Day 1 Board at Oban.

Boarding time for the Glen Tarsan is from 4pm. We can help you with your train journey or you can book an optional pick up at the Glasgow Airport. The Glen Tarsan cruises past the Island of Kerrera which shelters Oban Bay, through the Firth of Lorn to Mull with a choice of inlets to anchor for the first night dinner on board.

We set off this evening once everyone is safely on board and find our first secluded loch for our first celebratory meal together.

Accommodation

On board the Glen Tarsan.

All the cabins are double and can be configured as either twin or double beds with ensuite facilities. There are two cabins on deck and four below deck which provide everything you need for a small boat cruise; all cabins are similar in size and style. The size of the cabins is spacious for a boat cruise but compact compared to a hotel bedroom and there is, by necessity, limited storage space.

Your cosy cabins come with a toasty tartan-clad hot water bottle in each bed for the evening.

Meals Included

Dinners1

Day 2 to 6 Cruising the Inlets and Islands around Mull

The Sound of Mull is a tranquil waterway between Mull and the mainland, en route to the colourful town of Tobermory. Given favourable wind conditions, it is possible to cruise around the top of Mull to the wonderful sands of Calgary Bay and onwards to the Treshnish Isles, Fingal's Cave on Staffa and the small islands of Gometra and Ulva. This area is a paradise for wildlife. The Island of Iona is also within reach.

There is no set itinerary due to the variable conditions of sailing, however, typical stopovers and anchorages include:
-Anchor in Duart bay in the shadow of Duart Castle on its magnificent clifftop setting. Visit the castle and nearby Torosay House
-Sail the Sound of Mull and explore the charming town of Tobermory with lots of delightful walks to choose from
-Watch for basking sharks, whales, dolphins and seals
-Cruise the top coast of Mull, past romantic Glengorm Castle and walk the beautiful sands of Calgary Bay
-Sail past the wildlife sanctuaries of the Treshnish Isles and call in at Fingal's Cave on Staffa
-Enjoy tranquil dining while moored off the small isles of Ulva and Gometra
-Explore tiny bays and islands of the spectacular sea lochs of Linnhe and Sunart, visiting wetland areas rich in birdlife and where otters are frequently seen

Each day starts leisurely with breakfast in the saloon bar - you can then spend time in the wheelhouse with the skipper as you head to a new destination. Twice a day, the vessel will anchor off a new location, including many enchanting places that can only be accessed by the smaller cruise vessel. Approaching historic buildings and villages from the sea always gives a unique perspective and every day brings a new slice of Scottish history to investigate. There are always a selection of delightful walks around each anchorage. Trips ashore tend to last around 1-2 hours.

Fishing from the boat is very popular and whenever possible the crew lay down creels for lobster and crayfish; if successful the catch will appear on your breakfast plate! There are three boat rods and tackle on board and you are welcome to bring your own and fish while the vessel is at anchor. Mackeral is the most common fish caught and your catch can be cooked and served. There is also lobster creels on each boat and you can help the crew set them. We do occasionally get a lobster but crab is more common. You can even enjoy a swim in the loch for those brave souls.

Evenings are a wonderful opportunity to relax and socialise with the Glen Tarsan's open saloon. All meals are served at the communal table in the deck saloon, although canapes and drinks are often served on the outdoor aft deck, which is accessible through French doors, to catch the last of the evening light. After dinner is often a very sociable time when guests and crew exchange stories of the day's activities. There is a good library in the deck saloon with books, maps and videos on the history, culture and wildlife of the local area. You can enjoy a chat over a drink from the bar while others prefer to sit alfresco on the aft deck watching the sun set or take the chance to go ashore by tender for an evening stroll.

Accommodation

On board Glen Tarsan

Meals Included

Breakfasts5, Lunches5, Dinners5

Day 7 Return to Oban

All cruises disembark at approximately 11am on the last day of the cruise. There is a optional transfer provided back to the Glasgow airport or you can enjoy more of Scotland by land.

Meals Included

Breakfasts1