Island Hopping Adventure
14 day tour

  • Torridon
  • Scottish Island tours from Edinburgh
  • Oban Seafood
  • Isle of Skye
  • Eilean Donan Castle
  • Luskentyre Beach
  • Ring of Brodgar

Enjoy the timeless beauty of Mull, Skye, Iona, Orkney, and the Outer Hebrides on this tour from Edinburgh.

Tour map

Tour Highlights

Ferry
National Parks
Boat Cruises
Mountains
Castles
Lochs
Walks
Prehistoric Sites

Oban - This Victorian harbour town offers excellent seafood and a charming intimacy.

Loch Lomond National Park - Enjoy the dramatic splendour of one of Scotland’s most famous lochs and the beautiful national park that surrounds it.

Iona and Staffa - Visit the tiny Island of Iona, inhabited with just around 120 people.

Isle of Skye - One of the world’s most stunning islands.

Eilean Donan Castle - An iconic and gorgeous 13th-century castle that once warded off Viking invasions.

Orkney Isles - These beautiful islands are full of ancient history and wildlife.

Glencoe and Rannoch Moor - Be moved by the sheer beauty and tragic tales of one of Scotland’s most famous landscapes.

Loch Ness - Take a chance to go on an optional boat cruise or wander around this alluring and eerie loch.

Magical Mull - Feel the tranquillity of the unspoilt blonde beaches and explore the brightly coloured fishing village of Tobermory.

Skara Brae and Ring of Brodgar - Learn how people used to live in ancient times at these prehistoric monuments.

Lewis and Harris - These two areas with distinct landscapes make up the biggest island in Scotland.

North Coast 500 - A rollercoaster road of ruined castles, pristine beaches, dramatic cliffs, and charming villages.

 

Your journey

 

Explore the best of Scotland's craggy coastline.

You wind through the rolling splendour of the island of Mull, where you can find some of Scotland's best wildlife spotting opportunities. You then learn about the peace and spirituality of Iona, with an optional visit to the breathtaking and musical island of Staffa.

And from here, it only gets more spectacular.

You venture amongst the dramatic mountains of our most famous of islands, Isle of Skye, before heading to the Orkney archipelago, rich in archaeological treasures. Ullapool, nestling on the shores of Loch Broom, is where we travel from to Lewis and immerse ourselves in Gaelic culture and enjoy the truly inspirational surroundings of Harris with her mountains and glorious white beaches.

Take this journey to truly learn about Scotland's famously stunning islands.

 

Tour Details

Starts
Check-in closes at 08:45 (tour departs at 09:00) - Gate J And Gate K, Edinburgh Bus Station, St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, EH1 3DQ
Finishes (approx.)
19:00 - Edinburgh Bus Station Drop Off, George St / St. Andrews Square area, (Within 5 mins of Edinburgh Bus Station), Edinburgh,
Luggage
You're restricted to 20kg (44lbs) of luggage per person. This should be one piece of luggage similar to an airline carry-on bag (approximately 55cm x 45cm x 25cm / 22in x 17in x 10in) plus one small bag for onboard personal items.
Discounts

Students, seniors over 60, and children between 5 and 15 (unfortunately, we don't carry children under 5 years old)

Important information
  • This tour combines three of our trips. This means you swap your bus and guide during the journey.
  • Pack your waterproof clothing and walking shoes
  • Some attraction tickets can be purchased in advance when you book your tour. You’ll have the option to add at check-out. Other attractions will not be available to book beforehand, instead you can purchase those while on tour. 
Tour inclusions
  • Transport in a 16 seat Mercedes mini-coach
  • Air conditioning as standard
  • The stories and services of an English-speaking driver-guide
  • All ferry fares except the optional trip to Staffa
Tour exclusions
  • Tour accommodation
  • Attraction entry tickets

Itinerary

Day 1

  • Stare into mountainous horizons in the West Highlands
  • Stroll through the handsome harbour town of Oban

Travel north past Stirling Castle and to the region of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.

You venture through the impressive mountains of the West Highlands and the magnificent whitewashed 18th-century town of Inveraray, home to the Campbell Clan and the Duke of Argyll.

The afternoon will be spent in the heart of Argyll before arriving in the bustling town of Oban for your two-night stay.

 

Day 2

  • Discover the history of Celtic Christianity
  • See one of Scotland’s most unique geological wonders at Fingal’s Cave

Today you have an early start, beginning the day crossing on the ferry to Mull for a chance to explore dramatic coastlines and wild beauty.

You take the small ferry to Iona, the birthplace of Celtic Christianity, and ancient burial ground of Scottish Kings. Here you can visit the historic abbey with its intricate carved crosses in the churchyard, or explore rocky headlands and sandy coves.

There’s an opportunity to take a small boat for an optional trip to the island of Staffa and view the dramatic basalt columns immortalised by Mendelssohn in his Hebridean Overture "Fingal's Cave".

You then return on the ferry to Oban for your second night.

 

Day 3

  • Arrive in the most ‘tropical’ town in Scotland, Plockton
  • Be awestruck by the majestic slopes of Glencoe

You ramble north along the west coast around Appin, passing the impregnable Castle Stalker. Next, you head to the gorgeous Glencoe, one of the most famous natural landmarks in all of Scotland. This beautiful area boasts steep slopes and photogenic peaks. Your driver-guide may reveal to you the tragic tale that’s haunted this valley for over 300 years.

You then venture through Fort William and under the shadow of Ben Nevis, which at 1,344 meters is the highest mountain in the British Isles.

We continue through the Great Glen, a natural fault in the earth’s crust that runs through Scotland. From here, you travel north to the picturesque fishing village of Plockton. You’re dropped off at your accommodation in the early evening.

Day 4

  • Traverse the legendary landscapes of Skye
  • Learn about the tales and battles that shaped the island's culture

Today is a very flexible day on Skye. There are many possibilities depending on the weather, and your driver-guide will use their local knowledge to decide on the best day out for the group.

You may ascend the Quiraing along Trotternish Ridge and be rewarded with spectacular views. Alternatively, you could drink in the scenery at Loch Coruisk or drive through the dramatic Red Cuillin to the little hamlet of Elgol.

We return you to your accommodation in Plockton in the late afternoon for a free evening to explore the village.

Day 5

  • Snap a few photos at the gorgeous Eilean Donan Castle
  • Try and spot the Loch Ness Monster

You’re collected from your accommodation for the short drive to the famous stronghold of Eilean Donan Castle.

Then, you travel east taking in the stunning views over Loch Duich and the Five Sisters of Kintail. You continue to Loch Ness for lunch and the possibility of spotting "Nessie".

Half an hour south of Loch Ness you stop in the village of Spean Bridge and join a new bus for the continuation of your tour to Orkney. Your guides will help you transfer your luggage and introduce you to your new travelling companions.

With your new crew, you continue north following the Great Glen travelling the entire 23 miles of the famous loch. You arrive at Inverness, where you’re dropped off at your accommodation. The evening is free for you to explore the 'Capital of the Highlands'.

Day 6

  • Arrive in the Capital of Orkney, Kirkwall
  • Explore mainland Scotland’s most northern scenery

It’s an early start, leaving behind the 'Capital of the Highlands', crossing over the Black Isle, and continuing past Dunrobin Castle.

From here, you drive along the northeast Highland coastline, travelling into some of Scotland's most dramatic scenery.

Onwards through Scotland's most northerly mainland village, John o' Groats, and then to Gills Bay, where you board the ferry, and cross the Pentland Firth into the Orkney Archipelago.

It’s a short drive to the famous Italian Chapel where you stop for a visit before continuing to the Viking stronghold of Kirkwall, Capital of Orkney. Here you can visit Kirkwall's magnificent Viking Cathedral and enjoy its historic winding streets in the evening.

Day 7

  • Go to an ancient site that is older than the pyramids, Skara Brae
  • See the wild ocean clash with redstone cliffs

Today is your chance to explore this archipelago’s fertile green pastures, fringed by shores of golden sands and washed by waters of the North Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.

You visit the 5,000-year-old village of Skara Brae, the mystical prehistoric stone circle at Brodgar and the Druidic standing stones of Stenness.

You then travel onto Maeshowe, where in the 12th century the Vikings left one of the largest collections of Norse runic inscriptions.

Then it’s back to Kirkwall for your second night after what is sure to be a memorable day.

Day 8

  • Stroll around the beautiful harbour town of Ullapool
  • Take a look at the stunningly located ruins of Ardvreck Castle

After a relaxed start, you leave Orkney and sail the Viking waters back to the mainland. From here, you travel the old road right across the very top of Scotland, driving past the stunning Ben Loyal and Ben Hope mountains, following the rocky cliffs and stunning golden sand beaches.

You then visit the far northwest Highlands and the wilderness of the mountains of Assynt before stopping to view the 15th-century ruins of Ardvreck Castle.

From here, you travel to Ullapool, situated at the mouth of Loch Broom, a beautiful whitewashed fishing village where you spend two nights.

Once again, you leave the group at this point and on day 10 join your new group, with whom you will stay for the rest of the tour.

Day 9

  • Discover the tranquil Highland way of life
  • Admire the beauty of the Summer Isles on a boat trip

You have a free day in Ullapool before you join your new driver-guide and companions. This picturesque fishing town is surrounded by stunning mountains and is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts.

If you want to spot seals, dolphins, porpoises, numerous sea birds and eagles, you can go on a cruise around the Summer Isles.

Alternatively, you can head up Claypool hill for an easy two-hour walk offering wonderful views over Loch Broom.

Ullapool is also a great place to relax and enjoy the Highland pace of life. You can browse the small craft boutiques, try whisky in a pub, or savour top quality seafood. And in the evening, enjoy some live music and mingle with the locals before your next leg of the journey.

Day 10

  • Travel by ferry through the Summer Isles
  • Explore a lighthouse and the rugged coastline of Lewis

Wake up, enjoy your breakfast, and look out over Loch Broom as it glistens under the morning sky. You meet your new travel companions and take a ferry across the sea.

This two and a half-hour boat trip takes you through the Summer Isles to Stornoway, the main town of the Western Isles. But don’t spend your time snoozing and reading as you sail across the ocean; because if you look out to sea, you may spot dolphins and whales.

Once you’ve arrived on Lewis and Harris, you head to the North West coast. Your driver-guide will make the most of what weather you’ve been blessed with and take you through traditional crofting towns and seaside ports. You even get to see the Butt of Lewis; from the lighthouse here there’s nothing but fishes and water between you and America.

You spend the evening in Stornoway; a bustling port town and the home of Scotland’s most delicious black puddings.

Day 11

  • Step inside a traditional Scottish home at Arnol Blackhouse*
  • Ponder over the mysteries of the Neolithic standing stones of Calanais**

Today, you immerse yourself in the history and landscapes of this wild island.

You first head to Arnol Blackhouse*. Here, you can experience what traditional farming life was like in these remote reaches without getting your hands too dirty.

A little down the road, you visit the stone fort of Dun Carloway. This structure was built before 100AD and has experienced more battles than you’ve had hot dinners. It’s a wonderful location to ponder over the vast swathes of history that have come before you.

You then travel through a landscape littered with crofting villages to one of the most famous sights of the island, the Calanais Stone Circle**. This prehistoric site still mystifies archaeologists today.

The rest of your afternoon is spent in the beautiful beaches and mountains of the western side of Lewis.

You head back to Stornoway in the late afternoon.

*Please note that Arnol Blackhouse will be closed between Monday 23rd September and Thursday 17th October inclusive, due to repairs. If your tour departs between 16th September and 30th September, the visitor centre with shop and exhibition will remain open along with the white house, but unforunately a full visit into the Blackhouse will not be available. We apologise for the inconvenience.

**The Calanais stones will be closed from 26 October 2024. This will affect tours departing between 25-29 Oct 2024. We apologise for any inconvenience.

Day 12

  • Admire the landscapes that inspired Harris Tweed
  • Cast your eyes upon the slender, blonde curves of Luskentyre beach

It’s time for something a little more dramatic. It’s time to enter the region of Harris.

Harris boasts the highest mountains in the Outer Hebrides and one of the most beautiful white-sandy beaches in Britain, Luskentyre.

The area is also famous for Harris Tweed and myths that are as strange as they are poignant.

After a morning of exploring the dramatic landscapes, you stop for lunch. Depending on the weather, we may even go for a picnic on the beach – so don’t forget to pack your sunglasses.

Your adventure continues on a ferry over the sea to Portree, the largest town in Skye and your base for the next two evenings.

Day 13

  • Set your sights on Scotland’s most dramatic landscapes on the Isle of Skye
  • Snap a famous photo of Portree’s colourful harbour front

Back on the Isle of Syke and today your driver-guide makes the most out of your time on this marvel-studded landscape.

You may travel to the Quiraing mountain pass and enjoy a spectacular walk, venture to Kilt Rock and see a gigantic waterfall, or take a boat trip to the lesser-known Loch Coruisk.

After you’ve enjoyed the sights of Skye, you have your final evening in Portree. There are plenty of fabulous seafood restaurants to celebrate a fine day of exploring.

Day 14

  • Learn how Eilean Donan Castle survived Viking invasions and 343 barrels of gunpowder
  • Discover how Glencoe earned its name, ‘the Weeping Glen’

Don’t be too sad that your trip is ending today, because there are a lot of amazing things to check out on the way back to Edinburgh.

Once you’ve crossed the Skye Bridge, you get a chance to see Eilean Donan Castle. This classic combination of a sturdy-stone fortification perched upon a loch is about as Scottish a view as you can get. Just ensure you’ve got some room left on your camera to take photos.

You then travel under Britain’s tallest mountain, Ben Nevis. The peak of this mountain is likely to be shrouded high in the clouds.

Your driver-guide may become a little emotional as you move through the valley of Glencoe. This marvellously mountainous area was the site of one of the most tragic massacres in Scottish history. The story is as unforgettable as the landscape.

The hilly views become flatter as you enter the Lowlands and travel to Edinburgh.

You arrive in the early evening.

Attractions

Tour Attractions

You are able to pre-purchase entrance tickets to the following attractions at the time of booking:

  • Skara Brae
  • Maeshowe
  • Arnol Blackhouse

Other attractions may be booked and paid locally during the tour.

Accommodation

Where does this tour stay overnight?

You stay two nights in Oban, two nights in Plockton*, one night in Inverness, two nights in Kirkwall, two nights in Ullapool**, two nights in Stornoway, and two nights in Portree.

 

**Please be aware that Ullapool is busy all year round and Kirkwall is busy between June and August . You may need to be flexible with rooms we're able to reserve for you here. If you'd prefer to find your own accommodation for this location, please choose the 'book your own accommodation' option when you book your tour.

*Please note that during busy periods, your tour may stay in Portree instead of Plockton.

 

How can I book accommodation?

Accommodation is not included in the price of your tour. To book accommodation, there are two options: either Rabbie’s Tours can book it for you, or you can book your own. For information on how to do this, please see the ‘Accommodation’ tab on FAQ page HERE.

Alternatively, please email us your questions at tours@rabbies.com or call us on +44(0)131 226 3133.

Information you can find on the FAQ page, under the ‘Accommodation’ tab: types of accommodation, room types, the booking process, getting to and from your accommodation, and cancellation terms.

How much will the accommodation cost?

We book accommodation with third-party providers on your behalf and each property sets their own rates. Rates vary considerably depending on the accommodation standard, facilities, location, and local demand. We therefore can’t tell you exactly how much your accommodation will cost until your request has been allocated to a specific property.

As a guide, you can expect to pay the following prices, per person per night:

 

Approximate prices, per person per night

Overnight Location

 

Sole Occupancy

Multiple Occupancy

 

(1 person per room)

(2+ people per room)

B&B Standard

£80 - £120

£60 - £80

UK & Northern Ireland

€80 - €120

€60 - €80

Ireland

B&B En-suite

£100 - £145

£55 - £95

UK & Northern Ireland

€100 - €145

€55 - €100

Ireland

Hotel

£110 - £190

£75 - £150

UK & Northern Ireland

€130 - €235

€75 - €150

Ireland

NOTE: Prices quoted are for guidance only and may be higher on some occasions, especially for last-minute bookings and when demand is high (E.g. peak season, weekends, holidays, special events etc)

Breakfast will be included unless otherwise noted. The type of breakfast provided will vary from place to place so you may receive either a full cooked breakfast, a continental style breakfast (E.g., toast, fruit, cereal), or a packed breakfast bag or tray (E.g., porridge pot, fruit, granola bar).

FAQs

Do you offer hotel pickups in the departure cities?

The UK and Ireland's historic city centres are full of narrow streets and winding roads. So, to speed up your departure, we only pick up from our central meeting points. What's more is leaving the city using the most direct route also reduces the carbon footprint of our tours.

Is there parking close to the departure point?

We don't recommend bringing your car into the centre of our departure cities. It can be hard to find parking, and there are excellent public transportation services.

When should I get to the departure point?

Arrive 15 minutes before your departure time. Due to waiting restrictions, we can't wait for you if you're late.

What happens if I'm late or miss the tour?

If you're late for your tour, our cancellation policy applies. 100% charges are applicable, and you will not be entitled to a refund or alternative.

What are your cancellation policies?

Your cancellation terms depend on which tour you've booked.

For one-day tours: You'll receive a full refund if you cancel 24 hours or more before the tour departure

For tours of between two and nine days: You'll receive a 90% refund if you cancel 15 or more days before the tour departure

For tours of 10 or more days: You'll receive a 90% refund if you cancel 21 or more days before the tour departure

For all European packaged tours: You'll receive a 90% refund if you cancel 42 days before the tour departure.

If you cancel inside these notice periods, full charges will apply and no refunds will be issued.

To cancel your booking, email tours@rabbies.com as soon as possible. The effective date of cancellation will be the date we receive written confirmation from you.

Click here to view terms and conditions

Can Itineraries change?

Your tour will always follow the itinerary as closely as possible. Your driver-guide will keep you up to date on the road, and we'll try to get in touch about any large changes prior to your departure.

Can I pre-book a specific seat?

Due to logistical reasons, we're unable to let you pre-book a seat on the bus. But our comfortable 16-seat mini-coaches have huge windows. So, you'll always get a good view.

Are there toilets on the bus?

Unfortunately, we have no on-board toilet facilities, but you'll have regular comfort breaks.

How do you cater for people with accessibility needs?

We aim to accommodate everyone. To read more information on how we do this, click here to go to our accessibility guide.

Do you take children on your tours?

We regret we don't carry children under the age of five on our scheduled tours.

You can ask us about the tours we recommend for younger children. And if your child is less than 1.35m tall, you should let us know, so we can provide them with a suitable booster seat.

How much time do I get off the bus?

We want you to enjoy Britain and Ireland. And we believe the best way to do this is to get you off the mini-coach and out exploring. So, we give you plenty of time to take photos, go walking, and explore ancient ruins.

Why do you exclude visitor attractions?

We exclude visitor attractions in your tour price because it lets you travel your way. It means you can pamper yourself with a luxury lunch or skip an attraction whenever you feel like it.

Do we need to bring our own lunch?

You don't need to. We stop in small towns, villages, and rural eateries where you can choose whatever meal pleases both your taste buds and your budget.

Should I tip the driver-guide?

Let's be honest, our driver-guides would never refuse a cheeky bonus. But it's up to you, and the amount is entirely at your discretion.

What about travel insurance?

We advise you take out travel insurance.

What is ABTOT?

You're protected by ABTOT when you chose to let us reserve your accommodation on a multi-day tour. This means you can claim back anything you've paid us if we become bankrupt. Read our terms and conditions for more information.

I have more questions, who can help me?

If you have any more questions, call us on +44(0)131 226 3133, email tours@rabbies.com , or check out our full FAQs .

Restrictions

Children
We regret we dont carry children under the age of 5 years old on our scheduled tours.

If your child is less that 1.35m tall, you should let us know and we will provide a suitable booster seat.
Luggage
You're restricted to 20kg (44lbs) of luggage per person. This should be one piece of luggage similar to an airline carry-on bag (approximately 55cm x 45cm x 25cm / 22in x 17in x 10in) plus one small bag for onboard personal items.

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