Isles of Iona, Mull and Skye

from Edinburgh and Glasgow

 Printable Version

This delightful tour will introduce you to Scotland’s picturesque Western Highlands famed for its lochs, mountains and castles. Without a doubt, the highlights will be visits to the Hebridean islands of Iona, Mull and Skye.

Day One: Edinburgh/Glasgow - Oban - Isle of Mull

It’s farewell to Edinburgh and Glasgow as we head for the beauty of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. After a scenic drive along the "bonnie, bonnie banks” we travel through the Argyll Forest Park then climb through Glen Croe, stopping at the summit, known as the "Rest and be Thankful” to admire the views.

The attractive town of Inveraray sits overlooking Loch Fyne. Its famous fairytale castle is the seat of the Duke of Argyll, Chief of the Clan Campbell. We’ll make a short photo-stop here before taking a drive along the banks of Loch Awe and through the Pass of Brander to reach Oban. This bustling harbour town is known as the seafood capital of Scotland, so why not indulge your taste buds with some freshly-landed treats.

Later catch the ferry for the crossing to the Isle of Mull. On arrival, make for colourful Tobermory, our island home for the next two nights.

Overnight: Tobermory, Isle of Mull

Day Two: Mull and Iona Excursion

After breakfast, we head out to explore the islands of Mull and Iona. We start with a scenic drive through the rugged grandeur of the Ross of Mull to reach the ferry port of Fionnphort. A short sail will take us to Iona, the cradle of Christianity in Scotland.

Iona has been a place of worship since St Columba landed here in 563. During our extended time on the island, we can explore the restored monastery; view the elaborate Celtic Crosses and discover Oran’s Cemetery said to contain the graves of some 48 Scottish Monarchs including Duncan and Macbeth.

Why not take time out to climb Dun I, the islands highest point, for views over to Skye, Tiree and Jura or enjoy a peaceful stroll along one the pristine beaches.

Back on the mainland, we’ll see some of Mull’s attractive bays as we tour along the banks of Loch na Keal, enjoying fantastic views of Ben More the highest peak on the island.

Overnight: Tobermory, Isle of Mull

Day Three: Isle of Mull to the Isle of Skye

We start the day by taking the ferry across the Sound of Mull then enjoying a scenic drive through the remote Movern peninsula. Our journey will take us to Glen Geal then along the banks of Loch Sunart. At Ardgour another ferry waits to take us across the Corran Narrows of Loch Linnhe.

Next, we stop amongst the natural splendour of Glen Coe, known as the "Glen of Weeping” after the infamous massacre of the Clan Macdonald in 1692.

Please note: at this point, you will meet your new driver-guide, and join a new group of travelling companions for the next part of your tour.

We travel to Fort William then make a stop at the Commando Memorial where, if the weather is kind, there will be fantastic views of Ben Nevis, Britain’s tallest mountain, to enjoy. There is more spectacular mountain scenery as we make our way through Glen Shiel and the peaks of the "Five Sisters” come into view. The last visit of the day is to pretty Eilean Donan Castle before we cross the bridge "Over the sea to Skye”.

Overnight: Isle of Skye

Day Four: Exploring Skye

Today’s itinerary is flexible so that you can get the very best from your time on the beautiful Isle of Skye. On the agenda will be the towering peaks of the Cuillin Mountains and the strange rock formations of the Trotternish Peninsula including The Old Man of Storr, The Quiraing and Kilt Rock, of course.

Spend time in Portree, the island’s main town famed for its picturesque harbour and delicious fish and chips! Later you could be visiting ancient Dun Beag broch, a stone-age tower house or taking a walk amongst the weird geology of Fairy Glen.

Overnight: Isle of Skye.

Day Five: Isle of Skye - Culloden Moor - Edinburgh/Glasgow

Sadly its farewell to island life, but don’t worry today is full of highlights. Back on the mainland, we head for Glen Moriston then the mysterious waters of Loch Ness. There’s a stop at ruined Urquhart Castle so you can discover its 1,000 years of history and enjoy the majestic views. Why not maximise your chances of spotting the elusive monster "Nessie” by taking a short cruise across the dark and deep waters of the loch?

Our drive continues to bustling Inverness, the "Capital of the Highlands” then on to Culloden Moor, the site of the last battle ever fought on British soil. It was here that Government forces routed the Jacobite army of Bonnie Prince Charlie in 1746. The award-winning visitor centre will explain all about the battle and its dramatic aftermath.

The picturesque scenery of the Cairngorms National Park is next, then its onwards through the Grampian Mountains. There is a stop in the heart of Highland Perthshire before the last part of our journey takes us through the ancient Kingdom of Fife and across the Forth Bridge into Edinburgh.

If Glasgow is your destination, you will be dropped at Edinburgh Waverley Station from where there is a frequent train service to Glasgow Queen Street Station. The journey time is just over 45 minutes, and the cost of your ticket is part of the tour fare.

Tour Highlights: Loch Lomond, Argyll Forest Park, Rest and be Thankful Mountain Pass, Inveraray, Loch Awe, Kilchurn Castle, Oban, Isle of Mull, Tobermory, Isle of Iona, Morvern, Glen Coe, Fort William, Ben Nevis, Glen Shiel, Eilean Donan Castle, Five Sisters, Isle of Skye, Portree, Cuillin Hills, Trotternish, Kilt Rock, Inverness, Loch Ness, Culloden Moor, Cairngorms National Park and Highland Perthshire.