The Isles of Mull and Iona - Small Group

Small Group Mull & Iona Tour *16 Passengers Maximum*

Day 1

Journey west to Oban...

Departing from Scotland’s capital city Edinburgh, we may head west to Glasgow to meet the rest of our group. We’ll then be able to experience the Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond – Scotland’s largest loch, dotted with 60 islands. Next, we'll be able to enjoy stunning views at the Rest and Be Thankful Pass, before we make a quick stop at Inveraray to see the impressive Clan Campbell castle. 

Enjoy the grand entrance to the Highlands and watch the landscape begin to change as we drive comfortably north. Continue through the glens and onwards along the shore of Scotland’s longest Loch to the west coast town of Oban. This is the place to enjoy some of the freshest seafood in Scotland. Opt for the seafood platter, from the famous Oban Seafood Hut, if you’re feeling adventurous. Oban Distillery* is perched right in the centre of town if you’d like to enjoy a tasting you can just pop in and be welcomed by the world-famous Oban 14-year-old. Or, you can take a walk up to McCaig’s Tower for views over the town and islands further afield.

We’ll jump aboard our ferry and take the short journey to Craignure, Mull. Keep an eye out for whales, dolphins and even basking sharks. Once on Mull we’ll head north to the colourful fishing port of Tobermory the capital of the island, where we’ll be staying for the next two nights. Some of the fantastic accommodation we use in Tobermory is located up a steep hill, so please do let us know if you have any mobility issues when booking.

Overnight: Tobermory

Day 2

Tobermory to Iona...
Departing from Tobermory we’ll take a stunning drive, covering the length of the island to Fionnphort, enjoying some beautiful viewpoints along the way. We’ll catch the ferry from here as foot passengers to the tiny island of Iona. Just 3 miles from north to south, this sacred island is a wonderful place to spend an afternoon in peace and tranquillity.

You can visit Iona Abbey and Nunnery*, founded by St Columba in 563, and its museum of Celtic heritage and history. Or take one of many excellent walks, perhaps to St Columba’s Bay, where St Columba is said to have arrived with his monks in 563. Here, you can admire the array of richly coloured pebbles, especially the white and green Iona marble. Or walk up to Dun I "The Hill of Iona" to take in stunning views from the highest point on Iona. As Iona is entirely explored on foot (we leave the bus on Mull) we recommend suitable clothes and shoes for walking.

We’ll return to Mull on the ferry and make our way back to Tobermory for the evening.

Overnight: Tobermory

Day 3

Homeward bound...
On day three we’ll take a ferry from Fishnish to Lochaline, it’s a short crossing and the perfect opportunity to look out for sea eagles.

We’ll drive through the remote Glen Geal and make our way past the stunning lochs Sunart and Linnhe on our way to Ardgour, from here we’ll take another short ferry over to Corran.

We’ll pass Ballachulish which is surrounded by some of the most strikingly beautiful scenery in Scotland and have time in Glen Coe to take pictures and learn the brutal story of the Massacre of that took place here in 1692. Heading further south we’ll stop at Tyndrum before returning to Edinburgh. If you are returning to Glasgow, we will provide a complimentary train ticket from Edinburgh Waverley to Glasgow, the journey takes just under 1 hour.