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

8 Days Starting and ending in UK

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

Tour operator:

Shearings

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. This enchanting adventure begins with a scenic drive to Dunoon, where you'll stay at a comfortable hotel. Explore the historic Inveraray Castle, nestled on the shores of Loch Fyne, and discover the picturesque Isle of Bute, known for its diverse landscapes and charming attractions. Enjoy a leisurely day in Dunoon before experiencing the highlight of the tour—a cruise on the iconic Waverley Paddle Steamer, the world's last seagoing paddle steamer. Relish the nostalgia of a bygone era as you cruise through stunning Scottish waters, with opportunities to savor delightful meals on board. This tour promises a perfect blend of history, natural beauty, and unique experiences, making it an unforgettable Scottish escape.

Highlights

  • Inveraray Castle, a fairy tale-style castle with Gothic Revival architecture and romantic gardens.

  • Scenic drive along the shore of Loch Eck to the historic town of Inveraray.

  • Explore the Isle of Bute, with its varied landscapes, sandy beaches, and the opportunity to visit the Isle of Bute Distillery.

  • Cruise on the Waverley Paddle Steamer, the world's last seagoing paddle steamer, showcasing a magnificent triple expansion steam engine.

  • Free time to explore the charming town of Rothesay on the Isle of Bute.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1

Location: Dunoon

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Dinner

Local departure by coach or Home Connect Service, before continuing to our comfortable overnight hotel in northern England.

Day 2

Location: Dunoon

Accommodation Name: Esplanade Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Continue to Scotland and your hotel in Dunoon for five nights.

Day 3 Inveraray And Inveraray Castle

Location: Inveraray

Accommodation Name: Esplanade Hotel

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 4 Isle Of Bute

Location: Isle of Bute

Accommodation Name: Esplanade Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast we set off for our journey to the Isle of Bute today. Enjoy the scenery as we drive to Colintraive which is 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.


We then head back to Dunoon.

Day 5 Day At Leisure

Location: Dunoon

Accommodation Name: Esplanade Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Relax in the hotel and explore Dunoon at your leisure today.

Day 6 Waverley Paddle Steamer

Location: Loch Long

Accommodation Name: Esplanade Hotel

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 7

Location: Dunoon

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

We make out way back south and onto our overnight hotel in north England.

Day 8

Location: Dunoon

Meals Included: Breakfast

Return home.

What's Included

  • Inveraray Castle Entrance

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

  • Waverley Paddle Steamer Cruise

    A cruise on the Waverley Paddle Steamer is included, showcasing a magnificent triple expansion steam engine.

What's Not Included

Mobility AssistanceThe cruise on the Waverley Paddle Steamer may be challenging for those with mobility difficulties due to steep gangways at low tide.

Mode of Transport

Local departure by coach or Home Connect Service, before continuing to our comfortable overnight hotel in northern England. Continue to Scotland and your hotel in Dunoon for five nights. Enjoy a scenic drive to the Isle of Bute and a cruise on the Waverley Paddle Steamer.

Accommodation

If travelling from the North of England, you will stay for four nights at the 3-star Argyll Hotel in Dunoon. If travelling from the South of England, you will stay for five nights at the 3-star Esplanade Hotel in Dunoon. You will also have comfortable overnight stays outbound and inbound in the North of England.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    If you are traveling from the North of England, you will stay for four nights at the 3-star Argyll Hotel in Dunoon. If you are traveling from the South of England, you will stay for five nights at the 3-star Esplanade Hotel in Dunoon, with comfortable overnight stays outbound and inbound in the North of England.

  • What can I expect during the visit to Inveraray Castle?

    During the visit to Inveraray Castle, you can explore the castle and its gardens at your own pace. The castle is a fairy tale-style structure and one of the earliest examples of Gothic Revival architecture. There is also a tea room offering locally sourced products such as Mull cheddars and Arran ice creams.

  • What activities are available on the Isle of Bute?

    On the Isle of Bute, you can explore the varied landscapes, visit Rothesay for free time, take an open-top bus tour, visit Bute museum, or enjoy a stroll around the shops. You can also visit the Isle of Bute Distillery, known for its Oyster Gin.

  • What is special about the Waverley Paddle Steamer cruise?

    The Waverley Paddle Steamer is the world's last seagoing paddle steamer, offering a unique experience with its magnificent triple expansion steam engine. You can enjoy the authentic charm of a real steamship, indulge in snacks or meals, and relax in comfortable lounges. The itinerary and duration of the cruise depend on the 2025 sailing schedule.

  • Are there any mobility considerations for the Waverley Paddle Steamer excursion?

    Yes, boarding the Waverley Paddle Steamer at low tide can result in steep gangways, which may be more challenging for those with mobility difficulties.

  • 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.

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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