Grand Tour of the Inner Hebrides - 7 day tour

Day 2 - Treshnish Isles and Staffa Cruise

After breakfast, we make our way to the picturesque port of Tobermory, the main town on the Isle of Mull. Here our cruise boat awaits to take us on a visit to the delightful Treshnish Isles and Staffa. In the company of an experienced crew, we'll cast off and make our way to Staffa. The sail will take around one hour and, if we are lucky, we might spot whales, dolphins, basking sharks and sea eagles during our journey. 

Staffa was created by volcanic eruptions around 50 million years ago. As the lava cooled, it produced a spectacular pattern of hexagonal columns which line the faces and walls of the caves.

The island is home to the legendary cave Fingal's Cave, which has drawn visitors for centuries. Amongst the many famous tourists who have journeyed to see this spectacular cavern are Queen Victoria, Jules Verne and Felix Mendelssohn, who was inspired to write his famous "Hebrides Overture". We'll have one hour ashore before making the short sail to the delightful Isle of Lunga, the biggest of the Treshnish Islands. 

Lunga is a magnet for naturalists so during our two-hours ashore there are lots to explore including wildflowers and beautiful scenery. The main draw to the island is the large puffin colony who nest in burrows on the grassy hillside, until August each year. These delightful birds are unbelievably curious and can often come up very close to you to check out what's going on. You can also expect to see Guillemots, Razorbills and Kittiwakes, as well as the resident Seal colony.

Once the puffins migrate the visit to Lunga will be replaced with a nature spotting cruise instead. 

Please note that a sufficient degree of mobility is necessary to go ashore, but if you are less mobile, you are more than welcome to stay on board the cruise boat. A packed lunch will be provided and, onboard the boat you will find both indoor and outdoor seating as well as a toilet, for peace of mind.

Day 3 - Isle of Iona Excursion

Our journey today will take us along the banks of Loch Scridain to reach the remote Ross of Mull, where we will find the little ferry port of Fionnphort. Here we board the ferry for the short sail to Iona. 

Known as the "Sacred Isle", Iona was where St Columba and his companions landed in 563 to bring Christianity to Scotland. During our time on Iona, we can visit the restored Abbey and Nunnery as well as St Oran's Graveyard, said to be the final resting place of the early Scottish Kings. Iona is also famous for its pristine beaches, why not take a relaxing stroll across the golden sands to enjoy the wonderful sea views? 

This afternoon we visit 13th Century Duart Castle, which has a dramatic cliff-top location overlooking the Sound of Mull. For over 400 years this has been the seat of the Clan MacLean and is one of the oldest inhabited castles in Scotland.

Day 4 - Isle of Mull - Kennacraig - Isle of Islay

It's time to leave Mull and head to our next island destination. We catch the morning ferry bound for Oban. Have your camera ready for the beautiful views of Duart Castle as we leave Craignure. After disembarking in Oban, we follow the scenic route southwards to Loch Melford. 

At Kilmartin, we enter a landscape that will take us back in time 5,000 years to the very birth of the Scottish Nation. Located here are over 800 prehistoric sites and monuments including a linear cemetery that stretches for more than two miles. It’s thought to have been the burial place of the ruling family.

Further south, at Dunadd Fort, the early Scottish Kings were crowned. 

After a break, our journey will continue along the banks of Loch Fyne to Kennacraig, where the ferry waits to take us to Islay. Landfall will be in the attractive village of Port Askaig, our home for the next three nights. After time to settle in, dinner will be served in our hotel.

Overnight: Port Askaig Hotel, Port Askaig (or similar) (3 nights)

Day 5 - Exploring Islay

After time to relax after breakfast, we head out for a day of exploration. In medieval times Islay was a centre of political power, so our first visit is to Loch Finlaggan, the ancient seat of the MacDonald clan who ruled the islands and were known as the "Lords of the Isles". 

Islay is famed for whisky production. There are eight distilleries on the island that produce "Uisge Beatha", the water of life with the distinctive peaty taste so loved by connoisseurs.

We'll visit Bowmore Distillery, which has stood on the banks of Loch Indaal since 1779, making it the oldest distillery on the island. During our tour, we will discover the secrets of the whisky-making process and learn how letting the whisky mature in American and Spanish oak casks gives the finished product its own unique taste. 

After a break for lunch (own expense) we visit the Museum of Islay Life in Port Charlotte. This fascinating collection tells the story of the island and its people from prehistoric times to the present day. 

We return to Port Askaig, where there is free time to relax before enjoying dinner.

Day 6 - Isle of Jura Excursion

Today we take the ferry for the short crossing to the neighbouring island of Jura. This wild and mountainous island is overshadowed by the three peaks that are known as the "Paps of Jura". It's thought the island got its name from Norse, meaning Deer Island which is true enough today as it was then - the deer population of some 6,000 outnumber humans 33 to 1. 

One of the island's most famous residents was Eric Blair, who was better known by his pen name, George Orwell. In 1946 he moved into a remote farmhouse on the north of the island where he wrote his most famous book, 1984. 

On the island, we'll enjoy a scenic tour, before spending some free time in the picturesque village of Craighouse, the main settlement on the island. It's home to the island's famous whisky distillery as well as a shop and tearoom.

Day 7 - Port Askaig - Inveraray - Glasgow/Edinburgh

Sadly, our island adventure comes to an end today. But there is still much to enjoy on today’s itinerary. 

After breakfast, we board the ferry for our sailing back to the mainland. At Kennacraig, we join our coach for a scenic drive through Knapdale to reach the attractive coastal towns of Tarbert and Ardrishaig. 

The banks of Loch Fyne bring us to delightful Inveraray. This lovely white-washed town oozes Georgian style, as we will discover during our break here. Later, as we head out of town, look out for fairy-tale Inveraray Castle, the seat of the Duke of Argyll, head of the Clan Campbell. 

Our journey continues through Glen Kinglas, then a dramatic descent through the Rest and be Thankful pass to reach the Argyll Forest Park and the village of Arrochar beyond. We join the banks of Loch Lomond once more as we head towards Glasgow then the final part of our journey to Edinburgh.