4 Day Mull, Iona and Staffa Puffin Experience from Edinburgh
Overview
Available languages
96 hours
Mobile ticket
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.
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
It is recommended to book transport to the departure point in advance. Please also allow extra time to get to the departure point for check-in. We advise you arrive at least 15 minutes before the tour departure to allow time to check-in for the tour. Unfortunately, we are unable to hold the bus or refund for any late arrivals.
Puffin encounters cannot be guaranteed.
Return times are approximate and subject to road conditions and weather. Please ensure you allocate sufficient time for any onward travel plans, allowing at least 3 hours after the scheduled return time for connections or activities.
Due to vehicle availability, there may be instances where this tour runs on a bigger bus.
The tour may operate with our sister company, HAGGiS Adventures.
The order of the itinerary route is subject to change.
If downloading an audio guide, remember to bring your headset.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Transport by air-conditioned midi-coach
Wildlife boat tour to Staffa and Treshnish Isles
3 nights accommodation in 3-star hotels
Local English Speaking Guide
Whisky distillery tour
Food and drinks, unless specified
Gratuities
Iona Abbey
What To Expect
Edinburgh to Tobermory
Accommodations
Overnight in Tobermory, 3-star hotel
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Tobermory
Disembarking at Craignure, we head towards our final stop of the day in Tobermory, our home for the next 2 nights.
Tobermory
Accommodations
Overnight in Tobermory, 3-star hotel
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
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.
Oban via Isle of Iona
Accommodations
Overnight in Oban, 3-star hotel
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
Fionnphort
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.
Isle of Iona
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.
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.
Oban to Edinburgh
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
Glencoe Visitor Centre
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!
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!
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.
The Glenturret Distillery
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!
Options
Hotel Twin room
Twin - 2 separate single beds
Duration: 4 days
3 x breakfast
Air-conditioned coach/bus
Hotel Double room
Double - 1 bed for 2 to share
Duration: 4 days
3 x breakfast
Air-conditioned bus/coach
Reviews
35 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Amazing trip to Mull, Iona & Staffa
P1262REmichellel,
Aug 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I've thoroughly enjoyed this tour even though we were affected by Storm Floris. Our guide Dusty made sure we had an enjoyable trip with his skilfull driving and interesting commentaries. The sceneries on Iona and Staffa were absolutely stunning. Highly recommended!
A very informative and interesting tour
Roving68197241678,
Aug 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The driver/guide is very friendly and helpful and it's a very informative tour. Although the 1st day had a very bad weather, Dusty did his very best to find alternative way or route to suit the bad weather.
Great Tour in Scotland
563ckl,
Aug 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00It's a great and wonderful experience. Our tour guide Dusty was fantastic, shared with us the history of the places throughout, suggestions of the food around and take good care of everyone.
Dusty 10/10 Guide
thataussietraveller,
Aug 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had a great time on this tour. Although with the difficult weather conditions making the beginning unpredictable, Dusty our guide kept us updated at all times on where we were going. I felt like I was able to see so much and experience so much and I am very grateful for my time on this tour. Accomodation, activities were all amazing and well thought out. Thank you to Dusty for being an amazing guide and assisting us with our exploration both in present and teaching of the rich history of Scotland.
Mull, Iona and Staffa tour - FABULOUS
663keiraf,
Aug 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wonderful trip to experience the islands. Beautiful Iona, the joy of seeing puffins and dolphins - wonderful memories! Staffa and Lungs are not very accessible which I would have liked to know in advance as I was travelling with older people who couldn't do all the walking required, but our driver Laurie was a star and took great care of them - and all of us. Cannot recommend highly enough.
Many highlights, such as the puffins on the Isle of Lunga.
547arildt,
Aug 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was my third time traveling with Highlander (the 3-day Isle of Skye and the 1-day Alnwick Castle trip last year). This year, we were well taken care of by Louise and her colleague Laurie. Louise was approachable, took the time to listen, and shared her experience and love, which I truly appreciated. She also took responsibility and was very helpful in offering suggestions (e.g., the Tobermory lighthouse hike or finding a store that sold power banks). We traveled with a lovely group of 16 people, had 99.9% sunny weather, and the entire trip was an unforgettable experience. We had two children with us, aged 11 and 7, and can definitely recommend the trip despite it being a bit scary in some places on Lunga and Staffa.
Trip of a life time!
47idiliab,
Jul 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What an amazing trip! Departing from Edinburgh seeing the Highlands, staying at Mull, visiting Staffa- fingal’s cave, Lunga - saw hundreds and hundreds of puffins, Iona - beautiful abbey to Glen Coe, visiting the oldest working whisky distillery in Scotland - Glenturret. We just saw so much in 4 days!! Amazing!! Everything was taken care of and Tim our tour guide was so knowledgeable, fun and very friendly. He was the perfect tour guide!
somasundarama2025,
Jul 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The trip was too good We had opportunities to spot many wildlife like deer, kite, eagle, dolphins and of course puffins The stay was good The breakfast served at Tommermory was delicious The driver cum guide Tim was excellent. He is quite knowledgeable and friendly and supportive. Soma
Top Experience from Start to Finish
T2132AFfedericab,
Jul 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00An incredible tour: from the guide to the perfectly timed organization, everything was spot on. We saw so many amazing places. Tim, our guide, was very professional, attentive, always on time — and also really fun! The agency booked fantastic accommodations for the overnight stays in Tobermory and Oban
mikemE1887RF,
Jul 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Louise & Laurie made a great tour in excellent weather absolutely perfect. They clearly enjoyed the trip as much as we did and we really enjoyed their company, all the stories, legends and magic. Excellent playlist and singalong! Next time we are in Edinburgh we will do another trip with Highland Tours. Mike & Jenny
From £735.00
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Operated by Highland Explorer Tours Ltd