Dunoon, Inveraray Castle & the Isle of Bute

From a morning pickup in your local area, we travel by coach to our hotel.

We make the short ferry crossing from Colintraive to Rhubodach to get to the peaceful Isle of Bute. From the moment we arrive, there’s a sense of stepping into another world – quieter, greener and somehow gentler. After a scenic coastal drive, our destination is Mount Stuart, a magnificent neo-Gothic mansion set within 300 acres of landscaped grounds and built in the late 19^th century by the 3^rd Marquess of Bute. The interiors are dazzling: soaring vaulted ceilings, stained glass, rich marble and astrological symbolism all combine to create a space that feels more cathedral than country house. The extensive library is impressive too, containing thousands of rare books, while the grounds are a delight to explore. Take your pick from the lush gardens, woodland trails, pinetum and arboretum, with lovely views of the Firth of Clyde and with a huge range of plant species introduced through the centuries.

Full Day

On our optional excursion we enjoy the scenery through Arrochar and Tarbet to Luss, which you may recognise from the Scottish-set soap opera, Take the High Road. We spend some time in Luss, boasting prim rows of chocolate-box cottages, striking hills and incredible views stretching out across the waters of the loch, before heading to Balloch, known as the gateway to the Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park. With its wooded islands and misty peaks, and majestic Ben Lomond towering in the distance, we are reminded why this loch has inspired poets and travellers for centuries – it’s a truly timeless Highland scene and a must-see while in Scotland.

Full Day

Soak up the views along the shores of Loch Fyne to Inveraray Castle, the striking ancestral seat of the Dukes of Argyll. With its fairytale turrets and grand façades, the castle is a fine example of Scottish baronial architecture, set against a backdrop of wooded hills and glistening water. Inside, the rooms are richly adorned with tapestries, fine furniture, family portraits and a rather spectacular armoury hall. With a family motto of ‘Ne Obliviscaris' (forget not), it's no wonder that the castle's collections span the centuries, with the Campbells committed to chronicling the past for future generations. 

Afterwards, enjoy some free time in Inveraray itself, a charming lochside town with fine Georgian architecture and an array of independent shops and cafés. You may like to discover Inveraray Jail, a fascinating living museum that transports visitors back to the 19^th century, or enjoy a stroll along the waterfront, where the views of Loch Fyne are beautiful.

Full Day

After breakfast, we check out of the hotel and board the coach for the journey home.