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Scotland Bike+Boat
from/to Orban
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The Inner Hebrides
Oban is the start and end point of this tour through the Inner Hebrides and Highlands. Onboard the magnificent Flying Dutchman, we visit the Isle of Mull and the Kintyre Peninsula, still largely untouched by mass tourism and home to the most spectacular landscapes in Scotland. The isle of Jura, known for its large number of red deer and world-famous whisky distillery, is new to our program. Enjoy the wild scenery of Scotland, its colour contrasts, and great biodiversity. Once evening falls, treat yourself to a glass of whisky in one of the pubs while listening to foot-tapping Scottish music. During our crossings on the Flying Dutchman, be sure to keep an eye out for dolphins and seals while enjoying views of the magnificent landscape as we pass by. On our cycle tours, we may see eagles, red deer, and otters alongside the incredible views of the sea we get to enjoy from the most beautiful lookout points.
Dates 2024:
Arrival: Sunday
Duration: 8 days
Dates:
June 09./16./23., Aug 18./25., Sept 01.
Min.number of participants: 14 persons
1st Day: Oban (Embarkation) (D)
Individual flight to Edinburgh or Glasgow followed by either train or bus to Oban. Alternatively you are welcome to reserve a seat with our collective transfer service which leaves the centre of Edinburgh at 5.30 pm and Edinburgh Airport at 6 pm (see prices below). The cabins on the Flying Dutchman are ready for check in at 6 pm. Should you arrive earlier, your luggage can be stored on board until check-in. A late evening dinner gives everyone a chance to get to meet each other, the crew, and the tour guides.
2nd Day: Oban – Toberonochy – Crinan (aprx. 22 mi. /36 km) (B, D)
After breakfast we adjust our bicycles and start our first cycle tour, which leads us southwards from Oban through hilly landscapes and along the shores of a small highland lake back to the sea. Here we cross the remote island of Seil before boarding a ferry which takes us to the island of Luing, one of the Slate Islands. Mining the grey, glistening rock from the archipelago played an important economic role until the mid-20th century. The University of Glasgow, for instance, is largely constructed from slate from this small island. At the Toberonochy dock, the Flying Dutchman awaits us, and we sail over to Crinan where we spend the night.
3rd Day: Crinan – Isle of Jura (aprx. 23 mi. /37 km) (B, D)
Today’s bike tour takes us from Crinan to the fascinating excavation site of Kilmartin. Stone circles, reminiscent of Stonehenge, and prehistoric burial mounds characterize the vast landscape. After visiting the museum grounds and enjoying lunch at the museum cafe, we return to Crinan. Past the Kintyre Peninsula, made famous by Paul McCartney’s song ‘Mull of Kintyre’, we continue by boat to the island of Jura.
4th Day: Isle of Jura – Isle of Mull (aprx. 17 mi. /27 km) (B, L, D)
After breakfast we cycle northwards on the isle of Jura. The renowned author George Orwell spent the last three years of his life here, describing it as an “extremely un-get-at-able place”. Take the time to truly enjoy the tranquillity of the island, which is only occasionally disturbed by one of the more than 5,000 deer that live there. Passing the so-called ‘Paps of Jura’ we arrive at a small dock where the Flying Dutchman takes us to the Isle of Mull. Along the way we pass the swirling waters of Corryvreckan, one of the largest natural whirlpools in the world. But don’t worry, our experienced crew will guide the ship safely to a quiet bay on the Isle of Mull for the night.
5th Day: Isle of Mull: Loch Spelve – Salen (aprx. 32 mi. / 52 km) (B, D)
Today’s cycle tour is dedicated entirely to the spectacular natural beauty of Scotland. The route takes us through hilly terrain and along the island’s coastline. Behind every bend in the road another breath-taking view awaits. After the road divides, and the few cars that we may have encountered along the way have turned off towards Iona, we share the road only with sheep and shaggy highland cattle graz-ing peacefully in the bright green meadows. Along an ever-changing coastal road, we cycle past Loch Na’ Keal to Salen where the ship is waiting. We enjoy a pleasant evening docked in the quiet harbour of Salen, able to soak in the beautiful sunset.
6th Day: Isle of Mull: Salen – Tobermory (aprx. 31 mi./50 km) (B)
Today’s cycling tour leads us to a climb through the northern part of the Isle of Mull. As a reward for our effort, we can enjoy a break in a cosy tearoom before heading towards the brilliant white beach of Calgary Bay with its crystal-clear water. It is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Scotland and swimming enthusiasts should not pass up this opportunity to jump in for a refreshing swim. Ship-ward bound, we have just a few more inclines to master before arriving in the main town of Tobermory. In this pretty little place, with its colourful facades, an evening visit to a typical Scottish pub is high on the agenda. While here we can taste delicious national dishes such as fish ‘n’ chips and haggis.
7th Day: Island Mull: Tobermory – Glengorm Castle – Oban (aprx. 12 mi./19 km) (B, D)
Today’s tour starts again in Tobermory and leads us to Glengorm Castle, in the northern outskirts of the island of Mull. This grand manor from the 19th century is truly a sight to behold and the cosy tea-rooms allow us to indulge ourselves before returning back to Tobermory. Back at the Flying Dutch-man we embark on our last sail of the week back to Oban. Before dinner there is plenty of time to take a stroll through Oban. The Mc Caig’s Tower, an incomplete replica of the Colosseum in Rome, is a worthwhile visit.
8th Day: Oban (Disembarkation) and return home (B)
After breakfast, individual return trip home from Oban or group transfer to the Edinburgh airport.
Important Information
We reserve the right to make changes to the itinerary, depending on wind and weather conditions or organizational requirements.
YOUR ACCOMMODATION:
YOUR ShiP – FLYING DUTCHMAN
The Flying Dutchman was originally built as a herring fisher and was later reconstructed into the im-pressive passenger ship which it is today. Furnishings on board are simple yet functional. The saloon is comfortable and is the heart and soul of the Flying Dutchman. Outside the decks offer plenty of open space, necessary for setting the sails. In good weather, the crew like to serve mealtimes at the three tables on the main deck. Adventure hungry enthusiast can climb into the bowsprit net and feel the true speed of the ship and the force of the wind. The impressive 480 m² sail surface make sailing the Flying Dutchman a truly exciting experience. The crew is always happy to have the helping hands of the guests in setting the sails and bringing the ship in motion. Ambitious participants can even take to the helm stand and feel what it is like to steer such a grand tall ship. A truly unforgettable experience!
Group riding pace
On our regular cycling tours, the cyclists on regular bicycles determine the pace. We ask guests who have reserved an e-bike to be mindful of this and to acknowledge that the regular cyclists need time to rest and take longer to climb the hills. We thank you for your understanding.
Children
We believe that only children in a good physical condition and with a minimum age of 10 as well as previous bicycle tour experience would be able to master the cycle tours on their own strength. Please note that the minimum height for a rental bike is 1.50 m (5ft.).
Catering
The cook on board is a member of the crew and prepares the breakfast and one warm meal a
day. The full catering starts with the dinner on the arrival day and ends with the breakfast on the depar-ture day. (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner). The meals are adapted to the travel conditions. This means no warm meal on board on the sixth day, but two warm meals on board on the fourth travel day.
Information
On this tour the cycling tours have priority. The sailing boat is a means of accommodation and transport to get from one cycling destination to the next. Should the wind and tides be in our favor, there is nothing which makes the crew of the Flying Dutchman happier then to hoist the sails and turn off the motor. When sailing is possible, all guests on board are more than welcome to take an active part in setting the boat into motion.
YOUR BICYCLES:
21-speed ladies or gents
E-Bikes
- Quality brand bicycles
- Touring bikes with derailleur
- Odometer
- 1 Ortlieb-pannier bag
Insurance against theft and damage of the rental bike bookable:
hybrid bicycle: 10 euro/week; e-bike: 25 euro/week (not insured: grossly negligent damages)
ATTENTION:
–Bringing own e-bikes not allowed on our ships!
–Helmets are mandatory on our bike tours. It is advised to bring your own, well fitted, helmet with you as our rental helmet numbers are limited (reservation required).
ARRIVAL INFORMATION:
Airport
- Next airport: Edinburgh (EDI) or Glasgow (GLA)
- Getting to the harbor by bus or train recommended
Transfer
- collective transfer – see prices
- 8-day cruise on a tall ship with crew
- 7 nights in a twin cabin below deck with shower/toilet
- 7 x half board
- Guided cycling tours as described in itinerary
- Overview-maps for the daily tours on board
- Bed linen and towels
- English speaking tour guide
2-bed cabin | 1.790,- |
2-bed cabin for single use | 2.390,- |
Drinks on board – flat rate for beverages
(beer, wine, soft drinks, drinking water, tea, coffee): 80 GBP/90 Euro
Discounts additional bed/children
Children up to age 16 receive a discount of 25 % on the basic tour price (not combinable with the
50 % discount).
The third and forth person in the quadruple cabin receive a reduction of 50 % on the basic tour price.
Additional bookable
Rental bikes | ||
21-speed | 80,- | |
E-Bike | 225,- |
Collective transfer on embarkation/disembarkation day | price per person/way | |
Airport Edinburgh – Oban (Departure 6pm.) | 70,- | |
Edinburgh Center – Oban (Departure 5.30pm.) | 70,- | |
Oban – Airport Edinburgh (Departure 7am., flights from noon) | 70,- |
Operator: Inselhüpfen/Zeitreisen
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