TOBERMORY, ISLE OF MULL

Our tour will set out from the colourful little picture postcard town of Tobermory. Heading south towards Torosay Castle, the drive is breathtaking as we skirt the east coast of Mull with views across the Sound of Mull to the Morvern Peninsula.

Our tour will set out from the colourful little picture postcard town of Tobermory. Heading south towards Torosay Castle, the drive is breathtaking as we skirt the east coast of Mull with views across the Sound of Mull to the Morvern Peninsula. Torosay Castle was completed in 1858 by the eminent architect David Bryce and is probably one of the few still open to the public whilst remaining a family home. The principal public rooms contain a wide range of family portraits, memorabilia and antique furniture. We can also wander around the twelve acre garden which contains an impressive Italian statue walk and formal terraces covered with roses and other climbing plants. There are also Japanese gardens containing many interesting and rare plants and trees, varied woodland and a water rockery. After visiting the Castle, the coach takes us to Torosay Station, where we join the Narrow Gauge Railway for the 20 minute journey to Craignure. Hauled by steam and diesel engines the journey is one of great beauty with, on a clear day, panoramic views of Ben Nevis – Scotland’s highest mountain – the Glencoe Hills, Ben Cruachan and Duart Castle. In the woodland section of the journey there is a chance to see some of the local wildlife and in early summer the primroses and colourful rhododendrons make the journey a particular delight. From Craignure the journey returns to Tobermory, where there may be a little time left to browse through the shops before returning to our ship.

This tour involves a moderate amount of walking at Torosay Castle and to join the train. It also includes 25 to 30 stairs to reach the first floor of the Castle and steps to board the train. Therefore it is not suitable for passengers with limited mobility or wheelchair users. The train will not be exclusive to Fred. Olsen and does not have toilet facilities. The coach journey time will be approximately one hour each way – the coach may not have air conditioning.

DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR 2008 SCANDINAVIA & BALTIC CRUISES