By Danny and Alice Scott – Couple of Vacationers
Sure, cruises are once more trending, however how a couple of luxurious Caledonia Canal Cruise, {golfing} along with your favourite foursomes? It’s the final word trip with European Waterways. Our traditional cruise with out golf aboard the Spirit of Scotland in August was considered one of our most unimaginable journeys. It was a yr after a 17-day street journey {golfing} round Scotland, so we all know that Scottish golf added to our barge expertise could be icing on an already candy cake.
Canal Cruising
Canal journey is sluggish and clean, the surroundings audacious, the service pleasant, and the delicacies delectable – no less than with our chef, Jim. From the champagne welcome with apps and petit fours to a few meals a day and extra, Jim surpassed all expectations along with his culinary prowess.
Modeled after conventional Scottish steamers, the Spirit of Scotland is a lodge barge designed for an intimate, luxurious expertise, welcoming as much as 12 company in six fashionable, air-conditioned cabins positioned under the primary deck, every with its personal en-suite bathe/rest room and three portholes good for watching the surroundings drift by at water stage.
The captain’s bridge sits entrance and middle on the primary deck, with open-air walkways wrapping the ship. Plush residing and eating areas unfold, and a heated spa pool on the rear deck is right for dawn soaking with espresso.
A spiral staircase results in the expansive high deck. Strike the long-lasting “Titanic” pose on the rail (with a far happier ending) or recline because the Scottish Highlands drift previous. Solely by crusing via it could one actually grasp the vastness of Loch Ness. The surroundings is breathtaking, and the sense of peace past examine. European Waterways has perfected the artwork of luxurious barge journey with over 40 years crusing and serving.
Golf Choices
Golf Cruises are personal whole-barge charters out there on quite a few European Waterways vessels and embody 3-4 tee offs. No less than 4 passengers have to be taking part in golf whereas non-playing company are welcome with loads of options (observe the unique Basic Cruise itinerary, discover on foot or by barge bicycle, or pursue different pursuits mentioned at reserving).
Golf cruises can be found not solely within the Scottish Highlands however in France, Italy, the Netherlands, Germany, and Eire. Golf itineraries are personalized relying on target availability and proximity. Excessive on the Scottish listing is Cabot Highlands with the famend Fortress Stuart and new Outdated Petty programs over Moray Firth. Conventional choices would possibly embody Fortrose and Rosemarkie, Royal Dornoch or lovely Brora for seaside swings. Any course you play, your nineteenth gap awaits on the barge.
Caledonia Tradition
Our Basic Cruise included excursions to Cawdor and Eileen Donan Castles, the Culloden Battlefield, and Clava Cairns -the stones that impressed Outlander. There was a Distillery Tour and a spectacular Birds of Prey interplay in Fort Augustus with a former Abbey backdrop. Every night introduced a cultural shock. Enjoying dress-up with Ian in historic garb and listening to Alan, the kilt-making bagpiper, clarify the instrument, the clans, and the sporran – “a job provide,” he quipped – was foolish, enlightening enjoyable, whereas Sean and Hannah delighted us with jigs, reels, and a dance lesson.
2026 Pricing
A 6-night cruise aboard the 12-passenger Spirit of Scotland begins at USD $6,850 per individual (based mostly on two individuals sharing a cabin) and consists of all gourmand meals, fantastic wines, an open bar for the period, each day escorted excursions (golf or different), admissions, and personal transfers at both finish of the cruise.
Journey Suggestions
Come a day or two early and revel in Inverness or fly into Edinburg after which take the scenic prepare north as we did, to fulfill the crew. Pack mild however sensible. Select layers and colours you’re keen on to combine and match. It’s luxurious leisure put on with a barely dressier contact for dinners however go away the heels behind. Carry a swimsuit for the jacuzzi, and relaxation assured that robes and slippers await within the cabin.
Emotional Affect
We’ve been blessed to go to effectively over 100 locations in our 17 years of protecting journey, and this enjoyable crammed, luxurious journey stood out as a reflective journey. Possibly it was the development via the numerous locks – an incredible feat of expertise our dad celebrated yearly, taking mother on a “shock” go to to the Eisenhower Locks. Or perhaps it was crusing for hours throughout Loch Ness with purple heather woven into the hills, passing castles with a slight breeze underneath cozy blankets on the higher deck. It was for all of the individuals we linked with alongside the way in which. For thus many causes, it was merely the most effective!
Contact www.europeanwaterways.com to create your luxurious journey of a lifetime with fellow golfers, household and mates.
