Bike & Sail the Highlands of Scotland

Please note, in 2025, this tour will be an exclusive e bike tour. 

Day 1: Arrival and embarkation in Oban
Day 2: Oban - Toberonochy - Crinan, 22 mi. (36 km) 
Day 3: Crinan - Isle of Jura, 23 mi. (37 km) 
Day 4: Isle of Jura - Isle of Mull, 17 mi. (27 km) 
Day 5: Mull Island: Loch Spelve - Salen, 32 mi. (52 km) 
Day 6:  Mull Island: Salen - Tobermory, 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 7: Isle of Mull: Tobermory - Glengorm Castle - Oban, 12 mi. (19 km)  
Day 8: Departure

All distances are approximate. The itinerary is subject to change due to wind and weather considerations.

Day 1: Arrival and embarkation in Oban
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. If you arrive earlier, your luggage can be stored onboard until check-in time. Alternatively, you can reserve a transfer departing Edinburgh city center at 3:30 pm and Edinburgh airport at 4 pm. During a late dinner, you get to know your crew and tour guides. (Meals included: D)

Day 2: Oban - Toberonochy - Crinan, 22 mi. (36 km)
After breakfast, you adjust your bicycles and start your first cycle tour, leading south from Oban through hilly landscapes and along the shores of a small highland lake back to the sea. You cross a remote peninsula before embarking on the ferry, which takes you to the island of Luing. The island is made up of slate, and the mining of the gray, glistening rocks played an important economic role in the past. The University of Edinburgh, for instance, is largely constructed out of the slate from this small island. At the Tobernochy dock, the Flying Dutchman awaits a crossing to Crinan for the night. (Meals included: B, D)

Day 3: Crinan - Island of Jura, 23 mi. (37 km) 
Today’s bike tour leads from Crinan to the fascinating excavation site of Kilmartin. Stone circles, which will remind you of Stonehenge and prehistoric burial mounds, characterize the vast landscape. After visiting the museum grounds and enjoying lunch at the Museum Cafe, you return to Crinan. Past the Kintyre Peninsula, made famous by the Paul McCartney song ‘Mull of Kintyre’, you continue by boat to the island of Jura. (Meals included: B, L)

Day 4:  Isle of Jura - Isle of Mull, 17 mi. (27 km) 
You'll cycle north on the Isle of Jura after breakfast. 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, you arrive at a small dock where the Flying Dutchman takes you to the island of Mull. On the way, you pass the swirling waters of Corryvreckan, one of the largest natural whirlpools in the world - but do not fear, the experienced crew will guide you safely to a quiet bay on the island of Mull for the night. (Meals included: B, L, D)

Day 5: Mull Island: Loch Spelve - Salen, 32 mi. (52 km) 
Today’s bike tour immerses you in Scotland’s wild landscapes, from rolling hills to striking coastal stretches. Each curve reveals another postcard-worthy scene, often shared only with sheep and shaggy Highland cows dotting the meadows. Your route follows the varied shoreline beside Loch Na’Keal before leading you into Salen. You’ll settle in for the night at serene Salen Pier, where—with a little luck—you’ll end the day with a spectacular sunset. (Meals included: B, L, D)

Day 6: Mull Island: Salen - Tobermory, 31 mi. (50 km)
You’ll gain some elevation today as you cycle across the northern Isle of Mull. Take a relaxing break in a welcoming tearoom before rolling on to Calgary Bay, known for its striking white beach and turquoise water. The return ride winds over soft hills and some short climbs until you arrive in Tobermory, a postcard-perfect town lined with colorful houses. Be sure to end the day in a local pub—sample fish and chips or go bold with a taste of traditional haggis. (Meals included: B, D)

Day 7: Island Mull: Tobermory - Glengorm Castle - Oban, 12 mi. (19 km)
Today's route begins in Tobermory and leads us to the grand manor of Glengorm Castle, in the northern outskirts of the island of Mull. The castle dates back to the 19th century and is truly a sight to behold. Enjoy the cozy tearooms before returning to Tobermory. Back on board, embark on the last sail of the week back to Oban. Before dinner, enjoy a tour of Oban. The McCaig's Tower, an incomplete replica of the Colosseum in Rome, is a worthwhile visit. (Meals included: B, D)

Day 8: Oban - Departure
Your tour ends after breakfast. (B)

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• Flying Dutchman

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  Electric Bikes

  Cube Cross Hybrid Pro Allroad … • 28-inch wheels … • 9-speed Shimano Deore SL rear derailleur … • Shimano BR-MT200 hydraulic disc brakes … • Aluminium frame … • Weighs 20 kg (without battery) *Specs… Read More

  Hybrid Bicycles

  Cube Nature or exclusively designed trekking bike* … • Step through or horizontal bar (diamond frame) aluminum frame … • Upright riding position … • Selle Royal comfort gel saddle … • Shimano gearing… Read More

  Accessories

  All bikes are equipped with a pannier bag. These are considered waterproof, however, please note that we can’t be held responsible or any damage that might be caused to any personal belongings like… Read More

  The Flying Dutchman, once a herring logger, was launched in 1903. The conversion to a sailing schooner took place in 2004 and the ship was equipped with 10 small but functionally furnished cabins, each with a private bath and all in one shower. The front saloon in the deckhouse serves as a cozy dining room and lounge with upholstered benches for seating all guests. At the stern, you can sit beside Captain Klaas at the wheel and perhaps even steer the 39-m-long vessel for a while. Read More