Scottish Highlander

In the afternoon, you will be met by a crew member at the designated meeting point in Inverness. From here, relax as you are chauffeured by private minibus 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.

Begin this morning with a cruise through Moy Bridge, the last hand-operated bridge on this waterway; then on to crossing Loch Lochy. As we approach our mooring at Laggan, a Highland Piper may be there to greet us with a stirring rendition of traditional Scottish music. Your Tour Guide then introduces Ben Nevis Distillery, established in 1825. Experience a fascinating demonstration of the aging process of their whiskies, each with its distinctive characteristics, following by a tasting of several single malts. Back on board, Chef is preparing another dinner featuring local ingredients.

This morning, cross the scenic Loch Oich. Relax on deck and watch stunning landscapes slip by. This afternoon, 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. This has castle been featured in films such as “Highlander” and James Bond’s “The World Is Not Enough.” Enjoy cocktails and canapes before Chef serves tonight's dinner onboard.

This morning, your Tour Guide chauffeurs you (weather permitting) to a private club on the banks of Loch Ness for a dramatic demonstration of falconry and birds of prey. The majesty of the swooping birds against the backdrop of the Scottish Highlands is not easily forgotten. Return to your barge for an afternoon cruise to Fort Augustus and down a flight of locks to our gorgeous mooring at the entrance to Loch Ness. There is time to freshen up freshen up before tonight's dinner ashore at a locally-owned pub.

Today's active adventures reveal some of the best-loved icons within Scottish culture. This morning, relax on deck as the barge gently makes her way across the world-famous Loch Ness. Will you be able to spot “Nessie?” Once moored, your Tour Guide escorts you to Culloden Moor, scene of the last major battle on British soil, where English troops faced the Highlanders of Bonnie Prince Charlie. If time allows, end the day at Clava Cairns, a pre-historic burial site dating back to 2000 B.C.E. Back onboard, Chef is crafting tonight's dinner.

During this morning's cruise through the Tomnahurich swing bridge and to the locks to Muirtown, take a gentle pedal or leisurely stroll to the sea lock - with wonderful views over Moray and Beauly Firths. This afternoon, your Tour Guide introduces Cawdor Castle and Gardens, scene of Shakespeare’s Macbeth.* Enjoy the superb collection of tapestries, pictures and furnishings. Then relive your adventure in the Scottish Highlands over a festive cocktail hour and Captain’s Dinner, ending your cruise in style.

After breakfast, you will be chauffeured to the designated drop off point in Inverness