Whisky & wildlife on Scotland's west coast and islands (self-drive tour)

8 days
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4.8/5 Excellent
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Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Our Scottish travel guides reflect the recent findings of our specialists who travel regularly to Scotland to seek out new places to stay and visit as well as imaginative ways of discovering the well-known highlights. The guides give tips on everything from Edinburgh for first timers to the culture and history of Scotland, so that you can get the most out of ...
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Overview

Trip type
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Highlights

    • Enjoy the freedom of your own car on this self-drive trip. Audley can arrange a rental vehicle for you if required.
    • Take a distillery tour and tasting at one of Islay's world-renowned distilleries.
    • Explore the islands in Oban Bay on foot and by bicycle, spotting wildlife with a private guide.
    • Kayak on Loch Lomond, surrounded by mountains.
    • Take a wildlife cruise along Islay's shoreline to spy seals and porpoises.

What's this trip about?

    Our Scottish travel guides reflect the recent findings of our specialists who travel regularly to Scotland to seek out new places to stay and visit as well as imaginative ways of discovering the well-known highlights. The guides give tips on everything from Edinburgh for first timers to the culture and history of Scotland, so that you can get the most out of your time there. Our Scotland specialists can guide you along the way using personal experience and in-depth knowledge on pursuits from touring the region's whisky distilleries or its medieval castles, to exploring the Isle of Skye or hiking through untouched valleys.

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Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeIntimate group - 12 max
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityOban
End CityLoch Lomond

Travel Themes

  • Nature & Wildlife
  • Cycling & Biking

Destinations

Activities

  • Bird Watching
  • Cycling
  • Hiking
  • Historic Sightseeing
  • History
  • Independent
  • Kayaking
  • Mountaineering
  • Nature
  • Wildlife Viewing

Trip includes

    • Activities and excursions as detailed
    • All accommodation
    • In-destination transfers

View Similar Trips

Itinerary

Day 1: Oban

Make your own way to Oban. Whichever way you're approaching the 'gateway to the isles', the last section of the drive is guaranteed to be a scenic route as you journey through the rugged hills of Argyll. We recommend passing by the ruins of Kilchurn Castle on Loch Awe...

Day 2: Oban

Your three-day wildlife exploration through some of the Inner Hebrides islands begins today. You'll head over to the island of Kerrera with your private guide (who’ll accompany you for the next three days), for a leisurely hike. You'll cover about 11 km (7 miles) over...

Day 3: Oban

Today you take the ferry over to the Isle of Mull, where you'll spend the day with your guide watching for white-tailed eagles, golden eagles, seals and otters. Lunch is included.

Accommodation options While the itinerary price reflects the suggested accommodation, this itinerary is 100% tailor-made, and a specialist can help you select the option best suited to your tastes and budget.

Day 4: Tarbert

With your guide, explore the island of Lismore and the mainland north of Oban by bike today, cycling along easy, quiet roads and bike paths. You’ll learn about Lismore’s history as you cycle, including its role in early Christianity in Scotland. Once you've taken the ...

Day 5: Port Ellen

After crossing to Islay, join a shared wildlife cruise along the island’s rugged coastline, passing hidden coves and beaches as you watch out for seals, porpoises, dolphins and many seabirds. Once back onshore, visit Bowmore Distillery for a tour and tasting. We also ...

Day 6: Port Ellen

This morning, board the tiny car ferry that connects Islay with nearby Jura — a five-minute journey by water. Jura is one of Scotland's last wildernesses, with only around 300 inhabitants, but over 5,000 deer. Most of the island is inaccessible by road, but you'll joi...

Day 7: Loch Lomond

Take the ferry back to the mainland this morning, then drive along the shore of Loch Fyne toward Loch Lomond. Here, you’ll meet your private guide for a kayaking trip out on the loch, enjoying the peace and stillness as you paddle its calm waters, before spending your...

Day 8: Return home

Your west coast Scottish adventure ends today.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $2,995
Price per day$374
Last Updated: 7/13/2023

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Audley Travel.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Logistics

Accommodation

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
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Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
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Trip ID
audley-WhiWilAud

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