Rated Excellent on Trustpilot
Over 105 Years Experience
Committed to Sustainable Tourism
Rated Excellent on Trustpilot
Over 105 Years Experience
Committed to Sustainable Tourism
5 Days
TBC
From Only £799.00
Prepare for an enchanting adventure as we take you on a picturesque Scottish Highland journey with excursions to ancient Iona, the rugged Isle of Mull, and its colourful capital, Tobermory.
This holiday operates under our Optimum Experience brand.
With elegant space-maximising interior design, our Optimum Experience vehicle offers incredible passenger comfort with a selection of fine tours and destinations to choose from. Our Optimum holiday packages include a wide range of excursions, events and admissions, accommodation in a minimum 3* hotel (unless otherwise stated) and, on all our European Holidays, a Skills Representative too! Why not also book our door-to-door service and make your next holiday stress-free?
Following this morning's pick-ups, we travel north with a stop at the historic Cumbrian market town of Penrith, before continuing over the Scottish border and along the shores of Loch Lomond to our hotel on Oban's North Pier.
Today, we visit the beautiful Benmore Botanic Gardens, home to a world-renowned collection of plants from East Asia and the Himalayas, as well as North and South America. Keep your eyes peeled for Scottish red squirrels, sparrowhawks, and occasionally a golden eagle during your visit. Our return is via a stop in Inveraray, a pretty town overlooking the still waters of Loch Fyne and full of tradition. The enchanted Inveraray Castle, fairytale home of the Duke and Duchess of Argyll, is one of the town's main attractions and is well worth a visit.
Enjoy a day at leisure in Oban, the ‘Seafood Capital of Scotland'. Known as the ‘Gateway to the Isles’. Oban is a bustling harbour town situated on a sheltered bay and is protected from the elements by the inner Hebridean island of Kerrea. As western Scotland’s most popular holiday town, why not enjoy a boat trip on the Oban Bay or experience a tasting at the historic Oban Distillery, which has been crafting unique malt whisky since the 1790s? For stunning views, head to 'McCraig's Tower', this colosseum lookalike stands proudly above Oban and provides views over the town and surrounding scenery.
Following an early start, we set sail for the Isle of Mull, to visit Tobermory, the island's capital, where we enjoy free time to explore. Tobermory was established as a fishing port in the late eighteenth century and is now one of Scotland's most picturesque towns, with brightly painted buildings lining the main street towards the pier, surrounded by high, woodland-fringed hills. One legend tells of a Spanish Armada ship sinking in the sheltered bay here whilst carrying golden treasures! We also take the on-foot ferry for a visit to the unique tiny island of Iona today, one of Scotland's most sacred sites and a vibrant centre of Christian worship ever since St Columba arrived here in the sixth century. Steeped in magnificent Scottish history, the small graveyard adjacent to the abbey is believed to be the final resting place of almost fifty medieval kings, including the legendary Macbeth. In the late afternoon, we sail back to Oban, with a late dinner planned for this evening.
After breakfast, we begin our homeward journey.
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This Victorian hotel overlooking the town of Oban and Oban Bay is home to a traditional restaurant and 2 bars. The rooms at the Columba have an en suite bathroom and a hairdryer, with many having sea views.
Hotel Facilities
Bar
Restaurant
Lift
WiFi
Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.
| Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Alfreton | Bus Station, Hall Street, Alfreton, DE55 7BT |
| Arnold | High Street Bus Stop, Outside Leisure Centre Car Park, Arnold, NG5 7EE |
| Beeston | Lace Road, behind the Cricketers Pub Beeston, NG9 2LA |
| Bulwell | Aldi (Bus Stop SW12), Sellers Wood Drive, Bulwell, NG6 8GE |
| Chesterfield | Coach Station, Beckingham Way Chesterfield, S40 1TH |
| Derby | Bus Station, Bay 27 & 28, Derby, DE1 2AY |
| Heanor | Market Place, Wilmott Street (Market Square side) Heanor, DE75 7EG |
| Ilkeston | Wharncliffe Rd, Market Place, Ilkeston, DE7 5GF |
| Leicester | St Margarets Bus Station, Stand SA, Gravel Street, Leicester, LE1 3AG |
| Leicester Fosse Park | Leicester Fosse Park, Bus Stop, Fosse Park Avenue Next to ASDA (opposite petrol station), LE3 2LL |
| Long Eaton | The Green, Outside Poundland Long Eaton, Notts, NG10 1HQ |
| Loughborough | Amber Rooms, The Rushes Loughborough, LE11 5BE |
| Lutterworth | George Street, Outside Wycliffe Rooms Lutterworth, LE17 4EG |
| Mansfield | Fire Station Bus Stop, Rosemary Street Mansfield, NG19 6AA |
| Nottingham | Mount Street, Alongside the Grosvenor Casino, Nottingham, NG1 6HE |
| Ripley | Market Place, Express Stand Ripley, DE5 3FJ |
| Rotherham | Interchange Bay C1/ C2, Frederick Street, Rotherham , S60 1QB |
| Sheffield | Pond Hill, Opposite Penny Black Public House Sheffield, S1 2BG |
| Toton | Tram Stop Park and Ride, Toton Lane Notts, NG9 7JA |
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