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For questions about existing bookings are we still available via email (info@zeilendeschepen.nl) and telephone (0517 20 10 23)
For questions about existing bookings are we still available via email (info@zeilendeschepen.nl) and telephone (0517 20 10 23)
This is a trip with Corona Guarantee. Click here for more information or call (0517) 20 10 23.
Unfortunately, you can no longer book this sailing trip. View alternative sailing vacations or call (0517) 20 10 23.
Thursday 15 April 2021 17: 00 t / m Friday 23 April 2021 10: 00
A special journey from the East to the West Coast. Cross the Highlands via the Caledonia Canal, one of the most beautiful waterways in the world. This canal connects the beautiful Lochs, of which Loch Ness is the most famous. From Inverness you sail through the mountain landscape of the Highlands of Scotland to Ford William: spectacular landscapes and views.
The map of the Caledonian Canal clearly shows that this waterway connects the Atlantic Ocean with the North Sea. The 100km passage runs from Loch Linnhe to Moray Firth and only about 37km has been constructed. The locks in this canal are used to raise and lower boats. The rest of the waterway follows the lochs Loch Lochy, Loch Oich and Loch Ness. The lakes are breathtakingly beautiful because of the deep, crystal clear water. Loch Ness, where the monster Nessie lives, is 230 meters deep. The loch is 39 kilometers long.
The following program is a guide and can be adjusted due to weather conditions, current and wind. Flexibility is the rule on this trip.
Day 1: Inverness
You will be warmly welcomed on board in Inverness, after boarding you will enjoy a delicious meal on board. Inverness is a pleasant city with authentic cafes, where you can enjoy traditional Scottish music in the evening. This city is definitely worth a look before you start your journey. Visit Inverness Castle and St Andrew's Cathedral, then walk along the banks of the River Ness, or cross the suspension bridge for some rest and relaxation in the Ness Islands.
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, the journey continues to the beautiful mysterious Loch Ness. The hope is of course to go sailing on this famous lake and who knows, you might even see Nessie. Monster or not, it is a wonderful trip in breathtakingly beautiful surroundings. The ship moors at the famous 13th-century Urquhart Castle, located on Loch Ness which is now in ruins but was once one of the largest castles in Scotland. You will spend the night here, at anchor, on Loch Ness Lake.
Day 3: Fort Augustus
The tour continues to Fort Augustus, a small cozy village on the south bank of the large 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. The Flying Dutchman goes up through the 5 locks and on to Fort William. Magnificent Lochs alternate with the narrow, tree-lined canal. At the end of the day, the ship reaches the Neptune's Staircase or the Staircase of Neptunes.
Day 4: Fort William
The next morning the ship passes 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 city 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
You are now on the west coast and the ship is now sailing on Loch Linnhe, which offers stunning views of the Highlands and shows the beauty of unspoilt Scotland. The route continues to 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. The ship sails past Mull and en route moors 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 with 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 with a brilliant tour and tasting of fine whiskeys.
Day 7: Oban
The Flying Dutchman has now arrived at the beautiful west coast and sails 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, the captain moors in Oban, a beautiful harbor town with its famous distillery.
Day 8: Farewell
It was a wonderful journey, across the Highlands and across Loch Ness to the west coast of Scotland. After an extensive breakfast it is time to say goodbye.
Travel sum is based on a stay in a shared 2-person cabin (m / f separated) with private shower and toilet.
This trip can be booked as a nice extension of the Amsterdam – Inverness trip.
You will then receive a 10% discount on both trips.
Food allergies and dietary requirements
If you have dietary requirements or allergies, it is best to discuss this before booking. Often it is not a problem, but sometimes some cooperation is expected from the guests if special products have to be purchased, which will then have to be taken by the guests themselves, for example.
