Isle of Mull, Iona and the West Highlands Tour – 4 Days

The tour begins when you leave from Edinburgh Bus Station, St Andrew Square in a comfortable 16 seat Mercedes mini coach.

Day 1

Drive past the iconic Stirling Castle on your way from Edinburgh as you head towards the charming town of Callander. From here you continue keeping north and drive through the Queen Elizabeth forest park and the diverse topography of the Trossachs.

The road finally opens into the beautiful and remote stretch of Rannoch Moor, one of the largest untainted expanses in Europe. Drive further north and finally reach one of the most riveted glens of Scotland – Glencoe. Discover the glen for its striking beauty as your expert guide offers great insight into Glencoe’s rich and turbulent history of the infamous massacre of Clan MacDonald in the 17th century.

From Glencoe, take a short and serene ferry ride across the beautiful Loch Linnhe. Take some time to admire the remarkable summits of Morven and proceed to Lochaline where another ferry to the Hebridean island of Mull awaits. The breathtaking landscape of Mull is magical indeed and sure to be an unforgettable experience for all those who traverse through here. A short drive further brings you to Tobermory, also known as the ‘Well of Mary’ which will be the base camp for your three night stay. The island’s capital is one of the most charming and quaint harbour areas in Scotland. The vibrantly painted houses by the seafront make Tobermory a truly picturesque town.

Day 2

After an adventure packed first day of the tour, Day 2 starts as a leisure day with a drive to a more off-the-beaten-path of the island starting with Dervaig, a small attractive settlement town complete with its own festival theatre.

Our next venue is the pristine beachfront of Calgary Bay with its white sandy shores. Keep your eyes peeled for a sighting of the huge white tailed eagles that inhabit the area. Return to Tobermory in the early afternoon and take this opportunity to peruse the small shops and shop for memorabilia or local delicacies and visit the local Tobermory Whisky Distillery to sample some fine local malts.

Day 3

Third day of the tour has plenty of water-led paths in store. You start the day by heading south to Fionnphort, the second largest settlement on the Mull. From here you take a ferry to the quaint little island of Iona where you can dive into the local history and cultural heritage. Your expert guide takes you along the beach of Iona that is touched by magnificent blue waters. Learn about how the arrival of St Columba kickstarted the Celtic traditions and customs of this island. Explore the museum of history, visit the Abbey or simply enjoy a peaceful stroll along the sandy shores.

In the afternoon, take an optional boat ride to the island of Staffa, which is ideal for nature lovers. Staffa boasts an abundance of marine life, curious caves, basalt columns and even hexagonal stepping stones! You may choose to visit Fingal’s Cave, also known as ‘Nature’s cathedral’. After a day in the great outdoors we return to Tobermory for the night.

Day 4

Depart from Tobermory and proceed southward to Craignure where you board the main ferry terminal and cross over to Oban. A popular location for locals and tourists alike, Oban is the biggest town in Argyll. From here, take the opportunity to explore Kilmartin Glen, or as it is amusingly called the valley of ghosts for its standing stones and burial chambers from the Neolithic era.

Thereafter, make your way to the 18th century town of Inveraray, rich in Neo-Gothic architecture. ‘Downtown Abbey’ fans will be able to recognize the main castle in this town, as featured in a recent episode.

After exploring Inverary, you arrive in the National Park of Loch Lomond and ascend over 800 feet to find the words ‘Rest and be Thankful’ inscribed on a stone. Take a moment to be enraptured by the stunning view from this ‘Rest and be Thankful’ pass, before driving up to the shores of Loch Long and Loch Lomond.

The drive back to Edinburgh begins late afternoon and after you capture impressive photographs of the Stirling castle on the way, the riveting 4-day tour comes to a close.