You'll Discover a Magical Corner of Scotland

Haunting, mist-shrouded lochs . . . green hills and mountain peaks dotted by herds of sheep . . . crumbling castle ruins rolling down to the water's edge. These are just a few of the visual feasts you'll enjoy on an intimate barge cruise of the alluring Scottish Highlands. Your vessel is the aptly named Scottish Highlander, an eight-passenger luxury barge with an atmosphere more resembling a Scottish country house than a floating hotel. Its four en suite cabins and inviting public saloon make judicious use of tasteful tartans and original landscape paintings, and an experienced crew of four warmly welcomes you aboard with a champagne toast.

As your homey vessel plies the waters of the Caledonian Canal, which cuts diagonally across the upper third of Scotland, you'll be treated to spectacular scenery: fields of heather, the Isle of Skye, dolphins and sea otters, the medieval Eilean Donan Castle, where the movie Highlander was filmed. You'll also pass the south shore of Loch Ness, where you'll no doubt strain your eyes trying to glimpse its famous monster, Nessie. And after a day of exploring castles, visiting quaint villages, and hiking the countryside, youll be more than ready for a hearty Scottish dinner of salmon, venison, and seafood prepared by your vessel's own master chef.

Cruise Highlights

Cuisine Aboard

Regional Specialities
Munro of marinated Salmon, Pheasant breast with Horseradish sauce, Navarin of Lamb with Thyme Parsley and Bay leaf

Wine Cellar
A good selection of French and New World wines, complimented by assorted single malt whiskies and 80 Shilling Ales

Cheese Board
Scottish Brie, Whisky chase, Stratdown Blue, Orkney smoked

Before & After

Your Hideaways Travel Specialist can customize your visit to the UK with a pre- or post-cruise hotel, cottage, or apartment stay. Other European barging destinations also are available on an individual or full-charter basis, including France, Ireland, Holland, and Germany. Call Hideaways Travel Services at 800-843-4433 (+1-603-430-4433 outside the U.S.), or email ts@hideaways.com.

The Trip

Sunday, Day 1 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, Day 2 Dochgarroch to Fort Augustus

This morning we visit the 14 th century fairytale Cawdor Castle immortalised by Shakespeare with Macbeth, housing a superb collection of tapestries, pictures and furniture with beautiful landscaped gardens. We also visit Culloden Moor, made famous by the MacDonald and Campbell battle in the 13 th 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. Dinner aboard.

Tuesday, Day 3 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. Fort Augustus has a charming heather-laced 9 or 18 hole golf course, where the official green keepers are sheep! We dine out tonight at a local restaurant.

Wednesday, Day 4 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 20 th century when a complete reconstruction was undertaken. Dinner aboard.

Thursday, Day 5 Cullochy Lock to Gairlochy

Leave Cullochy Lock for a morning cruise via two locks at Laggan, and through Lochs Oich and Lochy to Gairlochy. In the afternoon there is a chance to see either the World War II Commando memorial, the woollen mill at Spean Bridge, selling traditional knitwear and tweeds, or the Clan Cameron museum. Dinner aboard.

Friday, Day 6 Gairlochy to Banavie

Morning visit 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 taste a wee dram or two. In the afternoon we cruise to Banavie and Neptune's Staircase, a flight of eight locks that is a spectacular feat of engineering. Farewell Captain's Dinner on board.

Saturday, Day 7 Banavie to Inverness

Passengers disembark for the transfer back to Inverness by minibus after a hearty Scottish breakfast arriving in there by about 11am.

On alternate weeks the cruise is in the reverse direction. This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change.

Length:

7 Days / 6 Nights

Start & Finish:

Inverness, Scotland

Price:

From $3,590USD per person in Value Season
From $4,090USD per person in High Season
Hideaways Aficionado Club members save 5%

What's Included:

Not Included:

About the Ship:

The m/v Scottish Highlander has four ensuite cabins each with a choice of two twins or one double bed. One of the cabins is a larger suite which has been designed for those that want extra space during their cruise. At 117 feet she is spacious and has every comfort needed for year round cruising. She is also equipped with 8 bikes and your tour guide would be more than happy to recommend the best routes to explore.

A minimum of 2 travelers is required for voyage to operate. Full boat charters also available.

To Book:

Contact your Hideaways Travel Specialist today:
800-843-4433 or email ts@hideaways.com

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