European Waterways are delighted to welcome the elegant new hotel barge, ‘Spirit of Scotland’ to their fleet. She will make her debut in the Highlands of Scotland from June 2017.
The hotel barge has cruised a number of other inland waterways in Europe in recent years. With its new route with European Waterways in Scotland, guests will be able to admire the spectacular Highlands scenery in comfort and style as she serenely cruises the Caledonian Canal and the lochs of the Great Glen.
“We’re delighted to offer our guests this new cruise aboard the Spirit of Scotland,” says Derek Banks, managing director of European Waterways. “This cruise indeed encompasses the ‘spirit’ of Scotland – whisky, ancient castles and cruising an historic canal and the lochs of Lochy, Oich, Ness and Dochfour all make it a special addition to our collection. It also means we now have a choice of 2 hotel barges in the region, with Spirit of Scotland complementing our existing vessel, the 8 passenger Scottish Highlander.”
Emulating the style of the old lake steamers that plied the lochs of Scotland in times gone by, on Spirit of Scotland guests will have a memorable voyage of discovery experiencing the very best of Scotland, while enjoying traditional Scottish cuisine, fine wines and a wide range of single malt whiskies on board, all served by an attentive crew of six.
Whisky is, of course, one of Scotland’s best-known exports and guests will enjoy a tour and private tasting at the Glen Ord whisky distillery, founded in 1838 on the Black Isle by the Mackenzie’s of Ord.
Listed in the UK’s top 100 gardens and often linked to Shakespeare’s Macbeth, a visit to Cawdor Castle and gardens is another highlight of the itinerary, with its superb collection of tapestries, pictures and furnishings.
History enthusiasts will enjoy also a visit to Clava Cairns; a prehistoric clan chieftain burial site dating back to 2000 B.C. and a tour of Culloden Moor; the scene of the last battle on British soil in 1746.
Accommodating up to 12 passengers, Spirit of Scotland’s interior features bright and spacious saloon and dining areas with picture windows, a separate bar, and an integral forward wheelhouse giving views of the cruise route ahead. Outside, there is also a covered dining terrace and heated spa pool, while a full-length upper sun deck is the ideal place to admire the breathtaking backdrop and historic landmarks.
For those who want to take advantage of the generous space on board, a full boat charter option is perfect for either multi-generational families, or special interest groups, such as golfers, walking groups and whisky enthusiasts.
European Waterways is offering a Special Launch Offer of 10% off cabin and charter prices for June and July 2017 departures. Bookings to be made by 31 March 2017.
First departure commences 4 June 2017, from €3,550 (AU$5,030) per person in a twin/double cabin and from €40,500 (AU$57,400) for a full boat charter. Prices include all gourmet meals, fine wines, open bar, escorted daily excursions, admissions and local transfers.
Visit www.gobarging.com or call 1800 828 050 for information on pricing, cruises and schedules on all hotel barges and more.
SOURCE: European Waterways