Moderately difficult tours in mostly hilly stages 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.

Individual flight to Edinburgh or Glasgow and from there either by train or bus to Oban. Your cabins 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 time. You are also welcomed to use our fee-based transfer service leaving at 3.30 pm from the train station in Edinburgh and at 4 pm from the Edinburgh airport. During a late dinner, you get to know your crew and tour guides.

After breakfast, you will fit your bikes and then embark on the first bike ride of the trip. This takes you in a southerly direction out of Oban through hilly landscapes and along a small highland lake back to the sea. Across a lonely peninsula you will finally reach a ferry with which you will cross over to the island of Luing. Here you cycle to Tobernochy, where the Flying Dutchman is already waiting for you to leave for Crinan.

After a short crossing to Crinan, we start the day on two wheels. First we cycle along the Crinan Canal, leading from Crinan to Lochgilphead, it spared smaller ships the long sail around the Kintyre peninsula. Afterwards we head south over the peninsula, most commonly known from the Paul McCartney song. After a scenic cycling tour, we finally reach the deeply-cut, Loch Caolisport and cross over to the Island of Jura.

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.

Today’s bike tour is all about the impressive nature of Scotland. The route takes you through hilly terrain and along the coast, which you will have to share almost exclusively with sheep and the shaggy Highland cattle. Along a varied coastal road you cycle past Loch Na’Keal to Salen. At the quiet Salen Pier you spend the night and with a little luck you can experience a beautiful sunset.

Today you can expect some elevation gain as you explore the northern part of the island of Mull by bike. As a reward, a cozy tearoom grants a welcome breather before the bright white beach of Calgary Bay beckons with its crystal clear water. The way back takes you through hilly country with some steeper climbs to the island’s main town: Tobermory.

Today’s bike tour takes you once again out of Tobermory to Glengorm Castle, which is located in an exposed position in the north of the island of Mull. The manor house from the 19th century offers an impressive sight and in the cozy tearoom you can strengthen yourself for the return trip to Tobermory. Afterwards it’s time to cast off for the last time and the Flying Dutchman will take you through the Sound of Mull back to Oban. Before dinner you have the opportunity to have a look around Oban. The Mc Caig’s Tower, a never finished replica of the Colosseum in Rome is a worthwhile sightseeing destination.

After breakfast, individual return trip home from Oban or group transfer to the Edinburgh airport.

We reserve the right to make changes to the itinerary, depending on wind and weather conditions or organizational requirements. A cycle trip may be substituted by a sailing tour at any time. The daily programme depends on the weather and the captain’s orders.

Due to the necessity to enter or leave the ship by dinghy in some places, appropriate surefootedness is necessary when transferring between the ship and the dinghy. At some ports, due to the tides, the ship must also be entered or left via a ladder at the port. Here, height differences of up to 3 meters have to be overcome. Here, too, a certain surefootedness should be present.