Scottish Highlander

Caledonian Canal and the Highlands Cruise (7 Days)

The 8-passenger Scottish Highlander is a river barge offering the unique atmosphere of a Scottish Country House, with subtle use of tartan furnishings and landscape paintings. The barge was fully refurbished in 2000. At 117 feet, she is spacious and has every comfort for year-round cruising. The experienced crew members are excellent hosts and will attend to your every need during the week-long cruise. The legends of the past, the taste of single malt and the mythical inhabitant of Loch Ness all contribute to a special magic only experienced in Scotland’s dramatic Highlands.

Info

Embark

A local transfer will be provided to the barge, which will be moored in Dochgarroch, near Inverness.

Day 1: Inverness - Dochgarroch

Please note that this is a sample itinerary and may be subject to change. On alternate weeks, the cruise will run in the opposite direction. Transfer to the Scottish Highlander which will be moored at Dochgarroch, near Inverness. A Champagne Welcome will be followed by a short evening cruise along the heather-lined canal and dinner on board.

Day 2: Dochgarroch - Fort Augustus

This morning visit the 14th Century fairytale Cawdor Castle which was immortalised by Shakespeare in Macbeth. The castle houses a superb collection of tapestries, pictures and furniture with beautiful landscaped gardens. There is also a visit Culloden Moor, infamous since the MacDonald and Campbell battle in the 13th century. After lunch there is a cruise along Loch Dochfour to Fort Augustus, passing Urquhart Castle and the south shore of Loch Ness, where there is an abundance of wildlife. The barge will moor near Fort Augustus Abbey and dinner will be served aboard.

Day 3: Fort Augustus

After breakfast cruise up the staircase of five locks through the village of Fort Augustus, which provides you with ample time to shop and look around this pretty Caledonian gem. After lunch there is a visit to Urquhart Castle and Invermoriston Falls. This evening you will dine out at a local restaurant.

Day 4: Fort Augustus - Laggan Locks

Leave Fort Augustus this morning and cruise to Laggan Locks, passing through Kytra and Cullochy Locks, across Loch Oich and through Laggan Avenue, where imposing woodlands stretch right down to the water's edge. After lunch there will be a visit to Urquhart Castle and Invermoriston Falls where you may, if you are lucky, catch sight of wild salmon lepaing upstream.

Day 5: Laggan Locks - Gairlochy

Depart from Laggan Locks for a morning cruise across Loch Lochy to Gairlochy. In the afternoon you have the opportunity to visit either the World War II Commando Memorial, the woollen mill at Spean Bridge, selling traditional knitwear and tweeds, or the Clan Cameron Museum.

Day 6: Gairlochy - Banavie

This morning's visit takes you to the mystic battlefields of Glencoe. On the way back, visit the Ben Nevis Distillery for an insight into the secrets of the various stages of Whisky preparation and the chance to taste a wee dram or two. In the afternoon cruise to Banavie and Neptune's Staircase, a flight of eight locks, showcasing a spectacular feat of engineering. Tonight you will enjoy the Captain's Farewell Dinner on board.

Day 7: Banavie

Disembark the Scottish Highlander this morning and take a local transfer to the designated drop off point for your onward journey.

Disembark

Disembark in Banavie after breakfast on the last day for a transfer to Inverness.

Includes

Six nights' accommodation on board Scottish Highlander
Full board during the cruise (from dinner on day one to breakfast on the last day)
Chauffeured and guided sightseeing as detailed in the itinerary
Use of bicycles
Wines with lunch and dinner
Open bar with a large selection of alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages
Local transfers to and from the barge