Island Hopping in Scotland - 12 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Glasgow, Scottish Trad Trail & Folk Music Tour

Welcome to Scotland! You've landed in Glasgow, Scotland's largest and most buzzing city. This modern, creative destination has been shaped by its rich industrial heritage, reflected in the grand Victorian architecture that's now juxtaposed with modern structures. On arrival, take a taxi to your hotel. Drop your bags, refresh, and set out to explore the city. Visit the famous Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum and the University of Glasgow, then explore the boutiques of West End or go for a walk along the picturesque River Clyde.

This evening, you'll experience the best of Scottish culture and food, a great introduction to this charming country. Start with an hour-long folk music-themed walking tour of this gritty city's oldest and most interesting streets. After, pile into a classic Scottish restaurant for a hearty, home-cooked meal. Then, you'll experience the best contemporary and traditional folk music from a rotating lineup of Glasgow's up-and-coming talent. Sláinte Mhath!

Day 2: Drive to Adrossan, Ferry to Isle of Arran, Explore Arran's Nature

Rise and shine and collect your rental car—your Scottish island-hopping adventure begins today. Drive one hour southwest of Glasgow to Ardrossan, where you'll board a 55-minute ferry to Arran, a small island with a mild climate where, thanks to the Gulf Stream, palm trees grow. The 20-mile-wide (32 km) island is cut in two by the Highland Boundary Fault, a geological division that makes the north rugged and hilly and the south smoother and lower-lying.

Arran is often called "Scotland in miniature" due to its range and wealth of scenery. Here, you'll find castles, ancient monuments, a whisky distillery, wildlife, and unspoiled nature. Use the afternoon to explore the width and breadth of Arran, from the ruins of Locharanza Castle, a rare hall-house from the late 1200s, to the prehistoric Machrie Moor Stones, where people have existed for up to 8,000 years. Visit the grand Brodick Castle and estate, stepping inside to admire its fabulous collection of valuable artifacts.

Day 3: Return Ferry, Drive to Oban & Explore

After breakfast, drive to Lochranza, where you'll take the ferry back to the mainland, docking at Claonaig. From here, it's a scenic 90-minute drive north through the West Highlands to Oban. Enjoy coastal views of the Firth of Clyde, then pass through charming villages, rolling hills, and pristine lochs on your journey.

The main gateway to much of the Hebrides, Oban is a waterfront town set on a delightful bay with sweeping views of Kerrera and Mull. It's peaceful in winter, but in summer, the town center is crowded with holidaymakers and travelers headed for the archipelago. Naturally, Oban is a great destination to enjoy Scotland's brilliant seafood, and there's no better spot than by the water, especially as the sunsets.

Day 4: Free Time, Traditional Scottish Ceilidh Experience

Have you heard of a ceilidh? Tonight, you'll experience true Scottish cultural immersion with this traditional social gathering. So don't overdo it today as you explore Oban and its surrounds. You could choose to visit McCaig's Tower, a striking hilltop monument with panoramic views of the town. Then descend to the waterfront for a walk around the harbor, taking in sea breezes and eyeing up tonight's dinner arriving at the port. If you're a whisky fanatic, squeeze in a visit to the Oban Distillery to sample the local dew. 

 

Return to your accommodation and change for the ceilidh. Pronounced "kay-lee," this traditional social gathering involves live music, folk dancing, and an energetic atmosphere. Get swept up in the fun with a special experience involving bagpipes, accordion, singing, and dancing. Over two hours, you'll learn to "Strip the Willow" and other common ceilidh dances, like the "Dashing White Sergeant." Ceilidhs are a significant part of Scottish culture and are often held at weddings, festivals, and other social events as a way to celebrate and have fun.

Day 6: Full-Day Guided Mull & Iona Tour

Beyond the beautiful nature and wild landscapes, Mull is an isle full of ancient traditions and folk tales. Today, a guide will regale you with stories of headless horsemen, fire-breathing dragons, and heroic deeds as you explore the island. A remote farm at Ardlanish will welcome you in to tour the weaving mill and explore traditionally woven goods. You'll explore the 14th-century Duart Castle, home to the seat of Clan MacLean. Then together with your guide, you'll cross over to the island of Iona on a short passenger ferry.

You'll follow in the footsteps of pilgrims who have ventured here for nearly 1,500 years as they made their way to the world-famous Iona Abbey, founded by St. Columba in 563 CE. Pilgrims continue to visit today to pray at the 13th-century abbey, which stands on the site of the original wooden church. Your tour today includes lunch with local produce and fresh Scottish seafood. After, take a relaxing scenic journey back to Mull.

Day 7: Drive to Fort William, Hike Glen Nevis: Steall Falls & Nevis Gorge Walk

Today takes you back to the mainland, where you'll explore some of the most beautiful Scottish wilderness on foot. After a 2.5-hour drive to Fort William, you'll get settled before donning your hiking boots and setting out into Glen Nevis, one of the most spectacular glens in the country. Set at the foot of Ben Nevis, this verdant area offers peace, tranquility, and trails. Follow the River Nevis into the glen, where waterfalls cascade off the towering mountain landscape.

Embark on an easy yet rewarding walk to Steall Falls, a 2.2-mile (3.5 km) trek that's one of the best short walks in Scotland. See erosion at work as the force and volume of water cascades over and down through deep rock pools. Farther downstream, the Lower Falls is a great place to watch millions of gallons (or liters) of freshwater pour over the rock on its way to the sea. Spend the rest of the day in the glen, hiking other trails or enjoying a picnic. Later, head back to Scotland's "adventure capital" of Fort William for the evening and consider trying the local mussels for dinner.

Day 8: Visit Eilean Donan Castle, Drive to the Isle of Skye

Today's final destination is the Isle of Skye, a two-hour drive away, but before crossing over to the island, you'll pause at Eilean Donan Castle. This 13th-century tower is one of the most iconic images of Scotland. Situated on an island where three great sea lochs meet and surrounded by majestic scenery, it's little wonder that the castle is now one of the most visited and important attractions in the Scottish Highlands. After your visit, cross over to the dramatic and ethereal isle known for its rugged, mountainous terrain and the iconic Cuillin Range. 

The island's coastline is scattered with high cliffs, sea stacks, and picturesque fishing villages. Use your afternoon to hike to the blue-hued Fairy Pools in Glen Brittle or trek through the otherworldly landscape of the Quiraing. Explore the historic Dunvegan Castle or see the Neist Point Lighthouse, perched atop a dramatic cliff. 

Day 9: Isle of Raasay Whisky, Gin & Chocolate Tour

Today, you'll venture to an island off an island for a very special whisky, gin, and chocolate tasting. Drive to Sconser on Skye and board the ferry to the Isle of Raasay on foot. You'll make the short crossing and walk another 10 minutes to the distillery. Here, the team will be waiting to introduce you to the world of whisky and gin. A drinks expert will lead you through the tasting, pairing various whiskies and gins with different chocolates.

Curiously, the whisky here was inspired by older styles of Hebridean single malts. Some of these styles have disappeared through the ages, but this local distillery is leaning into its heritage for a lightly peated whisky balanced with rich dark fruit flavors. You'll taste the Isle of Raasay single cask release paired with specialty chocolates handmade at the nearby Glenshiel Chocolate Company and learn about Raasay's history, rooted in centuries of illicit distilling. After the experience, return to the port the way you came.

Day 11: Drive to Glasgow, Private Glasgow Tour

Glasgow is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Europe and one of the friendliest in the world—just ask your local guide. Today, you'll make the two-hour return drive to Glasgow and join a private tour of the city. This afternoon, you'll explore from east to west and back again, visiting the most memorable and iconic areas and buildings of the Victorian-era city. From the stately Glasgow Cathedral to the Necropolis, you'll make your way through the central district and main civic squares and on to the leafy West End and Kelvingrove Art Gallery.

Learn about the city's merchant trading history, which funded much of the city and made Glasgow the second city of the British Empire. You'll also explore the new Glasgow and its postindustrial era. Before saying goodbye to your local guide, ask for advice on where to spend your final night in Scotland and treat yourself to somewhere chic for dinner.

Day 12: Depart Glasgow

Your road trip across Scotland comes to an end today. Hop in the car one last time and make the drive to Glasgow airport. Make sure you allow enough time to drop off your rental car ahead of your flight home or next destination. Safe travels!