Exploring Iona and Mull from Inverness
In the year 563 AD, an Irish monk named Columba arrived on the tiny island of Iona and founded a monastery that would go on to become the single most influential religious site in early medieval Britain. Two years later, he journeyed northeast along the Great Glen to meet King Bridei of the Picts near modern-day Inverness — and according to his 7th-century biographer Adomnán, it was on that journey that he famously confronted a "water beast" in the River Ness. Travelling from Inverness to Iona today retraces that route in reverse — down through the Great Glen, across to the Isle of Mull, and out to the Isle of Iona itself, before returning home through Glencoe.
Places of note on this journey
Isle of Iona: The heart of the journey, and the reason most people make it. St Columba's monastery, founded in 563 AD, became a centre of learning that produced the Book of Kells, and a place of such spiritual weight that it served as the burial ground for early Scottish kings — the ancient graveyard of Reilig Odhráin is recorded as holding the remains of numerous monarchs. Beyond the restored Abbey and the 13th-century Augustinian Nunnery, much of Iona's power lies simply in the quiet, and a sense of history that very few places in Scotland can match.
Duart Castle: Standing on a headland guarding the Sound of Mull, Duart has been the seat of Clan Maclean since the late 14th century. Restored in the early 20th century after centuries of ruin, it remains one of the best-preserved clan strongholds in the Hebrides.
Tobermory: The Isle of Mull's principal town and our base for two nights, with its distinctive colourful harbour front and relaxed, easy character — a great place simply to slow down between the castle and the crossing to Iona.
Glencoe: Our return route to Inverness passes through this dramatic glen, site of the 1692 Massacre of Glencoe, and a fitting close to a journey that moves through so many layers of Highland and island history.
Exploring independently
All of these historic locations can be explored independently by car (ferries required for Mull and Iona) — with only light walking required to reach each site — if you have the time to plan the logistics.
However, if you prefer a curated private tour, I offer a dedicated 4 Day Isle of Mull, Iona and Highlands Private Tour from Inverness — a special themed tour built around giving Iona the time it deserves. We base in Tobermory for two nights, with a deliberately shorter Day 2 — just Duart Castle and an early finish in Tobermory — so that Day 3 can be a longer day, giving us at least five hours on Iona without feeling rushed.
When we visit Iona, my background as a PhD historian with eighteen years of guiding experience means I can place it properly within its wider story — Celtic Christianity, the Lordship of the Isles and the layers of Highland history around it — and follow whatever threads interest you as we go.
4 Day Isle of Mull, Iona and Highlands Private Tour
Available from May to September
- Day 1: Inverness to Oban — We follow the banks of Loch Ness to Urquhart Castle, then continue down the Great Glen towards Fort William, detouring along the road to the Isles to Glenfinnan to explore the Jacobite monument, museum and viaduct. The afternoon takes us south into Argyll, with a viewpoint stop at Castle Stalker, before arriving in Oban.
Overnight: Oban - Day 2: Oban to Isle of Mull — A shorter day, by design. A 45 minute morning ferry takes us across to Craignure, then a short drive to Duart Castle. From there it's on to Tobermory, our base for the next two nights, with an early finish and a relaxed evening to settle in.
Overnight: Tobermory (Isle of Mull) - Day 3: Isle of Iona — Our longer day. An early start for the crossing to Iona, giving us at least five hours on the island to explore the Abbey, the museum, and Reilig Odhrain, with time left over simply to be there, before returning to Tobermory in the evening.
Overnight: Tobermory (Isle of Mull) - Day 4: Isle of Mull to Inverness — A short drive south to Craignure for the mid-morning ferry back to Oban, followed by a drive north to explore the landscapes around Glencoe, including a visit to a reconstructed 17th-century turf house, the River Coe, and Loch Achtriochtan. The afternoon takes us on our return journey north-east along the Great Glen back to Inverness, with time to explore the Caledonian Canal at Fort Augustus.
Private Tour Pricing
- 4 Day Isle of Mull, Iona and Highlands Tour — £3400
What's included in the tour price?
Tours are exclusively for your private group only (up to 3 persons) and prices are per tour. I only offer private tours and do not combine individuals or separate groups – if your group size is less than 3 the advertised tour price still applies. Your private tour price includes:
- Private tour for your group only (1, 2 or 3 persons)
- An experienced driver-guide and historian (John Alasdair Macdonald)
- A comfortable tour vehicle with good visibility and generous legroom
- All ferry tickets (I take care of all ferry bookings)
- All taxes and fees
What's excluded?
The tour price does not include your accommodation, entrance fees or meals and refreshments.
Where should I book accommodation?
To make the most of your tour I recommend you book accommodation in:
- Oban (Day 1)
- Tobermory (Day 2 and 3)
Whilst I do not book accommodation directly, I am always happy to offer advice on where to stay and eat. Your tour quote will include a list of recommended accommodation options for our overnight locations along with suggestions for evening meals.
Why is Day 2 shorter and Day 3 longer?
This tour is built around giving Iona the time it deserves. Rather than splitting the days evenly, Day 2 is kept deliberately short — Duart Castle and an early finish to enjoy Tobermory — so that Day 3 can be a longer day allowing at least five hours on Iona itself, without ever feeling rushed.
Can the tour itinerary be customised?
The tour itinerary is based on eighteen years of guiding experience, previous client feedback, and practical travel timings. However, there is some flexibility and the itinerary can often be adapted in advance to suit particular interests or requests where possible.
What about the ferry sailings?
Ferry sailings are generally reliable in the summer months, but delays and cancellations can occasionally occur. While I cannot be responsible for additional accommodation, food or other costs that clients may incur due to ferry delays and cancellations, I will make every effort to adapt the tour to minimise disruption. Please note that no refunds will be given for tour and itinerary changes due to ferry changes and cancellations.
What will the weather be like?
The Scottish Highlands and Islands are renowned for changeable weather, and even in the summer months we may experience some rain or wind. I always recommend a light waterproof jacket and comfortable footwear suitable for short walks in wet or uneven terrain.
How far in advance should I book the tour?
I recommend booking this tour as early as possible. The Isle of Mull has a limited number of hotels and B&Bs, and accommodation often fills up 9 to 12 months in advance. Securing your tour dates and your accommodation early ensures you get the widest choice of rooms.
How do I enquire about the tour?
The first step is simply to email me directly at info@thehebrideanexplorer.com with your ideal travel dates. I will then reply with availability and a detailed tour quotation (with absolutely no obligation to proceed at this stage) — I usually reply to enquiries within 24 hours.
P.S. — A personal note: of all the places I take guests across the Highlands and Islands, Iona is the place I find hardest to write about plainly. As a historian, I can give you the facts easily enough — the monastery, the manuscripts, the kings. But I'm also a Catholic convert, and every time I stand on that small island, something in me settles in a way it doesn't quite anywhere else (even surrounded by all the other visitors!). I don't say that to explain it away as guiding sentiment — just to be honest about why I keep going back.