Cruise the Scottish Highlands aboard Hotel Barge Spirit of Scotland | European Waterways

Spirit of Scotland is an elegant hotel barge with extensive public areas inside and out that are perfect from which to admire the breathtaking Highlands scenery in comfort as she cruises the Caledonian Canal and the lochs of the Great Glen.

Although purpose-built less than twenty years ago as a hotel barge, her style evokes that of the traditional steamers that plied the lochs of Scotland in times gone by. Accommodating up to 12 passengers in comfort, her interior features a bright and spacious saloon and dining area with picture windows, a separate bar, and an integral forward wheelhouse giving views of the cruise route ahead. The 6 air-conditioned cabins offer a choice of twin or double beds and are complemented by well-designed en suite shower rooms.

Outside, there are separate areas where you can relax on a recliner, or perhaps in the heated spa pool, as well as a covered dining terrace. And the large upper sun deck is the ideal place to admire the dramatic backdrop as you cruise on deep-water lochs such as Loch Oich and past historic landmarks along the way.

CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS
• Tour of the Tomatin whisky distillery with a private tasting
• Majestic Falconry Display on the banks of Loch Ness
• Tour of Cawdor Castle and gardens, home of Shakespeare’s Scottish Play
• Visit Eilean Donan and Urquhart castles
• Wonderful river, canal and loch cruising & excellent opportunities for walking
• Visit Glencoe, scene of treachery between the Campbell and MacDonald clans

WHAT IS HOTEL BARGING?
Despite the growing popularity of cruising, especiallly on large river vessels, hotel barging is still a little known niche concept. Most hotel barges started life as cargo vessels but have since been painstakingly converted to offer luxury boutique accommodation for small groups of up to 20 passengers.

This is cruising, but in a very different style to ships plying the big rivers or oceans. The pace is slow, with a 6 day cruise covering maybe just 50 miles along a rural canal. Passengers can walk or bike the towpaths as their floating hotel glides gently along. Guests enjoy an intimate atmosphere, high levels of personal service and immersion into the culture, history and gastronomy of regions of Europe such as Burgundy, the Midi, or the Italian Veneto.

Every day there is an excursion, perhaps to a chateau, a vineyard for a wine tasting, or some other ‘off the beaten track’ location. About half of European Waterways’ bookings are for whole boat charters, ideal for families. Otherwise, clients book a cabin to join other like-minded people. A ‘slow boat’ European Waterways barge cruise offers the ultimate in experiential travel. A truly unique experience!

European Waterways offer luxury hotel barge cruises on the beautiful canals and rivers of Europe, such as through Burgundy, the Midi, Alsace, the Po Valley, Holland and the Scottish Highlands.

The exclusive collection of hotel barges accommodate up to 20 passengers who may charter a whole barge with family or friends, or join a small group of like-minded travellers on an individual cabin basis.

Each barge is fully crewed with a Captain, chef, hostesses, deck-hand and tour guide. The 6-night cruises include gourmet meals, fine wines, open bar, excursions and the use of facilities such as bicycles and spa pools.

http://www.europeanwaterways.com/