Scottish Isles and Highlands Escape
Uncover the serene Isle of Mull with its breathtaking landscapes and tranquil shores
Delve into the rich tapestry of Jura’s whisky heritage and abundant wildlife
Revel in the untouched beauty of the Kintyre Peninsula, a hidden Scottish gem
Witness the vibrant contrasts of Scotland’s wild scenery and its diverse ecosystem
Enjoy evenings filled with authentic Scottish music and the warmth of local whisky
Keep watch for playful dolphins and seals as you sail through Scotland’s majestic waters
Itinerary
Individual journey to Edinburgh or Glasgow, followed by a train or bus to Oban. For convenience, a collective transfer service from the center of Edinburgh is available. Upon arrival, the Flying Dutchman awaits with cabins ready for check-in at 6 pm, with earlier luggage storage possible. The evening concludes with a welcoming dinner to acquaint guests with the crew and fellow travelers.
The day starts with a hearty breakfast and bike adjustments before setting off south from Oban. The route meanders through scenic highlands and along a highland lake to the sea. A ferry ride to the island of Luing offers a glimpse into its slate mining past. The day ends with a sail to Crinan for an overnight stay.
36 km/22 mi
From Crinan, the journey leads to the Kilmartin archaeological site, rich with prehistoric stone circles and burial mounds. After exploring and lunching at the museum cafe, we return to Crinan and set sail past the Kintyre Peninsula to the Isle of Jura.
37 km/23 mi
The day’s ride on the Isle of Jura heads north, offering solitude and an encounter with the island’s abundant deer population. The route provides views of the ‘Paps of Jura’ before boarding the Flying Dutchman to the Isle of Mull, passing the Corryvreckan whirlpool en route.
27 km/17 mi
A cycle route through the Isle of Mull’s stunning landscapes awaits, with coastal roads offering changing views and encounters with local wildlife. The journey concludes in Salen, where the ship and a picturesque sunset await.
52 km/32 mi
The northern Isle of Mull beckons with a challenging ride rewarded by a visit to a quaint tearoom and the pristine Calgary Bay. The day’s ride ends in Tobermory, known for its colorful waterfront and inviting Scottish pubs.
50 km/31 mi
The final cycling day leads from Tobermory to Glengorm Castle, offering a last glimpse of Mull’s grandeur. Afternoon tea precedes the return to Tobermory and the concluding sail to Oban, with time to explore the town before the final dinner.
19 km/12 mi
The journey concludes with a farewell breakfast, followed by individual departures or a group transfer to Edinburgh airport.
Pricing
Included in price
8-day cruise on a tall ship with crew
7 nights in a twin cabin below deck with shower/toilet
7x half board
Guided cycling tours as described in the itinerary
Bed linen and towels
English-speaking tour guide
Journey to Scotland
Drinks on board – flat rate for beverages (beer, wine, soft drinks, drinking water, tea, coffee): 80 GBP/ 90 euro
Meals ashore
Entrance fees to museums and sights
Tips for crew and tour guides
Description
Discover the unspoiled beauty of the Inner Hebrides and the Scottish Highlands with a tour that begins and concludes in the charming port town of Oban.
The Flying Dutchman serves as your guide to the serene Isle of Mull and the Kintyre Peninsula, regions that remain hidden gems amidst Scotland’s vast landscape. The addition of the Isle of Jura to our itinerary brings the allure of its abundant red deer population and the prestige of its globally recognized whisky distillery.
As you journey through Scotland, you’ll be enveloped by the wild, natural scenery, marked by vivid contrasts and a rich tapestry of wildlife. Evenings offer a cultural feast, with the chance to unwind with a local whisky and the vibrant sounds of Scottish music in the background.
While cruising on the Flying Dutchman, the opportunity to spot marine life like dolphins and seals adds a touch of magic to the stunning views of the coastline.
The cycling aspect of the tour is thoughtfully curated to present the most stunning seascapes and landscapes from strategic viewpoints.
It’s a tour that promises more than just sights; it’s an immersive experience into the heart of Scotland’s natural grandeur, where every turn is a new invitation to explore and appreciate the serene beauty of this rugged yet enchanting land.
Ships
Flying Dutchman
The Flying Dutchman, a former herring fisher, now sails as a striking passenger vessel with a cozy saloon at its core. On sunny days, meals are often enjoyed on deck, where there’s ample space for sailing activities. Guests can experience the thrill of sailing firsthand by helping the crew with the sails, taking a turn at the helm, or perching in the bowsprit net to feel the ship’s speed and the wind’s power.
Start planning today!
Things to know
Helmets are mandatory for all cyclists in Turkey, and Croatia, and for minors in several other European countries. While not obligatory elsewhere, we recommend bringing your own for safety. Helmets are available for rent on our tours.
You’re welcome to bring your own bicycle on most tours. Please confirm space availability on your chosen vessel in advance. Note that we are not liable for any loss or damage to personal bicycles. If you don’t have your bicycle, you can rent it on our tours.
A moderate level of fitness is recommended to enjoy the tours, which typically involve 40-60 kilometers of cycling daily, averaging around 5 hours of riding.
Our tours are designed to immerse you in the experience, hence a support vehicle is not part of the journey. Participants are encouraged to complete the daily cycling stages with their fellow cyclists.
To ensure the integrity of our rental bikes and your safety, we do not allow personal pedals to be attached to them.
While our routes are planned for full-day adventures, certain tours may offer the flexibility to return to the ship earlier, subject to the ship’s docking capabilities.
The adventure each day can span from 30 to 60 kilometers, with the time spent cycling influenced by your pace and the number of stops to soak in the scenery.
Our guides converse fluently in Dutch, English, and German, with some also proficient in French or Italian. Briefings are conducted in English and sometimes in German.
The number of companions on your journey will vary, with smaller ships often at full capacity and larger vessels typically filled to 80-90%.
Accommodations range from cozy standard cabins to luxurious superior suites, with each ship offering its unique array of options.
Stay connected with Wi-Fi available across all our vessels, with specifics outlined in our Travel Preparation guide.
To maintain the serene ambiance of our ships, laundry services are not offered on board.
Some ships equip cabins with hairdryers, while others can provide them upon request.
Our ships maintain a smoke-free environment in cabins and indoor public areas, with designated smoking zones available on deck on most vessels.
To ensure the comfort of all our guests, pets are not permitted on board, with the exception of crew members’ dogs that are familiar with life at sea.
Seasickness is uncommon due to the stability of our vessels and the typically calm waters on our routes.
Parking solutions are tailored to each departure point, with options like P+R facilities and valet services detailed in your pre-travel boarding information.
You will receive comprehensive travel details to your ship’s location upon booking, including information on parking and available transfer services.
Our guests are generally between the ages of 45 and 65, bringing a wealth of life experiences to share.
Our tours attract a global audience, from the far reaches of Scandinavia to the southern tips of Africa, and from the Americas to Asia.
Packing light is key, as cabin space is optimized for comfort and not for large luggage.
Our tour leaders are equipped to assist with minor issues, and in case of emergencies, the local emergency number 112 should be contacted.
For your safety, helmets are available for rent on most tours, and are included with our Premium tour packages.
You are welcome to enjoy the amenities on board instead of cycling. Please inform the tour leader or crew of your plans.
Our tours proceed rain or shine, with your safety as our top priority. You have the freedom to cycle or remain on board, based on your comfort with the weather conditions.
Weather conditions can vary from country to country and from season to season, so we suggest preparing for everything from rain to bright sunshine. For a detailed forecast, AccuWeather is a reliable source.
Not always. We suggest you bring your own equipment if you plan to snorkel.
Life-saving boats and life jackets are available on all ships and can be found in marked wardrobes on the deck, in the salon, or under the beds in cabins. In case you cannot swim, it is important to inform the crew and the captain. While on the ship, it is essential to pay attention to the following safety measures:
The stairs on the vessels can be steep and narrow, so it’s important to be careful while going up or down. The decks can also be very slippery, especially in wet conditions, so passengers should use caution and hold onto the railings when walking around the vessel.
Climbing the foremast, jumping off the deck during the cruise, or going too far from the vessel during swim pauses are strictly prohibited.
In the busy high season, harbors can become congested, and vessels may have to dock beside each other, so it is essential to exercise caution when moving between them. Crew members are available to assist passengers who require help. However, the cruise is not recommended for those with limited mobility or in wheelchairs.
The length of the cycling routes planned for each day is an estimate and takes into account local conditions and possible detours or shortcuts. The sailing and cycling routes may be adjusted depending on weather conditions and the abilities of the cyclists on board. Typically, departures are in the morning, usually after breakfast.
Bringing and consuming your own beverages on the vessel is prohibited. Instead, you can order drinks from the vessel’s salon, which serves as a restaurant, living room, and bar. The bar offers a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. If you would like a drink that is unavailable at the time, please inform the crew, and they will do their best to arrange it for you at the next port of call.