Available languages
120 hours
Mobile ticket
Visit four romantic Scottish islands in five days on a small group excursion from Edinburgh.
You'll explore some of the most dramatic and beautiful scenery on Scotland's rugged west coast, and visit the fabled islands of Mull, Iona, Staffa and Isle of Skye.
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Minimum age for travel on this tour is 5 years
You stay two nights in Oban and two nights exclusively in the Balmacara Hotel.
Booking three or more people: we can accommodate up to 8 guests in a group, please add each required room to your basket separately
When booking three or more people, efforts will be made to book a combination of suitable rooms (double/twin/family). Preferences should be noted upon booking in the Special Requirements section
Luggage Allowance: You're restricted to 20kg of luggage (44lbs); one medium sized suitcase/bag similar to airline standard carry-on luggage (approximately 55cm x 45cm x 25cm / 22in x 17in x 10in) plus a small bag for onboard personal items.
Eilean Donan Castle – We reserve tickets for you. If you want to visit this attraction, please purchase your ticket whilst on tour.
Staffa Boat Trip – You may choose to join a boat trip to Staffa. This departs at 1.45pm and returns at 5pm. We reserve tickets for you, so please purchase your ticket whilst on tour.
Iona Abbey – You have free time on Iona between 12:00pm and 16:30pm. If you'd like to visit the Abbey, we recommend you book in advance to avoid disappointment, using the link on your voucher.
B&Bs tend to be located on the outskirts of towns and you should be prepared for a 20-30 minute walk to local facilities like pubs and restaurants. If you have difficulty with stairs, please mention it to us as lifts will not be available in this type of property.
Hotels usually have a relatively central location but may be up to a 20-30 minute walk from local facilities. If you have difficulty with stairs, please let us know so that we can either book a ground floor room or a hotel with lift access, if available.
If you cancel at least 21 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel within 21 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
4 nights en-suite accommodation in either Bed and Breakfast or 3-star Hotel.
Professional driver/guide
All ferry crossings, except optional trip to Staffa
Transportation by top of the range 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach
Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop off
Meals and refreshments
Admission fees
Overnight in Oban.
Loch Lomond National Nature Reserve
One of Scotland’s largest lochs. Admire the views and take postcard-perfect photos to share with your friends and family.
Inveraray Castle & Gardens
You venture through the impressive mountains of the West Highlands and the magnificent whitewashed 18th Century town of Inveraray, home to the Campbell Clan and the Duke of Argyll.
Oban
This Victorian harbour town offers excellent seafood and a charming intimacy. This will be your base for the next 2 nights.
Overnight in Oban.
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
Isle of Iona
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. ** Passengers may have less free time on Iona, if they opt for the Staffa boat trip.
Isle of Staffa
(optional boat trip) Felix Mendelssohn, who visited the uninhabited island of Staffa, off Mull, in 1829, was inspired to compose his 'Hebrides Overture' after hearing waves echoing in the impressive and cathedral-like Fingal’s Cave. The cave walls and surrounding cliffs are composed of vertical, hexagonal basalt columns that look like pillars (Staffa is Norse for ‘pillar island’). You can land on the island and walk into the cave via a causeway. Nearby Boat Cave can be seen from the causeway, but you can’t reach it on foot. Staffa also has a sizeable puffin colony, north of the landing place.
Fingal’s Cave
(optional boat trip) Volcanic rock columns are home to black guillemots, fulmars, puffins and the magical Fingal's Cave.
Overnight in the Balmacara Hotel
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
Castle Stalker
Located in one of Scotland's most beautiful spots and dramatically sited on a small island at the mouth of Loch Laich.
Glencoe Mountain
The scenery of Glencoe is breathtakingly beautiful! From the spectacular 3 Sisters to the Majestic Buachailie Etive Mor, this has got to be one of the most beautiful places in Scotland!
Fort William
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.
Balmacara
From here, we'll take you to your overnight accommodation at the Balmacara Hotel, a lovely four star hotel with a classic Scottish view of Loch Alsh. You’re dropped off at your accommodation in the early evening.
Overnight in the Balmacara Hotel
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
Kilt Rock
Picturesque observation point offering panoramic views of waterfalls, cliffs & sea.
Portree Harbour
Set round its natural harbour and fringed by high ground and cliffs, the town is a popular tourists’ holiday destination and the harbour continues to be used by fishing boats as well as pleasure craft.
Quiraing
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.
Isle of Skye
Finish off your day of exploring the Isle of Skye and overnight in Balmacara Hotel.
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
Eilean Donan Castle
An iconic and gorgeous 13th century castle that once warded off Viking invasions.
Grampian Mountains
Tour moves through the Grampian Mountains and along Loch Laggan, before passing Dalwhinnie, home to Scotland's highest whisky distillery.
Loch Ness
Then, you travel east taking in the stunning views over Loch Duich and the Five Sisters of Kintail. You continue to Loch Ness for lunch and the possibility of spotting 'Nessie'.
Double en-suite room with breakfast in a B&B (1 large bed).
Stay in twin room (2 x single beds) guesthouse accommodation. If you require multiple rooms, please add these to the basket separately.
Stay in twin room (2 x single beds) hotel accommodation. If you require multiple rooms, please add these to the basket separately.
Double en-suite room with breakfast in a 3-star Hotel (1 large bed).
Stay in single room (1 x single bed) hotel accommodation.
Stay in single room (1 x single bed) guesthouse accommodation.
84 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
David T,
Oct 24, 2016
- Viator
The best!. Heather was an amazing guide - very knowledgeable and entertaining. Also a great driver. She also was able to take us to off the road views and place she knew about. Just a stunning time!
KB M,
Jul 17, 2016
- Viator
We won't be taking any more Rabbies tours nor would we ever recommend them to anyone. 1. Rabbies changed the itinerary without telling us. The tour said we would spend two nights at Oban and then two nights at Portree and a full day inbetween on The Isle of Skye - that is where my ancestors came fromand that was the reason we signed up for this tour. But using bait and switch, instead we were assigned to BnB in a pimple of a village on the Scotish mainland six miles from the bridge to Skye. Then we spent 8-10 hours on Skye. Not what were were promised by Rabbies. We came to see and experience Skye - not Portlock. 2. Next, our driver told numerous and long winded stories about his political beliefs supporting Scotish independence from the English about modern day Scotish martyrs recently murdered by The Queen, and stories how real Scots routinely and recently embarrassed the Royal Family and they have constantly tricked and embarrassed the English over the last 700 years. Now, he can hold whatever views he pleases, but he shouldn't be allowed to preach his biases and views over a sound system and literally harangue 16 captive tourists who spent 10-20,000 to get to the British Isles see beautiful scenery and ancient Celtic and Christian sights. So, to repeat, we won't be taking any more Rabbies tours nor would we ever recommend them to anyone.
Robert D,
Oct 27, 2013
- Viator
Awesome trip. Our tour guide had a great way of telling us about the history of Scotland and her attention to detail was of extremely high standard. The tour was relaxing to have time to yourself but also busy enough to see and do plenty of activities. Would recommend to anyone of any age.
Terence F,
Oct 20, 2013
- Viator
The bus was very comfortable. Our guide, Sara, was excellent,very clear in her information, quite a competent driver and her charming personality enhanced the whole tour.Our B and B accommodation was outstanding. The points visited on the tour were well chosen. We would certainly recommend this to others.
Alana D,
May 19, 2013
- Viator
Wonderful!,
Audrey was an excellent guide.
Loved the Islands- Iona and Skye!
Hairy cuus were so cute!
Thanks.
Julie and Alana. Sydney Australia.
Operated by Rabbies Trail Burners