Wildlife Adventures - Mull, Staffa and Iona

7 days from £3600 per person

The remote Inner Hebridean islands of Mull, Staffa, the Treshnish Isles and Iona are home to some of Scotland’s rarest wildlife. Framed by breathtaking Atlantic coastal scenery, there are few better places in which to encounter bird and marine life including white-tailed sea eagles and puffins, whales, dolphins and seals. Begin to the north of Oban with two nights in the pretty seaside village of Port Appin then continue to the Isle of Mull for a four night stay. Explore Mull and visit Staffa, Treshnish and Iona before returning to Oban. The spring and summer months are the best time to see wildlife on Scotland’s western coast – spring for birdlife including puffins and summer for marine life.

Oban – Port Appin – Isle of Mull – Oban

Itinerary Highlights

The Isle of Mull is a bird watcher’s paradise. Search for the UK's largest bird of prey, the white-tailed eagle as well as other raptors including merlin, buzzard and hen harrier.

Travel by boat to both the beautiful uninhabited island of Staffa, location of famous Fingal's Cave, and the Treshnish Isles, a remote archipelago noted for its large puffin colony.

The Isle of Iona is just three miles long by one mile wide. During your visit learn about Iona’s important influence on Christianity in Scotland and England as well as throughout Europe.

Itinerary: Wildlife Adventures - Mull, Staffa and Iona

Day 1 Arrive Oban / Oban to Port Appin

Arrive into Oban. Here meet your driver-guide and travel north from the town where you will take a private boat to visit Castle Stalker – a four-storey tower house which dates to the 15th century – and take a private tour of the castle in the company of one of the Stewart Allward family, the current custodians of the property. The island is also an excellent place to see seals, dolphins and seabirds. Returning to the mainland, end the day at your hotel in nearby Port Appin which will be your base for the next two nights. This evening enjoy dinner overlooking the Loch Linnhe. (L/D)

Accommodation in Port Appin: Local hotel

Day 2 Port Appin – visit the Isle of Seil

After breakfast drive to the Isle of Seil which is reached by crossing the Clachan Bridge. Built in 1792, this simple hump-backed bridge is known locally as the ‘Bridge over the Atlantic’ since it crosses a tiny arm of the ocean. Once on Seil spend ample time exploring the island. Enjoy the views over to the mountain of Mull, explore the rocky coastline and see herons fishing in the pools. Otters can also sometimes be seen in this area. In the afternoon return to Port Appin. (B/L/D)

Accommodation in Port Appin: Local hotel

Day 3 Port Appin to Oban – / Oban to Isle of Mull – by ferry

This morning return by road to Oban. On arrival take the ferry to the Isle of Mull where you will stay for the next four nights. With its rugged mountains and crags, stunning white sand beaches and crystal waters, Mull is noted for some of the finest scenery in the Inner Hebrides. It is also home to a large variety of rare and endangered birds and in the afternoon go in search of white-tailed eagles. Take a short hike to a hide and, depending on the time of year of your visit, you may be able to either see fledglings in the nest or them exploring the skies. (B/L/D)

Accommodation on the Isle of Mull: Pennygate Lodge (or similar)

Day 4 Isle of Mull

Today, with your guide, take a circular walk on the picturesque Treshnish peninsula. The coastal scenery here is without equal and there are plenty of opportunities to see a range of birdlife including merlin, buzzards and hen harriers, the rare marsh harrier and a number of seabird species. Later visit the legendary ‘Whisky Cave’, once the location of an illicit distillery and where the foundations of the illicit stills are still visible. Leaving the cave, pass through the abandoned crofting village of Crackaig now home to song thrushes and skylarks. (B/L/D)

Accommodation on the Isle of Mull: Pennygate Lodge (or similar)

Day 5 Isle of Mull – visit Staffa and the Treshnish Isles

With your guide, this morning travel by boat to Staffa – a name taken from old Norse meaning ‘Pillar Island’. Spend the morning ashore watching the many different sea birds that call Staffa home and, if the tide allows, enter the spectacular Fingal’s Cave. Later sail on to the archipelago of the remote Treshnish Isles. Boasting one of the most accessible seabird colonies in Scotland, puffins, guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes, fulmars and shags can all be seen. The waters around the Treshnish Isles are also a haven for Atlantic grey seal, dolphin, porpoise, minke whale and even basking shark. (B/L/D)

Accommodation on the Isle of Mull: Pennygate Lodge (or similar)

Day 6 Isle of Mull – visit the Isle of Iona

This morning take the car ferry from Mull to Iona. This small Inner Hebridean island located just off the Ross of Mull is where the monk Columba and his followers from Ireland founded a monastery in AD563 to spread the gospel in Scotland and the north of England. Here visit Iona Abbey, the Nunnery and St. Oran’s Chapel which is thought to be the final resting place of 48 kings of Scotland, including Macbeth. (B/L/D)

Accommodation on the Isle of Mull: Pennygate Lodge (or similar)

Day 7 Isle of Mull to Oban – by ferry / Depart Oban

After breakfast hike through forest and moor to an iron age fort then, around lunchtime, return to Oban by ferry where your tour will end. (B/L)

**KEY: N = No meals, B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

What's included

Private car with English speaking driver-guide
Sightseeing with local English speaking guides
Hotel accommodation and taxes

What's not included

Any International flights
Any Domestic flights
Cost of visas
Travel Insurance
Expenses of a personal nature
Meals unless specified

Guide to Price

The above price is based on two people travelling together and sharing accommodation in low season. The price is only a guide and can vary according to selected airlines, hotels and date of travel. If you wish to travel with your family, friends or on your own we will be very happy to assist you with your arrangements.

This tour is suited to active travellers who have reasonable fitness and enjoy moderate hikes. Walks will be of a comfortable pace, last between 5 to 6 hours, are typically 8 to 10km in length and follow mostly good paths and hill trails although these may be muddy and rough in places. Please also note that the weather in Scotland can be unpredictable and at times this can make activities more challenging so it is worth being well prepared. Your guide may need to alter your itinerary on the day due to local conditions.

On this itinerary you will have your own private vehicle (Ford Custom or similar) and driver throughout. Your driver will also be your guide. Masks are required to be worn when in the vehicle and to maintain social distancing the vehicle has a maximum occupancy of five people (from the same household). The vehicle will be cleaned every day.

It is also possible, should you wish, to undertake this journey on a self-drive basis using your own vehicle or a hire car. We can also assist you with rail or air travel to and from Scotland as well as any additional hotel stays in Scotland or the rest of the UK. Please contact us for further details.

Stay a few days more in Oban and explore the Argyll Peninsula and other islands of Scotland’s western coastline. Possibilities include the small island of Kerrera, once a stronghold for clan MacDougall, the beautiful and remote Isle of Jura, the Oa Peninsula and Islay.

Wildlife Adventures - Mull, Staffa and Iona

7 days from £3600 per person

Itinerary Highlights

Itinerary: Wildlife Adventures - Mull, Staffa and Iona

What To Do Next?

What's included

What's not included

Guide to Price

What Is A Tailor-Made Holiday?

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When to Visit

Scotland Holiday Review

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