Wildlife spotting on the Moray Coast, picturesque fishing villages, and Speyside whisky tasting.
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- 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
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.
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 conversation village. It provides an authentic glimpse into Scotland’s cultural and environmental characteristics!
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
Wildlife Boat Cruise to Staffa and the Treshnish Isles
Whisky Distillery Tour
All Ferry Crossings
Accommodation

Highland Hotel Accommodation
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
Thank 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
Your 4-Day Isle of Mull, Iona & Staffa Puffin tour departs from the city centre in Edinburgh. For more details on your pick-up location, please visit our Departure Info page.
Yes, three nights hotel accommodation is included in the tour price.
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.
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.
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.
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.
While our coaches don't offer onboard toilets, rest assured that our itineraries include regular comfort stops, allowing frequent access to restroom facilities.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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- 4 Day Tour Mull, Iona & Staffa Puffin Experience
Mull, Iona & Staffa Puffin Experience Itinerary & 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 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.
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 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.
4 Day Tour Itinerary & Map
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
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.
Day Highlights
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
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
Please Note
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.
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- 4 Day Tour Mull, Iona & Staffa Puffin Experience
Iona Abbey
Pay locally
Iona 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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