Living The High Life on a European Waterways Scottish Highlander Luxury Barge Cruise

June 21, 2011 - PRLog -- Every European Waterways luxury hotel barge cruise is a unique experience, and the 8-passenger Scottish Highlander is no exception.  From searching for “Nessie” – the “Loch Ness Monster” – to visiting Cawdor Castle, immortalized in Shakespeare’s Macbeth; from watching a sheepdog trial demonstration to taking a gondola ride up a mountain; from fly-fishing off the barge’s foredeck to sampling fine malt whiskies at a local distillery - the cruise offers its own unique memories along the historic Caledonian Canal.  

For last-minute travelers, European Waterways is currently offering a special discount of $2,000 off per cabin for the July 17 Scottish Highlander cruise, based on double occupancy.  With standard rates starting at $3,590 per person, the saving makes this one of the best value deals of the season.   Travelers must book by June 30, 2011 to receive this special offer. Other restrictions apply.

And if July is too soon, there is still plenty of availability in the fall months of September and October, when the splendor of the Scottish Highlands is at its very best.

“In addition to comfortable cabins, the Scottish Highlander offers a number of unique themed cruises, available to groups who charter the vessel,” noted Derek Banks, CEO of European Waterways.  “Many travelers love our golf cruises, where we arrange rounds on a number of Scotland’s best courses within reach of the cruise route.   But whether it’s golf, a honeymoon cruise, or a cruise with all the family, every cruise guarantees an unforgettable experience.”

A Sight to Behold
According to Banks, the Scottish Highlander cruise is all about the spectacular scenery and surprisingly diverse wildlife of Scotland.  Running from Inverness on the Scottish east coast to Banavie near Fort William on the west coast, a typical cruise includes a visit to Culloden Moor, scene of the last great battle on British soil in 1746, which marked the fall of the Jacobite rebellion.  Travelers also enjoy cruising up the five-lock staircase through the village of Fort Augustus, at the most southern tip of Loch Ness, and half way between Inverness and Fort William.  

Among other highlights is a drive through some of the most stunning Highland landscape to visit Eilean Donan Castle, instantly familiar to fans of the film, “Highlander.”  The idyllic island setting commands an excellent view of three sea lochs, where you may spot otters or dolphins.  Visible in the distance is the Isle of Skye, the best known of the Inner Hebrides chain of islands. The Isle of Skye is famous for its scenic landscape, its history, and its wildlife that includes golden eagles, red deer, and Atlantic salmon.

“Throughout the Scottish Highlander cruise, passengers fortify themselves with traditional Scottish fare of salmon, game, venison and seafood, prepared by the barge’s master chef,” said Banks.  “But what’s a journey through Scotland without a taste of its famous whisky?  That is why we’ll also treat passengers to a sampling of the region’s renowned single malt whiskies that include Nevis, Lagavulin, Glen Moray, Bowmore, and Dalwhinnie, among others.  They will also tour the Ben Nevis whisky distillery, whose history goes way back to the early 1800’s.”  

About European Waterways
European Waterways is Europe’s largest all-inclusive luxury hotel barging company, offering vacations in nine countries and carrying nearly 2,000 passengers a year.  Founded nearly 40 years ago, the company designs, builds, owns and operates a private fleet of luxury barges with cruises in France, Italy, Scotland, Ireland, England, Germany, Belgium, Holland and Luxembourg.  Pioneers in hotel barging, they were the first company to operate a hotel barge on the Upper Nivernais in Burgundy, and the “real” Loire Valley. They are also the only cruise company offering barge cruises in Scotland and in the Venetian lagoon and River Po valley, as well as the first company to offer an Avignon-to-Amsterdam 6-week trans-Europe cruise, a 1,000 mile journey along Western Europe’s inland waterways.  

For more information, pricing, cruise schedules, and a copy of their new brochure, contact European Waterways at 1-877-879-8808, by email at sales@gobarging.com, or visit their website at www.gobarging.com.