Description

5 days to enjoy 4 fantastic West Coast Islands including the islands of Mull, Iona and Staffa and the romantic beauty of the Isle of Skye. Highlights also include Loch Lomond National Park, Eilean Donan Castle and Loch Ness for a great sample of the best of Scotland.

DAY 1: EDINBURGH - STIRLING - LOCH LOMOND - WEST HIGHLANDS - OBAN
Takes you north passed Stirling castle, and then west to Scotland's first National Park around Loch Lomond, and the bonny banks". You will travel through the impressive mountains of the West Highlands through the magnificent white-washed 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 exploring the area close to the ancient Kingdom of Dalriada before arriving in bustling town of Oban, the gateway to the islands, for your 2 night stay.

DAY 2: OBAN - MULL - IONA - STAFFA - OBAN
An early start because there is so much to see and do, so you might miss your breakfast. Crossing on the ferry to Mull and enjoying an island adventure exploring her dramatic coastlines and wild beauty, before taking the small ferry to the peace and tranquility of Iona - 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 the rocky headlands and sandy coves of this island gem. There is also an opportunity to take a small boat out to the island of Staffa (except Saturday departures in September) 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: OBAN - GLENCOE - FORT WILLIAM - GREAT GLEN - PLOCKTON
We go north along the west coast around Appin, passing the impregnable Castle Stalker, and Glencoe, scene of the infamous massacre of the Clan Macdonald in 1692. You then pass through Fort William nestling in the shadow of Ben Nevis which at 1344 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 and on through Ireland. From here you travel north to the picturesque fishing village of Plockton. You are then dropped off at your accommodation in the early evening.

DAY 4: A DAY TRAVELLING AROUND SKYE
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 in the late afternoon for a free evening to explore the village. *If your tour departs after 1st April 2024, you will spend this night either in Plockton or in Balmacara.

DAY 5: POTREE - LOCH NESS - PERTH - EDINBURGH
You will be collected from your accommodation and travel east to take in the stunning views over Loch Duich and the 5 Sisters of Kintail.  Onto Loch Ness for lunch and the possibility of spotting "Nessie". There is a boat trip (Summer only) available here that will get you that bit closer! Heading south now through the Grampian mountains along Loch Laggan, made famous now as "Monarch of the Glen Country" before passing Dawhinnie, home to Scotland's highest whisky Distillery. In Perthshire where we stop for refreshments before heading back to Edinburgh past Perth and over the Forth Road Bridge. 

For departure details refer to the "Prices, Dates, and What's Included" Section...

Scotland 4 Island Magic Tour!!! - Skye, Iona, Mull and Staffa