Immerse yourself in the scenic splendor and ancient history of Scotland’s West Highlands, and the Hebridean islands of Mull and Iona on a relaxed small group sightseeing tour. The 4-day adventure is by comfortable climate controlled Mercedes minibus for a more intimate and personal experience. Drive across the mountain pass of the Rest and Be Thankful, discover the scene of the infamous Clan MacDonald massacre, marvel at the baronial Inveraray Castle, meander through the mountains of Morven, and much more. Day 1: Depart Edinburgh and travel north past Stirling Castle to the bustling town of Callander. From here, continue through Queen Elizabeth Forest Park and the bristling Trossachs, before reaching the remote expanse of Rannoch Moor, one of the largest wilderness areas left in Europe. A short drive north brings you to Glencoe, scene of the infamous massacre of Clan MacDonald in 1692. Take a short ferry ride across Loch Linnhe to explore the impressive mountains of Morven. At Lochaline, take another ferry to the Hebridean island of Mull. A short drive brings you to Tobermory, the island’s capital and location for your 3-night stay. Tobermory, meaning “Well of Mary,” is one of the prettiest harbor towns in Scotland with its brightly painted houses overlooking the sea. Day 2: This is a leisurely day, with a drive to the more remote areas of the island. Visit the pretty settlement of Dervaig, with its own festival theater, and Kilmore Church, with its round steeple. From here, venture to the wild thrashing sandy shores of Calgary Bay. If you are lucky you might see the sea eagles that live in the area. An early afternoon return to Tobermory will provide the chance to soak up the atmosphere of the pretty town, with a chance to peruse the small shops, and the local Tobermory Whisky Distillery. Day 3: Bask in the glory of Mull, as you head south to Fionnphort to take a passenger ferry to the small Island of Iona. Iona is an island of quiet charm, lapped by glorious turquoise waters. Located in the cradle of Celtic Christianity with the arrival of St. Columba in 563 AD, enjoy plenty of time to explore the Abbey and its museum of Celtic heritage. Visit the magnificent Celtic crosses and headstones, or enjoy a stroll along the quiet sandy beaches. In the afternoon there will be the chance to catch a small boat to the Island of Staffa, where nature enthusiasts can look for the abundant marine life. With its basalt columns of 5 and 6-sided hexagonal stepping stones, Staffa and Fingal’s Cave are an amazing tribute to the effects of nature and are known locally as “Nature’s Cathedral.” After a great day outdoors, return to Tobermory for the night. Day 4: Depart Tobermory and head south to Craignure, the main ferry terminal for the short crossing to Oban. Continue west to the whitewashed 18-century town of Inveraray on the shores of Loch Fyne. Marvel at Inveraray Castle’s mix of Scots Baronial and Neo Gothic architecture, featured in an episode of the TV miniseries “Downtown Abbey.” Next, go to the National Park of Loch Lomond and climb more than 800 feet to the “Rest and Be Thankful” mountain pass before hugging the shores of Loch Long and Loch Lomond. Continue towards Stirling, with opportunities for impressive photos of the castle, before your early evening drop off in Edinburgh.

On your first day, saunter around Loch Lomond in the pretty village of Luss. Find the perfect spot to drink a coffee and sing the ‘Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond.’ Journey with your driver through the unforgettable landscapes of Glencoe before a lunch stop at the traditional Clachaig Inn. Hop on a 10-minute ferry to a mountainous peninsula and travel to the port of Lochaline. Board another ferry and make your way to the east coast of Mull. Admire the abundant wild nature in Aros Park, a beautiful area boasting waterfalls and forest footpaths. In the early evening, arrive in Tobermory with time to wander where you will spend the night. The next morning travel past epic mountains to the south of Mull. Take a ferry to two of the most mysterious and dramatic locations in the region, Iona Abbey and Fingal’s Cave. After satisfying your adventurous spirit, head north back to Tobermory where you can perhaps try the seafood before your second overnight stay. On the third day, travel south to Craignure and catch a ferry back to the mainland. When you arrive in Oban, taste the fantastic local seafood and wander around this Victorian harbor town. Venture to Kilmartin Glen, an archaeologist’s dream. Discover around 800 ancient monuments, including burial chambers, rock carvings, standing stones, castles and more within this area. Enjoy learning about the significance of these monuments from your driver-guide. Make a final stop in Inveraray, a gorgeous little town which boasts an impressive view over Loch Fyne. Return to Glasgow in the evening.

Spend 5 spectacular days exploring the unruly beauty and fascinating history of the Scottish west coast, and visiting 4 of its beautiful islands. On your second day, take a ferry to explore the dramatic coastlines of the island of Mull, and then continue to the island of Iona to visit its ancient abbey and craggy cliff-side. Take advantage of the opportunity to take a small boat to Staffa to explore its beautiful basalt columns, and spend the majority of your third day exploring the famous Isle of Skye. Day 1: Edinburgh – Loch Lomond – Oban Your first day of the journey takes you north past Stirling Castle, and then west to Scotland’s first National Park near Loch Lomond. Travel through the mountains of the West Highlands, passing the magnificent white-washed town of Inveraray, and spend the afternoon in the heart of Argyll before arriving to bustling town of Oban, the gateway to the islands, for your 2-night stay. Day 2: Oban – Mull – Iona Begin early with a ferry ride across the Mull and spend the morning exploring the island’s dramatic coastlines and wild beauty, before taking the small ferry to Iona – the birthplace of Celtic Christianity and ancient burial ground of Scottish Kings. Visit the historic abbey and its intricate carved crosses 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 immortalized 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 – Plockton Today takes you north along the west coast around Appin, passing the impregnable Castle Stalker and Glencoe, scene of the infamous massacre of the MacDonald clan in 1692. You then pass through Fort William nestling in the shadow of Ben Nevis which at 1,344 meters is the highest mountain in the British Isles. The tour continues 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: Flexible Day  Your fourth day of the journey is very flexible, with many possibilities (depending on the weather). Your driver/guide will use his/her local knowledge to decide on the best day out for the group, which could include traveling north to the stunning Quiraing mountain pass for a walk through some of Skye’s extraordinary geological scenery or a visit to the Kilt Rock, composed of basalt columns and cascading waterfalls. After lunch, you may travel to Neist Point for a walk out to the lighthouse at the most westerly point on Skye, or you may pay a visit to Dunvegan Castle, ancient ancestral seat of the Clan McLeod, returning to your accommodation in Plockton in the late afternoon to enjoy a free evening in the village. Day 5: Loch Duich – Loch Ness – Edinburgh You will be collected from your accommodation and travel south through the Cuillin Hills, stopping to visit the famous stronghold Eilean Donan Castle, before traveling 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,” and then head south through the Grampian mountains and long Loch Laggan, passing Dalwhinnie, home to Scotland’s highest whisky Distillery. Stop in at Perthshire for some refreshments before heading back to Edinburgh over the Forth Road Bridge, arriving at approximately 19:00.