Board
- Scottish Brie
- Whisky Chase
- Stratdown Blue
- Orkney Smoked
Passenger Comments:
Arrived home yesterday, having had a wonderful time in Scotland. What a beautiful country! The weather was perfectly beautiful, and Duncan said he had never seen the mountains so clearly. The crew was just wonderful, as was the food, and our cabin. I'll let them tell you about our fellow passengers! Anyhow, we rode the bikes and enjoyed every minute, thanks to you. SPT: I have sung your praises loud and strong, and hope one day to refer someone to you!
-- B.K., RI, USA
A very fine vessel. The Captain and the chef were wonderful - caring, available, and accommodating. I thought the experience was wonderful. I would recommend it to anyone.
-- B.F., CA, USA
SAMPLE ITINERARY:
Scotland: Caledonian Canal, Loch Ness:
Inverness (Dochgarroch) to Fort William (Banavie)
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 to Fort William
Passengers disembark for the transfer to Fort William by minibus after a hearty Scottish breakfast arriving there by about 10.00am.
On alternate weeks the itinerary is in reverse direction. This itinerary is subject to change.
Scottish Highlander
2010 Season Cruise Schedule* |
| Week |
Route |
Season |
| Mar 28 |
Fort William (Banavie)-Inverness (Dochgarroch) |
Value
|
| Apr 4 |
Inverness (Dochgarroch)-Fort William (Banavie) |
Value
|
| Apr 11 |
Fort William (Banavie)-Inverness (Dochgarroch) |
Value
|
| Apr 18 |
Inverness (Dochgarroch)-Fort William (Banavie) |
Value
|
| Apr 25 |
Fort William (Banavie)-Inverness (Dochgarroch) |
Value
|
| May 2 |
Inverness (Dochgarroch)-Fort William (Banavie) |
Regular
|
| May 9 |
Fort William (Banavie)-Inverness (Dochgarroch) |
Regular
|
| May 16 |
Inverness (Dochgarroch)-Fort William (Banavie) |
Regular
|
| May 23 |
Fort William (Banavie)-Inverness (Dochgarroch) |
Regular
|
| May 30 |
Inverness (Dochgarroch)-Fort William (Banavie) |
Regular
|
| Jun 6 |
Fort William (Banavie)-Inverness (Dochgarroch) |
Regular
|
| Jun 13 |
Inverness (Dochgarroch)-Fort William (Banavie) |
Regular
|
| Jun 20 |
Fort William (Banavie)-Inverness (Dochgarroch) |
Regular
|
| Jun 27 |
Inverness (Dochgarroch)-Fort William (Banavie) |
Regular
|
| Jul 4 |
Fort William (Banavie)-Inverness (Dochgarroch) |
Regular
|
| Jul 11 |
Inverness (Dochgarroch)-Fort William (Banavie) |
Regular
|
| Jul 18 |
Fort William (Banavie)-Inverness (Dochgarroch) |
Regular
|
| Jul 25 |
Inverness (Dochgarroch)-Fort William (Banavie) |
Regular
|
|
| Cruise Schedule* ... continued |
| Week |
Route |
Season |
| Aug 1 |
Fort William (Banavie)-Inverness (Dochgarroch) |
Regular
|
| Aug 8 |
Inverness (Dochgarroch)-Fort William (Banavie) |
Regular
|
| Aug 15 |
Fort William (Banavie)-Inverness (Dochgarroch) |
Regular
|
| Aug 22 |
Inverness (Dochgarroch)-Fort William (Banavie) |
Regular
|
| Aug 29 |
Fort William (Banavie)-Inverness (Dochgarroch) |
Regular
|
| Sep 5 |
Inverness (Dochgarroch)-Fort William (Banavie) |
Regular
|
| Sep 12 |
Fort William (Banavie)-Inverness (Dochgarroch) |
Regular
|
| Sep 19 |
Inverness (Dochgarroch)-Fort William (Banavie) |
Regular
|
| Sep 26 |
Fort William (Banavie)-Inverness (Dochgarroch) |
Regular
|
| Oct 3 |
Inverness (Dochgarroch)-Fort William (Banavie) |
Value
|
| Oct 10 |
Fort William (Banavie)-Inverness (Dochgarroch) |
Value
|
| Oct 17 |
Inverness (Dochgarroch)-Fort William (Banavie) |
Value
|
| Oct 24 |
Fort William (Banavie)-Inverness (Dochgarroch) |
Value
|
| Oct 31 |
Inverness (Dochgarroch)-Fort William (Banavie) |
Value
|
| Nov 7 |
Fort William (Banavie)-Inverness (Dochgarroch) |
Value
|
| Nov 14 |
Inverness (Dochgarroch)-Fort William (Banavie) |
Value
|
| Nov 21 |
Fort William (Banavie)-Inverness (Dochgarroch) |
Value
|
| Nov 28 |
Inverness (Dochgarroch)-Fort William (Banavie) |
Value
|
| Dec 5 |
Fort William (Banavie)-Inverness (Dochgarroch) |
Value
|
| Dec 12 |
Inverness (Dochgarroch)-Fort William (Banavie) |
Value
|
|
Scottish Highlander
2011 Season Cruise Schedule* |
| Week |
Route |
Season |
| Jan 2 |
Fort William (Banavie)-Inverness (Dochgarroch) |
Value
|
| Jan 9 |
Inverness (Dochgarroch)-Fort William (Banavie) |
Value
|
| Jan 16 |
Fort William (Banavie)-Inverness (Dochgarroch) |
Value
|
| Jan 23 |
Inverness (Dochgarroch)-Fort William (Banavie) |
Value
|
| Jan 30 |
Fort William (Banavie)-Inverness (Dochgarroch) |
Value
|
| Feb 6 |
Inverness (Dochgarroch)-Fort William (Banavie) |
Value
|
| Feb 13 |
Fort William (Banavie)-Inverness (Dochgarroch) |
Value
|
| Feb 20 |
Inverness (Dochgarroch)-Fort William (Banavie) |
Value
|
| Feb 27 |
Fort William (Banavie)-Inverness (Dochgarroch) |
Value
|
| Mar 6 |
Inverness (Dochgarroch)-Fort William (Banavie) |
Value
|
| Mar 13 |
Fort William (Banavie)-Inverness (Dochgarroch) |
Value
|
| Mar 20 |
Inverness (Dochgarroch)-Fort William (Banavie) |
Value
|
| Mar 27 |
Fort William (Banavie)-Inverness (Dochgarroch) |
Value
|
| Apr 3 |
Inverness (Dochgarroch)-Fort William (Banavie) |
Value
|
| Apr 10 |
Fort William (Banavie)-Inverness (Dochgarroch) |
Value
|
| Apr 17 |
Inverness (Dochgarroch)-Fort William (Banavie) |
Value
|
| Apr 24 |
Fort William (Banavie)-Inverness (Dochgarroch) |
Value
|
| May 1 |
Inverness (Dochgarroch)-Fort William (Banavie) |
Regular
|
| May 8 |
Fort William (Banavie)-Inverness (Dochgarroch) |
Regular
|
| May 15 |
Inverness (Dochgarroch)-Fort William (Banavie) |
Regular
|
| May 22 |
Fort William (Banavie)-Inverness (Dochgarroch) |
Regular
|
| May 29 |
Inverness (Dochgarroch)-Fort William (Banavie) |
Regular
|
| Jun 5 |
Fort William (Banavie)-Inverness (Dochgarroch) |
Regular
|
| Jun 12 |
Inverness (Dochgarroch)-Fort William (Banavie) |
Regular
|
| Jun 19 |
Fort William (Banavie)-Inverness (Dochgarroch) |
Regular
|
| Jun 26 |
Inverness (Dochgarroch)-Fort William (Banavie) |
Regular
|
|
| Cruise Schedule* ... continued |
| Week |
Route |
Season |
| Jul 3 |
Fort William (Banavie)-Inverness (Dochgarroch) |
Regular
|
| Jul 10 |
Inverness (Dochgarroch)-Fort William (Banavie) |
Regular
|
| Jul 17 |
Fort William (Banavie)-Inverness (Dochgarroch) |
Regular
|
| Jul 24 |
Inverness (Dochgarroch)-Fort William (Banavie) |
Regular
|
| Jul 31 |
Fort William (Banavie)-Inverness (Dochgarroch) |
Value
|
| Aug 7 |
Inverness (Dochgarroch)-Fort William (Banavie) |
Value
|
| Aug 14 |
Fort William (Banavie)-Inverness (Dochgarroch) |
Value
|
| Aug 21 |
Inverness (Dochgarroch)-Fort William (Banavie) |
Regular
|
| Aug 28 |
Fort William (Banavie)-Inverness (Dochgarroch) |
Regular
|
| Sep 4 |
Inverness (Dochgarroch)-Fort William (Banavie) |
Regular
|
| Sep 11 |
Fort William (Banavie)-Inverness (Dochgarroch) |
Regular
|
| Sep 18 |
Inverness (Dochgarroch)-Fort William (Banavie) |
Regular
|
| Sep 25 |
Fort William (Banavie)-Inverness (Dochgarroch) |
Regular
|
| Oct 2 |
Inverness (Dochgarroch)-Fort William (Banavie) |
Value
|
| Oct 9 |
Fort William (Banavie)-Inverness (Dochgarroch) |
Value
|
| Oct 16 |
Inverness (Dochgarroch)-Fort William (Banavie) |
Value
|
| Oct 23 |
Fort William (Banavie)-Inverness (Dochgarroch) |
Value
|
| Oct 30 |
Inverness (Dochgarroch)-Fort William (Banavie) |
Value
|
| Nov 6 |
Fort William (Banavie)-Inverness (Dochgarroch) |
Value
|
| Nov 13 |
Inverness (Dochgarroch)-Fort William (Banavie) |
Value
|
| Nov 20 |
Fort William (Banavie)-Inverness (Dochgarroch) |
Value
|
| Nov 27 |
Inverness (Dochgarroch)-Fort William (Banavie) |
Value
|
| Dec 4 |
Fort William (Banavie)-Inverness (Dochgarroch) |
Value
|
| Dec 11 |
Inverness (Dochgarroch)-Fort William (Banavie) |
Value
|
| Dec 18 |
Fort William (Banavie)-Inverness (Dochgarroch) |
Value
|
| Dec 25 |
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
2010 SEASON PRICES in US DOLLARS |
| ACCOMMODATION |
VALUE
Mar 28 thru May 1
Oct 3 thru Dec 18 |
REGULAR
May 2 thru Oct 2 |
|
Cabin (per person, double occupancy) |
$3,490 |
$3,990 |
|
Suite (per person, double occupancy) |
$3,990 |
$4,590 |
|
Single Occupancy Supplement |
$1,350 |
$1,500 |
|
Charter for 6 |
$25,200 |
$28,600 |
|
Charter for 7 |
$26,200 |
$29,800 |
|
Charter for 8 |
$27,200 |
$31,000 |
|
Cycling Charter Supplement for up to 8 |
$3,000 |
$3,000 |
|
Golf Cruise Supplement (per person) |
$800 |
$800 |
|
Walking Charter Supplement for 6-8 |
$3,000 |
$3,000 |
|
Honeymoon Charter for 2 |
$17,100 |
$20,700 |
SCOTTISH HIGHLANDER
2011 SEASON PRICES in US DOLLARS |
| ACCOMMODATION |
VALUE
Jan 2 thru Apr 30
Jul 31 thru Aug 20
Oct 2 thru Dec 31 |
REGULAR
May 1 thru Jul 30
Aug 21 thru Oct 1 |
|
Cabin (per person, double occupancy) |
$3,590 |
$4,090 |
|
Suite (per person, double occupancy) |
$4,090 |
$4,750 |
|
Suite Single Supplement |
$1,400 |
$1,550 |
|
Charter for 6 |
$26,000 |
$29,600 |
|
Charter for 7 |
$27,000 |
$30,800 |
|
Charter for 8 |
$28,000 |
$32,000 |
|
Honeymoon Charter for 2 |
$17,900 |
$20,900 |
|
Three Night Cabin (per person, double occ) |
$2,450 |
$2,450 |
|
Three Night Suite (per person, double occ) |
$2,790 |
$2,790 |
|
Three Night Single Supplement |
$900 |
$900 |
|
Three Night Charter for 6 |
$17,400 |
$17,400 |
|
Three Night Charter for 7 |
$18,100 |
$18,100 |
|
Three Night Charter for 8 |
$18,800 |
$18,800 |
What's Included
- 7 days and 6 nights on the barge, all cabins with private bath
- Transfers from Inverness or Fort William to the barge and return, depending on cruise direction
- 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
What's Not Included
- Overseas air transportation to Inverness or Fort William and return
- Suggested 5-7% gratuity for the crew, to be paid in equivalent British pounds to the captain
 |
Special Places Travel, LLC
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Phone (toll-free): 1-877-64-BARGE (1-877-642-2743)
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"Morning breaks on Loch Ness ..." and "Morning cruise on the misty loch ..." and double/twin cabin and bath photos copyright © 2003-2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 by Special Places Travel, LLC, Edgewater, Maryland USA. All rights reserved. No reproduction without permission from copyright holder. Text and remaining images Copyright © 2003-2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 European Waterways Ltd.; 35 Wharf Rd, Wraysbury, Staines, Middx, TW19 5JQ, England. Web design by Special Places Travel, LLC.
Last Update: August 6, 2010
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