This bike tour treats you to the essence of all things Scottish: romantic castles, ancient villages, luxurious palace homes of the dukes and barons of Scotland, deep wandering lochs, soft wooded glens, spectacular seascapes, and lovely winding roads where we are often the only travelers.

We cycle along a superb network of country roads, visit the medieval village of Dunkeld, follow hedgerows along the River Tay From the Central Highlands, we take a scenic ferry ride to the Isle of Mull, one of the fabled islands of Scotland’s western coast. Here we are treated to a landscape of craggy cliffs, rocky bays, shimmering seas, heather-covered hills, and historic fishing villages. Our two days in Tobermory allow us time to enjoy its glorious harbor – framed by a brightly painted crescent of 18th-century houses – shops with crafts, antiques and woolens, and a tour of the local distillery. Finally, we ferry across the Sound of Mull to the Ardnamurchan Peninsula, where we are treated to the most spectacular mountain-to-ocean scenery imaginable.

Every night on this tour we are guests at a small, marvelous hotel, including historical Ballathie House on the banks of the River Tay; the Fortingall Hotel near Loch Tay, Western Isles Hotel overlooking Tobermory Harbor; and Kilcamb Lodge on the shores of Loch Sunart. (On the July 16 and July 27 departures, we stay the first two nights at Dunkeld House Hotel instead of Ballathie House Hotel.)

Surfaces for this tour: 97% Paved and 3% Gravel.