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April 21st, 2023: 10 nights – An exclusive and private charter of the Spirit of Scotland limited to 12 guests. In addition we will have 3 nights in Edinburgh, 1 night in Inverness and a few other surprises. Yes, we have the ship to ourselves!
The vessel’s smartly appointed pub-style salon encourages informal socializing, while the dining room’s panoramic touring windows let in an abundance of natural light. Outside, there are separate public areas perfect for hours of leisure and relaxation, including a spacious sundeck, a shaded dining terrace, and a hot tub. Comfortable cabins provide plenty of clever storage, and a seasoned crew adds to the warm hospitality.
Your onboard Chef offers a fresh and modern approach to Scottish cuisine, offering classic recipes and local ingredients, augmented by contemporary culinary methods. Decadent cheese platters featuring regional selections and a hand selected range of locally-produced whiskeys round out the uniquely epicurean adventures aboard the Spirit of Scotland.
Sightseeing is compelling and comprehensive, offering memorable visits to iconic castles, royal gardens, and preserved battlefields, all of which speak to Scotland’s fascinating and sometimes tragic history. Guests with active lifestyles will thrill to the cycling and walking opportunities along the Caledonian Canal; spectacular natural scenery, gorgeous hiking trails, and miles of manicured towpath are all waiting to be explored.
After we spend 1 night in Edinburgh (April 21st, 2023) and 1 night in Inverness (April 22nd), we cruise from Banavie to Muirtown on the Caledonian Canal (Depart on your flight from the USA on April 20th)
SUNDAY
Travel: Inverness to Banavie
Meals: Dinner onboard
In the afternoon, you will be met by a crew member of the Spirit of Scotland at the designated meeting point in Inverness. From here, relax as you are chauffeured to the barge, moored in Banavie. A traditional champagne welcome and introduction to the crew awaits you, before the first of many gourmet dinners is served. Afterward, enjoy a nightcap in the hot tub!
MONDAY
Travel: Banavie to Laggan Locks
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, & dinner onboard
This morning’s excursion is to the mystical area of Glencoe, revered for its geographical beauty and known for one of the darkest times in Scottish history. Time permitting, we might also visit the ruins of the Old Inverlochy Castle, the original site of a Pictish fortress thought to have been sacked by the Vikings. An afternoon cruise is culminated with a stirring rendition of traditional Scottish music by an authentic Highland Piper. The canal side path beckons for a gentle pedal or leisurely stroll before Chef presents tonight’s dinner.
TUESDAY
Travel: Laggan Locks to Kytra
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner onboard
This morning, take in some of the finest scenery Scotland has to offer during the drive to one of its best known and most photographed castles, Eilean Donan, which has been featured in films such as “Highlander” and James Bond’s “The World Is Not Enough”. Your Tour Guide returns you to the barge for an afternoon cruise across the very scenic Loch Oich. Relax on deck with a wee dram and watch this extraordinarily beautiful landscape slip by. Enjoy cocktails and canapes before Chef serves tonight’s dinner onboard.
WEDNESDAY
Travel: Kytra to Fort Augustus
Meals: Breakfast & lunch onboard, dinner ashore
A morning cruise to Fort Augustus takes the barge down the flight of locks that cleverly assist the water traffic from one vertical level to another, to our gorgeous mooring at the entrance to Loch Ness. Today’s excursion is a highlight of the cruise; visit a private club on the banks of Loch Ness for a dramatic demonstration featuring birds of prey. Your Tour Guide returns you to the barge so you can freshen up, as tonight’s dinner is taken ashore at a locally-owned pub.
THURSDAY
Travel: Fort Augustus to Dochgarroch
This morning, relax on deck as the barge gently makes her way across the world-famous Loch Ness. Once moored, your Tour Guide escorts you to the lovely Cawdor Castle, forever immortalized in Macbeth, Shakespeare’s “Scottish Play”, and where the Dowager Countess of Cawdor still resides.* The day ends at Clava Cairns, a pre-historic burial site dating back to 2000 B.C.E. Back onboard, Chef is crafting tonight’s dinner.
FRIDAY
Travel: Dochgarroch to Muirtown
After this morning’s cruise through the Tomnahurich swing bridge and the locks to Muirtown, take a gentle pedal or leisurely stroll to the sea lock with wonderful views over the Moray and Beauly Firths. This afternoon, your Tour Guide accompanies you to the Culloden Moor, scene of the last major battle on British soil. Then, tour the Tomatin distillery, founded in the Highlands 1897, and enjoy a special tasting of their premium single malt whiskies. Tonight, a festive cocktail hour precedes the Captain’s Dinner.
SATURDAY
Travel: Transfer from Muirtown
Meals: Breakfast onboard
After breakfast, we will head as a group to Edinburgh for our 2 night stay, checking out from there on May 1st, 2023 to fly back home.
Breakfast selections consist of freshly baked goods from a local boulangerie, along with fruit, cereal, yogurt, cheese, coffee, tea, and juice. For lunches and dinners, your onboard Chef creates regionally and seasonally inspired fare. Lunch is typically a light buffet featuring hearty salads and savory entrees, and your multi-course gourmet dinner is served with grand table settings and fine crockery, all in a festive setting. Wine pairings feature a red and a white from area vineyards, along with a cheese platter of artisanal favorites. Note these are sample menus. Bon Appetit!
Our 10 night Small Group Scotland: 4 nights land, with tours and transfers + 6 night private barge cruise exclusively for 12 guests! $8899 per person, based on double occupancy and availability. It is non-refundable so insurance is recommended. Price does not include airfare or insurance.
DUE TO CANCELLATION WE HAVE ONE ROOM REMAINING FOR UP TO 2 GUESTS. OUTLANDER INTERVIEW REQUIRED. BOOK BY 3/24/2023 and get $1000 per person air credit OR Single Supplement WAIVED.
Hosted by Michael & Kelly.
Cruise Itinerary Map
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