Itinerary for Scottish Highlander

Sunday, Day 1 INVERNESS TO BANAVIEAt 4.00 p.m. we meet at the Glenmoriston Town House Hotel in Inverness and transfer to Scottish Highlander moored at Banavie. Champagne Welcome followed by a short cruise to Neptune's Staircase of locks. Dinner on board Monday, Day 2 BANAVIE TO GAIRLOCHY Morning visit to ³Legend of the Dew of Ben Nevis² Whisky Distillery, for an insight into the secrets of the various stages of Whisky preparation and a tasting. Time to visit the West Highland Heritage Museum in Fort William depicting architecture, a recreation of General Hill¹s room and a unique picture of Bonnie Prince Charlie. Alternatively plenty of shopping possibilities. Afternoon cruise to the pretty hamlet of Gairlochy. Dinner on board Tuesday, Day 3 GAIRLOCHY TO INVERGARRY This morning we ascend Anoch Mor by Cable Car and visit a Woolen Mill selling traditional knitwear and tweeds at Spean Bridge near to the World War 11 Commando Memorial. Afternoon cruise along the tree lined canal avenue and across Loch Lochy, past forest and mountain scenery, to Invergarry and moor beneath the Invergarry Castle ruins. Dinner on board Wednesday, Day 4 INVERGARRY TO FORT AUGUSTUS This morning we cross stunning highland countryside via tiny lochs and Glen Morriston and Shiel to romantic Eilean Doonan castle, setting for the film Highlander. On our return we stop for a dram or cup of tea at Tom Doun Trout Fishing Inn overlooking spectacular Glen Garry. We then cruise across enchanting Loch Oich and to the village of Fort Augustus where we ascend the 5 lock flight. We moor opposite 14th century Fort Augustus Abbey at River Oich pier with time to wander the village and visit antique and craft shops. We also show you the Caledonian Canal Heritage Center and see an original '30's film of the Gondolier, one of the fastest passenger paddle steamers of its time. Dinner ashore at Inchnacardoch Lodge built in 1878 as a Hunting Lodge for Lord Lovat of Lovat The Gaelic meaning of "Inch na Cardoch" is "Island of the Cherry Tree" and the man made island, or crannog, of the name is the only island on Loch Ness Thursday, Day 5 FORT AUGUSTUS TO DRUMNADROCHIT Morning visit to Fort George, completed in 1769 to discourage Jacobite rebellion and portraying military life 200 years ago. Return via Moniac Winery and Jelly shop. Lunch cruising Loch Ness. Since 565 AD, when St Columbus saved a swimmer from a hungry but somewhat shy monster, regular sightings have been recorded! Dinner on board Friday, Day 6 DRUMNADROCHIT TO DOCHGARROCH Morning cruise along the Caledonian Canal and enchanting Loch Dochfour and past Lord Burton¹s estate before crossing fabled Loch Ness to 13th century Urquhart Castle and Bay and our mooring at Dochgarroch. This afternoon we visit the 14th century fairytale Cawdor Castle, forever linked by Shakespeare with Macbeth. Cawdor Castle houses a superb collection of tapestries, pictures and furniture with beautiful landscaped gardens. Return to the barge where we often entertain our local piper and a wee dram before Farewell Captain¹s Dinner aboard Saturday, Day 7 BANAVIE TO INVERNESS Passengers disembark for Inverness after a hearty Scottish breakfast and are transferred to Inverness by minibus.

  This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change