Islands of Arran, Islay, Mull & Skye

Travel west from Glasgow to catch the ferry to the beautiful Isle of Arran, or ‘Scotland in Miniature.’ Arran is Scotland’s most southerly island and boasts dramatic mountains, long deep glens, and shimmering lochs.
Overnight – Isle of Arran

Visit the Isle of Arran Distillery, Scotland’s newest distillery and home to the Arran Malt. Sample some of the island’s other great produce at Arran Cheeses, Creelers’ Smokehouse and Arran Aromatics. The quality of produce on this little island will astound you. Climb the rugged mountains, or play a round of golf on one of the many stunning courses.
Overnight – Isle of Arran

Depart Arran by morning ferry and travel across Kintyre where your next ferry will take you to Islay. Known for its magnificent beaches and fertile lands, Islay is most famous for its smoky, single malt whiskies. With eight distilleries all running guided tours, a visit to this magical island will give you ample opportunity to try a “wee dram” or two!
Overnight – Isle of Islay

Along the south coast you will find whiskies for the true aficionado – the uncompromising full bodied malts of Ardbeg, Lagavulin and Laphroaig. These are real shrines for the pilgrim of the “water of life.” Bowmore Distillery has enjoyed a stunning setting on the shores of Loch Indaal since 1779 and is widely recognised as one of the finest single malt whiskies in the world.

Loch Gruinart is the island’s main bird reserve where clouds of barnacle and white-fronted geese fly in from Greenland. For those who enjoy golf, play a round at the Machrie, a famous classic links course. The Isle of Jura, with its rugged beauty and huge scree-covered mountains, is only a 5 minutes ferry ride away.
Overnight – Isle of Islay

Depart Islay and travel along the wonderfully scenic west coast of Scotland to Oban, the Seafood Capital of Scotland. From here you are bound for majestic Mull, your next island destination.

Mull is an island of incredible diversity – with magnificent seacliffs, sandy beaches, and mountains that rise from the crystal clear sea.
Overnight – Isle of Mull

Visit pretty Tobermory, the island’s capital with its multi-coloured houses scattered around a peaceful harbour. Mull is famous for its stunning wildlife and you could join a whale and dolphin watching trip to view these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

You could spend the day on the tiny island of Iona – steeped in history as the birthplace of Christianity in Scotland. Iona really is a very special place with impossibly turquoise waters, dazzling beaches, hidden coves and monumentally sacred sites, as well as being the burial place of 48 Scottish kings.
Overnight – Isle of Mull

Hop on the ferry to the Ardnamurchan Peninsula – Britain’s most westerly point, and enjoy wonderful views to the ‘Small Isles’ of Rum, Eigg & Muck. Travel on the magnificent Road to the Isles and then by ferry over the sea to the Isle of Skye. The short sailing across the Sound of Sleat provides great views of Skye and back across the west coast.
Overnight – Isle of Skye

The magical Isle of Skye is without doubt one of the most beautiful destinations in Scotland, where the dramatic mountains and stunning seascapes combine with the warmest of Highland hospitality. Visit romantic Dunvegan Castle, sample fine island whiskies, or climb aboard a fabulous boat cruise into the heart of the Cuillin Mountains.
Overnight – Isle of Skye

Explore the pretty town of Portree with its attractive harbour and visit the neighbouring Isle of Raasay, with its stunning views back to the Cuillins. Wildlife cruises allow you to explore the seas that surround the island and spot seals, otters and great golden eagles. Skye is also dotted with wonderful craft shops and galleries for souvenir-hunting too.

Enjoy a spectacular walk in the Quiraing mountains and experience some of Skye’s extraordinary geological scenery. Visit the rocky spike of the Old Man of Storr and the dramatic coastal scenery at Kilt Rock, where waterfalls cascade down into the sea below.
Overnight – Isle of Skye

You have a choice of return options. Leave Skye and travel north up the Great Glen to Inverness, or travel south through spectacular Glencoe, where you may wish to extend your holiday in either Edinburgh or Glasgow.