Island Hopping in Scotland - 14 Days

Highlights

• Experience the best of Scotland with a traditional folk music evening in Glasgow
• Taste whisky on the Isle of Arran and gin and chocolate on the Isle of Raasay
• Get swept up in the music and dance of a traditional Scottish ceilidh
• Visit an island off an island when you visit the ancient abbey at the Isle of Iona

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

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

Day 2: Drive to Adrossan, Ferry to Isle of Arran

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: Visit Arran Distillery, Explore Arran's Nature

Perhaps no trip to Scotland is complete without a whisky tasting or two. Today you'll visit the Arran Distillery, a producer with two locations on the Isle of Arran—at Lochranza and Lagg. Join a tasting tour to learn how the distillery uses the freshwater of Loch na Davie, which cascades down the Easan Biorach burn through six waterfalls, to produce special single malts of exceptional quality. Take your pick from a range of tastings, from a basic introduction to a whisky and chocolate pairing session. If you're driving, ask for takeaway "driver drams" to enjoy later at your hotel or guesthouse.

Use the other half of your day to enjoy the nature of Arran. To the north, set off on a hike across rugged mountains such as Goat Fell. Or take a gentle walk across rolling hills of heather and gorse to the south. If you time your visit right, you'll experience vibrant wildflower displays. As you explore nature on Arran, keep your eyes peeled for seals basking on rocky shores and seabirds and golden eagles flying high above. 

Day 4: Drive to Isle of Oban & Explore

Jump in the car and journey three hours northwest today. You're headed to Oban, the main gateway to many of the Hebridean islands. This waterfront town is 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.

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 to Oban.

Day 5: Highland Oban Games, Traditional Scottish Ceilidh Experience

The Highland Games are a unique series of events that take place in different areas each summer. If you're lucky, time your visit to align with the Argyllshire Gathering's Oban Games. Here hammers are thrown, cabers are tossed, the skirl of the pipes fills the air, and the flash of clan colors is on full parade. The first Argyllshire Gathering fell in 1871, bringing together families and rivals for a peaceful clash with fierce competition. Now it's a celebration of Highland heritage and tradition with dances, pipe tunes, and athletic events dating back centuries. 

Have you heard of a ceilidh? Continue the Scottish cultural immersion this evening with this traditional Scottish social gathering. Pronounced "kay-lee," it 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: Experience Scotland's Snorkel Trails, Free Time on Oban

Snorkeling in Scotland? Yes, really! Zip on a wetsuit and dive into the icy water close to Oban at Ganavan Sands. Within the safe bay, you'll explore rocky outcrops to the west and east, revealing glimpses of kelp forests and seagrass beds. The grasses and kelp provide safe nurseries for local fish and shellfish, so keep your eyes peeled as you swim around in the sea. Beyond providing a home, your guide will share how these special sea forests also remove carbon from the atmosphere.

The rest of the day is yours to explore as you wish. You could visit McCaig's Tower, a striking hilltop monument with panoramic views of the town and its stunning surroundings. 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. Round out the afternoon with a leisurely stroll through Oban's charming streets and shop for souvenirs at local artisan boutiques.

Day 7: Drive to Isle of Mull, Sea Eagle Adventure

This morning you'll take a 50-minute ferry from Oban across to the Isle of Mull, docking at Craignure. This island is a favorite of nature lovers and photographers who seek the beauty of Mull's diverse landscapes, from rugged coastlines to verdant hills and serene lochs, and the rare wildlife found here. Here you can visit the colorful harbor town of Tobermory, hike up Ben More, Mull's highest peak, or visit historical sites like ancient stone circles.

This afternoon you'll embrace the wild side of Mull when you venture out to spot white-tailed eagles with an experienced guide. These eagles have been following fishing boats near here for centuries, looking for an easy meal, and so with today's experience, you'll replicate the scenario. Watch as these huge birds dive close to the boat to snatch fish from the surface and enjoy a few hours out on the water.

Day 8: Full-Day Guided Mull & Iona Tour

Beyond the beautiful nature and wild landscapes, Mull is an isle full of ancient traditions and numerous folk tales. Today your private guide will regale you with stories of headless horsemen, fire-breathing dragons, and heroic deeds as you explore across 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 be following 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. Pilgrims continue to visit here 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 9: 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 10: 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 crystal-clear, 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 11: 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 then 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 that's 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 12: Drive to Glen Coe, Glencoe Lochan Walk

There's no need to rush away from the Isle of Skye today. You can set the pace and depart on the three-hour drive to Glen Coe when you wish. Considered one of the most hauntingly beautiful of the Scottish glens, this hidden gem is often shrouded in mist and runs for 10 miles (16 km) beneath rugged peaks formed from lava flow and shaped by millions of years of erosion. At Glencoe Lochan, you can set off on easy waymarked trails through ornamental woodland. Here the wooded shores contrast with the wild and dramatic mountains of the glen. After, head to the village of Glencoe for dinner and check into your accommodation for the evening.

Day 13: 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 through 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 14: 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!

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