Iona, Mull and the Isle of Skye

Prices From: $945
Days: 5 days

Spend 5 days exploring central Scotland and 4 West Coast Scottish Islands including the magical Mull, Iona and Staffa along with the rugged beauty of the Isle of Skye.

Itinerary

Tour Itinerary

Spend 5 days exploring central Scotland and 4 West Coast Scottish Islands including the magical Mull , Iona and Staffa along with the rugged beauty of the Isle of Skye . Experience ancient history and the truly magical undisturbed tranquility of the Scottish islands. On route travel through the Loch Lomond National Park , pass Eilean Donan Castle and take in the mystical Loch Ness for a taste of the best that Scotland has to offer.

Day 1 Loch Lomond and Oban, Gateway to the Isles

Departing Edinburgh cross central Scotland passing the impressive Stirling castle , and through Scotland's first National Park and the Bonny Banks of Loch Lomond . Crossing the mountains of the West Highlands you will pass through the home of the Campbell Clan in the charming white-washed town of Inveraray. Throughout the afternoon your will explorethe heart of Argyll and the region surrounding the ancient Kingdom of Dalriada. In the early evening you arrive in the bustling harbour town of Oban, gateway to the islands.

Overnight Oban.

Day 2 The Isles of Mull and Iona

An early ferry crossing takes you to magical Mull and a day of discovery exploring dramatic coastlines and untamed beauty. A second passenger ferry takes you to the peace and tranquility ofspiritual isle of Iona where Celtic Christianity was born and burial site of past Scottish Kings. Visit the ancient abbey and churchyard with its intricate carved stones and explore the rocky cliffs and sandy bays of this island jewel. You can also enjoy a small boat trip to the island of Staffa (except Saturday departures in September) to take in the unique basalt columns featured in Mendelssohns Hebridean Overture "Fingal's Cave". In the evening you return to the mainland.

Overnight Oban.

Day 3 Glencoe, Eilean Donan Castle and the Isle of Skye

Today you journey north along Scotland's west coast passing the striking Castle Stalker, and Glencoe, eerie site of the infamous 17th century massacre of the Macdonald Clan. Passing through Fort William you visit the Commando Memorial at Spean Bridge for the stunning the tallest mountain in Britain, Ben Nevis. Travelling the "Road to the Isles" through the mountains of the Five Sisters of Kintail you make a visit to the iconic stronghold Eilean Donan Castle which featured in the "Highlander" movie. Located at the junction of 3 lochs it was built to protect against Viking raiders. Finally crossing to the Isle of Skye you make your way north through beautiful island scenery to the harbour town of Portree.

Overnight Portree.

Day 4 Explore the Isle of Skye

Day four is a flexible day exploring the Island and taking in an array of sites dependent on weather and your preferences as guests. Enjoy the spectacular Quiraing mountain pass and enjoy a scenic walk through Skye's extraordinary geological landscapes, visit the unique basalt columns of Kilt Rock with its cascading waterfall passing over the cliffs to the sea. After lunch you visit Neist Point to see the traditional lighthouse that marks the most westerly point on Skye. Or make a trip to Dunvegan Castle, ancient ancestral seat of the McLeod clan. You may choose to indulge in exploring the Talisker Distillery and the island's famous Cuillin Hills. Your evening is spent at your own leisure in Portree town.

Overnight Portree.

Day 5 Loch Ness and the Grampians

Today you pass back over to the mainland to be greeted by stunning views over Loch Duich and the 5 Sisters of Kintail. Lunch is spent on the shores of Loch Ness where you can enjoy some "Nessie" spotting. In the summer months you may choose to take a boat trip on the loch. Continuing south through the scenery of the Grampian mountains and along the banks of Loch Laggan, now famed as "Monarch of the Glen Country". Passing Dalwhinnie and Scotland's highest whisky Distillery you arrive in Perthshire where we stop for refreshments before crossing the Forth Road Bridge and returning to Edinburgh.

Return to Edinburgh approx 7.30pm.

Optional Extras

Pre or Post Tour accommodation in Edinburgh.
Make your tour part of an extended Edinburgh City break.

Prices

Prices

Dates and Rates

Departs Edinburgh most Mondays throughout 2010 season as below.

Departs Edinburgh	Arrives Edinburgh	Price pp (USD$)
Mon 29th Mar 2010	Fri 2nd Apr 2010	$957
Mon 12th Apr 2010	Fri 16th Apr 2010	$957
Mon 26th Apr 2010	Fri 30th Apr 2010	$957
Mon 3rd May 2010	Fri 7th May 2010	$957
Mon 10th May 2010	Fri 14th May 2010	$957
Mon 17th May 2010	Fri 21st May 2010	$957
Mon 24th May 2010	Fri 28th May 2010	$957
Mon 31st May 2010	Fri 4th Jun 2010	$957
Mon 7th Jun 2010	Fri 11th Jun 2010	$957
Mon 14th Jun 2010	Fri 18th Jun 2010	$957
Mon 21st Jun 2010	Fri 25th Jun 2010	$957
Mon 28th Jun 2010	Fri 2nd Jul 2010	$957
Mon 5th Jul 2010	Fri 9th Jul 2010	$957
Mon 12th Jul 2010	Fri 16th Jul 2010	$957
Mon 19th Jul 2010	Fri 23rd Jul 2010	$957
Mon 26th Jul 2010	Fri 30th Jul 2010	$957
Mon 2nd Aug 2010	Fri 6th Aug 2010	$957
Mon 9th Aug 2010	Fri 13th Aug 2010	$957
Mon 16th Aug 2010	Fri 20th Aug 2010	$957
Mon 23rd Aug 2010	Fri 27th Aug 2010	$957
Mon 30th Aug 2010	Fri 3rd Sep 2010	$957
Mon 6th Sep 2010	Fri 10th Sep 2010	$957
Mon 13th Sep 2010	Fri 17th Sep 2010	$957
Mon 20th Sep 2010	Fri 24th Sep 2010	$957
Mon 27th Sep 2010	Fri 1st Oct 2010	$957
Mon 11th Oct 2010	Fri 15th Oct 2010	$957
Mon 25th Oct 2010	Fri 29th Oct 2010	$957

Prices are per person land only based on 2 people sharing a twin room.
Single supplements apply.
Please ask for pricing in other currencies.

What's Included

What's Included

4 nights hotel accommodation.
Full Scottish breakfast daily.
All transport and fuel costs. Transport is provided in luxury 16 seat mini-coach.
Services of your driver/guide-companion.
All ferry and bridge crossings.
Discount card for money off in shops, restaurants and attractions.

Attraction Entry costs are NOT included but are all optional.

Images