Byrne Family Islands Adventure - Final Information

Tuesday 23rd July – Sunday 28th July 2024

Number of Travellers: 2
Duration: 6 Days / 5 Nights

Day by Day

Day 1 - Tuesday 23rd July - Welcome to Scotland

Welcome to Glasgow where you’ll be greeted by your private guide, who will also be your driver throughout your island adventure. Embark on a scenic drive to the charming coastal town of Oban on the west coast, along the way you will make a few stops, including some time in Kilmartin Glen, renowned for its rich archaeological heritage and the ancient stone circle that dots the landscape.

As the day draws to a close, you’ll arrive in Oban, where you’ll check into your hotel for the evening. Take some time to wander through this picturesque harbour town and enjoy some dinner with a view. Be sure to swing by a local pub to experience the vibrant atmosphere and perhaps even stumble upon some live music before retiring back to your hotel.

Overnight: Oban | Perle Oban Hotel
Room Type: Superior Sea View
Meals Included: Lunch

Day 1 - Flight Details Read More +

Travel Date: July 23, 2024 | Airline: British Airways | Flight Number: BA1472
Departure Airport: London | Departure Time: 07:05
Arrival Airport: Glasgow | Arrival Time: 08:30

Day 1 - Dinner Details Read More +

Hotel: The Oban Brasserie | Location: Perle Oban Hotel
Reservation Time: 18:45

Day 1 - Guide Details - Mark Cox Read More +

Name: Mark Cox
Contact Number: +44 (0)7889 320 743
Meeting Place: Glasgow Airport Arrivals | Meeting Time: 08:30

Mark, your guide will greet you in arrivals, he will have a sign with your name on it.

Day 2 - Wednesday 24th July - Journey to the Isle of Mull

This morning, meet your guide in the foyer of your hotel and catch the ferry from Oban to Craignure on the Isle of Mull. This short ferry journey offers spectacular views of the island and its highest mountain, Ben More.

Upon arrival, check into your hotel and begin your exploration of this captivating island. Take a scenic drive to familiarise yourself with Mull’s landscapes, making a stop in Tobermory, known for its iconic and colourful buildings. Explore the charming town, starting with a whisky tour and tasting at Tobermory Distillery followed by some local cuisine for lunch.

As you journey back to your hotel, soak in the island’s history and stories from your guide, immersing yourself in the rich heritage of Mull.

Overnight: Isle of Mull | Pennygate Lodge
Room Type: Duart King
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 2 - Tour & Tasting - Tobermory Distillery Read More +

Activity: Tour & Tasting - Tobermory Distillery
| Start Time: 12:30

Day 2 - Dinner Details Read More +

Hotel: Pennygate Lodge
Reservation Time: 19:00

Day 2 - Ferry Details Read More +

Operator: Caledonian MacBrayne

Departure Port: Oban | Departure Time: 09:55
Arrival Port: Craignure | Arrival Time: 10:45

Day 3 - Thursday 25th July - History and Highlights

Today, embark on a journey led by your curiosity and explore more of this captivating island. Begin by visiting Duart Castle, a stunning medieval fortress rich in history. Delve into the island’s past as you traverse its scenic landscapes, guided by stories from your knowledgeable guide.

Take in the breathtaking beauty of Mull’s beaches, including Calgary Bay where you can relax and absorb the tranquility of the coastal surroundings. Reflect on your day of discovery and family heritage over a traditional Scottish meal before retiring for the evening.

Overnight: Isle of Mull | Pennygate Lodge
Room Type: Duart King
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 3 - Dinner Details Read More +

Hotel: Pennygate Lodge
Reservation Time: 19:00

Day 4 - Friday 26th July - Sacred Shores of Iona

This morning, you will catch a passanger ferry to the Isle of Iona. Begin your day by setting foot on the sacred shores of Iona, known for its spiritual power and serene beauty. Follow in the footsteps of pilgrims and saints as you visit the historic Iona Abbey founded by St. Columba in the 6th century. Wander through the abbey’s ancient ruins and tranquil gardens, feeling the presence of centuries of prayer and contemplation. Enjoy a walk around the shoreline of this small but powerful island.

After lunch, embark on a thrilling boat trip to the nearby island of Staffa, home to the legendary Fingal’s Cave. As you cruise across the water, keep a lookout for playful dolphins, porpoises and even minke whales that can be seen from the boat, as well as the the rugged coastline of Mull and the surrounding islands. Upon arriving at Staffa, you’ll be awestruck by the dramatic cliffs and towering basalt columns that frame the entrance to Fingal’s Cave, you may even spot puffins nesting on the ledges above. After a day of adventure, retire to your hotel for some well earned rest.

Overnight: Isle of Mull | Pennygate Lodge
Room Type: Duart King
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - Ferry Details Read More +

Operator: Caledonian MacBrayne

Departure Port: Fionphort | Departure Time: 08:35
Arrival Port: Iona | Arrival Time: 08:45

Day 4 - Staffa Boat Tour Read More +

Activity: Staffa Boat Tour
Start Location: Iona | Start Time: 12:15
End Location: Fionphort | End Time: 2:45 pm

Day 4 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: Pennygate Lodge
Reservation Time: 19:00

Day 5 - Saturday 27th July - Farewell to Mull & Glasgow Explorations

As your time on the Isle of Mull comes to a close, prepare for a scenic journey back to Glasgow with your guide, passing through rolling hills, tranquil lochs, and stunning scenery, stopping for a leg stretch and a bite to eat as you go.

Upon arrival in Glasgow, check into your hotel and prepare to explore the vibrant city with an expert city guide. Discover the highlights of Glasgow, from its iconic landmarks to its hidden gems, gaining insight into the city’s rich history and culture along the way.

In the evening, immerse yourselves in the vibrant local music scene, perhaps by catching a live performance at one of Glasgow’s many music venues or traditional pubs. Savour a final meal, indulging in delicious Scottish cuisine and raising a toast to the memories made on your journey to the Scottish Islands.

Overnight: Glasgow | Kimpton Blythswood Square
Room Type: Garden View Premium
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Ferry Details Read More +

Operator: Caledonian MacBrayne

Departure Port: Craignure | Departure Time: 08:45
Arrival Port: Oban | Arrival Time: 09:35

Day 5 - City Walking Tour Read More +

Activity: City Walking Tour

Start Location: Hotel Lobby | Start Time: 13:30 | Approx Duration: 3.5 hrs
Phone: +44 (0) 7975 723 365

Moira Goldie, your guide will meet you in your Hotel Lobby.

Day 6 - Sunday 28th July - Depart

A private transfer will collect you from your hotel this morning and take you to the airport to make your onward connections. Waving farewell to Scotland for now but taking with you special memories and wonderful stories of your island explorations.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 6 - Transfer Details Read More +

Supplier: Littles Chauffeur
Booking Reference: 2704424
Pick Up Location: Kimpton Blythswood | Pick Up Time: 06:00
Phone: +44 (0) 141 883 2111

Your private transfer driver will meet you outside your hotel and transfer you to Glasgow Airport.

Transfer Company system will send contact details for the chauffeur as an SMS 30 minutes prior to the reservation taking place, to the mobile number for the travelling passenger. If the client is unable to locate our chauffeur, they must call the mobile number provided, or call the Little’s Office on +44 (0)141 883 2111, which operates 24/7.

Day 6 - Flight Details Read More +

Travel Date: July 28, 2024 | Airline: British Airways | Flight Number: BA6673
Departure Airport: GLA | Departure Time: 08:20
Arrival Airport: London | Arrival Time: 09:50

Trip Details

Inclusions Read More
  • 5 nights accommodation, as stated in the itinerary above
  • Most meals, as stated in the itinerary above
  • The services of a qualified and experienced guide from Day 1 to Day 5
  • All transfers in a private vehicle driven by our guide on guided days
  • Airport Transfer on Arrival Day
  • Airport Transfer on Departure Day
  • All Ferry Travel Included in the Itinerary
  • All guided hikes mentioned in the itinerary
  • Entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary, specifically:
    • Tobermory Distillery Tour and Tasting
    • Duart Castle Entry
    • Staffa Boat Trip
    • Iona Abbey Entry
  • Personalised trip design and delivery
  • 24/7 In-Country Support from the Wilderness Team
Exclusions Read More
  • Flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Meals not mentioned in the inclusions
  • Activities and entrance fees not mentioned in the inclusions
  • Gratuities for the main driver guide
Notes Read More
  • All suggested accommodations and services are subject to availability at the time of booking
  • A 20% deposit is required before any accommodation and services will be confirmed
  • This quote is valid for 14 days from the date quoted, after this time pricing may be subject to revision
Terms & Conditions Read More

Please see our booking terms here.


Accommodation

The Perle Oban Hotel

Station Square | Oban | Argyll |
PA34 5RT | Scotland
Phone: +44 (0) 1631 700 301
Web: perlehotels.com/oban

Pennygate Lodge Guesthouse & Restaurant

Craignure | Mull | Argyll |
PA65 6AY | Scotland
Phone: +44 (0) 1680 812 333
Web: pennygatelodge.scot

Kimpton Blythswood Square

11 Blythswood Square | Glasgow |
G2 4AD | Scotland
Phone: +44 (0)141 248 8888
Web: kimptonblythswoodsquare.com


Meet Your Guide

Mark Cox

Contact Number: +44 (0)7889 320 743

Mini Bio

I have a real love for all things outdoors in Scotland and am always amazed by the wealth of opportunities that are out there. Whether I’m on the trail mountain biking, out sea kayaking or heading to the hills on a trip, every day is different. The trick is to just stop for long enough to take it all in.

I feel fortunate to be able to constantly explore Scotland and have chosen to live in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. I have nature on the doorstep but I can also be almost anywhere in the Highlands within a couple of hours from home, it’s a treat! While I’ve bounced around Scotland for most of the last 25 years I have also been lucky enough to run trips all over the world. Perhaps because of these experiences I’ve come to realize that we really have got it all right here.

Place to Play

Harris and Lewis always take a lot of beating as far as I’m concerned, perfect in the summer sun or a winter storm. There’s always an activity that complements the season perfectly…

Not a lot of people know this

For 18 months of my life my favourite neighbours by far were a 5,000 strong Rock Hopper Penguin colony.

Full Web Bio