Dunoon, Isle of Bute and Waverley Paddle Steamer

Dunoon, Isle of Bute and Waverley Paddle Steamer

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Dunoon, Isle of Bute and Waverley Paddle Steamer

5 Days Starting and ending in UK

Visiting: Dunoon, Isle of Bute, Loch Long, Inveraray

Tour operator:

Shearings

Tour code:

sukdws

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Low

Trip Styles:

Cruise

Tour Overview

Embark on a captivating journey through Scotland with the "Dunoon, Isle of Bute and Waverley Paddle Steamer" tour. Discover the enchanting landscapes of the Isle of Bute, with its lush hills and sandy beaches, and explore the charming town of Rothesay. Experience the nostalgia of a bygone era aboard the Waverley Paddle Steamer, the world's last seagoing paddle steamer, as you cruise through scenic waters. Visit the fairy tale-like Inveraray Castle, a stunning example of Gothic Revival architecture, and enjoy a scenic drive along Loch Eck. With comfortable accommodations in Dunoon and delightful meals included, this tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you're exploring the Isle of Bute Distillery or savoring local delicacies, this tour promises an unforgettable Scottish adventure.

Highlights

  • Explore the lush, rolling hills and sandy beaches of the Isle of Bute.

  • Cruise on the historic Waverley Paddle Steamer, the world's last seagoing paddle steamer.

  • Visit Inveraray Castle, a stunning example of Gothic Revival architecture.

  • Enjoy the scenic drive along the shore of Loch Eck to the picturesque town of Inveraray.

  • Discover the charming town of Rothesay on the Isle of Bute, with options to visit Bute Museum or the Isle of Bute Distillery.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1

Location: Dunoon

Meals Included: Dinner

Local departure by coach or Home Connect Service, before continuing to Scotland and your hotel for four nights.

Day 2 : Isle Of Bute

Location: Isle of Bute

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast, we set off for our journey to the Isle of Bute. Enjoy the scenery as we drive to Colintraive, the short crossing point over to the island. This compact island is just 15 miles long and 5 miles wide, From the lush, fertile and rolling hills of the island's heart to the craggy, heather-covered moorlands of the north and the delightful sandy beaches around the coastline, the landscapes are extraordinarily varied. We will stop in Rothesay to give you free time to explore. Why not take the open top bus tour on the main sights, visit Bute museum, or just enjoy a stroll around the shops? For the gin lovers, you can take the opportunity to visit the Isle of Bute Distillery, famous for its Oyster Gin! We then head back to Dunoon.

Day 3 : Waverley Paddle Steamer

Location: Loch Long

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today is the highlight of our tour: a cruise on the Waverley Paddle Steamer. The world’s last seagoing paddle steamer, Waverley’s maiden voyage was on June 16, 1947 and saw her operate the route she was primarily intended – the cruise up Loch Long and Loch Goil to the villages of Lochgoilhead and Arrochar. With almost 80 years of history, Waverley is not just a ship but a living testament to a bygone era. It showcases a magnificent triple expansion steam engine that will leave you in awe! Experience the authentic charm of a real steamship as you hear the telegraph ring, witness the engine’s graceful motion, and sense the gentle aroma of hot oil and steam. You can even watch the paddles turning through the portholes! During your cruise, indulge in a hot or cold snack, afternoon tea and cake, a hearty meal in the Dining Saloon, or relax in one of the comfortable lounges. Please note: The itinerary and duration of the cruise will be determined by the 2025 sailing schedule. Departure is usually from Dunoon but may be from another port depending on schedule. We reserve the right to also change the day of this excursion to best fit with the schedule. On boarding the ship if it is low tide can result in steep gangways and can be more challenging for those with mobility difficulties.

Day 4 : Inveraray And Inveraray Castle

Location: Inveraray

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast today, we will take a scenic drive along the shore of Loch Eck to Inveraray. Established in 1745 by the 3rd Duke of Argyll, head of the powerful Clan Campbell, Inveraray is located on the still waters of Loch Fyne. The masterpiece of the town is the fairy tale-style Inveraray Castle. One of the earliest examples of Gothic Revival architecture, this picturesque fantasy castle, with its towering stone pillars, beautiful Gothic windows, and romantic gardens, is a must-see. Entrance is included to the castle and gardens for you to explore at your own pace. There is a lovely tea room which serves various locally sourced products including best of Mull cheddars and Arran ice creams.

Day 5

Location: Dunoon

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, we start the journey to return home.

What's Included

  • Meals
    4 breakfasts, 0 lunches, 4 dinners

  • Isle of Bute Tour

    Enjoy a scenic drive to the Isle of Bute, with free time to explore Rothesay and options to visit the Isle of Bute Distillery.

  • Waverley Paddle Steamer Cruise

    Experience a cruise on the Waverley Paddle Steamer, the world's last seagoing paddle steamer, with options for snacks, afternoon tea, and meals on board.

  • Inveraray Castle Visit

    Entrance to Inveraray Castle and gardens is included, allowing you to explore at your own pace.

  • Transport

    Local departure by coach or Home Connect Service, before continuing to Scotland and your hotel for four nights. The tour includes a scenic drive to the Isle of Bute and a cruise on the Waverley Paddle Steamer. Return journey is also by coach.

What's Not Included

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as shopping, additional meals, and drinks are not included.

  • Optional Activities

    Optional activities such as the open top bus tour on the Isle of Bute and visits to local attractions are not included.

  • Mobility Assistance

    Assistance for those with mobility difficulties is not provided, especially during boarding the Waverley Paddle Steamer at low tide.

Accommodation

Stay at the 3-star Argyll Hotel in Dunoon for four nights if traveling from the North of England, or at the 3-star Esplanade Hotel in Dunoon for five nights if traveling from the South of England, with comfortable overnight stays outbound and inbound in the North of England.

Mode of Transport

Local departure by coach or Home Connect Service, before continuing to Scotland and your hotel for four nights. The tour includes a scenic drive to the Isle of Bute and a cruise on the Waverley Paddle Steamer. Return journey is also by coach.

Check out our Q&As

  • What can I expect during the Waverley Paddle Steamer cruise?

    During the Waverley Paddle Steamer cruise, you will experience a journey on the world's last seagoing paddle steamer. The ship features a magnificent triple expansion steam engine, and you can enjoy the authentic charm of a real steamship. You will have the opportunity to indulge in snacks, afternoon tea, or a hearty meal in the Dining Saloon, and relax in one of the comfortable lounges. The cruise itinerary and duration will be determined by the 2025 sailing schedule, and departure is usually from Dunoon but may vary.

  • What activities are available on the Isle of Bute?

    On the Isle of Bute, you will have free time to explore Rothesay. You can take an open top bus tour to see the main sights, visit the Bute Museum, or enjoy a stroll around the shops. For gin enthusiasts, there is an opportunity to visit the Isle of Bute Distillery, known for its Oyster Gin.

  • What is included in the visit to Inveraray Castle?

    The visit to Inveraray Castle includes entrance to the castle and gardens, allowing you to explore at your own pace. The castle is a stunning example of Gothic Revival architecture, and there is a tea room on site that serves locally sourced products, including Mull cheddars and Arran ice creams.

  • Do I have to do the excursions?

    Certain excursions are included in the price of your holiday. If you choose not to go on an included excursion, for whatever reason, no refunds will be made.

  • How much are the optional excursions?

    This depends on which tour you book. Prices are given with the itinerary for the tour and sent out with Travel Documents 5 days before departure.

  • Do I need to have travel insurance?

    If you are a British citizen and are going on a UK holiday, you are not required to have insurance. If you are a non-British citizen and are going on a UK holiday, you are required to have an insurance policy in place or return a signed indemnity form to us prior to travel. For all travellers on European tours, you must either have a travel insurance policy in place or return a signed insurance indemnity form to us prior to travel.

  • Will there be a toilet on-board the coach?

    All main tour coaches have on-board toilets. Transfer vehicles to and from the interchange may not have on-board toilets.

  • Can I pay for the optional excursions when I make my booking?

    Optional excursions can be booked with your coach driver or Tour Manager and operate strictly subject to availability and demand. Some optional excursions are pre-bookable due to demand when making your reservation. The running order of included and optional excursions may be altered without prior notice.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    No, we do not. However, we only ever charge a supplement if a hotelier imposes this charge to us as a company. Single room supplements are a bone of contention within the travel industry and we would like to assure you that we proactively seek accommodation with low or no single room supplements for our guests.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    You will receive a detailed itinerary alongside travel documents, and these will be sent 5 days prior to travel.

Reviews of this operator

Karen Wylie (Google Reviewer)  

Lovely holiday in weston super...

09-Mar-2024

Lovely holiday in weston super mare. Clean comfortable hotel, good food, very pleasant staff in hotel, interesting visits to Bath and Bristol and a really great driver. Would highly recommend. Good value for money

Matthew Lee (Google Reviewer)  

We really enjoyed our trip...

12-Dec-2023

We really enjoyed our trip to Dusseldorf and Cologne . Kelvin and Olivia were great , we felt very safe and well informed and well looked after throughout. The lads on our feeder coach were great too. Never heard anybody complain at all.

Susan Mullett (Google Reviewer)  

Good trip to Edinburgh, my...

01-Oct-2022

Good trip to Edinburgh, my preference would have been for longer time at the day trips but with a wide age range on the coach I feel the compromise for the comfort of all was paramount. The coach driver was knowledgeable and happy to offer suggestions of places to see and things to do. A star is knocked off for a single supplement being charged on a single room but I accept this could be out of the control of Shearings and down to the hotel.

Jonathan Wilkinson (Google Reviewer)  

Although room was in need...

24-Apr-2024

Although room was in need of refurbishment the Chatsworth at Llandudno was great. Food, staff excellent, especially wee Jess. Trips were too & a pleasure to get to know our driver, Denny, top fella..

Janet Preston (Google Reviewer)  

Very disappointing a very...

25-Nov-2024

Very disappointing a very rushed weekend away drive up to Edinburgh wasn't the best break time were very strange 10,15 minutes and half hour not enough time for 35 people to go toilet and get a hot drink as there wasn't any hot drink making equipment on the coach The trip was a Christmas market weekend well not on our coach no music no decorations we asked lots of times if we could have the radio on but it turned on deaf ears The weather was terrible it snowed and we had not so young people who had a carry hot drinks on the coach Steve our driver was a great driver but he was always rushing if he gave a meeting time say 4pm his next line would be if we can get back earlier than we could go back early it was like this every time we stopped not nice when we paid quite a bit of money for this trip to Edinburgh and Glasgow Christmas market The hotel was very comfortable and the staff were friendly and helpful but the food was cold and tasteless and the menu was a repeat Friday night and Sunday night till everybody complained sorry but the chef should be dismissed very poor menu and poor organisation in the kitchen I don't think we will be using Shearings coach holidays again

Sheila Allder (Google Reviewer)  

Just had a Holiday to...

15-Jun-2024

Just had a Holiday to Weston Super Mare and stayed at The Great Atlantic Hotel. It was OK but the Lift is out of order and not likely to be working any time soon. Food was ok too.The journey was also OK but a bit cramped. Driver was pleasant and the coach changes were efficient.

Steve Mchugh (Google Reviewer)  

I've been trying to cancel...

09-Feb-2025

I've been trying to cancel a trip to Paris in April 25 for months. I literally cancelled less than 14 days after the £1 deposit was taken. This was back on 8th September, I have emailed 3 times spoke to 2 people and both told me it was policy to still charge for a holiday I cancelled!! Today I have proof as they have just tried to steal over £800 from my bank. Luckily I'm with a bank that's up on scams of the £1 deposit ! BEWARE you are handing your bank details over to these people. I am in total shock and been advised to take it further.

Anthony Baines Kimberley (Google Reviewer)  

Went on a coach holiday...

30-May-2024

Went on a coach holiday on 26 April Whit my girlfriend Kim it take 7 hours to get to temby Wales stop after stop the coach driver was polite is name was Gavin the hotel room was a big problem the food poisoning the hotel 2nd night at the lmperial hotel shearing spoke to the staff next couple of days told use it was don't Absolutely disgrace by them never going on white ther give no free holiday are refund bad experience never again 🙁

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Shearings requires a minimum deposit of 75 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of shearings charges.

    Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 42 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.

    At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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