Including Duart Castle, Iona Abbey & four ferries!
We spend two nights on Mull and then two more on Skye on this fabulous island-hopping itinerary, that offers the opportunity to view some of the best scenery that the west coast of Scotland has to offer. Mull offers peace in its outstanding countryside and un-spoilt landscapes untouched by mass tourism. On Skye dramatic vistas of jagged mountains and sweeping moors await us. The final island is Iona, burial place of forty-eight Scottish kings and home to an abbey that we visit. Our journey to and from the Isles is a circular route that allows us to see Loch Awe and Loch Lomond on our way north and the Cairngorms on our return south. A huge success in 2023 when operated for the first time!
Friday We head north to the border, and make a stop at Gretna Green before continuing to our hotel in Biggar, the 3-star Tinto Hotel.
Saturday We pass Loch Lomond and Loch Long before making a stop on the banks of Loch Fyne in the county town of Inverary. Then views of Kilchurn Castle as we pass Loch Awe en-route to Oban and our ferry to the Isle of Mull. From Craignure we continue to our hotel, the Isle of Mill Hotel & Spa for two nights.
Sunday We cross to the south west of Mull, with some photo stops on the way, and from Fionnphort we catch the passenger ferry to the Isle of Iona. Iona has a long and illustrious history and is well known as being ‘The Cradle of Christianity’ in Scotland and home to just 160 residents. We have entry to Iona Abbey. Later we visit Duart Castle which is spectacularly positioned on a cliff overlooking the Sound of Mull.
Monday A different ferry takes us off Mull as we travel to Fishnish for the ferry to Lochaline. From here we are on the famous ‘Road to the Isles’ with non-stop scenic views of hills, coastline, and lochs. Our second ferry of the day takes us from Mallaig to Armadale on the Isle of Skye. More great scenery as we continue to our hotel for two nights in Kyleakin, the Kings Arms Hotel, with great views of the famous Skye Bridge.
Tuesday A circular tour of the far north of Skye with plenty of photo opportunities of other islands and towards the Outer Hebrides. We then make a late lunch time stop in the Islands capital of Portree. Portree lies in a sheltered, picturesque natural harbour with great views to sea.
Wednesday Over the Skye Bridge and we pass numerous lochs on route towards the Cairngorms National Park. Before continuing south we make a late lunch stop in Pitlochry with its clear, sparkling air, beautiful scenery, and rich clan history. Our over-night hotel is the Mercure Dumfries.
Thursday Across the border and home.
Price Includes:- Return coach travel
- Home pickup & drop off service (see here for details.)
- Ferry crossings
- Tours as indicated (including Duart Castle, and Iona Abbey)
- Hotel accommodation of bed, breakfast and evening meal