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:
Tour code:
sukdws
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
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
Itinerary
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
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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.
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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.
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Inveraray Castle Visit
Entrance to Inveraray Castle and gardens is included, allowing you to explore at your own pace.
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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
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as shopping, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as the open top bus tour on the Isle of Bute and visits to local attractions are not included.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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