Discover Scotland’s Wild Coastline and Hidden Isles Aboard a Historic Tall Ship
Discover Scotland’s Inner Hebrides on an 8-day bike and boat journey through the islands of Seil, Luing, Jura and Mull and along the Kintyre Peninsula. Cycle through rugged coastal landscapes, past lochs and Highland scenery, and discover highlights such as the historic Kilmartin area, the Paps of Jura, Calgary Bay, Glengorm Castle and the colourful harbour of Tobermory. Between cycling stages, a traditional tall ship carries you from one destination to the next, adding a unique sailing experience to the journey.
The Ultimate Blend of Island Cycling, Highland Scenery, and Maritime Heritage
The tall ship is your sailing hotel throughout the tour, providing a comfortable base between cycling excursions and allowing you to explore several islands without changing accommodation. Breakfast and warm meals are served on board according to the itinerary, while the ship sails towards the next cycling destination. With an experienced tour leader accompanying the guided cycling days, you can discover the Inner Hebrides by bike while enjoying the landscapes from both land and sea.
ROUTE
The route brings together some of the most distinctive landscapes and sights of the Inner Hebrides, from the historic monuments around Kilmartin and the remote landscapes of Jura to the Paps of Jura, Corryvreckan, Calgary Bay and Glengorm Castle on Mull. Across approximately 220 km of cycling, the tour combines hilly coastal roads, lochs, Highland scenery and island landscapes, with the tall ship connecting the different stages of the journey.
This guided bike and boat tour combines daily cycling excursions with sailing between destinations aboard the tall ship. The cycling routes are guided by an experienced tour leader, while the ship takes you to the next location when you are not cycling. Upon consultation with the tour guides, it may also be possible to cycle independently along suitable recommended routes or to spend a day on board instead of cycling.
Itinerary
Day 1: Oban (Embarkation)
Welcome Aboard in the Highlands
Highlights: Welcome dinner on board, meeting the crew and fellow travelers, exploring coastal Oban.
Individual arrival in Edinburgh or Glasgow, followed by scenic train or bus connections to Oban (or optional organized group transfer from Edinburgh). Check-in to your cozy cabin on the Flying Dutchman opens at 6:00 pm, with luggage storage available if you arrive earlier. Gather for a late evening dinner on board to meet your guides, crew, and trip companions while taking in the harbour atmosphere.
Day 2: Oban – Toberonochy – Crinan – Slate Islands Exploration
36 km / 22.4 miles
Highlights: Scenic ride across Seil and Luing islands, Slate archipelago heritage, coastal sailing to Crinan.
After adjusting your rental e-bikes, setting off southwards from Oban through rolling green landscapes, riding past quiet highland lakes down to the coast. Cross over to the remote Isle of Seil before taking a quick ferry ride to Luing, renowned for its historical slate quarrying that built landmarks like Glasgow University. Rejoining the Flying Dutchman at Toberonochy dock, set sail across the sea toward the picturesque harbour of Crinan for the night.
Day 3: Crinan – Isle of Jura – Prehistoric Monoliths & Wild Coastlines
37 km / 23 miles
Highlights: Ancient stone circles of Kilmartin Glen, museum visit, sailing past the Kintyre Peninsula.
Today’s ride ventures inland from Crinan into the ancient, mystic landscape of Kilmartin Glen. Discover prehistoric burial mounds and mysterious stone circles echoing Stonehenge before pausing for lunch at the local museum cafe. Pedal back to Crinan to board the ship for a memorable cruise past the Kintyre Peninsula—immortalized in song—heading toward the wild shores of Jura.
Day 4: Isle of Jura – Isle of Mull – Land of Orwell, Red Deer & Whirlpools
27 km / 16.8 miles
Highlights: Untamed landscapes of Jura, Paps of Jura viewpoints, wildlife spotting, Corryvreckan Whirlpool passage.
Enjoy a serene morning ride northward across Jura, a peaceful haven famous for housing over 5,000 wild red deer and inspiring George Orwell’s famous writings. Cycle beneath the dramatic backdrop of the Paps of Jura to a quiet jetty where the ship awaits. Set sail across the sea toward Mull, navigating safely past the legendary Corryvreckan natural whirlpool before anchoring in a tranquil bay for the evening.
Day 5: Isle of Mull: Loch Spelve – Salen – Coastal Magic & Highland Cattle
52 km / 32.3 miles
Highlights: Loch Na’ Keal coastline, grazing highland cattle, peaceful island roads, sunset in Salen harbour. Immerse yourself in the spectacular scenery of Mull along a thrilling coastal cycling route.
As cars turn off, enjoy virtually empty roads shared only with grazing sheep and iconic shaggy highland cattle. Ride alongside stunning sea lochs like Loch Na’ Keal before finishing in the calm port of Salen, where you can watch the sunset over the quiet water from the deck.
Day 6: Isle of Mull: Salen – Tobermory – White Sands & Pub Culture
50 km / 31.1 miles
Highlights: Cozy local tearooms, pristine white sands of Calgary Bay, colorful harbour of Tobermory, traditional pub evening.
Tackle a rewarding climb across the northern portion of Mull, stopping for fresh refreshments at a charming island tearoom. Descent to Calgary Bay, celebrated as one of Scotland’s finest beaches, perfect for a refreshing dip in crystal-clear waters. A few short climbs bring you into Tobermory, famous for its postcard-worthy waterfront houses, where an evening at a local pub enjoying traditional live music and fish & chips awaits.
Day 7: Island Mull: Tobermory – Glengorm Castle – Oban – Grand Estates & Final Sail
19 km / 11.8 miles
Highlights: 19th-century Glengorm Castle, final sailing leg on the tall ship, McCaig’s Tower in Oban.
Begin your last morning ride with an excursion up to Glengorm Castle, a striking 19th-century manor nestled on Mull’s northern edge. After savoring treats at the castle tearoom, return to Tobermory and board the Flying Dutchman for a final, exhilarating sail back to Oban. Spend the late afternoon strolling through Oban and visiting McCaig’s Tower for sweeping views before your farewell dinner on board.
Day 8: Oban (Disembarkation) – Journey Home
Highlights: Final breakfast on board, smooth departure connections.
Enjoy a final group breakfast aboard the ship before disembarking in Oban by 9:00 am. Depart individually via local transit or take advantage of the organized group transfer directly to Edinburgh Airport.
Extend Your Stay
On request
Getting to Oban (Departure Point)
By Plane: The primary international gateways are Edinburgh Airport (EDI) and Glasgow Airport (GLA).
By Train: Frequent, highly scenic direct train services run from Glasgow Queen Street directly to Oban train station, located close to the harbour.
By Car: Private secure parking options are available in Oban.
How to book this tour
We require a deposit of 25% of the tour price per person upon reservation, final payment 60 days before tour departure.
Included
- 8-day island cruise on the tall ship Flying Dutchman with professional captain and crew.
- 7 nights accommodation in a twin-bed cabin below deck equipped with private shower/WC.
- 7 x half board catering (breakfast and 1 warm meal per day prepared by the onboard cook).
- Guided cycling tours as detailed in the daily itinerary.
- Clean bed linen and bath towels.
- Professional English-speaking tour guide throughout the trip.
NOT Included
- Individual travel/flights to and from Scotland
- E-Bike
- Helmet
- Drinks package on board
- Meals and drinks taken ashore
- Parking fees
- Airport and city transfers
- Entrance fees to attractions, museums, and castles
- Gratuities (at your discretion)
- SGR Insolvency protection
- Personal travel, medical, and luggage insurance policies
- Anything not listed as included is not included
Check available options
Departures & Prices
Choose the option that best fits your schedule and start planning your cycling journey.
Prices are per person in a double room in 2027.
Flying Dutchman
Twin cabin below deck
Aug
from
2049€
Options & Supplements
✓
+50% Double cabin for single use
Flying Dutchman
Twin cabin below deck
Aug · Sep
from
2389€
Options & Supplements
✓
+50% Double cabin for single use
Accommodation
Featuring top-quality accommodation, carefully selected for comfort and an exceptional travel experience.
Flying Dutchman
Sailing through the Inner Hebrides aboard a traditional tall ship is an essential part of the journey. With its impressive 480 m² of sail surface, the Flying Dutchman brings a distinctive maritime character to the tour, carrying you between Scotland’s islands and coastal landscapes as you move from one cycling stage to the next. When the wind and tides are right, you can experience the ship under sail and even join the crew in setting the sails — a memorable way to experience the waters of western Scotland.
Sail area: 480 m²
Cabins: 11
Capacity: 22passengers
BIKES
You can choose to rent a bicycle on board or bring your own bike for the trip.
Below you’ll find the essential information for rent options.
+273€
E-Bike
+28€
Insurance E-bike
During the trip, you are responsible for any damage, loss, or theft.