Email this Page to a Friend
Tour Description:
5 days to enjoy 4 fantastic West Coast Islands including the islands of Mull, Iona and Staffa and the romantic beauty of the Isle of Skye. Highlights also include Loch Lomond National Park, Eilean Donan Castle and Loch Ness for a great sample of the best of Scotland.
DAY 1: EDINBURGH - STIRLING - LOCH LOMOND - WEST HIGHLANDS - OBAN
Takes you north passed Stirling castle, and then west to Scotland's first National Park around Loch Lomond, and the bonny banks". You will travel through the impressive mountains of the West Highlands through the magnificent white-washed 18th Century town of Inveraray, home to the Campbell Clan and the Duke of Argyll. The afternoon will be spent in the heart of Argyll exploring the area close to the ancient Kingdom of Dalriada before arriving in bustling town of Oban, the gateway to the islands, for your 2 night stay.
DAY 2: OBAN - MULL - IONA - STAFFA - OBAN
An early start crossing on the ferry to Mull and enjoying an island adventure exploring her dramatic coastlines and wild beauty, before taking the small ferry to the peace and tranquility of Iona - birthplace of Celtic Christianity and ancient burial ground of Scottish Kings. Here you can visit the historic abbey with its intricate carved crosses in the churchyard 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 immortalised 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 - FORT WILLIAM - EILEAN DONAN CASTLE - POTREE (SKYE)
We go north along the west coast around Appin, passing the impregnable Castle Stalker, and Glencoe, scene of the infamous massacre of the Clan Macdonald in 1692. You then pass through Fort William and up to the Commando Memorial at Spean Bridge with great views over Ben Nevis, Britain's highest montain. Your tour now takes the "Road to the Isles" through the splendour of the Five Sisters of Kintail, the mountains guarding the pass on the way to the Isle of Skye. You stop to visit the famous stronghold Eilean Donan Castle, used in the film "Highlander", set at the junction of 3 lochs as protection against Viking raiders. Crossing over the sea to Skye, you travel up to the picturesque harbour town of Portree. You are then dropped off at your accommodation in the early evening, where you are free to go out and explore the town.
DAY 4: A DAY TRAVELLING AROUND SKYE
A very flexible day on Skye. There are many possibilities depending on the weather and we take passengers preferences into account. For example : Travel north to the stunning Quiraing mountain pass and enjoy a spectacular walk through some of Skye's extraordinary geological scenery, visit Kilt Rock, composed of basalt columns (reminiscent of the pleats in a kilt) with it's waterfall cascading over the cliffs and down into the sea below. After lunch you can go over to Neist Point for a walk out to the lighthouse that is the furthest point west on Skye. Or go over to Dunvegan Castle, ancient ancestral seat of the Clan McLeod. Talisker Distillery is also here, as are the famous Cuillin Hills. We return you to your accommodation in Portree in the early evening for you to enjoy your second free night in Portree.
DAY 5: POTREE - LOCH NESS - PERTH - EDINBURGH
You will be collected from your accommodation and travel south through the Cuillin Hills and back over to the mainland for stunning views over Loch Duich and the 5 Sisters of Kintail. Onto Loch Ness for lunch and the possibility of spotting "Nessie". There is a boat trip (Summer only) available here that will get you that bit closer! Heading south now through the Grampian mountains along Loch Laggan, made famous now as "Monarch of the Glen Country" before passing Dawhinnie, home to Scotland's highest whisky Distillery, and onwards into Perthshire where we stop for refreshments before heading back to Edinburgh past Perth and over the Forth Road Bridge. Arriving at 19.00 approx. .
For departure details refer to the "Prices, Dates, and What's Included" Section...
Scotland 4 Island Magic Tour!!! - Skye, Iona, Mull and Staffa
Prices, Dates & What's Included:
Depart Monday (6/4/2009 - 31/10/09)
Departure Time 09.00
Departure Point 207 High St, Edinburgh
Return Time 19.00 approx
Return Point Waverley Bridge opposite Waverley Train Station
Adult Prices: From £199 to £239
Discount Prices: From £179 to £219
**Note: All prices are in British Pound Sterling (Currency Converter)
Click below to book this tour
The Tour Includes:
- Transportation by top of the range 16 seat Mercedes minicoach for a more personal experience.
Beware other operators claiming to deliver "small group tours" in 29-39 seat midi-coaches. We know it makes a big difference, because we tried touring in larger coaches and your experience wasn't the same and you told us so. That's why we stopped using larger coaches and we are the only 5 star operator in Scotland, who can truly claim to provide you a small group tour experience with a maximum of 16 passengers on tour.
- Forced air ventilation as standard.
- Services of a professional Rabbie's driver/guide
- All ferry crossings except optional trip to Staffa.
- Rabbie's Discount Card - money off restaurants, shopping and attractions.
Not Included:
- Lunch and refreshments.
- All Visitor Attractions
Accommodation:
The tour price does not include accommodation but this gives you an opportunity to choose your budget and the type of accommodation you wish to stay in and we will book it for you - Hostel, B&B or Hotel - please refer to the booking form on this web site for prices.
Please note that in the case of late bookings accommodation availability and choice may be restricted and we cannot guarantee to find your first choice. There is usually a supplement for single rooms. By giving you a choice of accommodation it allows you to choose your budget, stay in smaller places and get closer to the local people. This also means you help to sustain their communities in the long term.
For more information click here
*NB On occasions, when villages we stay in have events on, accommodation can be scarce and expensive so we may use other locations for your accommodation on the tour. We will always inform you of this when this is necessary.
Discount Price:
Students, Seniors over 60 and Children between 5 and 16
Important Information:
Because we believe in time off the bus and give you opportunities to take nature walks we recommend you bring suitable clothing and footwear for your tour. Scotland can be a wet place!! Accommodation on this tour is dispersed around Oban and Portree which are small but hilly! If you have mobility problems or special requirements please let us know when booking. Because there is so much to see and do on the 2nd day, we catch the early ferry which means you may miss your breakfast at your accommodation.