点评:From the mysterious waters of Loch Ness to historic castles, private falconry displays and the stirring sound of a Scottish piper, a luxury hotel barge cruise through the Highlands offers a wonderful way to discover Scotland.
My wife Jackie and I spent a week aboard European Waterways’ Spirit of Scotland, cruising from Muirtown, near Inverness, to Banavie, close to Fort William, with spectacular scenery, fascinating excursions and exceptional hospitality. Our journey followed the Caledonian Canal, linking a succession of beautiful lochs and waterways through the heart of the Highlands.
Champagne Reception
Our introduction to life aboard Spirit of Scotland began with a champagne reception. The accommodation and onboard facilities combined comfort with luxury. There was a relaxed elegance throughout, with the emphasis firmly on making guests feel well looked after.
Food and drink were very much part of the experience. Meals were a highlight; breakfast, lunch and dinner with delicious dishes and a welcome opportunity to sit down with fellow guests. Lunches and dinners were accompanied by fine wines.
Life Aboard A Luxury Hotel Barge
With just six cabins accommodating up to 12 guests, the barge has an exclusive feel. Cabins are situated on the lower deck with a choice of twin or double beds, an en-suite shower room and storage space.
The main deck is where much of the social life takes place. The spacious bar and lounge, with its comfortable seating and large picture windows, is an inviting place to relax and watch the scenery glide past. There is a separate dining area for enjoying the chef’s meals, while the well-stocked bar is available around the clock.
At the front of the lounge is the wheelhouse, where the captain navigates the barge through the canals and locks. Its position gives guests a fascinating view of the route ahead and a chance to see something of the skill involved in steering this vessel.
The large upper sun deck, with an abundance of sun loungers, is a great place to make the most of the Highland scenery. There is also a covered outdoor dining area. The middle deck has a heated spa pool.
For those who prefer a little activity, bicycles are available on board, allowing guests to cycle along the towpath and re-join the barge at the next lock or mooring.
Castles, History And Birds Of Prey
On a European Waterways cruise excursions are an integral part of the experience, with a private chauffeured minibus providing comfortable transport.
Our first major outing took us to Cawdor Castle. With its traditional architecture, gardens and centuries of stories. The following day at Fort Augustus we journeyed to Culloden Moor, where the powerful presence of the 1746 battlefield brings Scotland's history to life.
Another memorable experience awaited us at Kytra, where we enjoyed a superb falconry and birds of prey demonstration. Seeing these magnificent birds up close was a real highlight.
A Piper, A Castle And A Wee Dram
As we continued along the Caledonian Canal, the changing scenery became an attraction in itself. As we arrived at Laggan, we were greeted by a Scottish piper. The stirring sounds of traditional Scottish music captured the spirit of the journey perfectly.
Eilean Donan Castle was next on the agenda, one of Scotland’s famous landmarks. This striking stone fortress looks straight out of a movie. In fact, it featured prominently in ‘Highlander’ and the James Bond film ‘The World Is Not Enough’.
Arriving at Banavie, our last stop, we visited The Ben Nevis Whisky Distillery. Exploring the traditions of Scotland’s national drink followed by a wee dram perfectly capped off a week in the glorious Highlands.
Taking Your Time
For anyone looking to discover the Scottish Highlands in comfort, with history, culture, fine dining and a generous helping of luxury along the way, European Waterways’ Spirit of Scotland makes a compelling choice. We came away with wonderful memories of a week that showcased Scotland at its most captivating - and did so at a wonderfully unhurried pace.
翻译:从尼斯湖神秘的湖水,到历史悠久的城堡、私人猎鹰表演,再到苏格兰风笛的悠扬乐声,乘坐豪华游船游览苏格兰高地无疑是探索这片土地的绝佳方式。
我和妻子杰基在“欧洲水道”公司旗下的“苏格兰之魂号”游船上度过了一周时光。我们从因弗内斯附近的穆尔敦出发,一路航行至威廉堡附近的巴纳维,沿途尽是绝美的风景、有趣的游览活动以及无微不至的热情款待。我们的旅程沿着喀里多尼亚运河展开,这条运河将高地中心地带一系列风景如画的湖泊与水道相连。
香槟招待会
我们体验“苏格兰之魂”号上的生活,是从一场香槟招待会开始的。船上的住宿环境与各项设施将舒适与奢华完美结合。整个氛围从容优雅,处处体现出让宾客感受到无微不至关怀的用心。
美食与美酒也是此次体验的重要组成部分。用餐时光堪称一大乐事:早餐、午餐和晚餐都配有美味佳肴,也是与其他宾客欢聚畅谈的绝佳时机。午餐与晚餐时还有美酒相伴。
豪华游艇酒店上的生活
这艘游艇仅有六间客舱,最多可接待12位客人,因此显得极为私密且尊贵。客舱位于下层甲板,可选择双人床或两张单人床,并配有独立淋浴间及储物空间。
大部分社交活动则都在主甲板上进行。这个宽敞的酒吧与休息区设有舒适的座椅和大型观景窗,是放松身心、欣赏窗外景色的绝佳去处。这里还设有一个独立的用餐区,供客人品尝主厨烹制的美味佳肴;备货充足的酒吧则全天候为客人服务。
休息区前方是驾驶舱,船长在此指挥驳船沿着运河和水闸航行。从其位置可以欣赏到前方航线的迷人景致,还能领略到驾驶这艘船只所需的精湛技艺。
宽敞的上层日光甲板上摆放着众多日光浴躺椅,是尽情欣赏高地风光的好地方。这里还设有一个有顶棚的户外用餐区。中层甲板上则有一个恒温温泉泳池。
对于喜欢活动的人士,船上还提供自行车可供使用。游客可以沿着运河步道骑行,然后在下一个水闸或停泊处重新回到游船上。
城堡、历史与猛禽
在European Waterways的游轮之旅中,观光游览是体验的重要组成部分,公司还提供配有司机的私人迷你巴士以确保舒适的交通服务。
我们的第一次大型出游是前往考多尔城堡。这座城堡拥有传统的建筑风格、美丽的花园,还承载着数个世纪以来的无数故事。次日,在奥古斯都斯堡,我们又前往了卡洛登荒原。1746年战场的宏伟景象让苏格兰的历史栩栩如生。
在凯特拉,我们还有另一段难忘的经历——欣赏了一场精彩的驯鹰及猛禽表演。能够近距离目睹这些华丽非凡的鸟类真是一大乐事。
风笛手、城堡与一小杯威士忌
沿着加勒多尼安运河前行时,不断变换的风景本身便成了一种享受。当我们抵达拉根时,一位吹奏风笛的苏格兰乐师热情地迎接了我们。传统苏格兰音乐的动人旋律完美诠释了这次旅程的精神内涵。
接下来我们前往了艾伦多南城堡——苏格兰最著名的地标之一。这座气势恢宏的石造堡垒宛如从电影中走出来一般。事实上,它曾在电影《高地人》以及詹姆斯·邦德系列影片《谁与争锋》中担任重要场景。
最后,我们抵达了此行的终点站巴纳维,并参观了本尼维斯威士忌酿酒厂。体验苏格兰国饮的传统习俗,再小酌一杯,这样的安排为在风光旖旎的高地度过的一周画上了完美的句号。
从容享受旅程
对于希望舒适地探索苏格兰高地,同时领略历史文化、品味精美佳肴并享受奢华体验的旅行者而言,欧洲水道公司旗下的“苏格兰之魂号”无疑是绝佳之选。我们带走了美好的回忆——这一周让我们领略到了最迷人的苏格兰,而且一切都以一种从容不迫的节奏展开。