Overview

Self-Drive Holidays
7 Nights
  • Fully customisable itinerary
  • Prices from: £1020 per person
  • Best time to go: April - October
  • Transport: Rental car included (optional)

Highlights

Oban
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Explore the hub of the southern Hebrides and the seafood capital of Scotland. Visit Oban Distillery and enjoy the bustling harbour and fine views across the Firth of Lorn and the Sound of Mull.

Isle of Gigha
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This tiny island is one of the most southerly and beautiful of the Inner Hebrides. Experience breathtaking sandy beaches and clear green seas, spot a host of wildlife and explore world-renowned Achamore Gardens.

Mount Stuart
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Take a day trip to the Isle of Bute and discover Mount Stuart, a Victorian neo-Gothic mansion spectacularly decked in marble. The 300-acre grounds are a haven of tranquillity, featuring lovely gardens and glorious vistas over the Firth of Clyde.

Mull of Kintyre
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The Mull of Kintyre has been immortalised in song by Sir Paul McCartney. Relax in this gentle corner of Scotland, where you will find cosy inns, picturesque hamlets and stunning views of the warm Gulf Stream.

Inveraray Castle
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Visit 18th century Inveraray Castle and its beautiful grounds, perched alongside Loch Fyne. Built in a neo-Gothic style, this is the traditional family home of the Dukes of Argyll and its most startling feature is the armoury hall.

Cowal Peninsula
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Off the beaten track, the Cowal Peninsula is a hidden gem and mouth-watering introduction to the Western Highlands. Here, the hand-dived scallops and plump langoustines are served overlooking the romantic Kyles of Bute.

Get Off-The-Beaten-Track in a Gentle Corner of Scotland

This itinerary takes you to the Western Highlands, a region of Highland diversity, mighty mountain peaks and deep glacial lochs. 

Explore the West Coast of Scotland and the enchanting peninsulas of Cowal and Kintyre, swept by the warm Gulf Stream and lined with cosy inns and picturesque hamlets. Discover stunning islands and beaches, charming shore-side villages and a land rich in ancient castles and history.

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Begin your journey by travelling westwards towards beautiful Argyll. Enjoy spectacular views over Loch Fyne as you head to the charming seaside town of Inveraray, where you can explore 18th century Inveraray Castle. Continue to undiscovered Cowal and admire rugged Loch Eck and magnificent views to the Isle of Arran. From here, you could take a day trip to the Isle of Bute and visit spectacular Mount Stuart, a Victorian neo-Gothic mansion. 

Journey on to the Mull of Kintyre, immortalised in song by Sir Paul McCartney. Explore the rugged West Coast and enjoy some of the finest and freshest seafood in the country. Visit Campbeltown, once the whisky capital of the world, and have a dram or two in Springbank or GlenScotia distilleries. Another fantastic day trip awaits across the water in the tiny Isle of Gigha. 

Travelling further north, you will reach Oban, the Gateway to the Isles. Visit the 5-star Oban Distillery and Visitor Centre and take another boat trip across the Sound of Mull. Explore the magical Isles of Mull and Iona, with dramatic cliffs, picturesque harbours and crystal-clear turquoise waters.

End your West Coast holiday by travelling southward along the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond back to Glasgow.

Suggested Itinerary

The holiday ideas on our website are just examples of the amazing trips we offer. Think of this itinerary as a starting point which can be tailored into something completely unique to you by our award-winning specialists.

We love the opportunity to use our first-hand knowledge and experience to design and deliver the perfect, bespoke holiday experience for you.

Day 1: Glasgow to the Cowal Peninsula
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Travel west to the beautiful banks of Loch Lomond and on to the stunning coast of Argyll. Visit picturesque Inveraray and explore 18th century Inveraray Castle, the home of the Duke of Argyll, Chief of the Campbell Clan.

The road south of here is one of the most beautiful in Scotland, as it climbs to a viewpoint above the romantic Kyles of Bute. Your destination is the Cowal Peninsula, a mouth-watering introduction to the Western Highlands.
Overnight – Cowal Peninsula

Day 2: Cowal Peninsula & Isle of Bute Sightseeing
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Glorious walks and shoreline picnic spots abound. Explore charming villages perched around bays jostling with colourful yachts, or Kilbride Bay with magnificent views to the Isle of Arran.

Loch Eck is rugged and spectacular and Benmore Botanic Gardens are nearby. A short ferry ride away is the Isle of Bute; visit Rothesay Castle where the Stuart kings spent the summer and the Gothic splendour of Mount Stuart.
Overnight – Cowal Peninsula

Day 3: Cowal Peninsula to the Mull of Kintyre
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Another short ferry crossing leads to the lively fishing village of Tarbert on the Kintyre Peninsula. Swept by the warm Gulf Stream and spotted with cosy inns and picturesque hamlets, the Mull of Kintyre has already been immortalised in song by Sir Paul McCartney and offers a glimpse of a gentler corner of Scotland.

Spend the day discovering stunning beaches, charming villages and a land rich in history.
Overnight – Mull of Kintyre

 

Day 4: Mull of Kintyre Sightseeing
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Explore the rugged West Coast road with its glorious beaches and crashing surf. In contrast, the East Coast road meanders over heather-clad hills and by sandy shores with constant panoramic views of Kilbrannan Sound and the mountains of Arran.

Campbeltown has a history all of its own, Saddell Abbey was the scene of Viking repulsions and the stunning beaches of Carradale make for superb walks and wildlife watching.
Overnight – Mull of Kintyre

Day 5: Isle of Gigha Sightseeing
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Across the water is the peace and tranquillity of Gigha – ‘God’s Island’ and a place of complete escape. Stunning panoramic views and white sandy beaches abound as you explore this small island. The splendid seasonal displays of rhododendrons at Achamore Gardens should not be missed and the island’s history makes a fascinating discovery.
Overnight – Mull of Kintyre

Day 6: Mull of Kintyre to Oban
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Leave Kintyre and travel north to Oban, the beautiful hub of the southern Hebrides. As you drive along the western seaboard and through the heart of Argyll, explore Kilmartin Glen, the cradle of ancient Scotland.
Overnight – Oban

Day 7: Oban & Isle of Mull Sightseeing
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Towards Appin, pass impregnable Castle Stalker rising out of the sea. Experience the exceptional variety of wildlife on the west coast of Scotland, see one of the classic malts being made at Oban Distillery, or visit 13th century Dunstaffnage Castle which overlooks the entrance to Loch Etive.

Take a day trip to the Isle of Mull, one of Scotland’s most beautiful island retreats. Visit Duart Castle, once home to the Chief of the Clan MacLean or Tobermory, the island’s main village with its multi-coloured houses scattered around the peaceful harbour.

Nearby, the Isle of Iona boasts impossibly turquoise waters, dazzling beaches and hidden coves.
Overnight – Oban

 

Day 8: Depart Oban
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Travel through spectacular Glencoe, across the wilderness of Rannoch Moor and back along the banks of Loch Lomond to Glasgow.

What's Included?

Your holiday includes:

  • Carefully selected en-suite accommodation for 7 nights including traditional Scottish breakfast
  • Comprehensive information pack
  • Personalised itinerary with our recommendations for the best places to eat and drink and sightseeing suggestions
  • Map of Scotland with our recommended driving route
  • 8 days rental of an Economy car (other vehicle categories available) including comprehensive insurance
  • All ferry crossings (as per your itinerary)
  • 24-hour emergency contact number
  • Full financial protection

Your holiday doesn't include:

  • Travel insurance
  • Flights
  • Lunches and evening meals

Accommodation & Prices

Special Places to Stay Special Places to Stay
Special Places to Stay Special Places to Stay
Premium Premium
Premium Premium
Standard Standard
Standard Standard

We know that after a busy day of sightseeing an exceptional place to stay makes all the difference. That’s why all of the accommodation we select is hand-picked using our first-hand knowledge of the best places to stay.

Our discerning team has a wealth of experience, and we extensively research and regularly review all of the accommodation we select for our clients.

Please choose from one of our accommodation categories below. If you wish to combine these categories or perhaps upgrade for a special occasion let us know in your enquiry.

Category
Accommodation type
Price per person
Standard
4* Guest Houses and 3* Hotels
From £1020

A collection of quality 4* Guest Houses and 3* Hotels often located in beautiful locations which provide an excellent standard of accommodation.

Tastefully decorated and furnished, these properties are generally owned and operated by locals who have a genuine passion for their region which they are keen to share with you. Their warm hospitality is sure to be a highlight of your Scottish experience.

Premium
Boutique Guest Houses and 4* Hotels
From £1270

Our Premium category includes a unique collection of luxurious and stylish boutique Guest Houses and small 4* Hotels. These are wonderfully charming and intimate and run with great flair by their owners.

It also comprises larger 4* Hotels selected for their high standard of accommodation, exceptional service, and great location. These range from traditional luxury to contemporary Hotels.

Special Places to Stay
Exceptional Hotels and luxury Resorts
Please enquire

From award-winning luxury Hotels to unique country retreats, all of which offer exceptional accommodation with superb facilities and outstanding service.

These are truly magical places and amongst the best Scotland has to offer. The perfect choice when you would like somewhere really special which can be a treat for the night or for your entire holiday.

Car Hire

Our packages include car rental and comprehensive insurance for the duration of your holiday. Absolute Escapes has an excellent relationship with a number of car hire operators and we are able to offer quality vehicles and great value for money.

If you plan to bring your own vehicle, we are also able to offer this itinerary without a rental car.

All our packages include:

  • Collision Damage Waiver
  • Super Damage Excess Waiver
  • Third Party Insurance
  • Theft Waiver
  • Tax
Economy
Vauxhall Corsa or similar
  • Good for 2 people
  • Maximum of 4 passengers
  • 2 large suitcases
  • Manual or automatic transmission
Compact
Ford Focus or similar
  • Good for 2 – 4 people
  • Maximum of 5 passengers
  • 2 large suitcases
  • Manual or automatic transmission
Intermediate
Volkswagen Passat or similar
  • Good for up to 4 people
  • Maximum of 5 passengers
  • 3 large suitcases
  • Manual or automatic transmission
Fullsize
VW Sharan or similar
  • Good for 5 people
  • Maximum of 7 passengers
  • 3 – 4 large suitcases
  • Manual or automatic transmission

Make an enquiry

Argyll & Mull of Kintyre

Need something more tailored?
Contact us via email:
enquiries@absoluteescapes.com

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