Itinerary
Sail & Bike Scotland
Inner Hebrides & Highlands – Isles of Jura & Mull
8 days / 7 nights | from/to Oban | Guided bike tours
up to 136 miles/220 km | Level 2–3
Oban is the start and end point of your tour through the Inner Hebrides and the Highlands. With the Flying Dutchman, we visit the island of Mull and the Kintyre Peninsula, home to the most spectacular landscapes in Scotland and largely untouched by mass tourism. The isle of Jura, which is known for its rich stock of red deer and its world-famous whisky distillery, is new to our program. Enjoy the wild scenery of Scotland, its colour contrasts and great biodiversity. Treat yourself in the evening to a glass of whisky in one of the pubs and listen to the ever-present Scottish music. On your crossings with the Flying Dutchman, we keep watch for dolphins and seals, and let the grandiose landscape pass on by. On our cycle tours, we’ll be looking out for eagles, red deer and otters with incredible views down over the sea from the most beautiful lookout points.
Itinerary
Day 1 (Sun): 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 for your Scotland cycling holidays 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.
Day 2 (Mon): Oban - Toberonochy – Crinan (aprx. 22 mi. /36 km) (B, D)
After breakfast we adjust our bicycles and start our first cycle tour. This leads us southwards from Oban through hilly landscapes and along the shores of a small highland lake back to the sea. Here we cross a remote peninsula before embarking on the ferry which takes us to the island of Luing. The island is made up of slate and the mining of the gray glistening rocks played an important economic role in the past. The University of Edinburgh for instance, is largely constructed out of the slate off of this small island. At the Toberonochy dock, the Flying Dutchman awaits us for our cross over to Crinan where we will spend the night.
Day 3 (Tue): Crinan – Isle of Jura (aprx. 23 mi. /37 km) (B, L)
Today’s bike tour takes us from Crinan to the fascinating excavation site of Kilmartin. Stone circles, which remind us of the 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, famous from the Paul McCartney song ‘Mull of Kintyre’, we continue by boat to the island of Jura.
Day 4 (Wed): 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 and described it as the most unattainable place on earth. Enjoy the tranquility of the island, which is only occasionally disturbed by one of the about 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 island of Mull. On the way we pass the swirling waters of Corryvreckan, one of the largest natural whirlpools in the world - but do not fear, our experienced crew will guide us safely to a quiet bay on the island of Mull for the night.
Day 5 (Thu): Mull Island: 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 breathtaking view awaits. After the road divides, and the few cars that we have encountered along the way so far have turned off towards Iona, we share the road virtually only with sheep and shaggy highland cattle grazing 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 for us. On a short crossover our ship brings us to Tobermoy bay. In this pretty, little place, with its colorful facades, an evening visit to an original Scottish pub is high on the agenda. This includes trying national dishes such as fish ‘n’ chips or haggis. We enjoy a pleasant evening docked in the quiet harbour of Salen, able to soak in the beautiful sunset.
Day 6 (Fri): Mull Island: Salen – Tobermory (aprx. 31 mi./50 km) (B)
Today we will encounter an elevation gain on our ride through the northern part of the Island of Mull. As a reward a cozy tearoom offers us a welcomed reprieve before we head for the brilliant white beach of Calgary Bay and 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.
Day 7 (Sat): 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 tearooms allow us to indulge ourselves before returning back to Tobermory. Back at the Flying Dutchman 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.
Day 8 (Sun): Oban (Disembarkation) and return home (B)
After breakfast, individual return trip home from Oban or group transfer to the Edinburgh airport.
Changes
We reserve the right to make changes to the itinerary, depending on wind and weather conditions or organizational requirements.
Map
The Flying Dutchmann
The 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.
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. The impressive 480 m² sail surface make sailing the Flying Dutchman a truly exciting experience.
Travel Dates & Prices 2024
Travel Dates and Prices 2024 per Person
Please click at the travel data to open the request form.
Travel Dates
Prices 2024 per Person in €
Season 2024
Twin below deck
1790,- €
Optional services / Notes
Supplement single cabin
600,- €
Bicycle rental 21-speed hybrid/week
80,- €
E-Bike 8-gear/week
200,- €
Bike insurance for 21-speed-bikes
10,- €
Bike insurance for e-bikes/week
20,- €
Collective Transfer Edinburgh - Oban
70,- €
Collective Transfer Oban - Edinburgh
70,- €
- Transfers only at day of embarkation and debarkation.
- Minimum number of participants: 14
Services included
- 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
Not included in the basic tour price
- Journey to Scotland
- Drinks on board - flat rate for beverages (beer, wine, softdrinks, drinking water, tea, coffee): 80,– GBP / 90,– Euro
- Meals ashore
- Entrance fees to museums and sights
- Tips for crew and tour guides
Price reductions
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.
Rental bikes
E-Bikes: Clients who wish to be supported by a tail-wind and seek to hire an e-bike will receive a high-quality pedelec, powered mainly by a Bosch motor capable of covering long distances, and characterized by their light weight and great components. Alternative drive systems may also be used. Standard components of our e-bikes in varying frame sizes include, 28 inch hollow chamber rims with puncture-proof touring tires, high-quality derailleur gears and break systems, a carrier and a sturdy bike stand, touring saddle as well as mudguards and a pannier rack. Unfortunately there is no possibility to reserve one particular bike-brand in advance.
2021: We do not allow private e-bikes on board of our boats. This decision has been made due to health and safety regulations. If you wish to ride an e-bike for the duration of your tour, please get in touch with us about the rental options.
Hybrid Bikes: Those choosing to rent a hybrid bike will receive a reliable, low maintenance, aluminum frame bike in the suitable size. Our hybrid bikes are equipped with 28 inch hollow chamber rims with puncture-proof touring tires, high-quality derailleur gears and break systems, a carrier and a sturdy bike stand, touring saddle as well as mudguards and a pannier rack. Unfortunately there is no possibility to reserve one particular bike-brand in advance.
Pannier: For the duration of the tour we supply you with a waterproof pannier by Ortlieb, a practical way of carrying drinks, bathing gear, camera etc. The use of our the panniers is free of charge.
Requirement to wear a helmet
Helmet use is mandatory on all cycle tours. You are strongly encouraged to bring your own (well-fitted) helmet. Rental helmets are available in limited numbers (reservation requested).
Level 2–3
Moderately difficult tours in mostly hilly stages of 12 – 34 mi./20 – 55 km on usually quiet asphalt roads. In some instances, field paths are used as well. Main roads without separate bike paths are used only exceptionally for brief stretches. This tour includes some longer and steeper ascents where, however, bicycles may be pushed any time. Strong headwinds may also be encountered. Helmet use is mandatory on our tours. You are strongly encouraged to bring your own (well-fitted) helmet. A limited number of rental helmets are available (reservation necessary). Our tours are dependent on weather conditions and the final decision is that of the captain. You are free to set aside a half or full day to swim or spend time on board the boat, instead of taking a planned bike-tour.
Due to the necessity to embark/disembark the ship by dinghy, balance and surefootedness are required. Due to the change in tide, ladders my need to be used to access the boat/land, covering height differences of up to 3 m. Surefootness and balance are essential.
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 and previous bicycle tour experience are 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 departure 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.
Language
Due to our international audience all Islandhopping tours are conducted bilingually, in English and German.
How to get to Scotland by plane
London (Gatwick, Heathrow and Stansted), Amsterdam, Frankfurt and Paris have the best international flight connections to Edinburgh.There are also regularly scheduled flights directly to Edinburgh from the USA and Canada. Most UK airports have regular connections to Edinburgh. In particular there are regular flights from Birmingham and Manchester. Other domestic connections can be found from smaller regional airports such as Cardiff, Bristol and Belfast.
To search and book a suitable flight you can use use the website www.opodo.com.
Transfers between Edinburgh and boat and retour
Collective transfer (day of embarkation only) Edinburgh Centre (5.30 pm) /Edinburgh Airport (6.00 pm) – Ship in Oban: 70,– euro/person
Collective transfer (day of disembarkation only) Oban – Edinburgh Airport (07.00 am to reach flights starting from 12.00 pm/noon on): 70,– euro/person (booking incl. the complete transmission of flight details)
Other exclusive transfers
Individual arrival from the Edinburgh or Glasgow airport
Scotland has a very well developed and inexpensive bus network. Therefore there is also the possibility of getting to the ship on your own.
To plan your trip, you can use the following website in order to help you: www.citylink.co.uk
In the middle of the screen you will find a box that states “Book your tickets online here“. This will give you the possibility, to either do exactly that, or to inform yourself of the various connection possibilities. In both cases please fill out the form (don’t forget to specify a price).
Afterwards press on the yellow button “search for coach times and fares“.
Now you will get more connection options, which you can view in more details by clicking on it, and afterwards it is also possible to print the information. When you have chosen a certain connection, click on “Select”, the price can also be seen. To book the ticket, click “Continue”.
Individual Arrival by Car
It is also possible to travel by car to Oban. If you plan to travel by car you may use the following link to get an impression of the current traffic on the roads in the UK: www.frixo.com
Please note, as well as whilst cycling, that in Scotland as well as on the whole island, traffic flow is on the left hand side.
The following speed limits should be noted:
Freeway 75.8 mi/h (122 km/h)
Highway 60.9 mi/h (98 km/h)
Urban areas 29.8 mi/h (48 km/h)
Parking in Oban
Oban is well served with car parks, however, there are no FREE car parks (nor free long term car parks).
But the council do allow overpayment at Longsdale Rd. and Lochavullin Rd. For both possibilities, we recommend to drop off your luggage at the ship and to park your car afterwards. The parking spaces are in a aprx. distance of 0.93 mi (1.5 km) to the ship.
Another possibility is to make alternative arrangements like parking away from the town centre or to use a private parking service such as Stoddarts or MacQueens who both offer secure long term car parking.
Please call directly at (see below) to make private arrangements:
+44 (0)1631 564176 (Stoddarts)
+44-(0)1631 56484 (MacQueens)
www.justpark.com/uk/parking/oban-station/