Showing posts with label Cycling. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cycling. Show all posts

Friday, December 16, 2016

Barge Scottish Highlander's Captain Returns for 2017

After a career as a yacht charter captain in the Caribbean, Mick joined the Hotel Barge Scottish Highlander in 2015.


Mick, a Yorkshireman, is a warm host and happy to share his passion for all things nautical with passengers in Highlander’s extended, visitor-friendly wheelhouse. Having explored every creek and cove of the Virgin and  Windward Islands, Mick enjoys studying maps and charts old and new and, after a full season on the Caledonian Canal, his idea of relaxation is to embark on a 3000-nautical mile transatlantic yacht delivery.


Hotel Barge SCOTTISH HIGHLANDER moored at Urquhart Castle

Luxury Crewed Canal Cruises in Scotland - The Caledonian Canal, Loch Ness & the Highlands

The hotel barge Scottish Highlander has the atmosphere of a Scottish country house with subtle use of tartan furnishings and landscape paintings. At 117 feet, Scottish Highlander is spacious and has every comfort for year-round cruising. Scottish Highlander accommodates up to eight guests in staterooms that can either be configured for doubles or singles, each with ensuite bathrooms. The experienced crew of four, led by your captain, ensure attention to your every need.

A six-night cruise includes all meals, open bar, daily escorted excursions, local transfers and use of barge facilities such as bicycles. View their online brochure.


Contact Paradise Connections to book SCOTTISH HIGHLANDER
View Scottish Highlander's online brochure
Visit our website for more info on our barges and barging: www.BargeCharters.com
 


Sunday, January 11, 2015

Enjoy cycling on your barge cruise with "Biking Plus"

Many of our barge enthusiasts enjoy taking some exercise in the form of cycling during their hotel barge cruise, so each vessel carries bicycles for everyone on board to use. On most cruises the crew can offload the bikes almost anytime for you to take a gentle pedal along the canal's towpath, or perhaps to the next village or lock.


Barging and Biking... a Perfect Combination


The "Biking Plus" Option

The more adventurous of you might be interested in "Biking Plus" which is offered by most of our barges at no extra charge.

While other members of your group are relaxing on deck or enjoying a stroll, most days you can take a bike and follow an interesting, but not too challenging route that has been carefully researched.


You will be given clearly marked maps for each round trip route and a backpack with everything you might need so you can explore the surrounding countryside and villages for an hour or two along the lanes, towpaths and byways. You can rejoin the barge where you left her or maybe catch up a little further along the canal. If you get lost or have a problem there's no need to worry as they will send a crew member to come and fetch you.

Your hotel barge's itinerary is arranged so that you won't miss any of the organized excursions or much of the cruising, but you will have seen a little more of the people and places around you. This is also a wonderful way to work off some of the calories from your fabulous meals :)

Fancy a tandem bike? Inquire and we'll see if one can be reserved.



Go Barging & Get Biking!


Contact Paradise Connections to book your barging holiday
For more information on our barges and barging, visit our website : www.BargeCharters.com
 



Saturday, December 06, 2014

Barge Scottish Highlander: Experience Spring in Scotland

If you are a lover of spectacular scenery, wildlife and malt whisky, spring is a great time of year to cruise through the Great Glen in the Highlands of Scotland aboard the luxury, all-inclusive, crewed hotel barge Scottish Highlander.

Luxury Canal Cruises in Scotland - The Caledonian Canal, Loch Ness & the Highlands
Scottish Hotel Barge Scottish Highlander More Videos


SCOTLAND IN THE SPRING

"Why would anyone want to cruise in the Scottish Highlands in April? Isn’t it cold and dark?,” you may ask.

Well, perhaps you should come aboard the barge Scottish Highlander and find out for yourself. The glorious, dramatic scenery that you will cruise by is set off by some of the highest snow-capped mountains and colorful displays of heather, wild flowers and cherry blossom. Flowering cherry trees, with their double blossom, were introduced long ago from Japan and they have thrived in this part of Scotland.

The many seabird colonies on the coast are at their most spectacular during the spring nesting season and nature reserves see the start of huge flocks of migrating ducks and geese. Seals, dolphins and porpoises can be seen almost all year round in coastal areas near towns like Muirtown, which is the beginning or end point of your barging cruise,

Besides the warmth you will feel from your professional and attentive crew, Scottish Highlander has central heating throughout to keep your toes toasty.  The large picture windows in the comfortable saloon means that you can enjoy the spectacular views from inside as you cruise Loch Ness and the Caledonian Canal, perhaps while enjoying one of the many single malts on board!

What more could you ask for at this time of year? Hmmmm... a special offer, perhaps?



RATES & SPECIAL OFFER:
Private Charters and Cabin Cruises: April 5, 12, 19, 26 departures: 10% discount off standard rates. 


The hotel barge Scottish Highlander has the atmosphere of a Scottish country house with subtle use of tartan furnishings and landscape paintings. At 117 feet, Scottish Highlander is spacious and has every comfort for year-round cruising. Scottish Highlander accommodates up to eight guests in staterooms that can either be configured for doubles or singles, each with ensuite bathrooms. The experienced crew of four, led by your captain, ensure attention to your every need.

A six-night cruise includes all meals, open bar, daily escorted excursions, local transfers and use of barge facilities such as bicycles.

TWO SPECIAL GOLF WEEKS FOR 2015:
Cabins for the Golfing Cabin Cruise weeks are still available.
10-16 May and 4-10 October 2014
See HERE for more info.

Scottish Highlander, like all of our barges, is booking up quickly for the 2015 season so please contact us as soon as possible to book your Scottish Highland adventure cruise.


Bring snacks for Nessie in case she stops by...



Contact Paradise Connections to book SCOTTISH HIGHLANDER
View Scottish Highlander's online brochure
Visit our website for more info on our barges and barging: www.BargeCharters.com
 


Saturday, February 15, 2014

Barging and Biking Video - Cycling along the European Waterways

All of our of barges have bicycles aboard for their guests to use. You can ride alongside the canal on the tow path or venture into towns along the way for a visit and meet up with the barge farther down the canal. The crew can also advise routes suited for your interests and ability.


Some barges also offer cycling-themed cruises where you will have an upgrade in bicycles and a professional guide. This is only offered for private charters and have a supplement to cover additional expenses.

Looking forward to your inquiries



Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book your barging vacation
For more information on our barges and barging, visit our website : www.BargeCharters.com
 

Monday, January 27, 2014

French Hotel Barge Nymphea: Loire Barging Cruises

We are pleased to announce that the French Hotel Barge Nymphea will be resuming barging cruises on the River Cher in the Loire Valley France for 2014.

French Hotel Barge Nymphea - Cruising the Loire Valley - Barging in France

Last year Nymphea had to suspend operations due to the need for emergency repairs to be carried out on lock weirs/barrages on the River Cher... but she's BACK!

It is possible to book Nymphea by the cabin and share the barge with other like-minded passengers or you may choose to have a private charter for up to 6 people. For private charters you have the option of the standard Loire cruise or several themed itineraries: cycling/bike tour, golf, family, romantic getaway for two/honeymoon cruise.

French Hotel Barge Nymphea River Cher Loire Valley barging cruises
The Valley of the Kings is as rich in history and legend as it is in beauty, and over the centuries little has changed. The River Loire and its main tributary the River Cher have transported passengers and cargo for more than 2000 years.

The proximity of such a wealth of gorgeous Renaissance architecture makes a cruise along this waterway a unique travel experience.

There is much to discover in the Loire Valley, from the fabulous châteaux to the centuries-old villages dotted along the river. Wind your way through the narrow streets perhaps discovering hidden shops with hand-painted pottery or stumble across an open market. Visit a winemaker and taste their range of Touraine wines or meet a cheese producer and learn why his goat cheese is the most famous in France.

 Barging in France - Cruising the River Cher in the Loire Valley aboard the Barge Nymphea

Nymphea has three comfortable cabins, two twin staterooms and one twin or double stateroom, all with air conditioning and en-suite facilities. Six bikes are always available for you to enjoy rides along towpaths and trails. Her crew of Captain and Chef/Housekeeper are most knowledgeable about the history in this beautiful area and are excellent hosts for your luxury cruise

Looking forward to your inquries


Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book NYMPHEA 
View Nymphea's online brochure
Visit our website for more info on our barges and barging: www.BargeCharters.com
 



Go Barging in France

Thursday, January 10, 2013

VIDEO for Hotel Barge Scottish Highlander

We have a new video for the Scottish Hotel Barge SCOTTISH HIGHLANDER.

 
Hotel Barge Scottish Highlander - Barging in Scotland - Caledonian Canal, Loch Ness, Highlands

When most people think about barging it is about a barge cruise along the French canals. France is fantastic, of course, but we want to let you know that you can also experience barging in SCOTLAND all year round!

Click image to enlarge
The highlands of Scotland hold the very essence of this awe inspiring country. Cruise along the Great Glen from Inverness towards Fort William, through lochs, along rivers and the scenic and absorbing Caledonian Canal.

Ancient castles leading to the water's edge, heather-clad hillsides and arguably the finest inland cruising scenery in the world.

Anchor below castles and explore the Glens, Munroes and Bens of this spectacular land.

The legends of the past, the taste of single malt and the mythical inhabitant of Loch Ness all contribute to a special magic only experienced in Scotland's dramatic Highlands.



The hotel barge Scottish Highlander has the atmosphere of a Scottish country house with subtle use of tartan furnishings and landscape paintings. At 117 feet, Scottish Highlander is spacious and has every comfort for year-round cruising. Scottish Highlander accommodates up to eight guests in staterooms that can either be configured for doubles or singles, each with ensuite bathrooms.

Hotel Barge Scottish Highlander Moored Below Urquhart Castle

The experienced crew of four, led by your captain, ensure attention to your every need. Cuisine is traditional Scottish fare, salmon, game, venison and seafood, prepared by your own master chef.

Some of the Single Malt Whiskies served aboard:

  • Ben Nevis 10-year old
  • Lagavulin
  • Glenfiddich 12-year old
  • Dalwhinnie
  • Glenmorangie
  • Glen Moray
  • Bowmore18-year old
  • Isle of Jura 18-year old
  • Auchentoshan 12-year old

Besides the Standard Classic Cruise itinerary, Scottish Highlander also offers themed cruises:
Scottish Highlander will also tailor your charter towards your specific interests such as hiking, or a whisky distillery cruise...

A cruise aboard Scottish Highlander along the Great Glen as you admire some of Scotland's finest scenery will be unforgettable.


Say "Hello" to Nessie for us :)



Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book SCOTTISH HIGHLANDER 
View Scottish Highlander's online brochure
Visit our website for more info on our barges and barging: www.BargeCharters.com
 


Saturday, June 16, 2012

Barging in Scotland: Hotel Barge Scottish Highlander

When most people think about barging it is about a barge cruise along the French canals. France is fantastic, of course, but we want to let you know that you can also experience barging in SCOTLAND all year round!

Click image to enlarge
The highlands of Scotland hold the very essence of this awe inspiring country. Cruise along the Great Glen from Inverness towards Fort William, through lochs, along rivers and the scenic and absorbing Caledonian Canal.

Ancient castles leading to the water's edge, heather-clad hillsides and arguably the finest inland cruising scenery in the world.

Anchor below castles and explore the Glens, Munroes and Bens of this spectacular land.

The legends of the past, the taste of single malt and the mythical inhabitant of Loch Ness all contribute to a special magic only experienced in Scotland's dramatic Highlands.



The hotel barge Scottish Highlander has the atmosphere of a Scottish country house with subtle use of tartan furnishings and landscape paintings. At 117 feet, Scottish Highlander is spacious and has every comfort for year-round cruising. Scottish Highlander accommodates up to eight guests in staterooms that can either be configured for doubles or singles, each with ensuite bathrooms.

Hotel Barge Scottish Highlander Moored Below Urquhart Castle

The experienced crew of four, led by your captain, ensure attention to your every need. Cuisine is traditional Scottish fare, salmon, game, venison and seafood, prepared by your own master chef.

Some of the Single Malt Whiskies served aboard:

  • Ben Nevis 10-year old
  • Lagavulin
  • Glenfiddich 12-year old
  • Dalwhinnie
  • Glenmorangie
  • Glen Moray
  • Bowmore18-year old
  • Isle of Jura 18-year old
  • Auchentoshan 12-year old

Besides the Standard Classic Cruise itinerary, Scottish Highlander also offers themed cruises:
Scottish Highlander will also tailor your charter towards your specific interests such as hiking, or a whisky distillery cruise...

A cruise aboard Scottish Highlander along the Great Glen as you admire some of Scotland's finest scenery will be unforgettable.


Say "Hello" to Nessie for us :)



Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book SCOTTISH HIGHLANDER 
View Scottish Highlander's online brochure
Visit our website for more info on our barges and barging: www.BargeCharters.com