Oban, Mull & Iona 5 Day Tour

If you’re after the Scotland of sea lochs, island ferries, colourful harbours, ancient abbeys and scenery that makes your camera work overtime, this private Oban, Mull and Iona tour is a beauty. Over five days, you’ll travel from Glasgow and Edinburgh into the heart of the west coast, using Oban (Scotland’s “Seafood Capital”) as your base for island-hopping adventures to Mull, Iona and (optionally) Staffa.

This tour is the perfect blend of history, wildlife, coastal landscapes and relaxed Highland pace. Expect castle views, Hebridean beaches, spiritual sites, and the chance to spot eagles, otters, seals and seabirds, without feeling like you’re being marched around with a stopwatch. As always, it’s private and flexible, so we can tailor timings, stops and optional extras to suit your interests.

Ready for five days of salty air and Scottish soul? Book your private Oban, Mull & Iona tour, and we’ll take care of the ferries, routes and the good bits in between.

We begin with pick-up from your hotel, airport, or preferred Glasgow location and head west toward the first big scenery day.

• Optional stop: Auchentoshan Distillery – if you’d like to start your trip with a gentle Lowland dram, we can arrange a distillery visit just outside Glasgow (subject to availability).

• Loch Lomond & Luss – stroll the pretty conservation village of Luss, with its stone cottages, loch views and easy shoreline walks. A perfect “welcome to Scotland” stop.

• Scenic drive to Oban – as the landscape shifts into Argyll, expect lochs, glens and classic Highland views as we reach the coast.

• Evening in Oban – once checked in, you’ll have time to explore the harbour, browse local shops, and, strongly recommended, sample Oban’s famous seafood.

Overnight: Oban.

Day 1: Journey to Oban via Loch Lomond and the West Highlands

Today we sail out of Oban Bay to the Isle of Mull, a west coast favourite known for big scenery and brilliant wildlife.

• Ferry to Mull – the crossing is part of the experience, with sea views and a proper sense of adventure.

• Tobermory – Mull’s famous harbour town, lined with brightly painted buildings and packed with character. Great for photos, a wander, and a relaxed coffee stop by the water.

• Island scenery drive – Mull is made for slow, scenic touring: rugged hills, hidden lochs, tiny villages and sweeping coastal viewpoints.

• Wildlife spotting – Mull is one of the UK’s best places to look for white-tailed eagles and golden eagles, as well as otters, seals, dolphins and seabirds. We’ll keep the day flexible so we can pause where the views (or wildlife) demand it.

Overnight: Oban.

Tour Details

• Duration: 5 Days (7-8 hours per day)

• Departure From: Edinburgh or Glasgow

• Group Size: Private tour for up to 7 guests

• Cost: £4475

• Included:

  • Private driver-guide

  • Comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle

  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off

  • Bottled water and local snacks

• Not Included:

  • Accommodation (we are happy to suggest local options)

  • Meals

  • Entrance Fees

  • Ferry Crossings

Day 2: Isle of Mull - Tobermory, Wild Landscapes & Coastal Views

Day 3: Iona Abbey & Optional Staffa - Sacred Sites and Sea Caves

Day 4: Oban at Leisure - Distillery, Views and Castle Stalker

After two big island days, day four keeps things gentler while still delivering plenty of “wow”.

• Oban Distillery – right in the centre of town, this is a great stop for a tour and tasting, and an ideal way to connect the west coast setting to the whisky in your glass.

• McCaig’s Tower – perched above Oban with panoramic views over the bay and islands beyond. It’s a short climb with a big payoff.

• Harbour time & seafood – enjoy Oban’s shops, shoreline and relaxed coastal vibe.

• Optional: Castle Stalker – by prior arrangement, we may be able to organise a visit to this iconic little lochside castle (access is limited and depends on availability). Even if you don’t go inside, it’s a superb photo stop.

Overnight: Oban.

A day with a very different feel, peaceful, beautiful, and quietly unforgettable.

• Travel to Iona – a ferry journey that feels like you’re stepping further and further into another world.

• Iona Abbey – explore one of Scotland’s most important religious sites, with roots linked to St Columba and early Christianity in Scotland. The setting is serene, and the history is fascinating without being overwhelming.

• Time on Iona – enjoy the island’s white sands and turquoise water (yes, really, on a calm day it looks almost unreal), plus time to browse small local shops and soak up the atmosphere.

• Optional boat trip to Staffa & Fingal’s Cave – weather and sailing schedules permitting, you can visit the uninhabited island of Staffa to see Fingal’s Cave with its dramatic basalt columns, and (in season) puffins and other seabirds.

Overnight: Oban.

Day 5: Glencoe, Highland Cows & Stirling Castle

We leave the coast behind and travel back through some of Scotland’s most dramatic landscapes.

• Glencoe – stop at key viewpoints to take in the towering mountains and moody glen scenery, with the essential stories that give the place its legendary reputation.

• Kilmahog (Hairy Coos) – meet Scotland’s fluffiest celebrities and grab the final “yes, we actually did Scotland” photo.

• Stirling Castle – one of Scotland’s most important fortresses, packed with royal history and incredible views over the surrounding landscape.

• Return to Glasgow or Edinburgh – drop-off at your hotel, airport, or agreed-upon location, bringing your West Coast adventure to a close.

Why This Tour Works So Well

• Island time without the stress – ferries, timings and routing handled smoothly, with a relaxed pace throughout.

• A perfect mix of scenery and story – castles, abbeys, coastlines and wildlife, without it turning into a history lecture.

• Flexible, private touring – adjust stops, spend longer where you love it, and shape the days around your interests.

• Oban as a brilliant base – great food, great atmosphere, and ideal access to Mull, Iona and Staffa.

If Scotland’s wild west coast is calling, this is the trip that answers it properly. Book your private Oban, Mull & Iona tour, and we’ll tailor the details around your dates, interests, and the island experiences you’re most excited about.