2025 - Oban & The Isles

The pretty harbour town of Oban is without doubt the most popular resort in the Western Highlands. Nestling in a crescent-shaped bay, 'The Gateway to the Isles' captivates visitors with its Victorian charm, wonderful views of the hills of Mull, excellent seafood scene and its most famous landmark, McCaig's Tower, a Colosseum-like folly. Staying in the centre of this lively town with its constant harbour comings and goings, you will enjoy a full day out to the picturesque isles of the Inner Hebrides - Mull and Iona. For true drama, enjoy a full day out at magnificent Benmore Botanic Garden, set in a stunning mountain setting, as well as a visit to romantic Inveraray Castle & Gardens, the ancestral seat of the Dukes of Argyll, Chiefs of the Clan Campbell.Your Itinerary
Day 1 - Travel north with suitable stops for lunch and refreshments. Arrive at your overnight hotel on the edge of the Lake District late afternoon, in good time to freshen up for your evening meal. DBBDay 2 - After breakfast, sit back and enjoy the drive as you head further north through the majestic scenery of the Trossachs National Park to Crianlarich then over the Pass of Brander alongside the Lochs of Awe before arriving on the West Coast in Oban to check in to your hotel for your 4-night stay. DBB\n\nDay 3 - 5 - At leisure in Oban with two included excursions and a full day at leisure in Oban to explore under your own steam from your centrally located hotel\n\nINCLUDED EXCURSIONS\nMull & Iona - Tour to the Isles\nExperience two beautiful Inner Hebridean islands in one day! Rugged landscapes, breathtaking scenery, coastal cliffs, sparkling lochs, white sandy beaches and ancient history are just a few of the things that make this day trip magical and memorable. You will take the 45 minute ferry crossing from Oban to Craignure on the Isle of Mull, home to some of the finest and most varied scenery in the Inner Hebrides. The scenic drive through the island is via Glen More to Fionnphort where a foot passenger ferry departs for the tiny island of Iona, known for its tranquility, heritage, Abbey (entrance not included - approx. £10 pp in 2024 - booking in advance is recommended) and history. After time ashore, cross the Sound of Iona back to Fionnphort where your coach awaits to take you back to Craignure and Oban. The hotel will provide you with a packed lunch todayBenmore Botanic Garden & Inverary Castle\nJust seven miles north of Dunoon on the Cowal Peninsula, Benmore Botanic Garden is a magnificent mountainside garden, surrounded by beautiful scenery, at the gateway of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. Its 120 acres are home to a world-famous collection of plants from the Orient and the Himalaya to North and South America, including over 300 species of rhododendrons. Benmore welcomes visitors through an avenue of 150 year old giant redwoods, arguably one of the finest entrances to any botanic garden. (There is an easy access route along low level paths, accessible toilets and benches at regular intervals)\n\nDiscover one of Scotland's finest stately homes at Inverary Castle on the shores of Loch Fyne in an area of spectacular natural beauty. The ruggedness of the highland scenery serves as a spectacular backdrop for the sheltered tidal Loch, beside which nestles the present Castle built between 1746 and 1789. Enter the famous Armoury Hall containing some 1300 pieces including preserved swords from the Battle of Culloden. The fine State Dining Room and Tapestry Drawing Room contain magnificent French tapestries and countless other precious artworks. The castle's priceless collection of china, silver and family heirlooms spans generations which are illustrated by the fascinating genealogical display in the Clan Room. Inveraray Castle was the chosen location for the Downton Abbey Christmas 2012 episode.\n(There is level access from ground level to the: Entrance Hall, State Dining Room, Tapestry Drawing Room, China Turret, Armoury Hall, Saloon, North-West Hall, and Exhibition Room. (There are 40 stairs to the first floor and 24 steps to the basement which includes the Old Kitchen, gift shop and tea room)Day 6 - Following breakfast bid farewell to Oban as your journey takes you back south via the wild and varied scenery of the Trossachs with lovely Loch Lomond at its heart to your final overnight stop near Newcastle. DBBDay 7 - After a leisurely breakfast, head back homewards with ample stops for coffee and refreshments. Continue back to the local joining points via the fast motorway network arriving back mid/late evening.

Highlights
- Hotel for 4 nights with breakfast & dinner- 2 overnight hotels with breakfast & dinner- Porterage included at main hotel- Two included full day excursions- Tour to the Isles of Mull and Iona- Packed lunch on Tour to the Isles day- Entrance to Benmore Botanic Garden- Entrance to Inverary CastleThe Royal Hotel, Oban
\n\n\nThis traditional 3* hotel stands in the centre of town close to the harbour and ferry terminal. Built in 1895, the Royal offers Scottish hospitality within modern surrounds. The restaurant retains its high ceilings and large windows and there is a distinctive Scottish flavour to the décor and furnishings. \n\n\nThere is also a bar with entertainment on some evenings. \n\nComfortable en-suite bedrooms offer mod cons and tea / coffee making facilities. \n\nThere is a lift.