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Your days will be full of beautiful scenery like Ben Nevis and Neptune’s Staircase in Banavie, stunning Scottish cuisine, local single malt whiskey, and countless rounds of golf. On board our luxury vessels Scotland’s stunning lochs and canals are fully accessible, allowing you to unlock the beauty of the waterways, no matter what the weather. En route, we will take you to the world-renowned Loch Ness where you will have the chance to look out for Nessie, the legendary Loch Ness Monster. There is no better way to travel these incredible waters than in one of our incredibly luxurious barge hotels. We have two stunning hotel barges that will take you around the waters of the stunning Scottish highlands. The Scottish Highlander mimics a gorgeous traditional Scottish country home with its stunning tartan finishes and warm woods to give a cosy but luxurious feel to the vessel.
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The majesty of the swooping birds against the backdrop of the sweeping Scottish Highlands is not easily forgotten. There is time to explore the pretty village of Fort Augustus before lunch on board, after which the barge cruises up the flight of locks and then on to a pretty mooring at Kytra. This evening, enjoye a tutored private whisky tasting at charming The Glenmoriston Arms Hotel, followed by dinner in the hotel restaurant.
'Le Phénicien' - Canal du Rhône à Sète & Rhône River

Each of the rooms is also centrally heated with impressive en-suite facilities. Cruise Critic is not a booking agent and does not charge any service fees to users of our site. When you book with one of our partners, please be sure to check their site for a full disclosure of all applicable fees as required by the U.S. Cruises to Scotland visit Kirkwall, the capital of Orkney, and Lerwick in Shetland.
Scotland Cruises
Along the way, explore castles, historic points of interest, a whiskey distillery and charming villages. The first cruise is up the Muirtown lock flight and through the Tomnahurich swing bridge, with an option to walk alongside River Ness to the hamlet of Dochgarroch. Haggis—a dish of spiced meat and offal—is a classic, served with neeps and tatties (turnips and potatoes). You’ll find opportunities for whisky tasting everywhere; at the 150-year-old Glengoyne Distillery, you can even create your own blend. Have a “wee dram” on your oatmeal in the morning, or try a whisky-flavored “tablet”, which is similar to fudge. The waters of Scotland are among the most beautiful and breathtaking in the world.

After lunch on board, pass through Moy Bridge, the last fully hand-operated bridge on the waterway. As the ship approaches her first mooring at Laggan, a Highland Piper may be there to greet with a stirring rendition of traditional Scottish music. The final cruise today passes through Moy Bridge, the last fully hand-operated bridge on the waterway, before mooring at Banavie beneath Ben Nevis and a stroll from Neptune’s Staircase leading down to Loch Eil. After lunch on board, visit the renowned Dalwhinnie Distillery, standing in the Cairngorms National Park. Travel the Great Glen along the Caledonian Canal, experiencing various lochs along the way, including the infamous Loch Ness. Try a hand at falconry during a stop at the spectacular Highlands Club.
Your Crew
Return to the barge for tonight's special dinner, taken ashore at a local pub. Be met at the Kingsmills Hotel Townhouse Hotel in Inverness and transferred by private chauffeured minibus to the ship. A champagne welcome by the captain and crew and perhaps an early evening stroll before the first dinner on board. Marvel at the highlights of Scotland and its islands as you explore Neolithic ruins, majestic castles, whisky distilleries, towering mountains, and serene lochs.
The trip to the Dalwhinnie Distillery was the least interesting for me, but Highlands scotch is not to be ignored! Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. Coverage for a pre-existing medical condition is also available if you purchase the Travel Select plan within 15 days of the initial trip payment; refer to plan details. All this, together with the traditional Scottish cuisine, fine wines and wide range of whiskies served on board by an attentive crew of 6, combine to ensure a truly memorable cruising experience. You could sail from Rotterdam on a cruise visiting Ireland, Liverpool, Glasgow, and Lerwick, in the Shetland Islands. Alternatively, sail from Rotterdam to Kirkwall in Orkney, Iceland, and Lerwick.
Scotland Ports Setting Sail on Busiest Cruise Season Ever - Cruise Hive
Scotland Ports Setting Sail on Busiest Cruise Season Ever.
Posted: Tue, 16 Apr 2024 16:58:22 GMT [source]
Scotland is renowned for its breath-taking scenery, and cruising allows you to witness stunning landscapes from a unique perspective. Cruises also offer a convenient way to explore without the need for constant packing and unpacking. You can simply relax and let the boat transport you between destinations. On our Golf Cruise you will get the chance to play at some of Scotland’s most exclusive courses. Over the course of the cruise, we will travel between the northeastern coastal city of Inverness and the mountainous town of Fort William, deep within the highlands.
Be met at the designated meeting point in Inverness and transferred by private chauffeured minibus to the ship. Enjoy a champagne welcome and perhaps an early evening stroll to the sea lock with wonderful views over the Moray and Beauly Firths. The main Classic Scotland Barge Cruise operates round-trip from Inverness.
Out of town, take a trip to Inveraray Castle, gazing over the shore of serene Loch Fyne, or visit Stirling Castle, dating back to the 12th century. A crew of 6 will accompany you on board to ensure that you have the full 5-star treatment. They will be serving the finest Scottish cuisine, fine wines, and a wide range of Scottish whiskeys. Other than neighbouring England in the southeast, the coast of Scotland is surrounded by nothing but the vast Atlantic Ocean. The Scottish Highlands are truly underrated and underappreciated by a majority of the world, Scotland is full of charm, character, history, and spectacular scenery.
Comfortable cabins provide plenty of clever storage, and a seasoned crew adds to the warm hospitality. Whilst most people visiting Scotland opt for sightseeing in the larger cities such as Glasgow and Edinburgh, when doing this they miss out on the true beauty of the magical country. The towering Ben Nevis, rolling hills, and Lochs are a far cry from Edinburgh Castle. The natural beauty of the Scottish highlands is like nowhere else in the world.
Taste classic Scottish single malt whiskeys at a local distillery, and experience historic points of interest including the grounds of the Battle of Culloden. Each visit on this Scotland barge cruise, whether steps from the ship or a short drive away from the dock, will further expose the rich culture and heritage of the Scottish Highlands. Regular opportunities to walk and bike among the countryside also immerse active adventurers in this scenic part of Scotland. This morning, our final cruise will take us through Tomnahurich swing bridge and the locks to Muirtown, where there will be the opportunity to take a bicycle ride or walk to take in the wonderful views over the Moray and Beauly Firths. In the afternoon, we visit the Benromach Distillery near Forres, the smallest distillery on Speyside and run by Gordon & MacPhail of Elgin, a family business for over 100 years.
A remote archipelago off the northern tip of Scotland, Shetland is a landscape of towering cliffs, sweeping beaches inhabited only by seals, and grassy hills where hardy Shetland ponies graze. In Lerwick, the bustling little capital, speed through 5,000 years of history at the excellent Shetland Museum and visit the Textile Museum to learn about the islands’ famous knitwear. Take a trip to the fascinating Jarlshof archaeological site to see settlements dating back to the Stone Age and Iron Age. With numerous comfortable and elegant public areas both inside and outside, you have the perfect viewing points to watch the stunning scenery of the Scottish Highlands.
A walk through the streets of Edinburgh transports you back in time, in no small part due to the capital’s two castles. In the direct heart of the city looms Edinburgh Castle, an imposing stone fortress that sits on top of an extinct volcano. A trip to the castle will not only reward you with an incredible view of the entire city, but a chance to learn about the building’s intriguing and bloody history. The castle has been a royal residence since the 12th century, and for a small fee, you can enter and see Mary Queen of Scots’ private quarters, as well as the infamous Scottish Crown Jewels. Recently ranked as the most beautiful country in the world, Scotland boasts some of the most breathtaking natural sights on our planet.
The whole time was wonderful, we most enjoyed walking the tow path and soaking in the clean air and pristine views of water and mountains. Helen professionally managed the trip and dreamed up a series of experiences throughout the cruise. What a magical week we experienced on the "Spirit of Scotland." From food and wines and comfortable, well-designed cabins to exciting, fun itineraries, we could not have been better served! Children 12 years and older are welcomed aboard all departure dates; children 11 years and under are allowed on special Family Departures or any charter. Children under the age of 18 are eligible for $300 off the double occupancy rate. Read on for details about this small Scotland river cruise, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Northern Europe cruises and Northern Europe trips.
Nothing to clutter the view, just hauntingly beautiful Scottish highland scenery brought effortlessly to your…... Find out more with a free brochure and enjoy weekly travelinspiration and offers in our e-newsletter. Unlike barging in other locations, it is not possible to bicycle or walk alongside the vessel as it cruises; however, once moored, active guests can disembark to explore port towns and the surrounding countryside by bicycle or on foot. New small ship cruises, adventure trips, ships & the best deals at your fingertips. 100+ combined years of experience, 7 continents explored, decades of expedition cruising around the world & here to help you find & book your dream trip. After breakfast, disembark and be transferred by private chauffeured minibus to your choice of location in Inverness.
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