Magical Mull, Iona And The West Highlands Isles - Edinburgh

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Tour Information

Key Details

  • Mobile Voucher Accepted
  • Duration: Flexible
  • Departure Time :
    9am
  • Departure Details :
    Central Edinburgh
  • Return Details :
    Waverley Bridge opposite Waverley Train Station

Overview

Spend four amazing days exploring the natural beauty and historic treasures of the island of Mull and surrounding areas. Youll visit Calgary Bay, the islands of Mull, Iona and Staffa (optional), and see Queen Elizabeth Forest Park and the National Park of Loch Lomond. With stops at historic sites such as Stirling Castle, Inveraray Castle, the Abbey in Iona, and Kilmartin Glen, you'll have plenty of ways to take in the rich history and culture of these ancient isles on this 3-night tour from Edinburgh.

Highlights

  • Breakfast included
  • Multi-Day Trip
  • Pickup from a centrally located meeting point
  • Small-group tour

Know More about this tour

In addition to its historical sites, the Isle of Mull is known as a world class wildlife destination with a range of habitats: rugged mountains, open hills, forests, moorland, pasture, lochs and extensive coastline. Youll experience this variety and some of the famous beaches of Mull when stopping at Calgary Bay, Tobermory, and several other locales.

Throughout the tour youll have regular comfort breaks with the option to have a coffee (own expense) or go for a stroll. Youll have lunch in small towns or villages where you can choose where you eat, or youll stop in rural family-run establishments where you have your choice of dishes. Evenings will be spent in Tobermory where you can find great places for dinner and enjoy the ambiance of this charming town. Accomodations and breakfasts are included; entrance tickets and other meals are at own expense.

Itinerary:

Day 1: Edinburgh - Tobermory
After meeting your small group and guide in central Edinburgh, youll travel by comfortable minicoach about five hours northwest to the coast. Along the journey through the stunning West Highlands, you'll hear stories about the history of the area from your expert guide.

Youll pass Stirling castle and the bustling town of Callander, sometimes called the Gateway to the Highlands. Continue through the picturesque Queen Elizabeth Forest Park and the Trossachs, before reaching the remote expanse of Rannoch Moor, one of the largest wildernesses left in Europe. Youll then board a ferry for a short ride across Loch Linnhe, traverse the mountains of Morven, and take the days last ferry to the Hebridean island of Mull.

You'll arrive in Tobermory, the islands capital and your base for three nights. Youll have the evening to settle into this harbor town and enjoy the sight of the colorful houses that overlook the sea.

Overnight: Tobermory

Day 2: Tobermory - Dervaig - Calgary Bay - Tobermory (B)
After breakfast, youll start a leisurely day with a 20 minute drive to the pretty settlement of Dervaig, named good inlet by the Vikings who arrived around 800AD. Check out the renovated Kilmore church with its pencil tower, then continue to the Village Hall where the community holds ceilidhs (Gaelic dances), weddings and classes.

After taking in Dervaig, youll return to your coach and head to Calgary Bay. Have time to stroll along the shore with your guide and look for white-tailed eagles, puffins, whales, dolphins and other wildlife that thrive in the area.

In the early afternoon youll return to Tobermory and have free time to peruse the shops, tour the Tobermory Whisky Distillery, or simply soak up the atmosphere of this pretty town.

Overnight: Tobermory

Day 3: Tobermory - Iona - Staffa - Tobermory (B)
After breakfast, youll drive to Fionnphort to take a ferry to the small island of Iona, considered the cradle of Celtic Christianity since the arrival of St Columba in 563AD. Youll explore the beautiful island, visiting the Abbey and its museum of history and Celtic heritage. Be sure to check out the magnificent Celtic crosses and headstones, or enjoy a stroll along beaches lapped by turquoise water.

In the afternoon youll have the opportunity to take a small boat to the lovely island of Staffa (own expense). Look for whales, dolphins, and porpoises on the journey over, while on the island you may find nesting puffins and other seabirds. Staffa is remarkable for six-sided basalt rock columns that form much of the island, and Fingals cave also known as Natures Cathedral.

Youll return to Tobermory for the night after your day's journey.

Overnight: Tobermory


Day 4: Tobermory - Oban - Kilmartin Glen - Edinburgh (B)
In the morning, bid farewell to Tobermory and take a ferry to Oban then continue to Kilmartin Glen. Here youll find Neolithic and Bronze age remains, with more than 350 ancient monuments in the area. Youll have time to check out some of the standing stones and Neolithic burial chambers in this area, also known as The Valley of Ghosts.

Next youll travel to the 18th-century town of Inveraray where youll visit Inveraray Castle, situated in a forest on the shores of Loch Fyne. After leaving Inveraray, youll pass through the National Park of Loch Lomond, your vehicle climbing more than 800 feet along a road where the top is called Rest and Be Thankful. Your coach will then hug the shores of Loch Long and Loch Lomond, the largest body of freshwater in the British Isles. Youll reach Stirling after about an hour and stop for photos of Stirling Castle before returning to Edinburgh, arriving in the early evening to conclude your tour.

Inclusions

Driver/guide

Transport by air-conditioned minivan

Ferry transfers to the Isle of Mull and Isle of Iona

Accommodation as per itinerary

Breakfast

Exclusions

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Entrance fees

Lunch and Dinner

Drinks

Optional Staffa boat trip

Gratuities (optional)

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking, unless booked within 14 days of travel. In this case confirmation will be received within 48 hours, subject to availability

Minimum age is 5 years

Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults

Cancellation Policy

Tours booked using discount coupon codes will be non refundable.

Traveler Reviews

  • 09-Jun-2014

    Murray was great! Good knowledge and sense of humor; able to accommodate a group ranging in age from 7 to 71. Amazing scenery!