Description

Escape to the Western Isles of Scotland on a private tour to the Islands of Mull, Iona and Staffa. Three unique islands with a story and beauty of their own. From the rolling hills on Mull, to the Holy Isle of Iona and rugged secluded island of Staffa. This tour can be tailor made to suit your needs. Below is our suggested 3 day itinerary...

Day 1: Your driver guide can pick you up from Edinburgh, Glasgow or elsewhere in Scotland. The first stop off the day is on the Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond. At the conservation village of Luss there are great views of the Islands and the dominating mountain of Ben Loomond. We continue our journey to the west highlands and stop for a photo break in the stunning valley, Rest and Be Thankful.

In Inverary we will have time to explore the white-harled Georgian town and visit the impressive Inverary Castle. It is home to the Duke of Argyll, Chief of the Clan Campbell, and a great piece of Classical Architecture. Here you have the option of lunch in town, the castle cafe, Loch Fyne Oyster Bar or Fyne Ales Brewery.  After lunch we drive through the ancient grounds of Kilmartin with an opportunity to explore some standing stones close up.

Finally reaching the Victorian seaside town of Oban, also known as the Gateway to the Western Isles. Its ferry port serves routes to a few islands of the Inner Hebrides. Here you will have some time to explore the town. The view point on the hill dominating the town is a set of columns called McCraig's Tower. You can also have the option of visiting Oban Distillery. Or perhaps taking an evening stroll after a tasty fish supper. You will have the option of staying overnight in Oban or the Isle of Mull

Day 2: In the morning we will take an early ferry across to Craignure. Here we start our journey through the mountainous Isle of Mull. Ben More is the only mountain over 3000ft on in the Inner Hebrides other than Skye. It is normally the last mountain climbed by Munro Baggers. We also pass by the 14th century Castle Duart, home to the clan Mclean. The water in front of the castle is home to a Cromwellian Ship Wreck and a dive free zone.

We finally reach Fionnphort to take the short ferry to the Isle of Iona. This island houses a small community but was once the first religious centre in Scotland. In the 500s St Columba arrived to the west coast of Scotland to spread Christianity. But after many violent attacks from the Vikings they were force to move inland. Iona Abbey was rebuilt in 1938 but many of the original High Stone Crosses still surround it.

Then you will have the option to take the rocky boat ride out to the secluded Isle of Staffa. This island is a unique rock formation on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. It was the inspiration for the Hebrides Overture and cave once visited by Queen Victorian. While on the island you will have a chance to climb the cliff stairs to walk on the uninhabited island. You can also make your way around the island into the famous Fingal's Cave. It is a 2 hour boat ride so if you don't feel comfortable with this we can go back to Mull and visit it's capital town of Tobermory.

Overnight in Oban or Mull



Day 3: First we will visit the medieval Dunstaffnage Castle which was once home to the Clan Macdougall then later the Campbells. The castle contains a huge curtain wall, 18th century New House where Flora MacDonald was held prisoner and a 13th century chapel tucked away amongst the trees. After we continue our drive up the northern coast stopping for a view of Castle Stalker, better known as Castle Arrrrrrrrrrgh from Monty Python.

We then reach the amazing scenery of Glencoe. Surrounded by mountains it is one of the most picturesque areas in Scotland. For this reason it has been a feature in many films; Highlander, Harry Potter, James Bond and more. Although it does have a sad history when in 1692 it's inhabitance were a victim to the Glencoe Massacre. After lunch we will begin our long drive south past Ranoch Moor and Stirling Castle.

Private Tour to Mull, Iona and Staffa