Spirit of Scotland - Caledonian Canal & Loch Ness

Meet in Inverness and transfer to Spirit of Scotland, moored at Banavie. After a welcome reception, perhaps enjoy an early evening stroll before dinner on board.

Visit Ben Nevis Distillery, established in 1825 on the banks of the River Nevis, for a whisky tasting. After lunch, your barge cruises across Loch Lochy to the overnight mooring at Laggan Locks.

A scenic cruise on Loch Oich, perhaps stopping for a gentle stroll en route to the pretty mooring at Kytra. Explore romantic Eilean Donan Castle, the idyllic setting for films such as Highlander and the James Bond adventure The World Is Not Enough.

Experience a falconry display at the Highland Club, getting up close and personal with an array of birds demonstrating their flying skills. Cruise to Fort Augustus to descend its flight of five locks and moor opposite a former Benedictine abbey. Dine ashore this evening at a local restaurant.

Pass scenic Urquhart Castle as you cruise Loch Ness - keeping an eye peeled for its fabled monster, said to inhabit the murky waters, which are over 700 feet deep. After lunch, visit 14th-century Cawdor Castle, with its beautifully landscaped gardens and superb collection of tapestries, paintings and furniture.

Spirit of Scotland cruises past the opened Tomnahurich swing bridge today, continuing to its final mooring at Muirtown. Visit Culloden Moor, scene of the last major battle on British soil in 1746. Then visit Tomatin Distillery, producer of award-winning whisky since 1897, for a tour and tasting. Later, gather for a farewell dinner on board your barge.

After breakfast, transfer to Inverness where your journey ends.