Description
Dunoon, rightly known as the ‘Gateway to the Highlands’, relies on its delightful setting on the Firth of Clyde and the sheer beauty of the Cowal Peninsula to enchant its visitors. The resort itself boasts two fine bays, beautiful parks, and a four-mile long promenade that provides some of the most perfect level walks. This, together with visits to Loch Lomond, the spectacular Highlands and islands of Argyll, and a journey over to the lovely Isle of Bute, make this holiday a wonderful choice in every way.
Itinerary
Tour Highlights:
Isle of Bute tour • Rothesay • Oban • Kyles of Bute • Tighnabruaich • Inveraray • Loch Lomond • Luss
Sunday
From local departure points we journey north for an overnight stop.
Monday
Across the Scottish border through the hills to reach Gourock for our short ferry sailing across the Firth of Clyde to Dunoon, staying at the Esplanade Hotel for five nights.
Tuesday
A day to relax and explore Dunoon at your leisure.
Wednesday
A half day tour by the Rest and be Thankful Pass to Arrochar, on Loch Long, and the shores of bonnie Loch Lomond, with a stop at the picturesque village of Luss - reputedly the prettiest in Scotland.
Thursday
Discovering more of Argyll’s beautiful scenery on a full day tour, beside Loch Eck to the shores of Loch Fyne and Inveraray, planned in the 18th century by the Duke of Argyll, then through a mountainous landscape, to Oban, a major Scottish tourist centre and ferry port for the Hebrides, overlooked by McCaig’s Tower, an imitation of the Colosseum at Rome.
Friday
A memorable day, by winding roads through the hills, and by ferry across the scenic Kyles of Bute, to explore the Isle of Bute. We have a sightseeing stop at the principal town of Rothesay, which has a charming old fashioned atmosphere, then take a circular tour round the island before returning to the mainland. Next we follow a road which is renowned as one of the most spectacular in Scotland to visit the idyllic coastal hamlet of Tighnabruaich, where sailing is the principal activity.
Saturday
Return by ferry across the Firth of Clyde to leave Scotland behind for an overnight stop in the north of England.
Sunday
Our tour draws to a close with the journey homeward.
Venue Information
Esplanade Hotel - Dunoon
THIS FAMILY RUN hotel is situated directly on West Bay Promenade with views over the bay and is within walking distance of Dunoon Pier. There is a dining room, lounge with sun terrace, Malt cellar and gardens, and all of the well appointed bedrooms feature private facilities, television, direct dial telephone and tea and coffee making facilities. • Full breakfast and five course evening dinner plus tea or coffee • Entertainment every evening, including one Scottish night • Lift (STB)