A wonderful journey in Scotland from Inverness to Oban through the Caledonia Canal which connects the North Sea with the Atlantic Ocean, one of the most beautiful waterways in the world. Then a brilliant journey up the West Coast to Mull and Staffa.

Travel in Scotland: From Inverness we travel through the Caledonia Canal, through the mountainous landscape of the Scottish Highlands to Fort William. It offers spectacular landscapes and vistas. Four mountain lakes of which Loch Ness is the most famous, but Loch Lochy, Loch Oich and Loch Dochfour are also beautiful. These lakes were connected to each other in 1822.

• Embarkation: Inverness April 8 from 6pm.
• Disembarkation: Oban 15 April 10.00

Prices:

Since our double cabins are different in size, we have divided them into two categories.

• Standard cabin ……………€ 1095,- per person
• Standard plus………… € 1225,- per person
• Single cabin ……. € 1645,- per person (limited availability)

Including:

• Crew consisting of: Captain-Keeper-
• All walks guidance use zodiac for landings.
• Cabin with private shower and toilet
• Towels and bed linen
• Half board including coffee-tea-milk and juice with meals.
• Half board on this trip gives you the freedom to discover the local specialties also on land .

Not included:

• Arrival and departure to the ship
• personal expenses;
• Any additional entrance fees and drinks.
• Drinks on board.

We sail with an international tour group on board. The crew is Dutch, and they speak English and German. Our guests come from the Netherlands, Switzerland, England, Germany, Austria and Scotland.

Possible itinerary.

Possible itinerary : The indicated program is a guideline and can be adjusted under the influence of weather, current and wind. Flexibility is the rule on this trip.

Day 1: Inverness

We would like to welcome you to the harbor of Inverness, a pleasant town with authentic cafes, where you can enjoy traditional Scottish music in the evenings. Visit Inverness Castle and St Andrew's Cathedral, then stroll along the banks of the River Ness, or cross the suspension bridge for some rest and relaxation in the Ness Islands. From 6 pm you will be welcomed on board and you will be introduced to the crew and your fellow passengers, followed by a delicious meal.

Day 2: Discover Loch Ness

It will start after breakfast. The Flying Dutchman will close the first five locks. When all are back on board we head to the beautiful mysterious Loch Ness Lake. Of course we hope to sail on this famous lake and who knows, we might even see Nessie. Monster or not, it is a wonderful trip in breathtakingly beautiful surroundings. We moor at the famous 13th century Urquhart Castle, situated on Loch Ness which is now in ruins but was once one of the largest castles in Scotland. We spend the night here at anchor.

Day 3: Fort Augustus

We continue to Fort Augustus, a small cozy village on the south bank of the great Loch Ness. The 5 locks form the heart of the village. You can go to the Visitor Center where you can get souvenirs, books, guides and information, and the Clansman Centre, a shop for Celtic jewelry and artifacts. This is also the location of a small museum about the life of a Highlander. Due to the location of the village in the Highlands of Scotland, you can naturally enjoy nature here. We go up through the 5 locks and continue to Fort William. Magnificent Lochs alternate with the narrow, tree-lined canal. At the end of the day we reach the Neptune's Staircase or the Staircase of Neptunes.

Day 4: Fort William

The next morning we pass with great interest the locks of the Neptune's Staircase, a system of eight locks designed by Thomas Telford. The artwork raises the boats 19.5 meters over a length of 457 meters. Originally, the locks were man-powered but now operate hydraulically. It is the largest of its kind in the UK and very special to see. From the lock complex you have a beautiful view of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Scotland. The Ben Nevis distillery is nearby and of course a visit can be made. Fort William has a population of just under 10,000, making it the second largest city in the Highlands after Inverness. The town was named Fort William in reference to William of Orange, who was the king of Scotland in the seventeenth century by marriage to Mary II of England.

Day 5: Loch Linnhe – Lismore

We are now on the west coast and now sailing on Loch Linnhe, which offers beautiful views of the Highlands and shows us the beauty of unspoilt Scotland. We're heading for Lismore. Lismore is an island of the Inner Hebrides, located in Loch Linnhe northeast of Mull. The island was a Celtic Christian center in the early Middle Ages thanks to an abbey founded by Saint Moluag. We sail past Mull and en route we moor in the picturesque harbor town of Tobermory.

Day 6 : Tobermory

Tobermory is one of Scotland's prettiest ports, thanks to its colorful houses and a sheltered bay where legend has it that one of the Spanish Armada ships sank in 1588 carrying gold. Built as a fishing port in 1788 to a design by Thomas Telford, the town curves around the harbor and rises into the hill behind it. Main Street is a mix of shops, eateries, hotels and guest houses and has an excellent selection of locally produced arts and crafts.

And there's the famous Tobermory Distillery where you can book a tour and sample some delicious whiskeys.

Day 7 : Oban

We are now sailing on the beautiful west coast and sailing close to the beautiful Duart Castle, which is certainly a beautiful and impressive sight from the water. After a wonderful day with lots of photo opportunities, we moor in Oban, a beautiful harbor town with its famous distillery.

Day 8 : Farewell

It was a wonderful trip! Right across the Highlands and across Loch Ness to the West Coast of Scotland. We have seen the enchanting and unspoilt Scotland in a unique way. After an extensive breakfast it is time to say goodbye.

Sailing vessel The Flying Dutchman

The Flying Dutchman is built in 1903. In 2004 Klaas bought this ship and reconstructed it in order to serve as a passengers’ ship that is able to sail the international waters. The ship has a worldwide license according to international safety rules and the ship has been outfitted with the latest navigation and communication systems.

The interior is warm and cosy. The mahogany wood adds to the maritime atmosphere. Refreshments can be found at the bar which is provided with a beer tab. Each cabin has its own bathroom with toilet and shower. Outside you will find plenty of spots to sit, relax and enjoy the passing scenery.