Islay, Iona, Mull & Skye
8 day tour
Roam Scotland's majestic Skye and explore the secrets of our wild and stunning islands.
Tour map
Tour Highlights
Oban - This town is blessed with two lovely nicknames, ‘the Gateway to the Isles’, and ‘the Seafood Capital of Scotland’.
The Islay Single Malt Whiskies - On an island known as ‘The Queen of the Hebrides’, there’s a regal quality to the peaty style of its single malt whiskies.
Sandy beaches of Islay - Stroll some of the most beautiful and rugged beaches in the UK along Islay’s West Atlantic coast.
Iona - You’ll visit the tiny Island of Iona inhabited with just around 120 people.
Fingal's Cave on Staffa - The cave is made of naturally formed hexagonal pillars and has inspired many musicians and writers.
Isle of Skye - Traverse one of the world’s most stunning islands, with beautiful views around every corner.
Your journey
Travel to the tune of Scottish traditions on this wide-ranging tour of Scotland.
You start off with a symphony of smoky whiskies on the famous isle of Islay. There’s time here to enjoy four distilleries as you venture through neolithic sites and sweeping coastlines.
You then visit the harmoniously peaceful islands of Mull and Iona. Here you have a chance to spot some of Scotland’s most elusive wildlife.
And the final movement is a crescendo of the monumental mountains and sights of the Isle of Skye. It’s an unforgettable ending before you make your way back to the city of Edinburgh.
Tour Details
Check-in closes at 08:15 (tour departs at 08:30) - Gate J And Gate K, Edinburgh Bus Station, St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, EH1 3DQ
* Please note that tours departing from May 13th (inclusive) will depart at the earlier time of 08:30 (check-in 08:15)
19:00 - Edinburgh Bus Station Drop Off, George St / St. Andrews Square area, (Within 5 mins of Edinburgh Bus Station), Edinburgh,
You're restricted to 20kg (44lbs) of luggage per person. This should be one piece of luggage similar to an airline carry-on bag (approximately 55cm x 45cm x 25cm / 22in x 17in x 10in) plus one small bag for onboard personal items.
Students, and seniors over 60
- This tour combines two of our trips. This means you swap your bus and guide during the journey
- Pack your waterproof clothing and walking shoes
- Unfortunately we don't carry anyone under 18 years old on this tour
- Access to distillery production areas may not be possible
- Some distilleries offer tutored tastings instead of tours
- Distilleries may be substituted
- Some attraction tickets can be purchased in advance when you book your tour. You’ll have the option to add at check-out. Other attractions will not be available to book beforehand, instead you can purchase those while on tour.
- Transport in a 16 seat Mercedes mini-coach
- Air conditioning as standard
- The stories and services of an English-speaking driver-guide
- All ferry fares except the optional trip to Staffa
- Tour accommodation
- Attraction entry tickets
Itinerary
Day 1
- Sample the sights and seafood of Oban
- Venture through the sights and stories of the Loch Lomond National Park
- Explore Scotland’s ancient past in Kilmartin Glen
You escape the city of Edinburgh and head straight for the Highlands. Your first stop of the day is in the Trossachs National Park. Here, you can admire Scotland’s scenic beauty and enjoy some local delicacies.
Your driver-guide may regale you with tales from Scottish folklore as you travel through the mountainous landscapes of the Western Highlands to Oban.
This port town was once the strategic heartland of great feuding clans. But today, Oban is famous for seafood sourced fresh off the boats. It also boasts its own distillery where you can sample whisky that’s been perfected for 200 years. Here, you will have time to enjoy a dram and indulge in delicious local seafood for lunch.
You then venture through the Kilmartin Glen where you see standing stones and strongholds that are over 1,500 years old.
At Kennacraig, you catch the evening ferry to Islay. The sail is around two hours; and if you peek out to the ocean, you may see the Paps of Jura. These mountains mark the way to Islay, Queen of the Hebrides.
Once you’ve arrived on the island, you settle into your accommodation in Bowmore.
Day 2
- Sample Scotland’s peatiest whiskies
- Admire Islay’s rugged coastline
- Explore the town of Bowmore
We know whisky tasting can be hard work, so you begin the day with a little sleep in.
After you’ve had an ample amount of breakfast, you enjoy a tour of Bowmore Distillery, one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland. You have time for a tour and a whisky tasting here before you continue exploring the island.
Next, your driver-guide takes you to Kilchoman Distillery for a tour and a lunch of local treats. Kilchoman is known as Islay's only Single Farm Single Match Scotch Whisky, reviving traditional farm distilling of barley to bottle, making their whisky 100% Islay.
After trying local larder, you travel through the beautiful countryside to the third distillery of the day. On Thursday and Saturday, you visit Bruichladdich, the progressive distillery specialising in unpeated whisky. On Tuesday, you taste the unpeated and salty notes of Bunnahabhain in the most remote distillery on Islay.
You head back to Bowmore where you can either stumble back to your room for the night or relax and explore the village.
Day 3
- Discover the island’s ancient religious past
- Taste the most famous whiskies of the island
Today you explore the southern side of the island, home to a few of the most famous whiskies in all of Scotland: Laphroaig, Lagavulin, and Ardbeg.
After you’ve made it out of bed and enjoyed your breakfast, you visit Ardbeg. You stay here for a tour, tasting, and lunch. The restaurant here is a beautiful place to relax and enjoy fine Scottish produce as you sip upon delightful drams.
You then visit Laphroaig. This 200-year-old whisky distiller is a favourite with the British royal family and bears the seal of the Prince of Wales to prove it.
Throughout the day, your driver-guide takes you to historical spots such as the ruins of Kildalton church and Dunyvaig Castle. And you can also stop at Lagavulin for some intensively flavoured, rich and smoky whisky.
You return to Bowmore for your last evening of the trip.
*Itinerary and distillery visits are subject to change.
Day 4
- Get a sense of the old history of Inveraray
- Enjoy a free evening in Oban, the Gateway to the Isles
This morning, you take the ferry back to the mainland and replace the intoxicating fumes of whisky with the replenishing fresh air of Scotland’s West Highlands.
You travel through coastal scenery to the beautiful village of Inveraray on the banks of Loch Fyne. The town is adorned with historic buildings, old boats, and a great whisky shop.
Here you’ll join a new bus for the continuation of your tour to Oban. Your guides will help you transfer your luggage and introduce you to your new travelling companions.
Once you arrive in Oban, you'll have a free evening to enjoy this bustling Highland town. You can absorb the atmosphere and visit the local pubs. Or, if you prefer to explore the area, hike uphill and admire the views from the most photographed structure in the west, McCaig’s Tower. Built in 1897 on instruction by a local banker, it resembles the Colosseum in Rome and provides magnificent vistas over the distant Firth of Lorne.
You will stay in this glorious Highland town for two nights.
Day 5
- Discover the history of Celtic Christianity
- See one of Scotland’s most unique geological wonders at Fingal’s Cave
Today you have an early start, beginning the day crossing on the ferry to Mull for a chance to explore dramatic coastlines and wild beauty.
You take the small ferry to 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 rocky headlands and sandy coves.
There’s an opportunity to take a small boat for an optional trip to the island of Staffa 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 6
- Arrive in the most ‘tropical’ town in Scotland, Plockton
- Be awestruck by the majestic slopes of Glencoe
You ramble north along the west coast around Appin, passing the impregnable Castle Stalker. Next you head to the gorgeous Glencoe, one of the most famous natural landmarks in all of Scotland. This beautiful area boasts steep slopes and photogenic peaks. Your driver-guide may reveal to you the tragic tale that’s haunted this valley for over 300 years.
You then venture through Fort William and under the shadow of Ben Nevis, which at 1,344 meters is the highest mountain in the British Isles.
We continue through the Great Glen, a natural fault in the earth’s crust that runs through Scotland. From here, you travel north to the picturesque fishing village of Plockton.
You’re dropped off at your accommodation in the early evening.
Day 7
- Traverse the legendary landscapes of Skye
- Enjoy breath-taking vistas
Today is a very flexible day on Skye. There are many possibilities depending on the weather and your driver-guide will use their local knowledge to decide on the best day out for the group.
You may ascend the Quiraing along Trotternish Ridge and be rewarded with spectacular views. Alternatively, you could drink in the scenery at Loch Corruisk or drive through the dramatic Red Cuillin to the little hamlet of Elgol.
We return you to your accommodation in Plockton in the late afternoon for you to enjoy a free evening in the village.
Day 8
- Snap a few photos at the gorgeous Eilean Donan Castle
- Try to spot the Loch Ness Monster
You’re collected from your accommodation for the short drive to the famous stronghold of Eilean Donan Castle.
Then, you travel east taking in the stunning views over Loch Duich and the Five Sisters of Kintail. You continue on to Loch Ness for lunch and the possibility of spotting 'Nessie'.
Your tour moves through the Grampian Mountains and along Loch Laggan, before passing Dalwhinnie, home to Scotland's highest whisky distillery.
In Perthshire, you stop for refreshments before heading back to Edinburgh past Perth and over the Firth of Forth.
*Itinerary and distillery visits are subject to change.
Attractions
Tour Attractions
You are able to pre-purchase entrance tickets to the following attractions at the time of booking:
- Ardbeg Distillery
- Kilchoman Distillery
- Laphroaig Distillery
- Bowmore Distillery
Other attractions may be booked and paid locally during the tour.
Accommodation
Where does this tour stay overnight?
You stay three nights in Islay*, two nights in Oban, and two nights exclusively at the Balmacara Hotel in Balmacara.
*On this part of the tour (on Islay) we reserve you rooms in the beautiful Bowmore Distillery Cottages.
The cottages have between three and six twin bedrooms. Due to the shared nature of the accommodation, individual bedrooms don't have lockable doors.
The kitchen and lounge facilities are shared with other passengers, and basic self-service breakfast ingredients are provided. Full Scottish breakfasts are available at the nearby hotels if you prefer, payable locally.
Prices are as follows: £100 per person per night for double occupancy, and £145.00 per night for Single Occupancy.
Family Rooms are limited at Bowmore Cottages. Groups of 3 or more may need to stay in 2 or more rooms. Please budget accordingly. For this option, please select 'B&B en-suite' as your first choice when booking the tour online. When these rooms are full, we book you into a nearby B&B. Rooms at the cottages are limited and are reserved on a first come first served basis. Local B&B charges are £40 - 60 per person per night based on shared accommodation for a standard room (shared bathroom).
There's also a limited number of 3* hotel rooms available on this tour. Prices are £90 - £120 per person per night in a twin or double room or £160 - £240 per night for a single. For this option, please select three star hotel as your first choice when booking.
We contact you afterwards to arrange payment for the accommodation.
How can I book accommodation?
Accommodation is not included in the price of your tour. To book accommodation, there are two options: either Rabbie’s Tours can book it for you, or you can book your own. For information on how to do this, please see the ‘Accommodation’ tab on FAQ page HERE.
Alternatively, please email us your questions at tours@rabbies.com or call us on +44(0)131 226 3133.
Information you can find on the FAQ page, under the ‘Accommodation’ tab: types of accommodation, room types, the booking process, getting to and from your accommodation, and cancellation terms.
How much will the accommodation cost?
We book accommodation with third-party providers on your behalf and each property sets their own rates. Rates vary considerably depending on the accommodation standard, facilities, location, and local demand. We therefore can’t tell you exactly how much your accommodation will cost until your request has been allocated to a specific property.
As a guide, you can expect to pay the following prices, per person per night:
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Approximate prices, per person per night |
Overnight Location |
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Sole Occupancy |
Multiple Occupancy |
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(1 person per room) |
(2+ people per room) |
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B&B Standard |
£80 - £120 |
£60 - £80 |
UK & Northern Ireland |
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€80 - €120 |
€60 - €80 |
Ireland |
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B&B En-suite |
£100 - £145 |
£55 - £95 |
UK & Northern Ireland |
|
€100 - €145 |
€55 - €100 |
Ireland |
|
|
Hotel |
£110 - £190 |
£75 - £150 |
UK & Northern Ireland |
|
€130 - €235 |
€75 - €150 |
Ireland |
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NOTE: Prices quoted are for guidance only and may be higher on some occasions, especially for last-minute bookings and when demand is high (E.g. peak season, weekends, holidays, special events etc)
Breakfast will be included unless otherwise noted. The type of breakfast provided will vary from place to place so you may receive either a full cooked breakfast, a continental style breakfast (E.g., toast, fruit, cereal), or a packed breakfast bag or tray (E.g., porridge pot, fruit, granola bar).
FAQs
Do you offer hotel pickups in the departure cities?
The UK and Ireland's historic city centres are full of narrow streets and winding roads. So, to speed up your departure, we only pick up from our central meeting points. What's more is leaving the city using the most direct route also reduces the carbon footprint of our tours.
Is there parking close to the departure point?
We don't recommend bringing your car into the centre of our departure cities. It can be hard to find parking, and there are excellent public transportation services.
When should I get to the departure point?
Arrive 15 minutes before your departure time. Due to waiting restrictions, we can't wait for you if you're late.
What happens if I'm late or miss the tour?
If you're late for your tour, our cancellation policy applies. 100% charges are applicable, and you will not be entitled to a refund or alternative.
What are your cancellation policies?
Your cancellation terms depend on which tour you've booked.
For one-day tours: You'll receive a full refund if you cancel 24 hours or more before the tour departure
For tours of between two and nine days: You'll receive a 90% refund if you cancel 15 or more days before the tour departure
For tours of 10 or more days: You'll receive a 90% refund if you cancel 21 or more days before the tour departure
For all European packaged tours: You'll receive a 90% refund if you cancel 42 days before the tour departure.
If you cancel inside these notice periods, full charges will apply and no refunds will be issued.
To cancel your booking, email tours@rabbies.com as soon as possible. The effective date of cancellation will be the date we receive written confirmation from you.
Click here to view terms and conditions
Can Itineraries change?
Your tour will always follow the itinerary as closely as possible. Your driver-guide will keep you up to date on the road, and we'll try to get in touch about any large changes prior to your departure.
Can I pre-book a specific seat?
Due to logistical reasons, we're unable to let you pre-book a seat on the bus. But our comfortable 16-seat mini-coaches have huge windows. So, you'll always get a good view.
Are there toilets on the bus?
Unfortunately, we have no on-board toilet facilities, but you'll have regular comfort breaks.
How do you cater for people with accessibility needs?
We aim to accommodate everyone. To read more information on how we do this, click here to go to our accessibility guide.
Do you take children on your tours?
We regret we don't carry children under the age of five on our scheduled tours.
You can ask us about the tours we recommend for younger children. And if your child is less than 1.35m tall, you should let us know, so we can provide them with a suitable booster seat.
How much time do I get off the bus?
We want you to enjoy Britain and Ireland. And we believe the best way to do this is to get you off the mini-coach and out exploring. So, we give you plenty of time to take photos, go walking, and explore ancient ruins.
Why do you exclude visitor attractions?
We exclude visitor attractions in your tour price because it lets you travel your way. It means you can pamper yourself with a luxury lunch or skip an attraction whenever you feel like it.
Do we need to bring our own lunch?
You don't need to. We stop in small towns, villages, and rural eateries where you can choose whatever meal pleases both your taste buds and your budget.
Should I tip the driver-guide?
Let's be honest, our driver-guides would never refuse a cheeky bonus. But it's up to you, and the amount is entirely at your discretion.
What about travel insurance?
We advise you take out travel insurance.
What is ABTOT?
You're protected by ABTOT when you chose to let us reserve your accommodation on a multi-day tour. This means you can claim back anything you've paid us if we become bankrupt. Read our terms and conditions for more information.
I have more questions, who can help me?
If you have any more questions, call us on +44(0)131 226 3133, email tours@rabbies.com , or check out our full FAQs .
Restrictions
This tour is exclusively for passengers aged 18 years and over due to the inclusion of a distillery visit and alcohol tasting. This means children are not permitted on this tour.
You're restricted to 20kg (44lbs) of luggage per person. This should be one piece of luggage similar to an airline carry-on bag (approximately 55cm x 45cm x 25cm / 22in x 17in x 10in) plus one small bag for onboard personal items.