Your holiday summary
| Holiday type |
Tours |
|---|---|
| Country |
United Kingdom |
| Travel type |
Coach |
| Price range | From £375 |
| Travel partner | Brightwater Holidays |
| Duration | 3 nights |
|
Need help with your booking? 0330 333 6701 |
Waverley and the Western Isles
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Oban used to be known as the Charing Cross of the North, such was the hustle and bustle in the harbour as the steamers and coasters plied their trade to the islands. The modern ferries of today carry on this vital service but come early May an elderly and distinguished visitor returns to her old berth at the North Pier to recall the halcyon days of cruising to the Western Isles. Our old friend the PS Waverley is perfectly at home in these waters, her elegant lines complemented superbly by the magnificent scenery of the west coast.
A range of cruises takes in islands large and small; tranquil sea lochs, towering mountains and ruined castles, while all the time the steady beat of the paddle wheels provides a wonderfully nostalgic soundtrack. Having travelled to Oban via Loch Lomond and Inveraray, our first cruise takes us to Tobermory on the Isle of Mull, where multicoloured buildings ring the famous harbour. Here you have the option of leaving the Waverley for a tour of Mull and a visit to romantic Duart Castle before returning by ferry to Oban, or alternatively staying aboard the paddle steamer for an extended cruise which will take us out beyond the Sound of Mull to the Small Isles of Eigg, Muck and Rum and onward to the Isle of Skye. The following day we rejoin the Waverley for an afternoon cruise that will take in some of the superb coastal scenery to the south of Oban as we sail down the Firth of Lorne, weaving between the islands, nosing into sea lochs and perhaps even negotiating the Gulf of Corryvreckan where the legendary whirlpool lies in wait.
A range of cruises takes in islands large and small; tranquil sea lochs, towering mountains and ruined castles, while all the time the steady beat of the paddle wheels provides a wonderfully nostalgic soundtrack. Having travelled to Oban via Loch Lomond and Inveraray, our first cruise takes us to Tobermory on the Isle of Mull, where multicoloured buildings ring the famous harbour. Here you have the option of leaving the Waverley for a tour of Mull and a visit to romantic Duart Castle before returning by ferry to Oban, or alternatively staying aboard the paddle steamer for an extended cruise which will take us out beyond the Sound of Mull to the Small Isles of Eigg, Muck and Rum and onward to the Isle of Skye. The following day we rejoin the Waverley for an afternoon cruise that will take in some of the superb coastal scenery to the south of Oban as we sail down the Firth of Lorne, weaving between the islands, nosing into sea lochs and perhaps even negotiating the Gulf of Corryvreckan where the legendary whirlpool lies in wait.
Included
- 3 nights dinner bed and full breakfast at the Royal Hotel in Oban (or similar). All rooms have private facilities.
- Comfortable coaching throughout.
- Two half-day cruises on PS Waverley; coach tour of Mull and visit to Duart Castle
- Services of a Brightwater Holidays tour manager.
- A 4-day air package is also available from £475pp – please ask for details.
***Please note: the order and content of the excursions may change subject to confirmation of the Waverley’s 2012 timetable.
Day 1
We depart from our designated pick-up points and travel via Loch Lomond and Inveraray, where there will be an opportunity for lunch. Later in the afternoon we continue to our comfortable hotel in Oban, the bustling harbour town known as the Gateway to the Isles. Dinner will be served on arrival.
Day 2
After breakfast this morning we transfer the short distance to Obans North Pier, the departure point for our cruise aboard the PS Waverley. The Waverley is the last ocean-going paddle steamer plying its trade in British waters. It was built in 1946 to replace the 1899 Waverley which was sunk at Dunkirk and is an extremely impressive sight with its immense 2100 horsepower steam engine. On board facilities include a self-service restaurant, cafe, bar and souvenir shop. Our cruise will take us out of Oban Bay and across the Firth of Lorne with fine views of Ben Cruachan and the mountains of Morvern to our right, past the lighthouse at the southern end of Lismore and into the Sound of Mull. At around midday the Waverley will berth at the pier at Tobermory, the famous harbour whose multicoloured buildings will be familiar to many, especially viewers of the popular childrens television series Balamory. There will be an opportunity for lunch here (not included) before we join our coach for a tour of the Isle of Mull, with its tumbling burns, high peaks and dramatic views. Included is a visit to Duart Castle, the 13th century home of the Chief of Clan MacLean. We can explore the dungeons, the state rooms and appreciate the strategic position of the castle from the top of the keep. Following our visit here we will catch the Caledonian MacBrayne ferry back to Oban and return to our hotel. Alternatively, you have the option of returning aboard the Waverley, which will sail out beyond the Sound of Mull to the Small Isles of Eigg, Muck and Rum and onward to the Isle of Skye, easily recognised by the towering Cuillin mountains. On a clear day, the Outer Hebrides can be seen on the horizon and as we sail close to the islands look out for seabirds, seals and, if you are lucky, the occasional porpoise or Minke whale. The ship will return to Oban in the late evening. Dinner is served in the evening.
Day 3
After breakfast we have the morning at leisure in Oban. An uphill walk to McCaigs Folly, the colosseum-like structure that dominates the town, is rewarded with fine views over the harbour and the hills of Mull beyond (weather permitting, of course). In the afternoon we board the Waverley once again for an afternoon cruise that will take us south of Oban and around the sea lochs and islands that lie off this beautiful stretch of coastline. If conditions allow we will sail by Corryvreckan, the legendary tidal whirlpool, brought about by a peculiar combination of tides and topography. We return to our hotel where dinner in served in the evening.
Day 4
Following breakfast we check out of the hotel and begin our homeward journey, taking a scenic route, north over the Falls of Lora to Ballachulish and Fort William, the former garrison town that sits beneath the towering bulk of Ben Nevis. Following an opportunity for lunch here (not included) we travel through Glencoe, whose haunting beauty never fails to impress, before arriving back at our original departure points early evening.
We depart from our designated pick-up points and travel via Loch Lomond and Inveraray, where there will be an opportunity for lunch. Later in the afternoon we continue to our comfortable hotel in Oban, the bustling harbour town known as the Gateway to the Isles. Dinner will be served on arrival.
Day 2
After breakfast this morning we transfer the short distance to Obans North Pier, the departure point for our cruise aboard the PS Waverley. The Waverley is the last ocean-going paddle steamer plying its trade in British waters. It was built in 1946 to replace the 1899 Waverley which was sunk at Dunkirk and is an extremely impressive sight with its immense 2100 horsepower steam engine. On board facilities include a self-service restaurant, cafe, bar and souvenir shop. Our cruise will take us out of Oban Bay and across the Firth of Lorne with fine views of Ben Cruachan and the mountains of Morvern to our right, past the lighthouse at the southern end of Lismore and into the Sound of Mull. At around midday the Waverley will berth at the pier at Tobermory, the famous harbour whose multicoloured buildings will be familiar to many, especially viewers of the popular childrens television series Balamory. There will be an opportunity for lunch here (not included) before we join our coach for a tour of the Isle of Mull, with its tumbling burns, high peaks and dramatic views. Included is a visit to Duart Castle, the 13th century home of the Chief of Clan MacLean. We can explore the dungeons, the state rooms and appreciate the strategic position of the castle from the top of the keep. Following our visit here we will catch the Caledonian MacBrayne ferry back to Oban and return to our hotel. Alternatively, you have the option of returning aboard the Waverley, which will sail out beyond the Sound of Mull to the Small Isles of Eigg, Muck and Rum and onward to the Isle of Skye, easily recognised by the towering Cuillin mountains. On a clear day, the Outer Hebrides can be seen on the horizon and as we sail close to the islands look out for seabirds, seals and, if you are lucky, the occasional porpoise or Minke whale. The ship will return to Oban in the late evening. Dinner is served in the evening.
Day 3
After breakfast we have the morning at leisure in Oban. An uphill walk to McCaigs Folly, the colosseum-like structure that dominates the town, is rewarded with fine views over the harbour and the hills of Mull beyond (weather permitting, of course). In the afternoon we board the Waverley once again for an afternoon cruise that will take us south of Oban and around the sea lochs and islands that lie off this beautiful stretch of coastline. If conditions allow we will sail by Corryvreckan, the legendary tidal whirlpool, brought about by a peculiar combination of tides and topography. We return to our hotel where dinner in served in the evening.
Day 4
Following breakfast we check out of the hotel and begin our homeward journey, taking a scenic route, north over the Falls of Lora to Ballachulish and Fort William, the former garrison town that sits beneath the towering bulk of Ben Nevis. Following an opportunity for lunch here (not included) we travel through Glencoe, whose haunting beauty never fails to impress, before arriving back at our original departure points early evening.
- 3 nights dinner bed and full breakfast at the Royal Hotel in Oban (or similar). All rooms have private facilities.
This holiday is booked by phone. Click 'book now' to make a reservation request to our travel partner who will call you back to confirm your booking details and take payment. To speak to a representative now please call 0330 333 6701.
1 result
| Departure date | Price | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08-Jun-2012 | 375.00 | reserve |
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