Wildlife spotting on the Moray Coast, picturesque fishing villages, and Speyside whisky tasting.
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- 2 - 8 Day Tours
- 4 Day Tour Mull, Iona & Staffa Puffin Experience
This small group adventure combines the beauty of Scotland’s Inner Hebrides with whisky, history, and captivating wildlife encounters. Stay overnight in the colourful town of Tobermory on the Isle of Mull, stroll along the pristine sandy beaches on the Isle of Iona, and try delicious seafood in Oban. As a special treat, you’ll join a puffin tour by boat to explore the famous Fingal’s Cave and the uninhabited island of Staffa, home to a bustling colony of these adorable, colourful birds. And, of course, no tour of Scotland would be complete without visiting iconic Highland gems like Glen Coe and Loch Lomond, making this a truly unforgettable experience for every nature lover.
Tour Highlights
Isle of Iona
The Isle of Iona is a true gem off Scotland's west coast. The island has been a centre of religious pilgrimage for centuries, fostering a sense of connection to the past. The island's remote location, ancient ruins, and timeless landscapes add to its mystical atmosphere.
Seabirds & Coastal Wildlife
Scotland's coasts are a haven for seabirds and wildlife, including puffins, gannets, and otters. The nesting months, from April to August, provide the perfect opportunity to observe these animals as they breed and raise their young in stunning coastal habitats. Please note that wildlife encounters cannot be guaranteed.
Wildlife Cruise to Fingal’s Cave
Fingal's Cave is a world-famous sea cave on the uninhabited island of Staffa, in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland. During a wildlife boat tour to Staffa and the Treshnish Isles, you get the chance to observe bustling seabird colonies in their natural habitat.
Small Group Tour
Small groups, big adventures! Our small group tours offer an intimate, relaxed way to explore while you soak up Scotland's magic. Please note that, due to vehicle availability, there may be instances where this tour operates on a larger bus.
Tobermory
Tobermory is the main town on the Hebridean island of Mull. Known for its colourful waterfront buildings, this quaint fishing village boasts a truly unique atmosphere against the backdrop of vibrant hillsides.
Isle of Mull
The Isle of Mull in Scotland stands out among the Inner Hebrides for its stunning landscapes, rich wildlife including eagles and otters, historical sites like Duart Castle, vibrant Tobermory village, and its proximity to the enchanting Staffa and Iona islands.
Rest and Be Thankful
Rest and Be Thankful is a popular viewpoint and picnic spot offering breath-taking views of the Arrochar Alps. As you pause here, take a moment to appreciate the awe-inspiring scenery before continuing your journey.
Inveraray
Inveraray is a picturesque town situated on the western shore of Loch Fyne. Known for its stunning Georgian architecture, including the iconic Inveraray Castle, you can explore its many historic sites, enjoy scenic walks, and savour fresh seafood.
Luss
Located on the western shore of Loch Lomond, Luss is a quaint village known for its postcard-perfect scenery and traditional charm. Once you walk along its serene streets lined with stone cottages, you’ll understand why Luss is recognised as a conservation village. It provides an authentic glimpse into Scotland’s cultural and environmental characteristics!
Glen Coe
This jaw-dropping landscape is the most atmospheric and evocative place in Scotland. Glen Coe translates as the ‘weeping glen’, and the name reflects the sad history of the area, as well as the many waterfalls which cascade from misty peaks.
Oban
Oban is tourist town with a busy ferry port serving the Hebrides. Enjoy fresh seafood by the water and visit McCaig’s tower - a local landmark which resembles the Colosseum - for amazing views of Oban and its neighbouring islands.
Whisky Distillery
Our national drink is enjoyed around the world, but there’s nowhere better to try whisky than in Scotland itself. Learn about whisky production, and sample the ‘water of life’ straight from the source at a whisky distillery.
Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park
Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park is an area of rich history and vast, natural beauty. Here you will find Scotland’s wild scenery at its best; from soaring peaks and serene lochs, to gorgeous glens and lush forests.
Inclusions
Small Group Tour
Passionate Local Guide
Live Commentary & Storytelling in English
Three-Night Stay at a Three-Star Hotel
Complimentary Breakfast Each Morning of Your Stay
Whisky Distillery Tour
All Ferry Crossings
Accommodation
Highland Hotel
Experience a warm Scottish welcome in our handpicked Highland hotels, each brimming with its own unique charm. Kickstart your mornings with a hearty breakfast showcasing authentic Scottish flavours, including the iconic Full Scottish Breakfast. While the specific hotel may vary, rest assured, you'll enjoy Highland hospitality at its finest.
Room Types
Twin Room
One room with two separate beds suitable for one adult in each bed.
Double Room
One room with one bed suitable for two adults.
Family 3
One room with two separate beds. One bed suitable for two adults and one bed suitable for one adult/child.
Accessibility and Facilities
For more information, see our Accessibility Statement.
What Other Explorers Say
I've thoroughly enjoyed this tour even though we were affected by Storm Floris. Our guide Dusty made sure we had an enjoyable trip with his skilfull driving and interesting commentaries. The sceneries on Iona and Staffa were absolutely stunning. Highly recommended!
Michelle
07/08/2025I had a great time on this tour. Although with the difficult weather conditions making the beginning unpredictable, Dusty our guide kept us updated at all times on where we were going. I felt like I was able to see so much and experience so much and I am very grateful for my time on this tour. Accomodation, activities were all amazing and well thought out. Thank you to Dusty for being an amazing guide and assisting us with our exploration both in present and teaching of ...
Meg
07/08/2025Wonderful trip to experience the islands. Beautiful Iona, the joy of seeing puffins and dolphins - wonderful memories! Staffa and Lungs are not very accessible which I would have liked to know in advance as I was travelling with older people who couldn't do all the walking required, but our driver Laurie was a star and took great care of them - and all of us. Cannot recommend highly enough.
Keira
02/08/2025Louise & Laurie made a great tour in excellent weather absolutely perfect. They clearly enjoyed the trip as much as we did and we really enjoyed their company, all the stories, legends and magic. Excellent playlist and singalong! Next time we are in Edinburgh we will do another trip with Highland Tours.
Mike
18/07/2025Wonderful trip. Led by the brilliant Louise, and Laurie, we had a truly memorable time and the sun came too! The visit to Fingals Cave was beyond anything I've seen and the puffins brought a smile to us all. Thank you Louise for sharing your love of the area and the stories you told.
Elizabeth
18/07/2025Alistair was amazing! Amazing trip with fantastic sites. Puffins, dolphins, and whales, oh my. We had a great into to Scotland, is history and amazing site... And the weather was amazing.
Keith
10/07/2025Alistair kicked the tour off on an upbeat and interesting note with a great introduction to Scotland and one of many great stories about the local area and places we would visit. The pacing was very well designed to allow for exploration and discovery at each of the many breathtaking locations and locals. The hotels were very comfortable, and the staff were all friendly ans accommodating.
Laird
10/07/2025It was amazing, the views, hikes, food, and stories were amazing! Alistair was our guide and he was fantastic. He had some great stories and history for travel, with amazing vista spots and perfect food recommendations. Drive was smooth and timings were clear with no rushing.
Michelle
10/07/2025Thank you for a great 4 day trip with our guide Alistair. Our accommodation was wonderful at Mishnish for 2 nights in Tobermory & a night at Alltavona House in Oban. All our days were filled with so many places to see especially on Mull to watch the puffins & Fingal's Cave. Visit to Iona to visit the Abbey. Our other stops were too many to list. This trip was a tribute to Alistair with his knowledge about the history on many places of interest, also his care in making su...
Robert
25/07/2024Amazing, Alistair our tour leader was so knowledgeable. Great small, friendly and personal tour. Accommodation and meals excellent.
Bryan
25/07/2024This was an amazing trip, full of wonderful sights that fills your soul. There is a lot packed in to the tour but there is also plenty of opportunity to explore on your own if you wish. The puffins were a huge highlight of this amazing tour. Our group was small (12) and were an amazing bunch to travel with. Final word for our driver/guide, Rich, what a guy. Funny, friendly and so knowledgeable of all areas we visited. I learnt so much and laughed more. He went the extra ...
Tim
11/07/2024The tour was a late decision but proved to be a great choice. Loved it!!! Rich our guide was simply the best. Lovely guy informative, helpful and fun. Treat yourself and go. You won’t regret it
Cilla
13/06/2024First class. First time to the isles and it could not have been better. Guide Rich was fantastic, so knowledgable, friendly and helpful. Could not believe the beautiful scenery. Beaches were stunning and water so clear. Wow!!
Roy
13/06/2024Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the tour depart from?
Is accommodation included?
Yes, three nights hotel accommodation is included in the tour price.
What accommodation will I be staying at?
Accommodation is carefully selected by our experienced team ensuring a hearty Scottish welcome. While the specific hotel may vary, you can be confident your stay will be comfortable.
Find more info on our Accommodation page.
What about meals?
Your accommodation comes with a freshly made breakfast each morning. However, lunch, dinner, and snacks are not included in the tour. Scotland boasts numerous outstanding restaurants and cafes that we highly recommend you try out. This gives you the freedom to explore Scottish local cuisine at your leisure, catering to your preferences and dietary needs.
Will I see puffins?
The puffin breeding and nesting season typically takes place from April to August. On your wildlife boat tour to Staffa and the Treshnish Isles you can expect encountering a diverse array of wildlife, including puffins. However, please be aware that animals are unpredictable, and sightings may depend on factors beyond our control. Therefore, wildlife encounters cannot be guaranteed.
Is this tour suitable for solo travellers?
Please note that we are currently unable to offer single rooms on this tour. Many of our other tours do offer single room options for solo travellers.
Is the wildlife boat trip suitable for people with limited mobility?
Access to the Tresnish Islands involves navigating rocky and uneven ground, so this optional add-on may not be appropriate for those with mobility concerns.
Are there toilet facilities on the coach?
While our coaches don't offer onboard toilets, rest assured that our itineraries include regular comfort stops, allowing frequent access to restroom facilities.
Are your tours accessible?
Our guides are unable to assist with wheelchairs or provide physical assistance during boarding or disembarking from the coach. Passengers should be capable of boarding and disembarking independently using the access stairs or with the help of a traveling companion. Foldable wheelchairs can be stored in our onboard luggage storage during travel.
Please note that some stops on our tours may involve rough terrain or only be accessible by steps.
It's important to be aware that your accommodation may have limited accessibility for wheelchair users. More info can be found on our Accessibility page.
Can I purchase snacks or souvenirs at the stops along the way?
Yes! Our routes include stops where you can grab a snack or recharge with a drink. Occasionally, we pause at shops offering local souvenirs as well. For precise details about timing and stops, don't hesitate to inquire with your guide.
Where can I get a more detailed itinerary?
Our itinerary (in tab 2, 'Itinerary & Departure') provides a helpful outline of what to expect on the day. We refrain from providing additional details beyond what's outlined there, as factors like weather, traffic, and the preferences of our driver guides may lead to slight deviations. We also believe that part of the excitement comes from the unexpected surprises along the way! Rest assured, your journey through Scotland will be unlike any other.
What if I need to cancel my tour?
If you need to cancel your tour, you will need to inform us in writing by sending an email to info@highlandexplorertours.com. You can find our cancellation and refunds policy in section 3 in our Terms and Conditions.
I have more questions. How can you help?
Feel free to visit our general Frequently Asked Questions page for answers to common queries, or reach out to us directly via our Contact Us page.
- Home
- 2 - 8 Day Tours
- 4 Day Tour Mull, Iona & Staffa Puffin Experience
Highland Explorer Tours
Mull, Iona & Staffa Puffin Experience
4-Day Itinerary
Tour Route
Day 1
Edinburgh to Tobermory
Day 2
Isle of Mull
Day 3
Tobermory to Oban
Day 4
Oban to Edinburgh
Day 1 | Edinburgh to Tobermory
Leaving Edinburgh, we journey west past the historic city of Stirling, heading towards the scenic Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. We stop to explore the charming conservation village of Luss, capture spectacular views of the Arrochar Alps from the Rest and Be Thankful viewpoint. Enjoy some free time in the picturesque loch-side town of Inveraray, where you can savour local dishes for lunch. After visiting the historic Dunadd Fort, we'll continue to Oban to catch our ferry to the Isle of Mull. We'll spend the next two nights in the colourful fishing town of Tobermory.
Day 2 | Isle of Mull
Today we meet the puffins! After breakfast, we embark on one of Scotland's most immersive puffin tours, with a wildlife boat trip to the Treshnish Isles and Staffa*. Sit back, relax, and take in panoramic sea views of this idyllic group of islands, bustling with seabirds and, depending on the season, even seals. You might also spot dolphins, eagles, or whales, with insightful commentary from an experienced wildlife guide. As we sail to Staffa, hear stories of giants and geology and get up close to the striking Fingal’s Cave. Once we land on Staffa, we have ample time to explore the island and observe the enchanting little puffins in their natural habitat.
*The wildlife boat trip to the Tresnish Islands may not be suitable for guests with limited mobility, as the islands have rugged terrain and uneven ground underfoot.
*The wildlife boat trip to the Tresnish Islands may not be suitable for guests with limited mobility, as the islands have rugged terrain and uneven ground underfoot.
Day 3 | Tobermory to Oban
Today, we travel across mountainous Isle of Mull to the spiritual Isle of Iona, often referred to as the sacred heart of Scotland. You’ll have ample free time to have lunch, visit the historic Iona Abbey, and take a leisurely walk along the island’s white sandy beaches.
Afterwards, we catch the ferry back to Oban, where you can try fresh seafood and unwind with a drink in a local pub on our final evening. (Overnight: Oban)
Afterwards, we catch the ferry back to Oban, where you can try fresh seafood and unwind with a drink in a local pub on our final evening. (Overnight: Oban)
Day 4 | Oban to Edinburgh
We depart Oban and travel through the dramatic landscape of Glen Coe, the wild expanse of Rannoch Moor, and the historic areas associated with the Scottish folk hero Rob Roy.
To top off four fantastic days, we have a toast at a whisky distillery and learn all about single malt
production. We return to Edinburgh in the evening after four fantastic days.
To top off four fantastic days, we have a toast at a whisky distillery and learn all about single malt
production. We return to Edinburgh in the evening after four fantastic days.
HIGHLAND EXPLORER TOURS
highlandexplorertours.com
4 Day Tour Itinerary & Map
View Map
DAY 1 | Edinburgh to Tobermory
Leaving Edinburgh, we journey west past the historic city of Stirling, heading towards the scenic Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. We stop to explore the charming conservation village of Luss, capture spectacular views of the Arrochar Alps from the Rest and Be Thankful viewpoint. Enjoy some free time in the picturesque loch-side town of Inveraray, where you can savour local dishes for lunch. After visiting the historic Dunadd Fort, we'll continue to Oban to catch our ferry to the Isle of Mull. We'll spend the next two nights in the colourful fishing town of Tobermory.
Day Highlights
DAY 2 | Isle of Mull
Today we meet the puffins! After breakfast, we embark on one of Scotland's most immersive puffin tours, with a wildlife boat trip to the Treshnish Isles and Staffa*. Sit back, relax, and take in panoramic sea views of this idyllic group of islands, bustling with seabirds and, depending on the season, even seals. You might also spot dolphins, eagles, or whales, with insightful commentary from an experienced wildlife guide. As we sail to Staffa, hear stories of giants and geology and get up close to the striking Fingal’s Cave. Once we land on Staffa, we have ample time to explore the island and observe the enchanting little puffins in their natural habitat.
*The wildlife boat trip to the Tresnish Islands may not be suitable for guests with limited mobility, as the islands have rugged terrain and uneven ground underfoot.
Day Highlights
DAY 3 | Tobermory to Oban
Today, we travel across mountainous Isle of Mull to the spiritual Isle of Iona, often referred to as the sacred heart of Scotland. You’ll have ample free time to have lunch, visit the historic Iona Abbey, and take a leisurely walk along the island’s white sandy beaches.
Afterwards, we catch the ferry back to Oban, where you can try fresh seafood and unwind with a drink in a local pub on our final evening. (Overnight: Oban)
Day Highlights
DAY 4 | Oban to Edinburgh
We depart Oban and travel through the dramatic landscape of Glen Coe, the wild expanse of Rannoch Moor, and the historic areas associated with the Scottish folk hero Rob Roy.
To top off four fantastic days, we have a toast at a whisky distillery and learn all about single malt
production. We return to Edinburgh in the evening after four fantastic days.
Day Highlights
Departure Point
60 High Street, EH1 1TB, Edinburgh
We depart from our blue corner shop at 60 High Street, centrally located on the Royal Mile in the Old Town of Edinburgh. A useful landmark to find us is the Radisson Blu Hotel, situated just one street further along.
Not sure how to get here? Find more info on our Departure Info page.
Departure & Return Time
Check-In Closes
8:00 AM
Departs
8:15 AM
Returns
6:00 PM
We are unable to hold the bus or refund for any late arrivals. Return times are approximate and subject to road conditions and weather. Please ensure you allocate sufficient time for any onward travel plans, allowing at least 3 hours after the scheduled return time for connections or activities.
Tours Dates & Prices
Choose a departure date, number of people and accommodation option.
- Home
- 2 - 8 Day Tours
- 4 Day Tour Mull, Iona & Staffa Puffin Experience
Wildlife Boat Cruise to Staffa and the Treshnish Isles
Reserve at the time of bookingCruise out to the Treshnish Isles and Staffa in search of whales, dolphins and basking sharks. If you're lucky you'll meet famous, friendly puffins and spot seals and seabirds among stunning island scenery. Explore the dramatic Fingal’s Cave (pictured), a natural wonder of towering basalt columns. Please be aware that visiting the Tresnish Islands requires walking on rough, uneven ground, which may not be suitable for those with limited mobility. Puffins encounters cannot be guaranteed.
Iona Abbey
Pay locallyIona Abbey, situated on the Isle of Iona in Scotland's Inner Hebrides, is a site of significant historical and spiritual importance, founded in AD 563. As a popular destination amongst pilgrims, it offers a glimpse into early Christian monastic life and history. Adult from £10. Tickets are subject to availability.
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