6 Day West Coast Small Islands Tour

After pick-up in Glasgow we tour south for Ayrshire. This is a land of vast vistas, sweeping coves, and incredible views, and we spend the next couple of hours visiting Culzean Castle & Gardens perched high on the Ayrshire cliffs. After lunch, we tour north for 
Ardrossan, where we prepare for our ferry crossing over the Firth of Clyde to the Isle of Arran, where we relax for the evening in anticipation for tomorrow’s island tour. 

This morning we wake to the beauty of the Isle of Arran. Often referred to as “Scotland in miniature,"  this is a flat and fertile island in the south with mountainous terrain to the north. We tour the whole island, taking the picturesque coastal route, and visit the 
Arran Heritage Museum, Lochranza Castle ruins, and Brodick Castle & Country Park, built in the 13th century with later additions. 

Today begins with a ferry crossing back to the mainland. We tour through Kintyre to the idyllic Scottish village of Tarbert that has been used for centuries as a coastal gateway to this beautiful southwest portion of Argyll. Next, we visit Kilmartin Glen, often referred to as the birthplace of Scotland, before arriving in the bustling seaside town of Oban, known as the “Gateway to the Isles.”

This morning we wake to the rugged Isle of Mull with its stunning mountain scenery, beautiful seascapes, and abundant wildlife—look out for deer, otter, and white-tailed eagles. We visit the home of one of Scotland’s oldest clans, the Macleans. Duart Castle is one of the last surviving privately owned Clan Castles in Scotland. Later, we visit the town of Tobermory with its wonderful frontage of painted houses and interesting shops before we venture west to walk the white sand beach at Calgary Bay.

Waking to the beauty of the Isle of Mull, we head out to explore the south of the island with its stunning mountain scenery and seascapes coupled with fascinating clan history. After touring through the Ardmeanach Peninsula, enjoy a visit to the Isle of Mull Weavers for a tour of the weaving mill to learn how the weaving process works using the rich black wool of the Hebridean sheep.

After breakfast, we board the ferry back to the mainland to explore the mountains of Glencoe with enchanting vistas matched with a bloody history. Later, we tour south into Scotland’s first national park to explore the area around Loch Lomond and have lunch. Sit and take in the stunning elevated views of Loch Lomond and the surrounding mountains, and then enjoy some free time in the charming village of Luss with fine views north to Ben Lomond.  Saying our goodbyes back in Glasgow.