5-Day Iona, Mull and the Isle of Skye Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh

Overview

Day by day itinerary

1. 1West Highlands & Oban⌄

   We leave Edinburgh and travel through the gentle Lowlands past Stirling Castle. As we cross the ancient geological fault line, the flat plains give way to the majestic Highlands, with rugged peaks and forest-filled glens that define Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. We explore the lush landscapes of Scotland's first national park, renowned for its beauty and steeped in the legends of Rob Roy, the famed outlaw. Your driver-guide makes a stop by one of the shimmering lochs, where you can enjoy the tranquility and breathe in the crisp Highland air. As we journey on through the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, the scenery grows even more dramatic, with steep-sided mountains forming the Arrochar Alps. Along the way, we pause at the famous viewpoint 'Rest and Be Thankful', before continuing our route to Inveraray.

   We stop for lunch in Inveraray, a charming town on Loch Fyne, known for its picturesque setting. Enjoy local seafood and the peaceful atmosphere while taking in views of the loch and surrounding hills.

   As the day winds down, we arrive in Oban, the "Gateway to the Isles", that was once home to powerful feuding clans. We'll stay in this picturesque port town for two nights, and tonight you can decide how to spend your first evening. Enjoy a fresh seafood dinner or try a hearty Scottish meal at a local restaurant before you stroll along the waterfront, taking in the stunning sunset views over the harbour.

   Overnight: Overnight in Oban.

2. 2Iona and optional trip to Fingal's Cave⌄

   Today begins with an early start as we take the ferry to Mull, a gem in the Inner Hebrides known for its rugged beauty, abundant wildlife, and charming villages. As we approach the island, take in the silhouette of Duart Castle before landing at Craignure. We'll be island hopping today, traveling through Mull's lush pastures, dense woodlands, and peat bogs on our way to Fionnphort, where you can choose your next adventure.

   At Fionnphort, you can decide what you want to do next. You can take the small ferry to Iona, the birthplace of Celtic Christianity and the ancient burial ground of Scottish kings. Spend your time exploring the island's rich history, visit the historic abbey with its intricately carved crosses in the churchyard or wander the rocky headlands and sandy coves. Alternatively, divide your time between discovering Iona and embarking on an optional trip to Staffa, where you can marvel at the dramatic basalt columns of Fingal's Cave, immortalized by Mendelssohn in his Hebridean Overture.

   No matter which islands you've chosen to explore, you'll return to Mull with memories that stay with you long after you leave. Perhaps you'll depart Iona feeling rejuvenated, introspective, and deeply connected to its tranquil magic. Or maybe you'll be inspired and in awe of Staffa's dramatic beauty and geological wonders. Next, we journey through Mull's rugged interior, where dramatic hills, serene lochs, and sweeping glens unfold as we make our way to Craignure, where a ferry awaits to take us back to Oban.

   Meals: Breakfast

   Overnight: Overnight in Oban.

3. 3Glencoe and Exploring the Highlands⌄

   Continuing along the shore, we stop at a viewpoint to admire Castle Stalker, a striking 14th-century tower on a small islet near Appin. Once a stronghold of the Clan MacDougall and later the Stewarts of Appin, it's one of Scotland's most picturesque castles, with a rich history of clan rivalries and intrigue.

   Afterward, we continue our journey to the majestic Glencoe, renowned for its rugged slopes and dramatic history. Often featured in films, the valley offers breathtaking views. Here, you'll have time for photos or a short walk to fully appreciate the stunning landscape and learn about one of the most tragic episodes in Scottish history.

   Next, we continue along Loch Linnhe and head to Fort William for lunch, a charming Highland town nestled at the foot of Ben Nevis. Enjoy local cuisine and take a leisurely stroll through the town center before we resume our journey through the Great Glen, a natural fault in the Earth's crust that runs through Scotland.

   Enjoy a peaceful evening in Plockton, surrounded by loch views, woodlands, and mountain scenery. Stroll along the quaint harbour as it glows in the golden hour, or savour a hearty, comforting meal in one of the village’s welcoming inns or pubs.

   Meals: Breakfast

   Overnight: Overnight in Plockton.

4. 4Touring around Isle of Skye⌄

   We leave Plockton and head towards the Skye Bridge, crossing into the Misty Isle. Every horizon in Skye conceals something astoundingly beautiful. So today, your driver-guide makes the most out of your time and weather in this marvel-studded landscape.

   Exploring Skye feels like stepping into a dream, with countless places to explore. You might head north to the Trotternish Ridge and beyond, where you'll encounter geological wonders such as the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, and the breathtaking Quiraing mountain pass. This part of the island enchants visitors with surreal rock formations, dramatic cliffs, vast open spaces, and an overwhelming sense of wilderness.

   After all this exploration, we'll pause in one of the island's towns for lunch to recharge for the second part of the day. In the late afternoon, your driver-guide may take you back in time, sharing stories about the legends and clan culture surrounding Dunvegan Castle, or perhaps lead you to a different hidden gem. After taking in the stunning sights of Skye, you'll bid farewell to the island and return to Plockton for another peaceful evening.

   Meals: Breakfast

   Overnight: Overnight in Plockton.

5. 5Eilean Donan Castle⌄

   Perched on a small island, the iconic Eilean Donan Castle, which has recently gained fame as a movie location, has many old stories to tell. You can enjoy refreshments at a local café and stroll along the loch to admire the castle from the outside. Alternatively, you can explore its chambers, where you'll discover a collection of artifacts belonging to the MacKenzie and MacRae clans.

   Next, we travel past shimmering lochs framed by rugged mountains and arrive in the charming village of Fort Augustus, nestled on the banks of Loch Ness. Here, you can savor local specialties, stroll to the shores of the mysterious loch and try to catch sight of the elusive monster. As we travel south past the broad peaks of Cairngorms National Park, you'll enjoy various photo stops along the way.

   We continue south through the rolling hills and fertile farmlands of the Kingdom of Fife. Your last highlight is the view of the iconic UNESCO listed Forth Rail Bridge on your way to Edinburgh.

   Meals: Breakfast