*** NEW TOUR FOR 2026 ***
SEPTEMBER - from Monday 7th until Friday 11th
5 Day Tour
By coach from pickups in Northern Ireland
3***Esplanade Hotel Dunoon
DUNOON – sitting on the Firth of the River Clyde, Dunoon is a traditional seaside resort. Stroll along the Victorian promenade and grand pier or walk up the historic Castle Mound for panoramic views of the beautiful Cowal Peninsula. Be it spring, summer or autumn, the Scottish Islands are a joy to explore with their colourful gardens on display throughout the seasons. Our island garden tour is designed for those who not only appreciate gardens but also for those who wish to visit the beauty of Scotland’s West Coast & two of its most loved islands. A true island-hopping tour featuring two of Scotland’s most opulent properties in Bute and Inveraray.
Tuesday: Isle of Bute & Mount Stuart
A short but beautiful drive over the Kyles of Bute to catch the short crossing from Colintraive to the Isle of Bute. Enjoy at your leisure, the Victorian seaside town of Rothesay, the island's capital. Afterwards, make the coastal drive to Mount Stuart - a 19th-century neo-Gothic mansion with extravagant interiors and over 300 acres of landscaped gardens with a wide selection of native and exotic flora. The woodland walks lead to a private beach with views across the Firth of Clyde.
Wednesday: Loch Fyne, Inveraray & Castle
A morning free in Dunoon; perhaps visit Castle House Museum. In the afternoon, tour along The Holy Loch and Loch Fyne to the ancient maritime port of Inveraray. Entry into Inveraray Castle & Gardens included. The castle is home to the Duke of Argyll, who is still playing an important role in the shaping of Scotland through the ages. The garden covers sixteen acres. The remainder of the land is park and woodland, extending to 180 hectares, forming one of the most important designed landscapes in Scotland. Don’t forget to say hello to the Highland cows.
Thursday: Benmore and Kilmun
This morning, travel along the shoreline to Historic Kilmun. The former church, with the Argyll Mausoleum at its side, overlooks the Holy Loch on a site with a religious history dating back to the 7th century. The current building, erected in 1841 and set in a historic graveyard, boasts one of the very few working hydraulic water-powered organs in Britain, together with impressive stained-glass windows by Stephen Adam. Adjoining the church is the Argyll Mausoleum, a burial place of Campbells of Argyll from the 16th century until the last Duke was interred there in 1949. Enjoy an afternoon visit to Benmore Gardens. Set over 120 acres, it is home to a world-famous collection of plants from regions ranging from the Himalaya, China and Japan to North and South America
From pickups in Northern Ireland on Monday 7th Sept we take the 11.30am Stena Superfast (PLEASE NOTE that this is later than originally envisaged) sailing to Cairnryan with afternoon comfort/snack stop, planning to arrive Dunoon Hotel 5pm. Our return journey on Friday 11th Sept on 3.30pm sailing (PLEASE NOTE that this is earlier than originally envisaged) from Cairnryan to Belfast is due into Belfast 10pm, including two comfort and snack stops between Dunoon and Cairnryan. Coach transfers to your set-down point in Northern Ireland. Times correct at print date.
Tour Leaders: Mervyn & Sharon Smyth
TOUR COST: £699 per person sharing - £180 single supplement
TOUR CODE: SIG/26
DEPOSIT: £200 per person
PRICE INCLUDES:
- Luxury coaching from pickup in Northern Ireland.
- Stena 7.30am ferry between Belfast/Cairnryan.
- 4 Nights DB&B in 3***Esplanade Hotel Dunoon.
- All day tours and excursions per printed itinerary.
- Admission to Inveraray Castle and Gardens.
- Admission to Benmore Botanic Garden Dunoon.
- Admission to Mount Stuart & Gardens
- Admission to Historic Kilmun
- Services of Tour Leader throughout holiday tour.
Hotel Lift - Yes
Location - Level
Steps - Some
Walking - At will
