Mull, Iona & Highlands
Explore the Islands of Mull and Iona and journey through the beautiful scenery of the Scottish Highlands on this 4-day tour beginning and ending in Edinburgh. Try famous local whisky, wander around colourful harbour towns, discover historic Abbeys and stroll along pristine beaches at Calgary Bay.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes
Tour overview
Itinerary
Day 1 Edinburgh to the Isle of Mull
Day 1 Edinburgh to the Isle of Mull
Edinburgh - Glencoe - Tobermory. Leaving Edinburgh, our journey takes us past Stirling Castle to the lively town of Callander. Continuing through Queen Elizabeth Forest Park and the rugged Trossachs, we reach the vast expanse of Rannoch Moor. Heading north, we visit Glencoe, known for the tragic Clan MacDonald massacre of 1692.
After a ferry ride across Loch Linnhe and through Morven's mountains, we arrive in Lochaline for another ferry to Mull. Our destination is Tobermory, Mull's capital, renowned for its colourful seafront houses and often hailed as one of Scotland's most picturesque harbour towns.
Please note: Check-in closes at 08:30 (tour departs at 08:45) - Edinburgh Bus Station Pick Up, Gate J and Gate K, inside Edinburgh Bus Station, St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, EH1 3DQ
Accommodation: Carnaburg, The Mishnish or similar
Day 2 Exploring Iona
Day 2 Exploring Iona
We journey south to Fionnphort and board a passenger ferry to the serene island of Iona, renowned as the birthplace of Celtic Christianity. We explore the island's Abbey and museum showcasing Celtic heritage, adorned with magnificent crosses and headstones. Alternatively, we can unwind with a stroll along the tranquil sandy beaches.
In the afternoon, opt for a boat excursion to Staffa, home to Fingal’s Cave, a remarkable geological wonder dubbed 'Nature’s cathedral', offering a glimpse into abundant marine life. After a day immersed in nature, we return to Tobermory for the night.
Accommodation: Carnaburg, The Mishnish or similar
Day 3 Exploring Mull
Day 3 Exploring Mull
Today, we explore the remote corners of Mull, starting with the picturesque village of Dervaig. Next, we head to the rugged sandy beaches of Calgary Bay, where we might catch sight of the majestic white-tailed eagles that inhabit the area. Returning to Tobermory in the early afternoon, we immerse ourselves in the charm of this quaint town, browsing its shops and perhaps visiting the local Tobermory whisky distillery.
Accommodation: Carnaburg, The Mishnish or similar
Day 4 Heading back to Edinburgh
Day 4 Heading back to Edinburgh
Tobermory - Oban - Loch Lomond - Edinburgh. Leaving Tobermory, we journey south to Craignure for a brief ferry ride to Oban, Argyll's largest town. Next, we head west to Inveraray, known for its 18th-century whitewashed buildings and the iconic Inveraray Castle, home to Clan Campbell.
Leaving Inveraray behind, we enter Loch Lomond National Park, ascending over 800 feet to the breathtaking 'Rest and be Thankful' viewpoint. Our journey then takes us eastward towards Stirling, offering opportunities for photos of its historic castle, before we return to Edinburgh in the early evening.
Please note: This tour ends at 19:00 - Edinburgh Bus Station Drop Off, Gate J and Gate K, Edinburgh Bus Station, St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, EH1 3DQ
Tour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Prices & Dates
Accommodation
On this tour, you will stay in bed and breakfast properties (B&Bs). These are usually smaller residential properties, with just a handful of guest rooms. You’ll have a bedroom, bathroom and often, access to a communal dining room for breakfast. Rooms will always be clean and comfortable, with a private bathroom. Bathrooms are usually en-suite, but on rare occasions, access may be via a communal hallway. This means that the bathroom will still be private and only for your personal use, but it is not en-suite (located in the room). You will need to leave the room to use the bathroom.
Carnaburg Guesthouse offers accommodation in Tobermory. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout. The rooms at the bed and breakfast are equipped with a kettle. Each room includes a private bathroom with a walk-in shower and a hairdryer, and some rooms also feature a seating area. All rooms are provided with bed linen and towels.
Tour Reviews
Our Driver/Tour guide was very informative with telling history of area we were visiting, loved his humour and music selection. He went out of his way to ensure I was able to realise a dream, visit to Duart castle which was not on our itinerary. Our stay at B&B was lovely, clean, comfy and Hannah was so welcoming.
The tour to Mull was excellent as was the guide Stefan. The highlights for me were: 1. My sea view room at the Mishnish in Tobermory. Small room but the view from the window was amazing. 2. Day 2 when we made the trip over to beautiful Iona and on to Staffa to see the puffins. 3. Stefan the driver/guide was exceptional. Very entertaining and informative. On the last day our van broke down at Inveraray with a diesel leak. Stefan was brilliant in arranging alternative transport (combo of getting a lift with another coach company and then a train). It did mean we missed Loch Lomond though & the last 4 hours of guide commentary.
Extras and add-ons
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