Iona, Mull, and Isle of Skye: 5-Day Tour from Edinburgh

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Iona, Mull, and Isle of Skye: 5-Day Tour from Edinburgh

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Enjoy 5 days along Scotland's beautiful west coast on this 5-day tour from Edinburgh that includes a guide, 4-nights of accommodation with breakfast, mini-coach transportation, and ferry fares.

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Highlights

Spend a day on the spectacular islands of Iona and Staffa
Explore the ancient 13th-century Castle of Eilean Donan
Stop in at the world-famous Loch Ness in the heart of the Highlands
Spend a day exploring the raw beauty of the Isle of Skye
Walk along the breathtaking Quiraing Mountain Pass

Description

Day 1 Travel north past Stirling Castle and to the region of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. You venture through the impressive mountains of the West Highlands and the magnificent whitewashed 18th-century town of Inveraray, home to the Campbell Clan and the Duke of Argyll. The afternoon will be spent in the heart of Argyll before arriving in the bustling town of Oban for your two-night stay. Day 2 Today you have an early start, beginning the day crossing on the ferry to Mull for a chance to explore dramatic coastlines and wild beauty. You take the small ferry to Iona, the birthplace of Celtic Christianity, and ancient burial ground of Scottish Kings. Here you can visit the historic abbey with its intricate carved crosses in the churchyard, or explore rocky headlands and sandy coves. There’s an opportunity to take a small boat for an optional trip to the island of Staffa and view the dramatic basalt columns immortalised by Mendelssohn in his Hebridean Overture 'Fingal's Cave'. You then return on the ferry to Oban for your second night. Day 3 You ramble north along the west coast around Appin, passing the impregnable Castle Stalker. Next, you head to the gorgeous Glencoe, one of the most famous natural landmarks in all of Scotland. This beautiful area boasts steep slopes and photogenic peaks. Your driver-guide may reveal to you the tragic tale that’s haunted this valley for over 300 years. You then venture through Fort William and under the shadow of Ben Nevis, which at 1,344 meters is the highest mountain in the British Isles. We continue through the Great Glen, a natural fault in the earth’s crust that runs through Scotland. From here, you travel north to the picturesque fishing village of Plockton or Balmacara. You’re dropped off at your accommodation in the early evening. Day 4 Today is a very flexible day on Skye. There are many possibilities depending on the weather, and your driver-guide will use their local knowledge to decide on the best day out for the group. You may ascend the Quiraing along Trotternish Ridge and be rewarded with spectacular views. Alternatively, you could drink in the scenery at Loch Corruisk or drive through the dramatic Red Cuillin to the little hamlet of Elgol. We return you to your accommodation in Plockton or Balmacara in the late afternoon for a free evening to explore the village. Day 5 You’re collected from your accommodation for the short drive to the famous stronghold of Eilean Donan Castle. Then, you travel east taking in the stunning views over Loch Duich and the Five Sisters of Kintail. You continue to Loch Ness for lunch and the possibility of spotting 'Nessie'. Your tour moves through the Grampian Mountains and along Loch Laggan, before passing Dalwhinnie, home to Scotland's highest whisky distillery. In Perthshire, you stop for refreshments before heading back to Edinburgh past Perth and over the Firth of Forth.

Includes

Tour transport in a luxury 16-seat Mercedes mini coach Driver/guide Bed and breakfast accommodation (4 nights) Ferry fares

Important Information

Suitable clothing and footwear is recommended
Accommodation: Choose from a selection of small, locally owned guesthouses and B&B's. All rooms are en suite. B&Bs tend to be located on the outskirts of towns and you should be prepared for a 20-30 minute walk to local facilities like pubs and restaurants. If you have difficulty with stairs, please mention it to us as lifts will not be available in this type of property.
Minimum age to participate is 5 years
You're restricted to 20kg (44lbs) of luggage per person. This should be one piece of luggage similar to an airline carry-on bag (approximately 55cm x 45cm x 25cm / 22in x 17in x 10in) and a small bag for onboard personal items. *Please note that Staffa Trips are unable to run boat trips to Staffa for the remainder of 2024 due to inclement weather. This means that unfortunately, tours departing in 2024 will be unable to visit Staffa and Fingal's Cave. We apologies for the inconvenience.