Sweeping Mountain Views and Glistening Fresh-Water Lochs Among Top Attractions For Families and Small Groups in Scottish Highlands. (Pictured: European Waterways' Scottish Highlander Luxury Hotel Barge)
By Anthony Diaz (Anthony@herman-almontepr.com)
The urge to travel is irrepressibly strong among human
beings and “the longing to visit new and exciting destinations is as strong as
ever,” says Derek Banks, managing director of European Waterways. The hotel barge cruise specialist reports
increasing interest in its two luxury vessels that cruise the Scottish
Highlands – the elegant Spirit of Scotland and the Scottish Highlander.
Travelers are attracted to the natural beauty of its remote mountain vistas and
gleaming fresh water lochs – the Scottish word for lakes.
“Many travelers who were unable to take their cruises this
year have rescheduled for 2021,” says Banks.
“For them, it’s only a ‘dream deferred,’ but not a ‘dream forgotten.’ A
hotel barge cruise is on their bucket list and they want to satisfy that wish
as soon as possible.”
European Waterways is offering 10% off selected 2021
departures across its fleet in France, Italy and the U.K. that include the
Scottish Highlander. The 2021 specials
are valid when booked by October 12, 2020.
In the Right Spirit
European Waterways’ 12-passenger Spirit of Scotland and
8-eight-passenger Scottish Highlander luxury hotel barges both cruise
Scotland’s fabled Caledonian Canal. They
are ideal for families and small groups, which can charter the entire vessels
for themselves and modify itineraries to reflect their special interests, such
as family themed cruises, golf, and the unique “Whisky Trail” cruises.
The cruises reward guests with sweeping natural vistas of
shimmering lochs, mystical glens and diverse wildlife. While cruising, guests enjoy gastronomic
meals prepared by an onboard master chef, perfectly complemented by a selection
of fine wines and a choice of 18 single
malts behind the bar, as well as traditional Scottish fare, such as salmon,
game and seafood. As part of the cruises,
guests are treated to guided excursions to castles, aristocratic estates and
legendary sites steeped in history and local folklore.
Since the vessels often travel just a few feet from the
shore and pause at canal locks along the way, guests will never feel “lost at
sea!” They can step off at numerous
points to take leisurely walks or jog along the level towpaths. They can also ride the bicycles included
onboard and explore the terrain and quiet villages nearby, and catch up to the
hotel barge at a later stop. Should health concerns still be an issue in 2021,
European Waterways will continue to follow its already strict safety and
hygiene procedures while maintaining a comfortable and relaxed ambience.
Castles, ‘Nessie’ and Birds of Prey
Excursion highlights include a tour and private tasting at
Scotland’s famed Tomatin whisky distillery.
Shakespeare enthusiasts will enjoy a private tour of Cawdor Castle –
often cited as the inspiration for Macbeth.
Guests will also visit Eilean Donan, a thirteenth century castle in
near-perfect condition that sits on a small island where three sea lochs
meet. And, while few guests have had
the good fortune to capture a sharp image of the elusive “Nessie”, they all return
with exciting pictures of the Birds of Prey demonstration that is held on the
grounds of an old abbey, on the shores of its renowned home, the famed Loch
Ness. In this event, owls, falcons and
eagles display their hunting prowess and passengers can take pictures of
themselves holding these regal birds on their arm. It’s one of the numerous, exclusive “insider
experiences” available to European Waterways’ guests.
“Our guests are among the most sophisticated and
well-traveled people in the world,” said Banks. “They know that a hotel barge cruise
on the canals and small rivers of Europe can be one of life’s most memorable
experiences.”
For a complete list of 2021 special offers, visit
europeanwaterways.com/special-offers/?y=2021.
About European Waterways
Hotel Barging is a
boutique, unique experience which offers an immersive, all-inclusive “gentle
voyage of discovery” that focuses upon the culture, history, fine wine and
gourmet cuisine of the region. With a 6 to 20 person capacity and 1:2 crew
ratio, European Waterways are able to provide an impeccable level of on board
service and can transport their guests on the intimate inland waterways that
are inaccessible to larger vessels. This fascinating network of smaller canals
allows for flexibility, spontaneity and ample opportunity to hop off and
explore the beautiful surroundings via bicycle, or on foot. In addition to this
there are daily, chauffeured excursions “off the beaten track” to a wide
variety of enthralling locations, from exquisite wine tastings to private tours
of stately homes. With over 40 years’ experience and a fleet that spans nine
countries it is the largest luxury hotel barging company in Europe. For more
information, call 1-877-879-8808 in the U.S. and 1-877-574-3404 in Canada, or
visit www.europeanwaterways.com.
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