Iona Pilgrimage, Mull Experience & The Isle Of Staffa (8 Days)

 Iona Pilgrimage & Mull Experience    (8 Days) - From Eastern / Southern / South West England & South Wales


For the Gaels, Iona is I Chaluim Chille - the isle of Colm Cille, an Irish priest and prince who was to become revered as Saint Columba. A tiny island, of typically Hebridean beauty, it holds a unique place in the story of Scotland and kindles the imagination of thousands who journey there each year. Yet it is also where people have lived, worked and worshipped over many centuries. To and from its shores have come monks and pilgrims, clan chiefs and kings, artists and craftsmen, farmers and fishermen.
 
The Isle of Mull has become well known by all who view the BBC programmes Springwatch and Coast. 
 
According to your interests, the islands of Mull and Iona can be a wilderness awaiting discovery, a haven of peace and relaxation or simply a charming and beautiful centre for a Highland holiday away from the cares and pressures of modern life. 
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Monday 29th April - Monday 6th May 2025

(8 Days)


DIRECT DEPARTURES AVAILABLE FROM -

SURREY

 Tour Itinerary


MONDAY - From your local departure point, we travel to Bowness-on-Windermere, and the 4* Macdonald Old England Hotel, located on the shores of Lake Windermere, where we arrive early evening. Set within its own lovely grounds on the shores of Lake Windermere - England's largest natural lake – you’ll find breathtaking scenery and exceptional facilities, including a private jetty and lakeside moorings.

Just a short walk from the bustling town of Bowness-on-Windermere and perfectly placed for exploring one of the most beautiful areas of England, the Old England hotel is a popular choice for holidays & countryside retreats

The hotel porters will transfer your case to your room and following some time to relax and unwind, we enjoy dinner in the hotel restaurant tonight. Included Meals - Dinner

TUESDAY This morning following breakfast, we continue our journey to Scotland, as we head for Oban.


On our way we will travel via Callander, where a stop will be made for lunch before we journey through Glen Ogle & past the shores of Loch Lubnaig, which is a very popular routing with many of our clients who travel with us and onward to Oban, visiting Saint Conan’s Kirk at Loch Awe on the way.

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From the road the Kirk gives few clues about the amazing architecture both inside and out. It is exceptional both in style and surroundings, with a strong sense of peace and inherent spirituality. Designed and built by Walter Douglas-Campbell, the Kirk is unique in having an example of almost every style of church architecture. St. Conan is the patron saint of Lorne and is reputed to have lived in Glenorchy. There is a well named after him on the far side of Dalmally. He was a disciple though not a contemporary of Columba, and like him came from Ireland. As a young man he was chosen to be tutor to the two sons of the King of Scotland, and eventually rose to be a Bishop. On arrival at St Conan's Kirk, we have included a private guided tour of this magnificent building.


Following our visit, we continue our journey to Oban and the 4* Oban Bay Hotel.

 

The 4* Oban Bay Hotel will be your overnight base tonight before we cross to Mull in the morning & onward to Iona. The Oban Bay Hotel borders the bay with views to the isles. A destination as much as a base for exploring Scotland’s west coast. Seafood and prime cuts regularly appear on the hotels award-winning Grill Room’s menu. Sunroom windows to watch the ferries drift by over afternoon tea or a nightcap. The hotel also offers a Thermal Experience with outdoor hot tub and sauna, which provide natural sources of relaxation complimenting the hotels ishga spa treatments perfectly. The Oban Bay Hotel offers a gateway and a getaway in one.


The hotel porters will transfer your case to your room and following some time to relax and unwind, we enjoy dinner in the hotel restaurant this evening. Included Meals - Breakfast & Dinner


WEDNESDAY – This morning following breakfast, we board a morning ferry to Craignure on the Isle of Mull & from there we drive across Mull to Fionnphort, the boarding point for the short ferry journey to Iona. Your cases will be transferred to the St Columba Hotel on Iona, which will be our base for the next three nights. Meanwhile, this afternoon, we will enjoy an included boat trip to Staffa. Staffa is a beautiful uninhabited island, famous for its dramatic basalt columns, sea caves and bird life. Over the years it has captivated thousands of people including Johnson & Boswell, Queen Victoria, Robert Louis Stevenson, Walter Scott, Jules Verne and Joseph Banks.


Fingal’s Cave is always splendid and atmospheric with its basalt columns formed during a period of volcanic activity 59 million years ago.


Puffins can be seen ashore in season as well as shags, oystercatchers and black guillemots. We often see guillemots, razorbills, fulmars, kittiwakes, shearwaters gannets, great skuas and other birds from the boat. If you’re lucky, you might see a passing otter, porpoise, dolphin, basking shark or whale!


Late afternoon, we arrive at 3* St Columba Hotel on Iona, which will be our base for the next three nights. This evening, we enjoy dinner in the hotel restaurant this evening.
Included Meals – Breakfast, Dinner


THURSDAY - This morning we come to another major highlight of this tour, a Pilgrimage Walk to St Columba's Bay with a local guide. St Columba's bay is where St. Columba was said to have arrived on its white sandy beaches with 12 followers in 563 AD. 


Following breakfast, our guide will mean us at the hotel and walk us to St Colmba's Bay conducting a number of 'stations' along the way. Today, we include a packed lunch provided by the hotel. 

Mid-afternoon, we return to Iona Village & the St Columba Hotel. This evening, we enjoy dinner in the hotel. Included Meals - Breakfast, Packed Lunch & Dinner.


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FRIDAY - This morning following breakfast, we enjoy an included visit to Iona Abbey this morning with some free time for quiet reflection & some lunch. This afternoon we enjoy a Pilgrimage Eucharist Service in either the Michael Chapel or Iona Abbey itself, taken by your Vicar.

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Late afternoon, we return to the St Columba Hotel with some free time. This evening we enjoy dinner in the hotel restaurant and your final night on Iona. Included Meals – Breakfast & Dinner


SATURDAY - This morning following breakfast, we say farewell to the St Columba Hotel & indeed the Isle of Iona, as we catch the ferry back to Fionnphort on Mull. On arrival into Fionnphort, it is time to rejoin our luxury touring coach, as we enjoy a full day exploring the main highlights of Mull.


This morning, we journey across Mull to Duart Castle, the ancestral home of Clan McLean. For over 700 years, Duart Castle, the seat of Clan Maclean, has dominated the view to the Sound of Mull and Loch Linnhe with its huge curtain walls and solid keep. Tour the Castle, explore the grounds and learn more about the Clan.

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Following our visit to Duart Castle, we rejoin our luxury coach as we take you to Tobermory the ‘capital’ of Mull. On arrival in Tobermory, we visit the Tobermory Distillery for a guided tour followed by whisky tasting. Tobermory Distillery is the home of the Tobermory and Ledaig Single Malts. The tour takes you through each stage of the whisky making process, from room to room; giving you the chance to learn more about the age-old techniques still used today, to make each memorable drop. Following your visit, the rest of the time is yours to enjoy this picturesque fishing village, which is renowned for its colourful buildings. The Main Street is a mix of shops, eateries, hotels and guesthouses and has an excellent selection of locally produced arts and crafts. Tobermory is also home to the Mull Museum, crammed with information about the history of Mull and its people. The Marine Visitor Centre houses fascinating exhibits about the area’s marine heritage.

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Late afternoon, we drive to Craignure Ferry Terminal, where we board a ferry back to Oban. On arrival in Oban, we return to the 4* Oban Bay Hotel for our final night in Scotland. This evening, we enjoy dinner in the hotel restaurant. Included Meals - Breakfast, & Dinner



SUNDAY - This morning following breakfast, we bid a fond farewell to the Oban Bay Hotel, as we begin the journey home retracing our steps south, but this tour is not over yet! Late morning we arrive at Tarbet on the shores of Loch Lomond to enjoy a cruise on this most magical of Lochs, which is also the longest water in Britain. The 90-minute cruise at the northern fjord end of the Loch is in the heart of the National Park in Rob Roy country. The vessel sails around a couple of islands and past Rob Roy’s Cave as well as the Arklet Waterfalls, The skipper will give a live and informative commentary. During your cruise, a light lunch is provided followed by tea/coffee and shortbread.

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Following our cruise, we bid farewell to Scotland, as we journey south to our overnight hotel in the Lake District, the 4* Macdonald Old England Hotel, where we arrive late afternoon. This evening, we enjoy dinner in the hotel restaurant this evening & our final night on this tour. Included Meals - Breakfast, Light Lunch & Dinner



MONDAY - Following breakfast, we say goodbye to your overnight hotel and continue the journey south to arrive at your original joining point this afternoon and the end of a wonderful religious heritage tour. Included Meals – Breakfast


YOUR HOTELS


The 3* St Columba Hotel,

Isle Of Iona

(Resort Hotel)


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A warm Hebridean welcome awaits you at the St Columba Hotel on the beautiful Isle of Iona. The perfect base for you to explore the island’s sacred history and find your own sense of peace and tranquility. Originally built as a manse, the hotel stands next to the world famous Iona Abbey and ancient Reilig Òdhrain. Enjoy the spectacular views and otherworldly sunrises with a coffee in our lounge, explore our award-winning organic garden, or walk off lunch amidst the unspoilt landscape that surrounds you.


GUEST ROOMS 27 modern en suite rooms to choose from with the option of sea or garden views. Rooms come with tea and coffee making facilities, delicious complimentary shortbread, Scottish Fine Soap toiletries and WiFi. 


The 4* Oban Bay Hotel
(Overnight Hotel)

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The Oban Bay Hotel & Spa borders the bay with spectacular views to the isles. A destination, as much as a base for exploring Scotland’s west coast. Seafood and prime cuts regularly appear on the hotels award-winning Grill Room’s menu. The public areas include sunroom windows to watch the ferries drift by over afternoon tea or a nightcap. The hotel also offers a Thermal Experience with outdoor hot tub and sauna, which provide natural sources of relaxation complimenting the hotels ishga spa treatments perfectly. The Oban Bay Hotel offers a gateway and a getaway in one. LIFT - YES

The 4* Macdonald Old England Hotel, Windermere

(Overnight Hotel)


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Set within its own lovely grounds on the shores of Lake Windermere - England's largest natural lake – you’ll find breathtaking scenery and exceptional facilities, including a private jetty and lakeside moorings. With stunning views of the Lake District as the backdrop to your experience, plus luxury accommodation and delicious food, it’s the perfect place to de-stress and embrace the beauty of the world around you.


Just a short walk from the bustling town of Bowness-on-Windermere and perfectly placed for exploring one of the most beautiful areas of England.


The hotels 106 elegant bedrooms are traditionally furnished and offer everything you need to make your stay extra relaxed. If you're looking for something extra-special, choose one of our spacious balcony suites for the ultimate in comfortable accommodation and unrivalled views of the surrounding Lake District.


LIFT(S) - YES


What's Included -

  • Luxury Executive Eavesway Coach Travel including complimentary Wifi and the services of an Eavesway Driver(s)
  • Complimentary onboard light refreshments service to/from Scotland
  • Three Nights Dinner, Bed & Breakfast Accommodation at the 3* St Columba Hotel, Isle of Iona (Wednesday / Thursday / Friday)
  • Two Nights Dinner, Bed & Breakfast at the 4* Oban Bay Hotel & Spa, Oban (Tuesday & Saturday)
  • Two Nights Dinner, Bed & Breakfast at the 4* Macdonald Old England Hotel, Windermere (Monday & Sunday)
  • A visit to Callander with free time for lunch
  • A visit to St Conan's Church, Loch Awe with an included private guided tour
  • Return Ferry Crossings (Oban - Craignure)
  • Return Ferry Crossings (Fionnphort - Iona)
  • A full day excursion Iona Pilgrimage Walk & packed lunch
  • A visit to Iona Abbey (Admission Included) & Pilgrimage Eucharist Service in the Michael Chapel or Iona Abbey
  • A Half-Day Boat Trip to the Isle Of Staffa
  • A full day “Mull Experience” including a visit to Duart Castle (Admission Included), a visit to Tobermory with free time & a visit to Tobermory Distillery (Admission, Tour & Whisky Tasting Included)
  • A cruise on Loch Lomond including light lunch
  • Porterage Included
  • The Services Of A TML Travel Group Tour Manager throughout
TOUR CODE Basic Price Single Occupancy Supplement Vantage Seat Upgrade
RHG-0001/SC N/A

All tours are operated by TML Travel Group Limited and are subject to availability and terms & conditions of the TML Travel Group trading charter. All prices are per person based on sharing a twin/double bedded room and are valid for new bookings only. Single occupancy supplement and Insurance not included. New coaches may not be available on all tours. Offers maybe withdrawn at any time. Every attempt is made to keep the information guides up-to-date, however tours maybe subject to change and you will be notified. if this is the case. WE REQUIRE A MINIMUM OF 35 PAYING PASSENGERS IN ORDER TO OPERATE THIS TOUR

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