Overview

Self-Drive Holidays
9 Nights
  • Fully customisable itinerary
  • Prices from: £1395 per person
  • Best time to go: April - October
  • Transport: Rental car included (optional)

Highlights

Isle of Arran
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Known as “Scotland in Miniature,” Arran has a little bit of everything, boasting steep mountains, glorious beaches, deep glens and shimmering lochs.

World famous distilleries
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The Isle of Islay is most famous for its smoky, single malt whiskies. Explore its world-famous distilleries, including Laphroaig, Ardbeg & Lagavulin.

Tobermory
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Visit picturesque Tobermory, the pretty capital of the Isle of Mull, with its iconic colourful sea-front houses and a sheltered bay.

Wildlife-watching
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From playful seals and dolphins to orcas and minke whales, they all call the Hebridean coast home. Flying high above the hills the white-tailed eagle soars and on the moorlands, the red deer roams.

Isle of Skye
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The Isle of Skye is popular for its stunning and dramatic volcanic scenery, including the Cuillin mountain range, the iconic Storr and spectacular Quiraing.

Dunvegan Castle
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The award-winning and picturesque Dunvegan Castle is perched on the banks of Loch Dunvegan, and has an iconic history and five acres of beautiful formal gardens to enjoy.

An Epic Scottish Island-Hopping Adventure

Our Islands of Arran, Islay, Mull & Skye self-drive tour takes you on a wonderful journey by land and by sea to explore the magical island gems of Scotland’s west coast. Discover stunning seascapes, soaring mountains, wonderful wildlife and sample famous malt whiskies for a truly unforgettable Scottish experience.

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Beginning on the beautiful Isle of Arran, you will be immediately welcomed by rugged mountains, ancient castles and sandy beaches. Often described as ‘Scotland in miniature,’ this island has something for everyone, from stunning wildlife and fresh local produce to jaw-dropping mountain landscapes and inspiring historical sites. 

From Arran, continue on to the magnificent Isle of Islay, made famous by its smoky, peaty single malt whiskies. Whether you are an experienced whisky connoisseur or eagerly seeking your next favourite dram, this island is a paradise, boasting 8 working distilleries each with their own individual character and history. 

The third island destination on this tour is the majestic Isle of Mull, a wonderfully diverse island. Its quaint harbour town of Tobermory will welcome you with cheerful hospitality, and it is not uncommon to see whales and dolphins in the surrounding waters. While you are here, history fans might want to take a day trip to the tiny island of Iona to visit Iona Abbey, and see the burial place of 48 Scottish kings.

The Isle of Skye is your final destination, and the spectacular scenery leaves visitors speechless, making it one of Scotland’s most popular destinations. With romantic castles, dramatic landscapes and fine island whiskies, it showcases some of Scotland’s proudest features. 

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 Isle of Arran
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Travel west from Glasgow to catch the ferry to the beautiful Isle of Arran, or ‘Scotland in Miniature.’ Arran is Scotland’s most southerly island and boasts dramatic mountains, long deep glens, and shimmering lochs.
Overnight – Isle of Arran

Day 2: Isle of Arran Sightseeing
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Visit the Isle of Arran Distillery, Scotland’s newest distillery and home to the Arran Malt. Sample some of the island’s other great produce at Arran Cheeses, Creelers’ Smokehouse and Arran Aromatics. The quality of produce on this little island will astound you. Climb the rugged mountains, or play a round of golf on one of the many stunning courses.
Overnight – Isle of Arran

Day 3: Isle of Arran to Islay
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Depart Arran by morning ferry and travel across Kintyre where your next ferry will take you to Islay. Known for its magnificent beaches and fertile lands, Islay is most famous for its smoky, single malt whiskies. With eight distilleries all running guided tours, a visit to this magical island will give you ample opportunity to try a “wee dram” or two!
Overnight – Isle of Islay

Day 4: Islay Sightseeing
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Along the south coast you will find whiskies for the true aficionado – the uncompromising full bodied malts of Ardbeg, Lagavulin and Laphroaig. These are real shrines for the pilgrim of the “water of life.” Bowmore Distillery has enjoyed a stunning setting on the shores of Loch Indaal since 1779 and is widely recognised as one of the finest single malt whiskies in the world.

Loch Gruinart is the island’s main bird reserve where clouds of barnacle and white-fronted geese fly in from Greenland. For those who enjoy golf, play a round at the Machrie, a famous classic links course. The Isle of Jura, with its rugged beauty and huge scree-covered mountains, is only a 5 minutes ferry ride away.
Overnight – Isle of Islay

Day 5: Islay to the Isle of Mull
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Depart Islay and travel along the wonderfully scenic west coast of Scotland to Oban, the Seafood Capital of Scotland. From here you are bound for majestic Mull, your next island destination.

Mull is an island of incredible diversity – with magnificent seacliffs, sandy beaches, and mountains that rise from the crystal clear sea.
Overnight – Isle of Mull

Day 6: Isle of Mull Sightseeing
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Visit pretty Tobermory, the island’s capital with its multi-coloured houses scattered around a peaceful harbour. Mull is famous for its stunning wildlife and you could join a whale and dolphin watching trip to view these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

You could spend the day on the tiny island of Iona – steeped in history as the birthplace of Christianity in Scotland. Iona really is a very special place with impossibly turquoise waters, dazzling beaches, hidden coves and monumentally sacred sites, as well as being the burial place of 48 Scottish kings.
Overnight – Isle of Mull

Day 7: Isle of Mull to the Isle of Skye
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Hop on the ferry to the Ardnamurchan Peninsula – Britain’s most westerly point, and enjoy wonderful views to the ‘Small Isles’ of Rum, Eigg & Muck. Travel on the magnificent Road to the Isles and then by ferry over the sea to the Isle of Skye. The short sailing across the Sound of Sleat provides great views of Skye and back across the west coast.
Overnight – Isle of Skye

Day 8: Isle of Skye Sightseeing
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The magical Isle of Skye is without doubt one of the most beautiful destinations in Scotland, where the dramatic mountains and stunning seascapes combine with the warmest of Highland hospitality. Visit romantic Dunvegan Castle, sample fine island whiskies, or climb aboard a fabulous boat cruise into the heart of the Cuillin Mountains.
Overnight – Isle of Skye

Day 9: Isle of Skye Sightseeing
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Explore the pretty town of Portree with its attractive harbour and visit the neighbouring Isle of Raasay, with its stunning views back to the Cuillins. Wildlife cruises allow you to explore the seas that surround the island and spot seals, otters and great golden eagles. Skye is also dotted with wonderful craft shops and galleries for souvenir-hunting too.

Enjoy a spectacular walk in the Quiraing mountains and experience some of Skye’s extraordinary geological scenery. Visit the rocky spike of the Old Man of Storr and the dramatic coastal scenery at Kilt Rock, where waterfalls cascade down into the sea below.
Overnight – Isle of Skye

Day 10: Depart the Isle of Skye
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You have a choice of return options. Leave Skye and travel north up the Great Glen to Inverness, or travel south through spectacular Glencoe, where you may wish to extend your holiday in either Edinburgh or Glasgow.

What's Included?

Your holiday includes:

  • Carefully selected en-suite accommodation for 9 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
  • 10 days rental of an Economy car (other vehicle categories available) including comprehensive insurance
  • 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

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 £1395

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 £1755

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

Islands of Arran, Islay, Mull & Skye

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

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