Travel to Hebridean Gems
27 July 2010 - 30 July 2010
Price: £340.00
Following last year's highly successful tour to the Inner Hebrides, we have taken on board a suggestion from our travelers as to how we can make this adventure even better, and that was to add a day and introduce some leisure time. So, that's exactly what we've done. We now offer a four day experience to this most magical part of our country, and it's all done at a leisurely pace. Book now to avoid disappointment.
Day 1: Tuesday
After a coffee stop in Moffat, we head for Loch Lomond and the Lomond Shores Centre where there will be time to look around this huge visitor facility with its wide variety of shops and local interest exhibitions. There will also be time for some lunch. Then it's on to Inveraray where you can enjoy a cuppa and explore some of the town's curious attractions like Inveraray Jail (not included) where, in the past, branding with hot irons, the use of thumbscrews and whippings were common forms of punishment. The Maritime Museum (not included) is home to many interesting vessels including a puffer named Vital Spark, after the boat featured in local author Neil Munro's book "Tales of Para Handy". We then head to our home for the next three nights, the Columba Hotel in Oban, where, after an excellent dinner and a maybe a wee dram or two, we can get a good night's sleep in preparation for tomorrow's big adventure.
Day 2: Wednesday
After breakfast, our coach takes us to the ferry terminal in Oban, from where we set sail for Craignure on Mull, the first of three Inner Hebridean Islands that we will visit today. The next part of our journey takes us across the southern landscape of Mull passing below Ben More, the Island's highest mountain (3,170ft). Just a few more miles and we arrive at Fionnphort Pier. Leaving our coach behind, we set sail for the Island of Staffa where we are able to view the huge basalt columns that house the many caves including the geological miracle that is Fingal's Cave. Over the centuries, people have come to marvel at this wonder of nature; now it's your turn. After spending enough time on the island to visit the inside of the cave and take a walk along the cliffs, we set sail for Iona where there will be ample opportunity to explore this, the birth place of Christianity in Scotland and the UK. Our visit will also include a guided tour of Iona Abbey. With several eating places available on the island, lunch will be no problem. Then, after our return to Fionnphort, we journey across Mull to Craignure for the short crossing home to Oban in time for dinner and a leisurely evening. Today will have been a very special adventure that will live on in our memories forever.
Day 3: Thursday
Thursday, and you have a choice! Spend the whole day, at your leisure, in Oban, or join us for a morning visit to Glencoe and their award winning visitor centre where there are interesting exhibits on the history and geology of the area. Weather permitting, there are also some of the most magnificent mountain views to be seen in the UK. We then head a few miles down the coast for a lunch visit to the Scottish Sea Life Sanctuary at Barcaldine. Here, we are able to see the good work done by this charity where rescued seals and otters are treated and prepared for return to the wild. In addition, there are many other marine habitats on display containing everything from seahorses to sharks. Then it's back to Oban for about 2.30pm, leaving you plenty of time to explore this famous Scottish port, or just relax back at our hotel with a nice gin and tonic.
Day 4: Friday
It's time to set off for home, but there's still plenty of exciting places to visit. Just a few miles along the road we stop at the Cruachan Visitor Centre. Situated here is one the modern wonders of the Scottish Highlands. We are transported 1km underground into the heart of Ben Cruachan where a huge cavern, big enough to contain the Tower of London, has been hewn out of the rock to house four massive generators that produce hydro electric power. Once inside the mountain you are taken up the visitor's walkway, past sub-tropical plants that grow well within the warm humid conditions inside the mountain, and then on to the visitor's viewing gallery. What an experience, and there's still time for a coffee!! Then it's back on board our luxury coach for the journey to Kilmahog for a lunch break. The last lap of our adventure sees us circling two of Scotland's oldest cities, Stirling and Edinburgh. After a brief stop in Jedburgh, and with a last chance to buy that tin of shortbread, we head for Tynedale where we should arrive at about 6.30pm.
On our travels over these few days, and with a bit of luck, we might encounter some of the fabulous wildlife that inhabits this beautiful part of Scotland. On land there are red deer; in the air can be found eagles and a host of seabirds including puffins, gannets and guillemots. The very rare and spectacular White Tipped Sea Eagle also breeds in this area. At sea we may come across otters, seals, dolphins, porpoises, basking sharks or maybe one of the many species of whales that cruise these waters. Our last visit to Staffa produced sightings of Bottle Nosed Dolphins very close to our launch. Who can tell how lucky we may be this year!
This cost of this very special four day adventure includes, Luxury Coach Travel, Dinner Bed and Breakfast for three nights at the 3 star Oban Columba Hotel, all Ferry and Cruise fees, and admissions to the listed visitor attractions.
At £340.00 per person, based on two people sharing a room, or with a total single supplement of only £50.00pp, this unique tour has to be great value. For a deposit of only £90.00pp, with balance not due until 1st June 2010.
^ return to topIn accordance with "The Package Travel, Package Tours Regulations 1992" all passengers booking with Mr N G Baynes t/a Baynes Travel are fully insured for the initial deposit and subsequently the balance ofall monies paid to us, including repatriation if required, arising from the cancellation or curtailment of your travel arrangements due to the insolvency of Mr N G Baynes t/a Baynes Travel.
A certificate detailing this cover will be given to each and every passenger as evidence of cover. Please ensure that you have been given the appropriate certificate(s) at the time of booking.
This insurance has been arranged by Tower Chapman Stevens through IGI Insurnace Company Limited.
