Author: Danny Scott and Alice Scott – “The Travelers”
Yes, cruises are popular again, but how about a luxury Caledonian Canal cruise and a round of golf with your favorite foursome? This is the ultimate holiday on Europe’s waterways. No golf on our classic cruises Scottish spirit August was one of our most incredible trips. We took a 17-day golf road trip to Scotland a year ago, so we knew Scottish golf would be the icing on the cake for our barge experience.
canal cruise
The canal tour was slow and smooth, the scenery was bold, the service was friendly and the food was delicious – at least our chef Jim was. From a champagne welcome and petit fours provided on the app to three meals a day and more, Jim’s cooking skills exceeded all expectations.
the ship is modeled after a traditional scottish steamer Scottish spirit A hotel barge designed for a private, luxurious experience, it can accommodate up to 12 guests in six stylish air-conditioned cabins located below the main deck, each with its own ensuite shower/bathroom and three portholes, perfect for watching the scenery drift by on the water.
The captain’s bridge is located forward and center on the main deck, with an open-air walkway surrounding the ship. Luxurious living and dining spaces unfold, and the heated spa pool on the rear deck is the perfect place to enjoy the sunrise and coffee.
A spiral staircase leads to the spacious top deck. Strike the iconic “Titanic” pose on the rails (with a much happier ending), or recline and admire the rafting ride in the Scottish Highlands. Only by sailing through Loch Ness can you truly appreciate the vastness of Loch Ness. The scenery is breathtaking and the feeling of tranquility is unparalleled. With over 40 years of sailing and service experience, European Waterways has perfected the art of luxury barge travel.
golf options
Golf cruises are private full barge charters available on many European waterway vessels including 3-4 teeing courses. A minimum of four passengers must play golf, and non-golfing guests can choose from a variety of options (follow the original Classic Cruise itinerary, explore on foot or by barge bike, or pursue other interests discussed at time of booking).
Golf cruising can be done not only in the Scottish Highlands, but also in France, Italy, the Netherlands, Germany and Ireland. Golf itineraries are customized based on course availability and proximity. Ranking high in Scotland is the Cabot Highlands, home to the famous Castle Stuart and the new Old Petty Courses on the Moray Firth. Traditional choices might include Fortrose and Rosemarkie, Royal Dornoch or the beautiful Brora, perfect for a seaside swing. No matter what course you play, the 19th hole awaits you on the barge.
Caledonian Culture
Our classic cruises include visits to Cawdor and Eilean Donan Castles, Culloden Battlefield and Clava Cairns – the stones that inspire us Outlander. Distillery tours and spectacular bird of prey interactions are held against the backdrop of the former monastery of Fort Augustus. Every night brings cultural surprises. Play dress-up with Ian in period costume and hear kilt-making bagpiper Alan explain instruments, tribes and bagpipes Poland – “A job offer,” he quips – it’s goofy but full of enlightening fun, while Sean and Hannah delight us with jigs, reels and dance lessons.
2026 pricing
6-night cruise for 12 passengers Scottish spirit Prices start at $6,850 per person (based on two people sharing a cabin) and include all food, wine, open bar, daily escorted excursions (golf or other), entrance fees and private transfers at both ends of the cruise.
Travel tips
Come a day or two early to enjoy Inverness, or fly into Edinburgh and take a scenic train ride north like we did to meet the staff. Light to carry but smart. Choose layers and colors that you like to mix and match. It’s a luxe casual look that’s a little dressy for dinner but eliminates the need for heels. Please bring your jacuzzi bathing suit and be assured that robes and slippers are provided in your cabin.
emotional impact
In our 17 years of travel, we have been fortunate enough to visit over a hundred destinations, and this fun-filled luxury adventure became a journey of reflection. Maybe it was the progression through the many locks – an amazing feat of technology that our dad celebrated every year, taking mom on a “surprise” visit to the Eisenhower Locks. Or maybe it’s sailing for a few hours on Loch Ness, with the hills covered in purple heather, cozy blankets on the upper decks and the breeze blowing past the castle. This is for everyone we touch along the way. This is simply the best for so many reasons!
Contact www.europeanwaterways.com to create the luxury trip of a lifetime with golfers, family and friends.
