 |
|
 |
| |
The tour price does not include accommodation, but this gives you the freedom to choose your budget and the type of accommodation you wish to stay in.
Choose Hostel, B&B or Hotel and we will book it for you.
Typical prices per person per night:
Hostel £15-£20, Guest House B&B £30-£45, Hotels - more.
Based on 2 people sharing (except hostel). Single occupancy will be higher.
Accommodation on the tours is dispersed around various villages and towns. If you have access needs or specific requirements please let us know when booking. Late bookings may limit the choice of accommodation available.
For more information on accommodation and prices click here...
|
 |
 |
|
 |
|
 |
Highlights
~Oban
~ Iona and Staffa
~ Eilean Donan Castle
~ Isle of Skye
~ Castle Stalker
~ Quiraing mountain pass
~ Mull
~ Loch Ness 5 days to enjoy 4 fantastic West Coast Islands including the islands of Mull, Iona and Staffa and the romantic beauty of the Isle of Skye. Highlights also include Loch Lomond National Park, Eilean Donan Castle, Glencoe and Loch Ness for a great sample of the best of Scotland.
Stay 2 nights in Oban, seafood capital of Scotland and 2 nights in the picturesque harbour town of Portree, on the Isle of Skye.
Please phone us if date you want to travel is unavailable to book online.
Departs:
09.00
Returns:
19.00 approx
Adult Prices:
£275 - £295
Discount Prices:
£255 - £275
Departing:
Mondays (March to October)
|
|
 |
Details & Itinerary |
Customer Reviews |
Traveller Photos |
Full Itinerary (English) |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Day 1 Highlights include Loch Lomond National Park, Inveraray, seat of the Campbell clan, and the heart of the ancient Scots kingdom of Dalriada, before staying in the beautiful harbour town of Oban for 2 nights.
Day 2 is an island adventure exploring the dramatic southern coastlines of Hebridean Mull and the peace and tranquility of Iona - birthplace of Celtic Christianity and traditional burial ground of Scottish Kings. It also gives you the option to take a boat trip to Staffa.
Day 3 takes you north along the west coast, passing the impregnable Castle Stalker and visiting Glencoe. Then on to Fort William, and the dramatic mountain scenery of Glen Garry to Eilean Donan Castle (set of “Highlander”) and over the sea to Skye, where you stay in the picturesque harbour town of Portree for 2 nights.
Day 4 focuses on exploring Skye including the wild north of the island, the Old Man of Storr, the mountain pass of the Quiraing and Skye’s most westerly point at Neist.
Day 5 returns you through the Cuillin mountains to the mainland past the 5 Sisters of Kintail, on to eerie Loch Ness, the central Highlands, Pitlochry and Edinburgh. Day 2 is an early start because there is so much to see and do, so you might miss your breakfast.
Departure Point
207 High St, Edinburgh. Click here to see map.
Return to Waverley Bridge opposite Waverley Train Station
Inclusions
Transportation by top of the range Mercedes minicoach for a more personal experience with a maximum of 16 passengers on tour.
We believe a small group tour with a maximum of 16 passengers really does make a big difference to your trip. It allows us to give you a more personal service and remain the only 5 Star operator to offer this personal guarantee. Touring with a maximum of 16 passengers you get more for your money, more personal attention, more time with the locals, more time off the bus, more time on the back-roads and just more of an authentic, friendly experience. The smaller groups allow you to meet people from all over the world and make friends for life.
Air Conditioning as standard.
Services of a professional Rabbie's driver/guide. All ferry fares except the optional trip to Staffa
Rabbie's Discount Card - money off restaurants, shopping and attractions.
Exclusions
Meals and refreshments.
All Visitor Attractions.
Accommodation
Your tour does not include accommodation in the price. By giving you a choice of accommodation it allows you to choose your budget, stay in smaller places and get closer to the local people. This also means you help to sustain the communities you visit in the long term. Choose a hotel, B&B or a hostel and we will book it for you.
For more information on accommodation and prices click here
*NB On occasions, when villages we stay in have events on, accommodation can be scarce and expensive so we may use other locations for your accommodation on the tour. We will always inform you of this when this is necessary.
Discount Price
Students, Seniors over 60 and Children between 5 and 16 (we regret we do not carry children under the age of 5)
Important Information
Because we believe in time off the bus and give you opportunities to take nature walks we recommend you bring suitable clothing and footwear for your tour. Scotland can be a wet place!! Accommodation on this tour is dispersed around Oban and Portree which are small but hilly! If you have mobility problems or special requirements please let us know when booking. Because there is so much to see and do on the 2nd day, we catch the early ferry which means you may miss your breakfast at your accommodation. |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Details & Itinerary
|
Customer Reviews
|
Traveller Photos
|
Full Itinerary (English) |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Here are the latest customer photographs from this tour - click an image for enlargement and slideshow. |
latest Group photo
by
Karen
|
Iona Mull and Skye Album 5
by
Susan Goodfellow
|
Iona Mull and Skye Album 4
by
Susan Goodfellow
|
Iona Mull and Skye Album 3
by
Susan Goodfellow
|
Iona Mull and Skye Album 2
by
Susan Goodfellow
|
Iona Mull and Skye Album 1
by
Susan Goodfellow
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Details & Itinerary
|
Customer Reviews
|
Traveller Photos
|
Full Itinerary (English) |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
5 Days 4 Islands - Scotland At Its Best!! Enjoy the magic, ancient history and the undisturbed tranquility of the islands of Mull, Iona and Staffa and the romantic beauty of the Isle of Skye.
Day 1 takes you north passed Stirling castle, and then west to Scotland's first National Park around Loch Lomond,and the bonny banks". You will travel through the impressive mountains of the West Highlands through the magnificent white-washed 18th Century town of Inveraray, home to the Campbell Clan and the Duke of Argyll. The afternoon will be spent in the heart of Argyll exploring the area close to the ancient Kingdom of Dalriada before arriving in bustling town of Oban, the gateway to the islands, for your 2 night stay.
Day 2 is an early start crossing on the ferry to Mull and enjoying an island adventure exploring her dramatic coastlines and wild beauty, before taking the small ferry to the peace and tranquility of 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 the rocky headlands and sandy coves of this island gem. There is also an opportunity to take a small boat out to the island of Staffa (except Saturday departures in September) and view the dramatic basalt columns immortalised by Mendelssohn in his Hebridean Overture "Fingal's Cave". You then return on the ferry to Oban for your second night.
Day 3 takes you north along the west coast around Appin, passing the impregnable Castle Stalker, and Glencoe, scene of the infamous massacre of the Clan Macdonald in 1692. You then pass through Fort William and up to the Commando Memorial at Spean Bridge with great views over Ben Nevis, Britain's highest montain. Your tour now takes the "Road to the Isles" through the splendour of the Five Sisters of Kintail, the mountains guarding the pass on the way to the Isle of Skye. You stop to visit the famous stronghold Eilean Donan Castle, used in the film "Highlander", set at the junction of 3 lochs as protection against Viking raiders. Crossing over the sea to Skye, you travel up to the picturesque harbour town of Portree. You are then dropped off at your accommodation in the early evening, where you are free to go out and explore the town.
Day 4 is a very flexible day on Skye. There are many possibilities depending on the weather and we take passengers preferences into account. For example : Travel north to the stunning Quiraing mountain pass and enjoy a spectacular walk through some of Skye's extraordinary geological scenery, visit Kilt Rock, composed of basalt columns (reminiscent of the pleats in a kilt) with it's waterfall cascading over the cliffs and down into the sea below. After lunch you can go over to Neist Point for a walk out to the lighthouse that is the furthest point west on Skye. Or go over to Dunvegan Castle, ancient ancestral seat of the Clan McLeod. Talisker Distillery is also here, as are the famous Cuillin Hills. We return you to your accommodation in Portree in the early evening for you to enjoy your second free night in Portree.
Day 5 You will be collected from your accommodation and travel south through the Cuillin Hills and back over to the mainland for stunning views over Loch Duich and the 5 Sisters of Kintail. Onto Loch Ness for lunch and the possibility of spotting "Nessie". There is a boat trip (Summer only) available here that will get you that bit closer! Heading south now through the Grampian mountains along Loch Laggan, made famous now as "Monarch of the Glen Country" before passing Dawhinnie, home to Scotland's highest whisky Distillery, and onwards into Perthshire where we stop for refreshments before heading back to Edinburgh past Perth and over the Forth Road Bridge. Arriving at 19.00 approx.
Photography Credits: Visit Britain, Visit Scotland, Britainonview, Mike Hasted, Luke Sheppard, Ingrid Rasmussen, Pawel Libera, Tony Pleavin, Craig Easton, David Angel, Martin Brent, Bob Berry, Paul Watts |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
|
|
Posted by Ellen Taylor on 16/05/2012
My main reason for going on the Iona, Mull, and Skye tour was to see Staffa, and it didn't disappoint! Really cool place, both inside the caves and on top. The weather was great, and made for a lovely boat ride. What I didn't realize til I got there, though, was how beautiful Mull is as well - glens and mountains and waterways galore! Skye was wonderful as always, as was Oban. This was my second tour with Michael, who proved again that he's a great guide - full of great information, gives a thoughtful and balanced view of Scottish history, and is just a really nice guy. Thanks to Michael and Rabbies!
Posted by Susan Goodfellow on 13/05/2012
What a difference a week makes! Summer on Iona at the end of March, ice creams, paddling...5 of us had a fantastic tour with Richard to the islands. Beautiful calm crossing to Mull and Iona. Lots of free time to wander about. Skye was misty but it didn't detract from its beauty. Lots of chances to walk down Glencoe, through Glen Nevis and innumerable 'off the beaten track' places: off the bus, cameras primed and off we went! Thanks again Richard for such a great tour.
Posted by Debbda on 07/04/2012
I can't believe it's already been a week since our holiday finished. A very big thank you to Suu for making it such a wonderful trip - it couldn't have been better, it beat my expectations. The scenery was beautiful and breathtaking, and all Suu's stories on the history and legends made the place really come alive - not to mention they were really entertaining! And we enjoyed all the music she chose to tie in with the places we were visiting. You really fall in love with Scotland after being on one of Suu's trips! I am so very glad we choose Rabbies. I'll definitely be back one day to do another of your trips. Amanda
Posted by Amanda on 07/10/2011
My husband and I along with friends (the infamous Campbell clan) just returned from a fabulous five day tour with our guide extraordinaire Karen! What an experience and one which exceeded our expectations. The scenery was breathtaking and cannot be adequately described - it must be seen firsthand. What made the trip so special was Karen - not only an impressive rally car driver but a fountain of information and proud ambassador for Scotland. Her energy, enthusiasm and desire to always go an extra mile to provide special sites and experiences beyond the standard tour were evident each day. We would definitely request Karen for our next tour. Thank you so much!!!
Posted by Barb Bullough on 01/10/2011
Wonderful tour with Karen at the helm. She was excellent! Pics to follow.
Posted by Bill & Annalee on 29/09/2011
Just wrapped up a magical tour through the highlands and islands that was absolutely wonderful... but made even more so by our vibrant and talented guide Suu! We miss you Suu- but still humming the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond here in NYC!
Posted by Nancy & Daniel on 13/09/2011
I finally finished the Shutterfly albums for my Scotland trip. I think I was able to figure out almost everywhere I went using my notes and pictures, Lonely Planet, and Google Earth. The Rabbie's 5-day island tour is in a separate album. It was a fantastic tour made even better by Richard and Angela. Even though it is just a summary of the tour, there are 551 pictures in the album. The pictures and their titles tell the story of the trip as it unfolded. Other people might find them useful also; however, I cannot put a website address here, so I don't know how to share the album.
Posted by Ray Heath on 19/08/2011
Greetings and "Thanks" to Suu..an excerpt from my blog: "Our wet arrival into Scotland was soon forgotten, as we set off with Rabbis’ Tour to discover the real history of Caledonia. Our brilliant driver/ guide, Suu, shoulder length red hair, six foot, and clothed in a clan kilt, was outstanding in her knowledge, wit , charm ,passion ,and storytelling, bringing everything to life for our coach of sixteen, finding its way to often rarely accessible places of interest. Our first two nights were based at the west coast town of Oban. This was the centre for the inner Hebridian islands. Having passed Stirling Castle to Loch Lomond and into Argyll County, home of the Campbell clan. Onto Mull and Iona by ferry, experiencing the early Celtic Christian impact on daily life, both then and now. Went to Glencoe, scene of the infamous massacre of the Clan Macdonald in 1692.Then to Fort William and onto great views of Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest peak. Continued over the bridge causeway to the Isle of Skye and stayed two nights at Portree. Kilt Rock, and Neist point lighthouse, both near the extreme western point of Skye. Left the island by traditional ferry, back to the mainland returning to Edinburgh via 5 Sisters of Kintail, Loch Ness (No sighting!), Loch Laggan where Monarch of the Glen was filmed, then over the Forth Road bridge near Perth and onto the capital city. Our journey certainly has shown the bloody , violent history of both Ireland and Scotland ,leaving their people still able to smile! Such resilience courage, passion and more…. A wet open bus tour in Edinburgh, took us to the retired HMY Britannia for a tour and High Tea on the top deck. Very impressive! Back to the city as the weather improved, to continue the city tour. Went to Greyfriars to pay respects to a little loyal dog, called Bobby. Past the famous castle, setting up already for the Tattoo in August. Holyrood Palace, the Queens’ local residence was closed but nearby Scotland’s’ new Parliament building aroused much controversy in it’s’ design. Very unusual with “thinkpods” for members included. Hmmm Still, great food, pubs and music, really were memorable, paving way for a return visit? Onto Cornwall tomorrow, raining tears, already."
Posted by Peter Harriss & Janine on 30/07/2011
My fourth tour with rabbie's ... What else can I say? Thanks to George for these wonderful 5 days. Every day keep smiling, entertaining us the whole time. So many impressions in our heads, we will keep them like a treasure. My son was sad to say goodbye to all, especially George, Linda, Jackie and Brian. We promise to come back as soon as possible! Comment of my son: Regardless which tour we will chosse the next time (maybe Orkney) - George must be our driver :-) Greetings from Berlin Sabine and Jan-Philipp P. S. Thank you Caroline for your personally welcome. I was very happy about that!
Posted by SD Berlin on 25/07/2011
My first tour withRabbies and it was the greatest fantastic Holliday and greatt pthe eople to share it with. Magical Moment? On Skye The Fairy Glen. Fantastic Moments and driver/guide. Cannot give enought praise.
Posted by Lois Kerehona on 24/07/2011
Hi there, just to say a most sincere thank you to Richard, for the wonderful 5 days spent with him on my recent tour in Scotland, it was amazing !!! Rabbies you ARE the BEST. Thank you.
Posted by Hillary Thompson on 22/07/2011
Dan & I would like to thank everyone on our tour for making it an unforgettable adventure - especially our leader Suu! We loved your 'true' stories Suu. Starting off in the storm with removing fallen trees brought us all closer together and made for terrific comradery. Scotland has a beauty all it's own and the Scottish 'sunshine' adds to it. We enjoyed every minute of the trip and have many photos to share with family and friends. I've include some for you. Suu we ended up staying in the 'Ramsay' suite our last night in Edinburgh - how ironic!
Posted by Kathy & Dan Ziegler on 23/06/2011
A wonderful tour of Mull, Iona & Skye - recommend it to anyone! And the icing on the cake? The magical Suu and her inexhaustable supply of 'true stories'! A real highland story teller. AND we now know how to shift fallen trees.
Posted by Connie Newman on 11/06/2011
Rabbie's didn't promise too much ..."Al lot can happen in just one day ... ( or in a wee more ) ... maybe even a new perspective on life..." Best trip that ever happened to me! Dreams come true in this magic part of Earth ... feeling just a great thankfulness and deep love for all who took me along on this way ... beannachd leibh ! I'll be back again - hopefully "bientôt" ..... Adrienne
Posted by Adrienne Pourrat on 04/06/2011
and greetings to all of our fellow travelers, from Switzerland, Canada, New Zeeland and Austrailia. It was very nice to have met you all
Posted by Ethel Wahlgren on 31/05/2011
Karen, our guide, was so much fun. She was an incredible driver; her knowledge of all areas was impressive; she was funny and fun to be with; she made sure everyone was taken care of; she got to know the people on the tour.
Posted by John and Betty McLeod on 12/05/2011
Richard our driver was fantastic. The trip to Iona was the best part of the trip, lots of history and the beaches were beautiful
Posted by Kim Christie on 11/05/2011
I loved the scenery, the history of the area, and most of all, the tour guide Karen. She was absolutely wonderful - lots of fun, very, very proud of Scotland and most helpful. I loved this tour.
Posted by May Anderson on 17/08/2010
It was all fabulous - we covered so many beautiful places that would have been impossible to achieve on our own and Sue was an entertainment in herself and a fountain of knowledge and information.
Posted by Joanna Bhart on 27/07/2010
Suu's stories just made THE difference. She never lagged in her enthusiasm and was very inclusive. Tour highlights were Staffa and the Fairy Glen + Fairy Falls (and Suu getting everyon to dip their face in the water)
Posted by Nicola Vatthauer on 24/06/2010
Suu - go Suu. She is a right gem with her storytelling really brought the landscape alive. Obviously us being in a country that we have dreamed for a long time in seeing and Fingles Cave was out of this world, so glad to have a grand day for boating.
Posted by COMBO Marian Teal on 01/10/2009
This trip far exceeded my expectations especially the tour guide Ed, he went out of his way to help me when I needed to get to the airport for the last flight out of Edinburgh. I had only heard good things about Rabbies tours and they were true, Thank you.
Posted by Russ McAdams on 25/08/2009
Visiting the sights and sounds of Iona and Skye, and enjoying the company of Suu, our guide. Suu is a treasure and a delight to know. She made the trip an overwhelming success. If we were to return to Scotland, we would want to make sure any tour we took with Rabbies had Suu as the guide.
Posted by Alan Gilmore on 14/07/2009
beautiful Isle of Staffa, good guide, Nice group
Posted by on 17/06/2009
The tour was the most wunderful tour in my life. Sue is great and my husband and I are very happy about all: the landscape, the tour, the music and the commentary. I know now a bit more about the magical Scotland and about his history. If you want I can write a little notes on Italian for the website. I recommend your tour highly.
Posted by gilda on 01/09/2008
The tour guide was very good, friendly and knowledgeable
Posted by on 01/09/2008