4 Day Mull, Iona and Staffa Puffin Experience from Edinburgh

5.0
(35 reviews)

4 days (approximately)
Offered in: English

Are you ready to meet the silliest and most curious birds of Scotland on this small-group tour, while exploring the gorgeous west coast and the idyllic isles of Mull, Staffa and Iona?

See the beauty of Loch Lomond, have your cameras ready for the Instagrammable multi-coloured houses of Tobermory while we ferry in, and look out for possible sightings of Scotland's wildlife consisting of seals, dolphins, sea eagles, whales and puffins!

Experience the beautiful isle of Iona as well as a night in the well-known seaside town Oban, where fresh seafood is found right by the harbour. Of course, you'll also take in the amazing scenic drive through stunning Glen Coe before we make our final stop at a whisky distillery for a sip of 'the water of life'.

Please note that puffin encounters can not be guaranteed.

What's Included

Transport by air-conditioned midi-coach
Wildlife boat tour to Staffa and Treshnish Isles
3 nights accommodation in 3-star hotels
Breakfast (Optional[3])
Breakfast
Local English Speaking Guide
Whisky distillery tour
Food and drinks, unless specified
Gratuities
Iona Abbey

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

This tour will depart at 8:15 am from 60 High Street, The Royal Mile, Edinburgh, EH1 1TB. Meet 15 minutes before departure and look for the check-in staff wearing blue high-visibility vests there to greet you.

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 4 days (approximately)
    Day 1

    Edinburgh to Tobermory

    6 stops
  • 1
    Luss

    We leave Edinburgh in the early morning and enjoy a ride through scenic lowland Scotland, making our way to Luss where we make a short stop. Renowned for its stunning setting on the shores of Loch Lomond. This picturesque village is known for its well-preserved traditional cottages with charming gardens, surrounded by lush hills, and providing breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. A popular spot for photography.

    3 hours Admission ticket free
  • 2
    Rest and be Thankful

    Next, expect breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Bens and Glens at the Rest and Be Thankful viewpoint. Often described as a stunning opportunity to appreciate the natural beauty of the Scottish Highlands.

    30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 3
    Inveraray

    From there, we cruise the entrance to the Highlands and take in the stunning views before we arrive at the charming town of Inveraray, which is situated on the western shore of Loch Fyne and features well-preserved Georgian architecture, with colourful buildings lining the streets. Two of the main attractions in Inveraray are Inveraray Castle, the ancestral home of the Duke of Argyll, as well as Inveraray Jail, which is a well-preserved 19th-century courthouse and jail building. This is our lunch stop for the day.

    1 hour 30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 4
    Dunadd Fort

    After filling our bellies we make our way through the actual Highlands and head towards Dunadd Fort, steeped in historical significance to the first Kings of Scotland. Serving as the ancient capital of the kingdom of Dal Riata, the fort features a rocky hill with stone carvings, including a footprint linked to royal inauguration ceremonies. Here, you can explore archaeological remains, climb to the fort's summit for panoramic views, and discover artifacts revealing insights into early medieval life in Scotland.

    1 hour 40 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 5
    Oban

    Onwards to Oban! Explore this Scottish seaside town's charm with a visit to McCaig's Tower for panoramic views, a quick stop at Oban Distillery to learn about whisky, or simply stroll along the waterfront while you enjoy a snack at a local cafe or try the famous seafood shack, before we head to the ferry which takes us over to the Isle of Mull.

    3 hours Admission ticket free
  • 6

    Disembarking at Craignure, we head towards our final stop of the day in Tobermory, our home for the next 2 nights.

    45 minutes Admission ticket free
  • Day 2

    Tobermory

    1 stop
  • 7

    Today is a day for seaside exploration, as we board the cruise for the Treshnish Isles and Staffa to try to spot the puffins! Keep your eye out and cameras ready for dolphins, sea eagles, seals and other marine life on this day on the Scottish Highlands' sea.

    7 hours Admission ticket free
  • Day 3

    Oban via Isle of Iona

    3 stops
  • 8

    Starting bright and early, we drive through the island scenery to arrive at Fionnphort, which offers stunning views of the Isle of Iona and serves as a gateway to several nearby islands. We're stopping here to see the lovely beach views, prepare for our ferry to Iona, and perhaps savour a treat from the Creel Seafood Shack before we venture further.

    2 hours Admission ticket free
  • 9

    Begin your visit by experiencing the historic Iona Abbey, known for its medieval architecture and cultural significance, then take a stroll to St. Oran's Chapel and the nearby Nunnery to delve into the island's rich history before you explore the charming village, filled with local shops, galleries and cafes, where you can enjoy a nice lunch before we depart and make our way back to Oban.

    4 hours Admission ticket free
  • 10
    Oban

    After a lovely day on Iona we make our way back to Fionnphort with the ferry hopper, and drive back to Craignure where we catch the ferry back to the mainland and Oban, where we will spend our last evening. This is where you'll have more time to explore this beautiful seaside town properly, and see the things you might have missed earlier.

    2 hours Admission ticket free
  • Day 4

    Oban to Edinburgh

    4 stops
  • 11

    After a hearty breakfast we start making our way back to Edinburgh. The first stop of the day is at the Glencoe Visitors Centre, where we learn about the surrounding glens and get to see a proper turf house!

    1 hour 30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 12
    Glencoe

    Next, we stop the dramatic and infamous Glen Coe and the Three Sisters, learning about the myth surrounding the Sisters as well as the massacre of Clan MacDonald in 1692. This is one of the most photographed spots in Scotland!

    30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 13

    Driving through dramatic scenery and seeing the best of Scottish Highlands, we stop in Tyndrum for lunch. Here, you can browse the gift shops and cosy up at the Green Welly, a local diner.

    2 hours Admission ticket free
  • 14

    The highlight of the day is yet to come! We drive to sample the 'water of life' and learn all about single malt whisky production at a working distillery, before we return to Edinburgh after 4 fantastic days!

    3 hours Admission ticket included

Additional info

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Please select room type when booking.
  • Children under 5 years old, including infants who do not require a seat, are not permitted to travel. We are unable to accommodate any child under the age of 5.
  • Each traveler is allowed a maximum of 1 suitcase weighing no more than 33lbs (15kg) and 1 carry-on bag
  • Collapsible wheelchairs with removable wheels can be accommodated providing the passenger is accompanied by someone who can assist them to board and disembark
Supplied by Highland Explorer Tours Ltd

Show 7 more

Tags

Multi-day Tours
Bus Tours
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Seasonal
Additional fees
New Product

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Show more

Rating

5.0 Based on 35 35 reviews
5 stars
34
4 stars
1
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0
from per person
Was {{currencySymbol}}{{ summaryFromPriceBeforeDiscount }}