Spirit of Scotland - Caledonian Canal

Overview

Sail through the breathtaking Scottish Highlands aboard Spirit of Scotland, an elegant hotel barge designed for comfort and panoramic views. This cruise along the Caledonian Canal and Great Glen lochs offers luxury accommodations for 12 guests in six ensuite cabins. Relax in spacious lounges, a heated spa pool, or the expansive sun deck.
Experience Scotland’s rich history with guided visits to Dalwhinnie Distillery, Cawdor Castle, Eilean Donan Castle, and Culloden Moor. Enjoy fine Scottish cuisine, whisky tastings and spectacular scenery for an unforgettable voyage.

Inclusions

6 nights onboard the Hotel Barge Spirit of Scotland in a Stateroom

Crew of 6 (Captain, tour guide, chef and hostesses)

Transfers by an air-conditioned minivan

Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily prepared by your chef

Captains farewell dinner on your last night

Selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages

Excursions as per itinerary

Use of barge facilities

Itinerary

Download Itinerary Expand All

Deck Hotel Barge Spirit of Scotland

Deluxe | 12 Passengers | 6 Crew

126 Feet Long
6 Twin/Double Staterooms (130sq ft incl. en suite)
Separate Cabin for Tour Leader
Centrally Heated / Air-Conditioned
TV/DVD Player in Cabins
Spa Pool

Day 1 Inverness Banavie

Guests are met at the Kingsmills Hotel in Inverness and transferred by private chauffeured minibus to the Spirit of Scotland. A champagne welcome by the Captain and crew and perhaps an early evening stroll before our first dinner on board.

Overnight stay onboard Hotel Barge Spirit of Scotland in a Stateroom.

Selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages included.

Dinner

Day 2 Banavie Laggan

Begin your week this morning with a cruise through Moy Bridge, the last hand-operated bridge of its type on the waterway, before crossing Loch Lochy. As you approach your mooring at Laggan, a Highland Piper may be there to greet you with a stirring rendition of traditional Scottish music. After lunch on board, your tour today takes you to the Ben Nevis Distillery for a tour and private tasting of several single malts. Dinner on board.

Overnight stay onboard Hotel Barge Spirit of Scotland in a Stateroom.

Selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages included.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Spirit of Scotland Saloon

Day 3 Laggan Kytra

This morning take in some of the finest scenery Scotland has to offer as we drive to one of its best known and most photographed castles, Eilean Donan – a beautiful spot overlooking three sea lochs, well known amongst film aficionados having featured in The World is Not Enough and Highlander. After lunch on board, you will cruise across the very scenic Loch Oich, perhaps for a spot of fishing or a gentle stroll, and then onto your pretty mooring at Kytra. Dinner on board.

Overnight stay onboard Hotel Barge Spirit of Scotland in a Stateroom.

Selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages included.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Eilean Donan

Day 4 Kytra Fort Augustus

This morning, cruise to Fort Augustus and down the flight, to moor opposite the Benedictine Abbey at the entrance to Loch Ness. After lunch on board, visit the private Highland Club, an exclusive set of residences sited in a former 19th century Benedictine Monastery. Here, you’re treated to a falconry and birds of prey demonstration on the banks of Loch Ness, and the majesty of the swooping birds against the backdrop of the sweeping Scottish Highlands is not easily forgotten. This evening, have dinner ashore at a local restaurant.

Overnight stay onboard Hotel Barge Spirit of Scotland in a Stateroom.

Selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages included.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

High Land Club

Day 5 Fort Augustus Dochgarroch

This morning enjoy a picturesque cruise across world-famous Loch Ness, with perhaps a chance of spotting “Nessie”, where en route we pass Urquhart Castle, navigating closely beneath its spectacular 13^th century ruins, before continuing your cruise to moor at the hamlet of Dochgarroch. After lunch, visit Culloden Moor, scene of the last major battle on British soil in 1746, where English Government troops faced the Highlanders of “Bonnie Prince Charlie”. If time allows, then you may take a tour of Clava Cairns, a pre-historic clan chieftain burial site dating back to 2,000 B.C and setting for the Outlander TV series. Dinner on board.

Overnight stay onboard Hotel Barge Spirit of Scotland in a Stateroom.

Selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages included.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Urquhart Castle

Day 6 Dochgarroch Muirtown

This morning, your final cruise takes us through the Tomnahurich swing bridge to the locks at Muirtown, where there is the opportunity to take a bicycle ride or stroll to the sea lock with wonderful views over the Moray and Beauly Firths. After lunch, visit Cawdor Castle, forever immortalised in Shakespeare’s ‘Scottish Play’, Macbeth. The picturesque gardens have been listed amongst the top 100 in the UK. The castle contains a superb collection of tapestries, pictures and furnishings and is still in use as a home for the Dowager Countess of Cawdor who resides there for several months of the year. Captain’s Farewell Dinner on board.

Overnight stay onboard Hotel Barge Spirit of Scotland in a Stateroom.

Selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages included.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Cawdor Castle

Day 7 Muirtown Inverness

After breakfast, guests are transferred by private chauffeured minibus to their choice of location in Inverness.

Breakfast

Additional information

Departure Date and Pricing:

2025 Cruise Rates
Rates are for 6 nights either: per person based on double occupancy per cabin or on a whole barge charter basis. Prices below are in Euros.
Accommodation	Value	Regular
Stateroom	€5,690	€6,550
Single Supplement	€2,100	€2,400
Charter (Whole Barge)
Charter 8 passengers	€55,800	€64,900
Charter 9 passengers	€57,700	€67,100
Charter 10 passengers	€59,300	€68,900
Charter 11 passengers	€60,900	€70,700
Charter 12 passengers	€62,500	€72,500
Departure Dates (Sunday)	Rates	Cruise Region
Apr 6, 13, 20, 27	Value	Scotland - The Caledonian Canal
May 4, 11, 18, 25; Jun 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; Jul 6, 13, 20, 27; Aug 3, 10, 17, 24, 31; Sep 7, 14, 21, 28; Oct 5	Regular	Scotland - The Caledonian Canal
Oct 12, 19, 26	Value	Scotland - The Caledonian Canal

2026 Cruise Rates
Rates are for 6 nights either: per person based on double occupancy per cabin or on a whole barge charter basis. Prices below are in Euros.
Accommodation	Value	Regular
Stateroom	€5,690	€6,550
Single Supplement	€2,100	€2,400
Charter (Whole Barge)
Charter 8 passengers	€55,800	€64,900
Charter 9 passengers	€57,700	€67,100
Charter 10 passengers	€59,300	€68,900
Charter 11 passengers	€60,900	€70,700
Charter 12 passengers	€62,500	€72,500
Departure Dates (Sunday)	Rates	Cruise Region
Apr 5, 12, 19, 26	Value	Scotland - The Caledonian Canal
May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31; Jun 7, 14, 21, 28; Jul 5, 12, 19, 26; Aug 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; Sep 6, 13, 20, 27; Oct 4	Regular	Scotland - The Caledonian Canal
Oct 11, 18, 25	Value	Scotland - The Caledonian Canal

This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. On alternate weeks, the cruise will be in the reverse direction.
This barge is available for charter bookings and theme cruises. Contact us for more details.

Booking / Payment Process

On our website the Barge Cruise prices are show in Euros
All payments will be made to us in Australian Dollars
The current exchange rate will be used at the time of deposit and balance
Our invoice will make this clear and our team is here to assist you

Supplier Booking Conditions Apply

Due to the boutique nature and limited capacity of this travel experience, under our Bookings Conditions this package classifies as “Booking Type 2 – Travel Experience where we act as agent only”. Your contract for the delivery of travel arrangements will be with the principal supplier and will be subject to their Booking Conditions. We will advise you prior to confirming your booking the full details and Booking Conditions of the principal supplier. Our responsibility to you where we sell travel arrangements as agent for the supplier is specified in the ‘Responsibility’ section of our Booking Conditions.

Blackout dates may apply during festive season.

Excluded

International airfares and taxes
Domestic airfares and taxes, unless otherwise specified in our holiday package
Visa expenses, processing and issuance fees
Meals other than as specified in our holiday package
Travel Insurance or expenses of a personal nature (mini-bar, phone call, laundry, etc.),
Tips or gratuities to guides, drivers, porters, hotel, restaurant or boat staff, etc.
Or any other travel expense that has not been included in our holiday package

FAQs

Who are Entire Travel Group?

Welcome to Entire Travel Group. We offer exceptional travel experiences across our extensive range of Entire Holiday Packages, Entire Group Journeys, Entire Rail Journeys, and Entire Cruise Journeys. With our industry-leading Peace of Mind Booking Plan, you can Book Now with flexibility and confidence.

Entire Travel Group is celebrating over 50 years of passionately delivering unique and memorable travel experiences. We are an Australian, family-owned, award-winning business with a friendly team ready to match your expectations to the perfect holiday experience.

Entire Travel Group used to be known by the individual brands shown in the footer of the website. The company has not changed, but we have amalgamated under one brand - Entire Travel Group.

For more details please visit - About Us | Entire Travel Group

Is Entire Travel Group Australian owned and operated?

Entire Travel Group is proudly Australian family owned and operated and as it stands today represents 50 years of experience, progress, and evolution. We proudly support the community with our long-term commitment to many important charity organisations. We were awarded the best operator in our class at the most recent National Travel Industry Awards.

Is Entire Travel Group industry accredited?

Entire Travel Group is both ATAS and CATO Accredited. ATAS is actively administered by the Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA). The Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) is the trade association representing the land supply sector of the Australian Travel Industry.

Does Entire Travel Group have industry awards?

Entire Travel Group was honoured at the 2023 National Travel Industry Awards with Most Oustanding Wholesaler - Product / Service.

As our team works tirelessly to deliver exceptional holiday experiences, it was exciting to have this acknowledged with the highest recognition. The award is also a testament to the quality of our partners around the globe, and we take this opportunity to thank them for their tremendous support of our customers.

Are the Entire Travel Group holiday packages exclusive?

In some cases, we are the sole representative in Australia for the overseas travel operator. In other circumstances the product developed has been exclusively built for Entire Travel Group and can’t be found elsewhere.

What’s unique about Entire Travel Group Holiday Packages?

They are not group tours with set departures - they are pre-designed, purpose built, independent holiday packages full of unique and memorable experiences.
Our holiday packages have been exclusively built for us in collaboration with our handpicked suppliers, who also offer full on-ground support for the clients.
We are offering unique travel experiences which cannot be found elsewhere.
Many packages include our “Freedom of Choice” options which allow you to tailor the holiday experience. Like a sommelier matching wine to a meal, we have used our experience to carefully select and offer the right experiences in each location.
They include our Peace of Mind Booking Plan.
A wide selection of our packages are compliant with the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Covid Safe Travels.

Our motto for Independent Holiday Packages is start your holiday when and with who you want!

Our Independent Holiday Packages are NOT group tours with set departure dates. Group Tours have specific set departure dates, and of course, you are travelling with unknown passengers in a coach. These tours are great for certain travellers and there are many reputable tour operators providing a wide range of options around the world.

At Entire Travel Group, our focus is Independent Holiday Packages. Available daily, they are pre-designed, purpose built, packaged itineraries full of memorable experiences delivered by our hand-picked local partners.

Our holidays suit every demographic, from couples to singles, to retirees to families and everyone else in between.

Why travel with Entire Travel Group?

Of Entire Travel Group's attributes, we have settled on "When Experience Matters" as the quality we believe adds the most value to our customers. We have the experience to ensure your itinerary makes the dream holiday possible. Our continually enhanced technology allows our team to provide a quality customer service experience, and our partnerships with outstanding operators ensure we are confident of the on-ground experience for our customers.

For more details please visit - About Us | Entire Travel Group

How does the Peace of Mind Booking Plan work?

Our Peace of Mind Booking Plan allows you to book with confidence in the new international travel environment. With low deposits, a cooling off period and a flexibility period where you can cancel and rebook later, we really do have you covered.

For more details please visit - Peace of Mind Booking Plan | Entire Travel Group

Is there a cooling-off period?

Look for packages with our Peace of Mind Booking Plan logo on the website.

We understand that occasionally plans may change, so we give you the confidence to proceed with a cooling off period.
You may cancel for any reason within 7 days, where you will receive a 100% refund of your $100 per person deposit.

For more details please visit - Peace of Mind Booking Plan | Entire Travel Group

What is Freedom of Choice?

At Entire Travel Group we understand that our customers have their own personal tastes and interests - so throughout our packages look for “Freedom of Choice” which gives you the ability to tailor your holiday from the various experiences offered on selected days. Like a sommelier matching wine to a meal, we have used our experience to carefully select and offer the right experiences in each location.

The Freedom of Choice options are included in the package price, and the price remains the same regardless of the choice you make on each day.

Our Freedom of Choice program offers flexibility, by allowing you to choose from different options on pre-selected days in the itinerary.

Our per person price includes one tour on each Freedom of Choice day in the itinerary.
The price of the package remains the same regardless of the choice you make on each day.

For more details please visit - Freedom of Choice | Entire Travel Group

What is Book Now?

Book Now offers you the ability to make a reservation on our website for Holiday Packages that include our Peace of Mind Booking Plan. But it’s not just a static offer – you have complete flexibility from travel dates, passenger numbers, single supplements, room upgrades, optional extras, flexible booking terms and more.

Our team will contact our overseas suppliers and confirm all arrangements.
A Confirmation from our reservation system will be sent in the coming days.
The Booking Number on this confirmation supersedes the website reference.

What forms of payment can be used at Entire Travel Group?

To confirm a booking using our on-line Book Now process, a credit card must be used to pay the refundable deposit.
For additional payments on the booking, Entire Travel Group supports bank transfer, credit card, TravelPay B2B, PaymentGate.
For further details please visit our Payments page.

How secure is the Entire Travel Group's on-line payment portal?

Entire Travel Group have partnered with TravelPay to ensure secure on-line credit card payments.
TravelPay is a level 1 PCI DSS compliant, which gives you peace of mind that your payment card data is in safe hands.
Entire Travel Group does not store any credit card information.

For more details please visit - Security and Compliance - TravelPay

Can you book my international airfares?

On some Islands Holiday Packages (e.g. Fiji), it is practical to include flights, so where we have done this it is indicated by the plane icon.

However, on the majority of our Holiday Packages, we do not include international flights.

We found that many customers may prefer to:

Travel on a specific airline of their choice
Have the flexibility to book flights with Frequent Flyer points
Select flight dates that may be different to our Holiday Package start/end dates
Use a Travel Credit already held with the airline
Use their travel agent for this service

We are able to assist with flights on any Holiday Package, so please just notify us during the Book Now process or contact our team.

Should I take travel insurance?

Travel insurance is strongly recommended. During the Book Now process please confirm you require assistance, and our team will be in contact with you.

What should I do before travelling?

Before you travel it is your responsibility to ensure you have the appropriate documentation including visas. If you are travelling on a passport other than Australian or New Zealand, you will require a permit to re-enter Australia. It is your responsibility as the traveller and/or travel booker to meet all government entry requirements.

For more information please visit - Before you travel | Entire Travel Group

How does a Travel Agent make a booking?

Please visit the Entire Travel Group's Agent Portal. We are here to support our industry partners with a range of informative updates, marketing collateral for campaigns and a reward & recognition program.

How do I start a Booking?

On any page that has Book Now simply follow the booking process.
You must select the Travel Agent tick box and provide correct details.
To confirm a booking only the refundable deposit is required.
An agency credit card must be used for this initial payment.

How do I contact Entire Travel Group?

For more information please visit - Contact us | Entire Travel Group

Spirit of Scotland - Caledonian Canal (Tour code: 11844)

Highlights

Overview

Inclusions