Scotland: Mull, Staffa and Iona 587
Scotland: Mull, Staffa and Iona 587
Scotland: Mull, Staffa and Iona 587
4 Days Starting in W Highland Way, Crianlarich FK20, UK and ending in Loch Lomond, United Kingdom
Visiting: Isle of Mull, Iona, Tobermory
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BMSI
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
6 - 25
Age range:
1-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans, Meat, Please contact Brightwater with any specific dietary requirements
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Gardens & Nature Tours, Religion and Spiritual, Wildlife Tours
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating journey through Scotland's enchanting landscapes with the "Scotland: Mull, Staffa and Iona 587" tour. Begin your adventure sailing out of Oban Bay, setting the stage for an unforgettable exploration of the Western Highlands. Experience the serene beauty of Iona Abbey and the breathtaking views from Duart Castle. Delight in a wildlife cruise from Tobermory, where you may encounter whales, dolphins, and puffins, and marvel at the geological wonder of Fingal’s Cave on Staffa. Enjoy comfortable accommodations at the Isle of Mull Hotel & Spa, complete with spa facilities, and savor meals as per the itinerary. This special interest sailing tour offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, historical intrigue, and peaceful contemplation, ensuring a memorable Scottish escape.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1
Location: Isle of Mull
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Isle of Mull Hotel & Spa
Meals Included: Dinner
We depart from our designated pick up points and head for the Western Highlands, stopping in Inveraray for lunch (not included). On arrival in Oban we will board the late afternoon ferry for Craignure on Mull. Our base is the Isle of Mull Hotel & Spa, conveniently located close to the ferry terminal with superb views of the Sound of Mull, the Morvern Hills and, across the bay, Duart Castle. Please note this hotel now offers excellent spa and leisure facilities, including an indoor swimming pool, steam room, Norwegian Spruce Sauna and hydro foot spa. A range of reasonably priced treatments are also available.
Dinner is served in the evening.
Day 2
Location: Iona
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Isle of Mull Hotel & Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today we will drive through the spectacular scenery of the Ross of Mull to Fionnphort, from where we cross as foot passengers to the ‘sacred isle’ of Iona. Here you have the opportunity to visit the Abbey and wander over the island, taking in the atmosphere of calm and contemplation which attracts visitors from all over the world.
Dinner is served back at our hotel in the evening.
Day 3
Location: Tobermory
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Isle of Mull Hotel & Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After our full Scottish breakfast we will depart for Tobermory, the island’s ‘capital’, whose multi-hued buildings lining the waterfront will be familiar from a hundred calendars. This is the starting point for our wildlife cruise to the Treshnish Isles and Staffa, during which we can expect sightings of Whales, Dolphins, Basking Sharks, Puffins and Sea Eagles. After a one hour sail, we land on the idyllic Isle of Lunga, the largest of the Treshnish Isles. Surrounded by wildflowers and stunning scenery, the main attraction that can be seen close up is the large Puffin colony nesting in burrows in the grassy hillside. These comical birds are incredibly inquisitive and will come within a few metres of you. Lunga is also a popular habitat to an ever increasing number of Guillemot, Razorbill, Kittiwake, Fulmar, Shag, Great Skua and a Seal colony.
After spending up two hours ashore exploring the Treshnish Isles, we take the short 15 minute crossing to the geological wonder of Staffa, which was formed by volcanic eruptions over 50 million years ago. As the basaltic lava cooled it formed an extraordinary pattern of predominantly hexagonal columns which form the faces and walls of the principal caves. We will have around an hour ashore to explore the island, in particular the massive natural cathedral known as Fingal’s Cave, following in the footsteps of illustrious tourists from Sir Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson to Jules Verne and Queen Victoria.
Please note this tour does not land on the Treshnish Isles after the seabirds have left the islands (they leave in the middle of August) however it still offers a scenic sail through these islands en route to a landing visit to Staffa.
(Please note a reasonable degree of mobility is required to go ashore but the less adventurous are welcome to stay on board. There is a toilet on board and a packed lunch is included.)
We sail back to Tobermory and return by coach to our hotel in time for dinner.
Day 4
Location: Isle of Mull
Meals Included: Breakfast
Following breakfast we will visit Duart Castle, the 13th century home of the Chief of Clan MacLean. We can explore the dungeons, the state rooms and appreciate the strategic position of the castle from the top of the keep. Thereafter we will take the short ferry crossing from Fishnish to Lochaline and drive through the magnificent mountain scenery of Morvern, before crossing Loch Linnhe by the Corran ferry and continuing our homeward journey via Glen Coe and Loch Lomond, arriving back at our original pick-up points during the evening.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Accommodation is included as part of the tour package.
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Services of a professional tour manager
The services of a professional tour manager are included to guide you throughout the tour.
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Comfortable coach travel throughout
Comfortable coach travel is provided throughout the tour.
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Meals - as per the itinerary
Meals are included as per the itinerary.
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All visits as outlined in the itinerary
All visits outlined in the itinerary are included in the tour package.
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Ferry crossings
Ferry crossings are included in the tour package.
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
Tipping and gratuities are not included in the tour package.
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Lunch on Day 1
Lunch on Day 1 is not included in the tour package.
Mode of Transport
Travel comfortably throughout the tour with coach travel and ferry crossings included. Enjoy a wildlife cruise from Tobermory and explore the Treshnish Isles and Staffa, with opportunities to see diverse wildlife and geological wonders.
Accommodation
Stay at the Isle of Mull Hotel & Spa, conveniently located near the ferry terminal with stunning views of the Sound of Mull. Enjoy excellent spa and leisure facilities, including an indoor swimming pool, steam room, sauna, and hydro foot spa, with a range of treatments available.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of wildlife can we expect to see during the cruise from Tobermory?
During the wildlife cruise from Tobermory, you can expect to see a variety of wildlife including whales, dolphins, basking sharks, puffins, and sea eagles. The cruise also offers the opportunity to see a large puffin colony on the Isle of Lunga, as well as other seabirds like guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes, fulmars, shags, and great skuas, along with a seal colony.
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What activities are available at the Isle of Mull Hotel & Spa?
The Isle of Mull Hotel & Spa offers excellent spa and leisure facilities, including an indoor swimming pool, steam room, Norwegian Spruce Sauna, and hydro foot spa. A range of reasonably priced treatments is also available for guests.
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What is special about Fingal's Cave on the island of Staffa?
Fingal's Cave on the island of Staffa is a geological wonder formed by volcanic eruptions over 50 million years ago. The basaltic lava cooled to form an extraordinary pattern of predominantly hexagonal columns, creating the massive natural cathedral known as Fingal's Cave. It has been visited by many illustrious tourists, including Sir Walter Scott, Robert Louis Stevenson, Jules Verne, and Queen Victoria.
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What can visitors do on the island of Iona?
Visitors to the island of Iona can explore the Abbey and wander over the island, enjoying the atmosphere of calm and contemplation that attracts visitors from all over the world.
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What historical site will be visited on the last day of the tour?
On the last day of the tour, visitors will visit Duart Castle, the 13th-century home of the Chief of Clan MacLean. Visitors can explore the dungeons, state rooms, and appreciate the strategic position of the castle from the top of the keep.
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Will I receive more details of the holiday before I travel?
You will receive detailed joining instructions around 10 days prior to you departure, but you are of course welcome to contact us at any time should you have any queries.
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What facilities do your coaches have?
Generally, our coaches have reclining seats, air-conditioning and toilets, however this cannot always be guaranteed as sometimes we have to use smaller vehicles. Toilets are recommended for emergency use only and regular comfort stops will be made throughout your holiday while travelling around.
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Do I have to go on the included excursions?
Absolutely not. You are more than welcome to spend the day at your hotel or exploring independently should you wish. All we ask is that you inform your Tour Manager, so they are not left waiting for you to join the group.
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Is there time to relax?
Although our itineraries may seem jam-packed, boasting access to some of the most exclusive sites across the UK and beyond, a Brightwater Holiday is just that: a holiday. Each trip will counter in more than enough free-time for you to explore places at your own leisure. And with most nights and the majority of meals being included in our tour prices, you can relax in hand-picked accommodation.
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Do I need to be an expert?
Absolutely not! Although some of our tours are specifically focused on one thing, all you need to enjoy a Brightwater holiday is interest and bags of enthusiasm! Even on our most specialist tours, we take travellers from all skill levels, from experts to beginners.
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How fit or active do I need to be for one of your holidays?
You need to be able to get on and off the coach unassisted, and most – but not all – coaches have a kneel facility that lowers the front step for ease of boarding
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Do you have self-drive holidays?
Yes, we do – tailored to your exact requirements!
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What’s the luggage allowance on your coaches?
There’s no fixed limit, but we generally say one large suitcase to go in the luggage compartment and a smaller bag that you can take onto the coach with you. For flight-inclusive holidays, we include a luggage allowance of at least 20kg.
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Where are your departure points?
UK garden holidays generally depart from London, with additional pick-ups depending on the route of the coach, while holidays to Scotland depart from Glasgow, Edinburgh and Perth, with Dundee, Inverness and Aberdeen sometimes included. All Eurostar holidays depart from London St. Pancras and flight-inclusive holidays depart from one or more of the main London airports, with regional flights .
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What about the company that will be kept?
For single travellers, those with a companion or even those travelling in a larger group, you'll find that the signature of any Brightwater Holiday is the company. You won't ever be travelling with a group of strangers, instead, you'll find yourself surrounded by like-minded people with a strong shared interest who will soon become your firm friends.
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What is a Brightwater Holiday?
Bursting with enthralling, educational and enlightening itineraries, a Brightwater Holiday, by its very nature, is packed with bucket-list-worthy destinations, behind the scenes passes and expert-led experiences. From creating bespoke quality garden and special interest tours for groups and individuals alike, we have made it our business to make our guests' travel dreams come true.
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Why is there a single supplement?
Unfortunately, single room supplements are charges that are often imposed on us as a company when we book rooms for group holidays. However, most hotels do charge less for single occupancy, and we always pass this saving on to our solo travellers in the form of a modest single supplement.
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How much are your optional excursions?
Prices start from as little as £20, but please contact our friendly team for questions about specific itineraries or excursions.
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Can I pre-book my coach seats?
Yes, you can. In the case of front seats, guests with limited mobility are given priority. Please get in touch with our friendly team to discuss any requirements you may have.
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How to get there? Easy!
With a Brightwater Holiday, the journey is just as important as the destination and we make getting you to your tour start point easy. From organising group flights and individual travel plans, to offering accessible local departure and pick-up points, we go out of our way to ensure that your journey is as convenient and hassle-free as it can be.
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Do I need to have travel insurance?
Travel insurance is required for all overseas holidays and is also strongly recommended for UK holidays – primarily to protect yourself against cancellation charges should you be unable to travel.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Brightwater Holidays allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform brightwater holidays, 25 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Brightwater Holidays requires a minimum deposit of 15% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of brightwater holidays charges.
At 40 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.