Overview

Self-Drive Holidays
7 Nights
  • Fully customisable itinerary
  • Prices from: £1005 per person
  • Best time to go: April - October
  • Transport: Rental car included (optional)

Highlights

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

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.

Isles of Mull and Iona
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Discover the islands of Mull and Iona as you traverse through the spectacular scenery – a journey across to the historic Isle of Iona will take you back in time as you discover the ancient abbey, monastery and nunnery.

Ardnamurchan Peninsula
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Traverse the incredible Ardnamurchan Peninsula, one of the best kept Scottish secrets. With its stunning peaks and imposing mountains, the drive through the peninsula is one of the best routes in Scotland.

Bustling Oban
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Explore the hub of the southern Hebrides and northern Argyll, known as the ‘Gateway to the Isles.’ Enjoy the bustling harbour and fine views across the Firth of Lorn and the Sound of Mull to the Inner Hebrides.

Spectacular Glencoe
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Travel through spectacular Glencoe, across wild Rannoch Moor and along the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond.

A Captivating Coastal Self-Drive Tour

This tour of the West Coast of Scotland visits some of the country’s most stunning coastline. It visits the bustling town of Oban, the magical islands of Mull and Iona, onwards to the hub of the Highlands, Fort William. After exploring Glencoe, the most infamous glen in Scotland, the tour then reaches the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond.

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Begin your adventure in the undiscovered Cowal Peninsula before making your way to picturesque Oban – the seafood capital of Scotland and the hub of the West Coast. With numerous ferries arriving and departing each day towards the Outer Hebrides, the bustling harbour is captivating, so much so you could sit and watch the comings and goings all day.   

Catch the ferry to the awe-inspiring Isle of Mull, with a further short hop to the ‘Cradle of Christianity,’ Iona. The islands are a wilderness awaiting discovery, a sporting paradise, a historic journey, a haven of peace and relaxation, and one of the finest places to spot wildlife in Europe. 

Travel along the beautiful coastal route between Oban and Fort William, along the shores of Loch Linnhe and into the heart of the Scottish Highlands. Located at the foot of Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest mountain, Fort William is the ideal location to discover the magnificent Highlands. From here, traverse the stunning road through Glencoe before reaching the breathtaking shores of Loch Lomond. 

Your West Coast Explorer tour comes to an end on the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond.

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 Cowal Peninsula
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Your tour begins by taking the short ferry journey across the Clyde to the Isle of Bute, an emerald gem with golden beaches set in a sea of azure blue. Visit Rothesay Castle where the Stuart kings spent their summers, and the gothic splendour of Mount Stuart – the scene of Stella McCartney’s wedding. Before taking a short ferry and continuing on to the Cowal Peninsula.
Overnight –  Cowal Peninsula

Day 2: Cowal Peninsula to Oban
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A wonderfully scenic journey by ferry and road takes you to the picture postcard village of Inveraray on the shores of Loch Fyne. On the way have lunch at a famous Oyster Bar before exploring 18th century Inveraray Castle, home of the Duke of Argyll – Chief of the Campbell Clan. Travel onwards to Oban, the seafood capital of Scotland.
Overnight – Oban

Day 3: Oban Sightseeing
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Experience the exceptional variety of wildlife on the West Coast of Scotland. See one of the classic malt whiskies being made at Oban Distillery, or visit 13th century Dunstaffnage Castle which overlooks the entrance to Loch Etive. Kilmartin Glen, the cradle of ancient Scotland, and brooding Castle Stalker are short journeys from Oban.
Overnight – Oban

Day 4: Isle of Mull Sightseeing
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Scotland is home to some of the most beautiful island retreats in the world and a day trip to the Isle of Mull is a must. Famous for its stunning wildlife, you could get acquainted with whales, otters, puffins and basking sharks, or enjoy a visit to picturesque Duart Castle – once home to the Chief of Clan MacLean. Tobermory is the island’s main village with its multi-coloured houses scattered around the peaceful harbour.

Nearby, the Isle of Iona, known as ‘The Cradle of Christianity,’ is a truly special place with impossibly turquoise waters, dazzling beaches and hidden coves.
Overnight – Oban

Day 5: Oban to Fort William
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Travel along the beautiful coastal route between Oban and Fort William, along the shores of Loch Linnhe and into the heart of the Scottish Highlands. Your destination for the next 2 nights is Fort William, located on the western sea-board and at the foot of Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest mountain.
Overnight – Fort William

Day 6: West Coast Sightseeing
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Explore the peaceful Ardnamurchan Peninsula, the most westerly point on mainland Britain with wonderful views to the small isles of Rum, Eigg & Muck. Relax on the white sandy beach at Ardtoe or travel on the magnificent Road to the Isles and then by ferry over the sea to the Isle of Skye.
Overnight – Fort William

Day 7: Fort William to Loch Lomond
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Travel through spectacular Glencoe, across wild Rannoch Moor and along the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond. Your final night will be spent in a quaint loch-side village with stunning views across the loch.
Overnight – Loch Lomond

Day 8: Depart Glasgow
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Before you leave Loch Lomond enjoy a boat trip or an unforgettable trip on a seaplane. Glasgow Airport is less than a one hour journey.

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 £1005

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 £1375

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

West Coast Explorer

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

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