6-Day Tour: Highlands & Islands – Isle of Skye, Mull & Iona

Itinerary

Some places are meant to be seen, but others—like Scotland’s Highlands and Islands—are meant to be felt. This is not a tour to be rushed. This is a journey through some of Scotland’s most spectacular landscapes, where each stop allows time to breathe in the history, hear the whispers of legend, and stand before scenery so vast, so untamed, that it defies description.

From the towering peaks of Glencoe to the mystical shores of Iona, this six-day adventure takes you deep into the heart of Scotland’s untamed beauty, offering a rare chance to experience these lands as they were meant to be—unhurried, immersive, and unforgettable.

Day 1: Journey to the Highlands

Leaving Edinburgh behind, we head west, stopping first at the Forth Bridges, where Scotland’s engineering past and present span the waters in perfect symmetry. At Linlithgow Palace, the birthplace of Mary, Queen of Scots, we pause to take in the grandeur of its ruined halls, where the echoes of Scotland’s lost monarchy still linger.

A stop at Stirling Castle, one of Scotland’s most storied fortresses, places us in the heart of Scotland’s past. Here, kings ruled, battles raged, and history was written in blood and stone.

Through the Trossachs, the landscape softens before rising into the Highlands’ dramatic peaks. At Glencoe, the road winds through one of the most hauntingly beautiful landscapes in Scotland, a valley forever marked by the betrayal of the MacDonalds in 1692. The day ends with a visit to Eilean Donan Castle, one of Scotland’s most photographed fortresses, standing on a tiny island where three lochs meet.

Day 2: The Isle of Skye: A Land of Myth and Legend

Skye is a place of wild beauty, where the land feels older than time itself. We begin the day at The Old Man of Storr, where a monolithic rock formation towers above the landscape like a giant watching over the island. At The Quiraing, a hike through shifting landscapes and jagged peaks offers one of Scotland’s most breathtaking views.

Further north, we visit An Corran Beach, where dinosaur footprints remain frozen in time, a mark of a world long before Scotland’s mountains and myths.

The day ends at Neist Point, where the lighthouse stands at the edge of the world, overlooking the Atlantic as it stretches toward infinity.

Day 3: From Skye to Oban: Back to the Mainland

We begin with a walk along Sligachan Old Bridge, where legend says its waters hold the secret to eternal youth. At Glenfinnan, we stand beneath the famous viaduct, watching as the Jacobite Steam Train (Hogwarts Express) crosses into the mountains beyond.

By evening, we arrive in Oban, Scotland’s seafood capital, where the harbour glows golden in the setting sun.

Day 4: The Isle of Mull: A Highland Gem

Mull is a land of untouched beauty. At Duart Castle, standing proudly on a rocky outcrop, we step into the legacy of Clan MacLean, before wandering the white sands of Calgary Bay, where the Atlantic laps against Scotland’s western edge.

In Tobermory, the waterfront is lined with brightly coloured houses, a picture-perfect setting for an afternoon exploring its coastal charm and local crafts.

Day 5: Island Hopping: Iona & Staffa

The ferry carries us to Iona, a place of profound peace, where St. Columba landed in 563 AD, bringing Christianity to Scotland. The ancient abbey and stone crosses tell stories of a past entwined with faith and legend.

From here, we sail to Staffa, a volcanic island where Fingal’s Cave rises from the sea in perfect hexagonal columns—a natural wonder that has inspired poets and composers for centuries.

Day 6: The Road Home

The journey back south leads us through the majestic Highlands once more, beginning with a stop at Kilchurn Castle. Set against the dramatic backdrop of Loch Awe, its crumbling walls and lone tower speak softly of centuries past.

From there, we make our way to Inveraray Castle, where Scotland’s aristocratic heritage unfolds in splendid grandeur. A lunch break at Loch Fyne follows, offering a taste of the sea with fresh seafood served straight from the water.

We then ascend to Rest and Be Thankful—a scenic stop at this famous mountain pass, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding glens and valleys.

Our journey continues to Loch Lomond, where the vast, tranquil waters and gentle shores invite a moment of quiet reflection.

Crossing the Forth Bridges into Edinburgh, the journey draws to a close—but the wild, enduring beauty of Scotland stays with you, long after the road ends.