8-Day Private Scotland Tour to Islands of Whisky & Wildlife: Mull, Iona & Islay

Oct 20

Your dream Scotland tour is closer than you think.

Head up through the best of the Highlands and start your adventure sampling fine Scottish whisky on Islay. Then out to Mull (the island of abundant wildlife!) and further along to Iona (the birthplace of Christianity in Scotland). With Scottish castles, breathtaking views, highland coo’s and much more along the way.

For those who want to delve into Scotland’s more remote areas with a taste for Scotch, this tours for you!

- Islay Scotch Distilleries
- Oban Distillery
- Ferry to Islay
- Highlands of Scotland
- Iona Abbey & Nunnery
- Island Waterfalls & Beaches
- Ancient History
Highlights - Day 1
- Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park
- Inveraray Castle
- The Seaside Town of Tarbert
- Boat to the Isle of Islay
- Bowmore Distillery
Our journey starts at your chosen pickup location. We'll set our course northward, venturing into the beautiful Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park.
As we drive through the park's breathtaking landscapes, you'll see the geological line that spans from Scotland's eastern coast to its western shores, separating the Highlands and Lowlands of Scotland
Now, we reach a pivotal juncture and veer westward toward the coastline.
Exiting the national park, we'll arrive at a truly distinctive castle. Presently owned by the clan chief of Clan Campbell, who once held the mantle of Scotland's most potent clan, Inveraray Castle is an essential stop along the west coast.
After visiting the castle, we'll proceed to another nearby gem, the Royal Castle of Tarbert. Though now a captivating ruin, it offers panoramic views of the charming town of Tarbert, along with a wealth of captivating history.
The time has come to embark on our ferry crossing to Islay, a trip of approximately two hours. Upon leaving the ferry, we'll make our way directly to our accommodations in the charming town of Bowmore, the perfect starting point for your Islay adventure!
Highlights - Day 2 & 3
- Bowmore Distillery
- Laphroaig Distillery
- Lagavulin Distillery
- Ardbeg Distillery
- Stunning Coastal Scenery
We kickstart the day with a visit to Bowmore Distillery for a whisky tour. Learn all about the whisky production process from start to finish.
But why stop there? Our next destination includes a walking excursion with not one, not two, but three whisky distilleries! It's the Islay way! Our whisky journey, for today and the third day, will take us to Laphroaig, Lagavulin, and finally Ardbeg distilleries.
After an immersive two days steeped in whisky lore, we'll arrange for your pickup from the last distillery, ensuring your safe return to your Bowmore accommodations.
Highlights - Day 4
- Kilmartin Glen
- Oban
- Kilchurn Castle
- Balquhidder Glen
We leave on an early morning departure from the island, catching a ferry to the mainland. As we bid farewell to Islay, our journey leads us northward to the region of Kilmartin Glen.
Our first stop in this incredible glen is Dunadd Fort. This modest yet significant hill fort once served as the thriving heart of the ancient kingdom of Dal Riata, which stretched from Ireland's shores.
Next on our itinerary, just a stone's throw away, are the Nether Largie standing stones. We'll leisurely wander through the field, passing these venerable, weathered stones, before moving on to our next point of interest.
Who says our whisky adventure has to end on Islay? Our path now leads us to Oban, Scotland's seafood capital, where we'll get on to see a tour of the Oban distillery.
After savouring the "water of life," we set our course for Kilchurn Castle, once the ancestral seat of Clan Campbell. This remarkable ruin graces the head of Loch Awe, Scotland's longest freshwater loch, surrounded by awe-inspiring mountains.
Returning to our vehicle, we venture into Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park, where we'll explore the cascading Falls of Dochart in Killin. This charming highland village sits on the park's border and overlooks Loch Tay, which the falls spill into. These falls serve as a natural salmon ladder, offering a chance to witness leaping fish if our timing is right.
Have you heard the tale of Robert (Rob Roy) MacGregor? Our next destination is his final resting place, where you'll discover the extraordinary life of this legendary figure and the unfortunate history of Clan MacGregor.
Following our historical exploration, we'll hike through the landscape of Balquhidder Glen. We'll walk to a viewpoint that has served as the rallying point for the local clan chief and his clan for generations.
Highlights - Day 5
- Rannoch Moor
- Glencoe
- Morven Peninsula
- Boat to Isle of Mull
- Tobermory
Leaving Loch Lomond behind us, we press on into the heart of the Highlands, pausing at the beautiful Rannoch Moor. With its expansive moorlands and towering peaks, stands as a testament to Scotland's unspoiled natural wonders.
Our final halt in this glen leads us to the Three Sisters of Glencoe before embarking on the first of our two ferry crossings today. At Corran, we traverse the waters of Loch Linnhe, descending to the Morven Peninsula, where the remnants of an ancient township await our exploration.
Here, you'll uncover the poignant history of Highland and island communities, compelled to make way for expanded livestock holdings on the Landlord's estates.
As the day progresses, we make our way to our second ferry, charting a course across the Sound of Mull to the captivating Isle of Mull. Our ultimate destination? Our comfortable accommodations, where we'll settle in and savour the tranquility of the evening.
Highlights - Day 6
- Duart Castle
- Ferry to Isle of Iona
- Iona Abbey & Nunnery
- MacLean’s Cross
Our day starts with a visit to the southern expanse of the island, where Duart Castle stands proudly. Delve into the storied past of Clan MacLean and their ancestral stronghold, a castle still in possession of the clan chief to this day.
Our next step leads us southwestward, where a ferry ride from Fionnphort transports us to the Isle of Iona, often regarded as the cradle of Christianity in Scotland.
We'll stroll through the charming village of Iona to reach Iona Abbey. This historic site, at the heart of Scottish Christianity, where St. Columba's monastery was. A place that continues to draw pilgrims today.
Returning to the ferry for the journey back to Mull, we'll make a stop at Aros Castle. The path to these castle ruins offers stunning vistas across the Sound of Mull, while its history reveals the convoluted tale of changing allegiances among clan chiefs.
As the day winds down, we'll return to our vehicle, setting course for our accommodations, where you can unwind and savour the tranquility of the evening.
Highlights - Day 7
- Kilmore Standing Stones
- Calgary Beach & Clearance Village
- Eas Fors Waterfalls
- Stunning Scenic Coastal Drive
- Tobermory Distillery
Our day begins with an exploration of Mull's northern reaches, where we’ll take a stroll to the enigmatic Kilmore Standing Stones. These ancient monoliths, much like their counterparts across Scotland, continue to be shroud in mystery.
Our journey then leads us westward to the quaint village of Calgary, where a coastal hike unveils the history of a Highland Clearance village. Delve into the stark realities of the late 18th and 19th centuries, as landlords displaced communities to make way for sheep farming.
We'll take a lovely drive along Mull's northwestern coastline, treated to breathtaking sea vistas overlooking the Treshnish Isle and Ulva Isle. At a captivating spot, we'll pause to admire the scenery and visit Eas Fors Waterfalls—a natural wonder with a name that spans three different languages.
As the day draws to a close, we save the best for last: a whisky tasting at Tobermory Distillery. Here, you'll have the opportunity to taste some of the finest local whisky hailing from the Isle of Mull.
With the distillery tour complete, it's time to retreat to our accommodations and unwind.
Highlights - Day 8
- Boat to Oban
- Inveraray Castle
- St Conans Kirk
- Kilchurn Castle
- Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park
Our last day kicks off with an early departure from the Isle of Mull, ferrying from Craignure to Oban. As we arrive in Oban, we set our course southward, heading on a captivating journey through the awe-inspiring landscapes of Western Scotland, ultimately leading us to Inveraray Castle - a fairytale-esque castle of Scotland.
One of the West of Scotland's most spectacular castles. Still the residence of the Dukes of Argyll and Clan Chiefs of Clan Campbell, this extraordinary castle exudes the charm of a fairy tale with its Gothic influence and imposing turrets.
Next, we head to the incredible St Conan’s Kirk laying along the banks of Loch Awe. It really is a architectural wonder. Discover the intriguing history of this kirk, renowned for it’s design.
On the same loch we’ll head around to Kichurn Castle - not 10 minutes down the road. The castle is now a ruin but our expert Scotland guide will tell of its history and influence in the region while you’re on the hunt for Highland coos who frequent the lochs banks!
After our castle exploration, our journey continues southward, and we make a stop at a panoramic viewpoint. Gaze upon the V-shaped valley encircled by the Arrochar Alps, locally known as mountains. Here, the Rest & Be Thankful viewpoint reveals the old military road constructed during the last Jacobite Uprising.
Finally we conclude our incredible 8 day adventure and you’ll be dropped off at your convenience.

Bespoke Scotland Tours

This 8-Day private Islay, Mull & Iona tour itinerary is only a guideline to give you inspiration, we’ll craft the perfect tour for you!

In this 8-day private Scotland tour we’ll be heading to the famous island of whisky, Islay and then onto the Islands of abundant wildlife & historical significance, Mull & Iona.

Travel through Scotland and visit stunning locations like Kilmartin Glen, multiple Islay distilleries, Iona Abbey, Glencoe, Kilchurn Castle, Loch Lomond National Park, or any other place that takes your fancy.

Fill out the form & we’ll get started on your DREAM Scotland trip!

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A Scotland's Wild private tour will repay you more than you ever imagined
“I'm lucky enough to have taken five private tours of Scotland. They have changed my life, and were enabled by the total client-centered flexibility of John at Scotland's Wild. This quality of his empowered each of my tours, most of all the one this spring encompassing not only the Scottish Highlands and Lowlands, but the North of England, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland at my request as well.
Starting with experiencing things, not just seeing them, John crafts your tour perfectly around your travel tastes, interests, time frame and budget. If you tell him castles, gardens, caves and waterfalls, those things are exactly what you'll experience. You'll savor them too, as there is no rush, and John will have lots of ideas that link to yours if you want them. You'll be equally satisfied and stimulated, and soon realize that what you thought would be "Scotland's Wild's way" is really your way. I cannot recommend these tours of incredible beauty too highly.”
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Weeklong Private Hiking Tour across Scotland
“Scotland's Wild fulfilled all of my wishes for a weeklong celebratory trip to Scotland, wanting to learn about the land, history, culture, on an active hiking-based trip. From the moment I requested a zoom to meet with Kirstie and discuss the plan for my wife's birthday trip.
I felt totally taken care of, and that we were on the same page for what we wanted to do - see and do as much hiking and learning about Scotland in one week as possible (while someone else drove, directed us off the tourists' regular path, and arranged our food).
Overall, these people know how to take care of you, and can cater your tour to what you want, especially if you want to end the day exhausted from the mountain you climbed.”
Naomi S - Trip Advisor
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A Magical Trip!!!
“As we sit here and reminisce waiting for our plane we are overwhelmed with gratitude! We had the most memorable incredible experience! Derek, our private tour guide and driver was an absolute treasure!!! He was incredibly helpful, knowledgeable, professional and always with a smile ! We even loved the playlist on our journeys! Derek helped make our trip truly memorable! He was incredible!!!
Thank you for helping us with our dietary restrictions, it worked out perfectly. We learned so much about the history, geography, nature , architecture of Scotland. We were blown away by its sheer beauty and majesty. It was truly magical! Some of the highlights of our trip were: The "Outlander" locations we saw were amazing. We particularly loved the Drummond Castle Gardens. We were amazed at the beauty and majesty of the Highlands, and were thrilled to climb up to the Old Man of Storr on the Isle of Skye. The whiskey tours and tastings were informative as well as delicious!
Kirstie who arranged everything for us was so helpful and professional and an absolute pleasure to deal with!
We can’t wait to come back and explore more!
We will definitely be recommending your tour group and in particular Derek to our friends.
Wishing you continued success!”
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As you’ll be on a fully private tour we will come to you, that means pick-up and drop-off anywhere in the country including the popular locations of Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen and Inverness, though will happily pick you up in any remote area in Scotland also. Want to be picked up from the airport and taken straight to the accommodation we can have organised for you? - No problem.
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A large part of a fully private and custom Scotland Vacation is the accommodation.
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From luxury 5 Star Scottish Castles & Manor Houses to cozy Highland Bed and Breakfasts - The sky is the limit when crafting your unique Scottish private tour.
As a bonus for joining us on a private tour of Scotland we’ll register you to become Lord or Lady of the Glen.
You’ll own a small piece of land and Scotland and officially be named either Lord or Lady, not a bad title to have to tell those back home!