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Sail the east coast of Scotland and explore the locks of the Caledonian Canal on this exciting tall ship adventure
8 nights: 15 - 23 April 2021
Standard cabin: €995 / £947 per person
Standard+ cabin: €1095 / £1,042 per person
Single cabin: €1495 / £1,423 per person*
Experience this incredible journey along the breathtaking east coast of Scotland, passing through the Caledonian Canal to Oban in the west. From the Loch Ness to the forts along the coast, this amazing tall ship adventure takes you through the most picturesque of landscapes.
Immerse yourself in life on a tall ship and become a valuable member of the crew as you make your way through the waterways of this Scottish landscape. Sailing from harbour to harbour, through mountain lakes and along canals, you will view the Scottish Highlands from this incredible vantage point. Loch Ness, Loch Lochy, Loch Oich and Loch Douchfour will take your breath away, while the clever lock system of Neptune’s staircase will amaze you. This journey will take you through the history of this fascinating area, as you explore onshore and offshore with like-minded adventurers.
Day 1: Eyemouth
The transfer bus will take you from the center of Edinburgh to the fishing village of Eyemouth. You will be welcomed by the crew on board and meet your fellow passengers.
Day 2: Stonehaven
After breakfast, you will hoist the sails early and sail to Stonehaven, a town on the east coast with a beautiful harbour. Known for its ancient Dunnottar Castle, the town also has a small museum to visit.
Day 3: Buckie
You will sail to Buckie today, a beautiful port city where loggers such as the Flying Dutchman came in the past. Although the city has become more sleepy since the days the Flying Dutchman visited it as a fishing vessel in 1903, it still has something of the grandeur of the once important fishing port.
Day 4: Inverness
Today you will set course to Inverness, a stunning city with the wonders of the Highlands at your doorstep. Visit Inverness Castle and St Andrew’s Cathedral before strolling along the banks of the River Ness, or cross the suspension bridge for rest and relaxation on the Ness Islands.
Day 5: Discover Loch Ness
Today it is possible to visit the Glen Ord Distillery by Taxibus for a tour and tasting. The Flying Dutchman will go through the first five locks and then when everyone is back on board you will sail to the mysterious Loch Ness with it’s breathtaking surroundings. At the end of the day you will moor in Fort Augustus.
Day 6: Fort Augustus-Fort William
Visit Fort Augustus today, a small village on the south bank of Loch Ness. The five locks form the heart of the village, so after exploring the village and its surroundings, you will continue through the locks to Fort William. Beautiful Locks alternate with the narrow tree-lined canal here on your way through Neptune’s Staircase, a system of eight locks designed by Thomas Telford. The boat will rise to 19.5 meters over a length of 457 meters and from the locks you will have a fantastic view of Ben Nevis. Arrive at Fort William, the second largest city in the Highlands after Inverness.
Day 7: Mull – Tobermory
Making your way through more locks, you will make your way to the sea lock at Corpach. Now on the west coast on the Loch Linnhe Sea, you will have stunning views of the Highlands and unspoiled Scotland. Making your way to Mull, you will moor in the picturesque fishing village of Tobermory with its small but famous whiskey distillery.
Day 8: Oban
Today you will set sail along the Scottish West Coast to Oban, passing the impressive Duart Castle on the way. Spend your last night in the picturesque harbour town before leaving the boat the next morning.
Day 9: Farewell
After an extensive breakfast, you can say goodbye to your crew before continuing your adventure in Scotland or making your way home.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Oban, Scotland
Day 1: Eyemouth
The transfer bus will take you from the center of Edinburgh to the fishing village of Eyemouth. You will be welcomed by the crew on board and meet your fellow passengers.
Day 2: Stonehaven
After breakfast, you will hoist the sails early and sail to Stonehaven, a town on the east coast with a beautiful harbour. Known for its ancient Dunnottar Castle, the town also has a small museum to visit.
Day 3: Buckie
You will sail to Buckie today, a beautiful port city where loggers such as the Flying Dutchman came in the past. Although the city has become more sleepy since the days the Flying Dutchman visited it as a fishing vessel in 1903, it still has something of the grandeur of the once important fishing port.
Day 4: Inverness
Today you will set course to Inverness, a stunning city with the wonders of the Highlands at your doorstep. Visit Inverness Castle and St Andrew’s Cathedral before strolling along the banks of the River Ness, or cross the suspension bridge for rest and relaxation on the Ness Islands.
Day 5: Discover Loch Ness
Today it is possible to visit the Glen Ord Distillery by Taxibus for a tour and tasting. The Flying Dutchman will go through the first five locks and then when everyone is back on board you will sail to the mysterious Loch Ness with it’s breathtaking surroundings. At the end of the day you will moor in Fort Augustus.
Day 6: Fort Augustus-Fort William
Visit Fort Augustus today, a small village on the south bank of Loch Ness. The five locks form the heart of the village, so after exploring the village and its surroundings, you will continue through the locks to Fort William. Beautiful Locks alternate with the narrow tree-lined canal here on your way through Neptune’s Staircase, a system of eight locks designed by Thomas Telford. The boat will rise to 19.5 meters over a length of 457 meters and from the locks you will have a fantastic view of Ben Nevis. Arrive at Fort William, the second largest city in the Highlands after Inverness.
Day 7: Mull – Tobermory
Making your way through more locks, you will make your way to the sea lock at Corpach. Now on the west coast on the Loch Linnhe Sea, you will have stunning views of the Highlands and unspoiled Scotland. Making your way to Mull, you will moor in the picturesque fishing village of Tobermory with its small but famous whiskey distillery.
Day 8: Oban
Today you will set sail along the Scottish West Coast to Oban, passing the impressive Duart Castle on the way. Spend your last night in the picturesque harbour town before leaving the boat the next morning.
Day 9: Farewell
After an extensive breakfast, you can say goodbye to your crew before continuing your adventure in Scotland or making your way home.
Base layer – 2x warm thermal tops + thermal leggings
Mid layer – 2x fleece type mid layers + mid layer trousers
Light waterproof shell (waterproof hiking type jacket and trousers) – for exploring ashore
Down jacket – a down (or synthetic alternative) jacket, the warmer the better
Gillet – optional but a really versatile mid layer, down or synthetic down are great
Hats – 2x warm wool hats, ear flaps are great
Waterproof hat – a waterproof hat or cap (eg Sealskins)
Neck warmer – 2x ‘Buff’ style neck warmers
Gloves – one waterproof pair (ski or fishing type) + 2x thinner fleece liner / spare pairs
Socks – 2x pairs of warm socks for sailing + hiking socks for exploring ashore
Boots – Wellington type boots. These are needed not just for sailing but also for getting ashore from the rib where you may need to stop into mid-calf depth water. They don’t need to be expensive or sailing specific, but they should be waterproof with good grip
Hiking shoes / boots – suitable for exploring on rough or wet terrain ashore
Rucsac – for on land exploring
Underwear – a couple of sets of comfortable underwear
Swimwear –
Camera, batteries, memory cards etc – it is possible to charge camera batteries onboard but it is a good idea to bring spare batteries and lots of memory card space
Entertainment – books, music etc for rest time
Toiletries – basic wash kit with travel-sized bottles
Eye mask and earplugs – can make sleeping easier in the midnight sun
Any personal medications that you need – ensure you have enough to last the whole trip
Dry bags – recommended for keeping any electrical kit in and for taking things ashore
Head torch – ideally with a red light function
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
A set of ‘shore clothes’ for travelling in / rest days in town
Passport / visas
Credit/debit card for shore-based activities or travel emergencies
Kitbag – this must be squashy type (not a suitcase) a large barrel type bag is ideal
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