20th October 2024 to 26th October 2024
Tall Ship: Caledonian Canal Adventure 2024 – Oban to Inverness
From £1000 per person
Deposit 50%. Balance due 12 weeks before departure
From: €1,145 / £1,000 per person*
*Trips are priced in the operator’s local currency. The sterling amount shown is a guide only and the amount you pay in sterling will change with currency fluctuations.
Tall Ship: Caledonian Canal Adventure 2024 - Oban to Inverness
Duration: 6 Nights from 20 to 26 October 2024
Join us on a beautiful trip through the Caledonian Canal, connecting the mighty North Sea with the vast Atlantic Ocean. The Caledonian Canal is one of the most picturesque waterways in the world. We start in Oban and sail along the west coast before passing through the mountains of the Scottish Highlands to Inverness.
Along the way, we will be treated to stunning scenery. We will stop by quaint towns, see historic castles and navigate four famous mountain lakes: Loch Ness, Loch Lochy, Loch Oich, and Loch Douchfour. Keep your eyes peeled for a potential sighting of Nessie as we navigate the depths of Loch Ness. This trip offers a truly unforgettable experience of natural beauty and rich history.
Why You’ll Love This Trip
- Enjoy the tranquillity of life on the water and marvel at the stunning landscapes that pass by, including picturesque mountain lakes as you cruise through the Caledonian Canal.
- Complete the famous Neptune's Staircase, a series of 8 locks that cover 500 metres of the famous canal.
- Discover the rich history and heritage of the Scottish Highlands as you sail from Oban to Inverness. Explore charming towns along the way, visit historic sites, and immerse yourself in the local culture.
- Treat yourself to stunning views of Fort William and the highest mountain in the UK: the striking Ben Nevis.
- Embrace the opportunity to meet like-minded individuals who share a passion for exploration and adventure, fostering a sense of community onboard and new lifelong friendships.
Who The Trip Is For
- Nature and outdoor lovers will be captivated by the Caledonian Canal adventure. The trip offers opportunities to witness diverse flora and fauna, from majestic mountains to serene lakes, creating an immersive nature experience.
- History buffs and culture aficionados will delight in exploring the rich heritage of the Scottish Highlands. From visiting ancient castles to encountering traditional customs, this trip provides a glimpse into Scotland's captivating past and vibrant culture.
- With its unique locks and picturesque waterways, this trip offers sailors and boating enthusiasts the chance to indulge in the joy of sailing on a historic tall ship while embracing the challenges and rewards of a canal journey.
- Those who embrace the flexibility of ocean travel. While we will attempt to reach as many destinations as possible, the final route will be determined during the trip depending on the weather conditions.
Itinerary: Oban – Inverness
As a sailing ship, we are largely dependent on the weather. The program below is a guideline and is determined by the influence of the current and the weather, especially the wind. This may mean that we skip ports or call at ports other than those described below. Flexibility is the key to enjoying this varied adventurous trip!
Day 1: Oban
On this beautiful Highlands & Loch Ness trip, we like to welcome you to Oban. Once you’ve embarked, you can meet the other participants and the crew. Around 19.00 there is a welcome dinner and we raise the glass on a nice trip. Oban is beautifully situated at the foot of the Lorn Mountains. High above the city is McCraighs Tower, a nineteenth-century replica of the Colosseum. Oban is sometimes called the pearl of the western highlands, with its winding streets and picturesque bay full of yachts, ferries, and small fishing boats. The Flying Dutchman is located on the north pier, less than a hundred metres from the famous Oban whisky distillery.
Day 2: Mull
After a nice breakfast, we go to Tobermory on the Isle of Mull. Along the way, the crew gives sailing instructions so that everyone can and may help to hoist the sails. Along the way, we sail past the beautifully restored Duart Castle. Tobermory is the largest town on the island, located in the northeast. It is a charming little place with brightly coloured houses and a series of small businesses such as a chocolate shop, bakery, candle maker, silversmith, art gallery, and potter. And of course, we visit the famous Tobermory whiskey distillery.
Day 3: Fort William
After a beautiful evening with of course a lot of music we head towards Fort William, where the entrance to the Caledonia channel begins. We enjoy all there is to see along the way on the beautiful West Coast. We moor in Corpach with a view of Fort William and the highest mountain in the UK: the striking Ben Nevis.
Day 4: Caledonian Canal
Today, after spending the night in the first sea lock, we pass the famous Neptune’s Staircase, which is 8 locks in a row. We always attract a lot of attention, because we are one of the biggest ships that can fit through the Canal and the locks. After the locks, we arrive at a fairy tale part of the canal with some smaller lochs and narrow stretches, with high-rising trees in autumn colours, like we are sailing in the woods.
We sail through enchanting lakes like Loch Lochy, Loch Oich, and Loch Dochfour. And if it’s possible, we will sail upwards and let the wind take us over the magnificent lakes. Enjoy the tranquillity of the water and the beautiful landscape that floats by. Watch the amazing skies and views. After a beautiful day with many photo moments, we arrive at Fort Augusta, home to some nice shops and pubs.
Day 5: Loch Ness – Inverness
Today our beautiful Highlands & Loch Ness trip will see us pass 6 locks to get to the famous Loch Ness. We might even catch a glimpse of Nessie. Monster or not, it’s a wonderful trip through Scotland in an enchanting environment.
At the end of the day, we are looking for a nice anchorage on the lake of Loch Ness.
Day 6: Inverness
After a good night’s rest, we continue towards Inverness on the Scottish East Coast. Inverness is a nice city with plenty of shops, restaurants, and local culture. In the evenings you can often find live music in one of the local pubs.
Day 7: Inverness
We have travelled straight through the heart of Scotland from west to east and discovered the highlands from the water. After a good breakfast, it is time to say goodbye. The trip through the Caledonian Canal was a breathtaking and beautiful experience.
- All charges regarding port fees, tourist fees, and fuel expenses
- Cabin with shower and toilet
- Bed linen and towels
- The use of a zodiac for landings when we visit places without a harbour
- The crew: captain, cook, and first mate
- Half board including coffee, tea, milk and juice at meals
(In the case of half-board, you will also be able to discover local specialities on land, in addition to the catering on board)
- Transport to and from the vessel
- Personal expenses ashore
- Food ashore
- Fees for events that take place outside the ship
- Beverages besides the included drinks during the meals
Accommodation
This is not a floating hotel but a traditional sailing ship that is comfortable, intimate, and small enough to anchor in shallower water.
Cabins
- 11 two-person cabins. Total of 22 guests
- All of the cabins on board are twin en-suites with air-conditioning
Common areas
- On deck – The ship has a large deck area on which you can sit and soak up the sun. There is a cosy bar in the deckhouse and plenty of room for eating together on the deck.
- Salon – Main interior social space with comfortable couches and tables to sit, eat and socialise with fellow travellers. Includes a bar and entertainment system.
Language
Our voyages attract travellers from all over the world, which has been an important factor in establishing an open-minded atmosphere on board. The crew of the ship is most of the time from Dutch origin but speaks and understands English very well.
Oban, North pier pontoons/ town Quay
Inverness, Scotland
Itinerary: Oban – Inverness
As a sailing ship, we are largely dependent on the weather. The program below is a guideline and is determined by the influence of the current and the weather, especially the wind. This may mean that we skip ports or call at ports other than those described below. Flexibility is the key to enjoying this varied adventurous trip!
Day 1: Oban
On this beautiful Highlands & Loch Ness trip, we like to welcome you to Oban. Once you’ve embarked, you can meet the other participants and the crew. Around 19.00 there is a welcome dinner and we raise the glass on a nice trip. Oban is beautifully situated at the foot of the Lorn Mountains. High above the city is McCraighs Tower, a nineteenth-century replica of the Colosseum. Oban is sometimes called the pearl of the western highlands, with its winding streets and picturesque bay full of yachts, ferries, and small fishing boats. The Flying Dutchman is located on the north pier, less than a hundred metres from the famous Oban whisky distillery.
Day 2: Mull
After a nice breakfast, we go to Tobermory on the Isle of Mull. Along the way, the crew gives sailing instructions so that everyone can and may help to hoist the sails. Along the way, we sail past the beautifully restored Duart Castle. Tobermory is the largest town on the island, located in the northeast. It is a charming little place with brightly coloured houses and a series of small businesses such as a chocolate shop, bakery, candle maker, silversmith, art gallery, and potter. And of course, we visit the famous Tobermory whiskey distillery.
Day 3: Fort William
After a beautiful evening with of course a lot of music we head towards Fort William, where the entrance to the Caledonia channel begins. We enjoy all there is to see along the way on the beautiful West Coast. We moor in Corpach with a view of Fort William and the highest mountain in the UK: the striking Ben Nevis.
Day 4: Caledonian Canal
Today, after spending the night in the first sea lock, we pass the famous Neptune’s Staircase, which is 8 locks in a row. We always attract a lot of attention, because we are one of the biggest ships that can fit through the Canal and the locks. After the locks, we arrive at a fairy tale part of the canal with some smaller lochs and narrow stretches, with high-rising trees in autumn colours, like we are sailing in the woods.
We sail through enchanting lakes like Loch Lochy, Loch Oich, and Loch Dochfour. And if it’s possible, we will sail upwards and let the wind take us over the magnificent lakes. Enjoy the tranquillity of the water and the beautiful landscape that floats by. Watch the amazing skies and views. After a beautiful day with many photo moments, we arrive at Fort Augusta, home to some nice shops and pubs.
Day 5: Loch Ness – Inverness
Today our beautiful Highlands & Loch Ness trip will see us pass 6 locks to get to the famous Loch Ness. We might even catch a glimpse of Nessie. Monster or not, it’s a wonderful trip through Scotland in an enchanting environment.
At the end of the day, we are looking for a nice anchorage on the lake of Loch Ness.
Day 6: Inverness
After a good night’s rest, we continue towards Inverness on the Scottish East Coast. Inverness is a nice city with plenty of shops, restaurants, and local culture. In the evenings you can often find live music in one of the local pubs.
Day 7: Inverness
We have travelled straight through the heart of Scotland from west to east and discovered the highlands from the water. After a good breakfast, it is time to say goodbye. The trip through the Caledonian Canal was a breathtaking and beautiful experience.
Warm and waterproof clothing is very important, as it can get very cold during sailing, especially at night, even in the summer. A waterproof and windproof jacket is recommended to help keep warm and dry. Waterproof rubber-soled boots or shoes are also recommended to keep your feet dry and warm. Pack comfortable and practical clothing for all weather circumstances, the key is layers. It is recommended to pack in a soft bag that can be easily stored away as there is no locker room onboard for suitcases. Also in the cabins, there are 2-pin European plug sockets and USB sockets (‘normal’ USB-B, no USB-C on board) so guests will need to bring adapters if they are from outside the EU.
- List of items we recommend you bring with you; these are not mandatory.
- Warm hat and gloves
- Adaptor for European Socket
- Wet weather clothing – waterproof and windproof jacket
- Clothing – enough clothing for all weather circumstances (think layers and quick dry clothes)
- Wellies or waterproof shoes
- Walking boots, shoes for onshore, and trainers with good grip
- Sea Sickness and personal medication
- Small Torch (head torches are good)
- Camera
- Sunglasses (polarised lenses are ideal, but not essential)
- Sunscreen (water-resistant, SPF 30 or higher)
