Details
Day One
A memorable ferry ride takes you from Oban, on the West Coast of Scotland, to the island of Mull. We offer a choice of small family-run hotels in the north of the island for this holiday – one in the colourful main island village of Tobermory, the other an atmospheric and tastefully refurbished 17th century inn, in the Victorian village of Dervaig.
Day Two
Today’s full-day ‘wildlife safari‘ will not only introduce you to Mull’s most spectacular wildlife hotspots, but is a great way to explore some of the more remote and scenic highlights of this wildly beautiful island. Your friendly hosts Pam and Arthur will help you to look out for golden eagles soaring in silent glens and swooping down to protect their chicks, white tailed sea eagles hunting in coastal bays, hen harriers gliding over scrub and marshes, perhaps even otters sunning themselves in seaweed-strewn bays. Coffee and tea are supplied, binoculars are provided and Pam’s homemade soup and buns are legendary!
Day Three
Perhaps the highlight for many is today’s whale-watch. You will spend the day at sea in the company of expert marine biologists searching for minke whales. Spotting a whale in the wild is still one of the greatest thrills in nature as they glide elegantly through the water, perhaps lunging through a shoal of fish and breaking the surface. Along the way watch out for harbour porpoise, dolphins – both bottlenose and common – many seabirds and perhaps even a harmless basking shark, or for the very lucky, an orca, or killer whale
Day Four
A day to relax and explore Mull at your own pace. For example you could take the opportunity to visit the peaceful and spiritual neighbouring island of Iona.
Day Five
Today’s boat trip will take you from a small harbour in the west of Mull, to the Treshnish Isles, more important wildlife habitats. From April to July these are the nesting sites for thousands of puffins offering visitors a rare and memorable opportunity to watch this most engaging of birds at close quarters.
Day Six
A final day to relax and explore the island, which offers some wonderful walking opportunities, with sandy coves and deserted villages in the north, as well as the high mountains of the south.
Day Seven
Depart for home, with plenty of wonderful memories, and a yearning to return again soon.
Hotel Option A – Dervaig
This cosy 17th century droving inn is ideally situated between Tobermory and Calgary in the pretty Victorian village of Dervaig. Popular with the locals, who come from far and wide to soak up its convivial atmosphere, this is a place where visitors can enjoy traditional island hospitality, regular live music and wholesome highland fayre. Hearty meals and lighter bar snacks both feature fresh seafood and the finest Mull beef and venison. Accommodation (including family rooms) is quietly situated away from the hustle and bustle of the bar, and residents can escape to a private lounge/TV room with glorious views over the village and glen.
Hotel option B – Tobermory
Basking in the picture-postcard charm of Tobermory’s stunning waterfront, your hotel has been cleverly converted from a row of fisherman’s cottages into a delightful family-run establishment. Comfortable lounges and bedrooms offer a warm welcome just a stone’s throw from one of the world’s prettiest working harbours. Tobermory itself is a lively little town with several friendly bars and other places to eat with a real night-time buzz.
Hotel Option C – A Scottish Castle
Do you dream of staying in a romantic Scottish castle, far from the cares of the world, with nooks and crannies and turrets and sweeping sea views? Make that dream reality, but without the stuffiness and airs and graces you might expect. Here, you will receive a very warm welcome – you are not just a visitor, but a special guest in a family home. The owners are passionate about the whole estate, and take great pride in introducing you to its many delights – from the café and coffee shop secluded in the grounds, to the wonderful wildlife (guided walks available), from the Victorian bathing pools by the seashore to the distinctive volcano on the ridge.
Pricing
Option A – £655 per person in April and £670 for May to September
Option B – £755 per person in April and £785 for May to September
Option C – £850 per person in April and £895 for May to September
These prices are based on 2 people sharing a standard double/twin room (with seaview in Tobermory), in a 3 star small hotel, for 6 nights on a bed & breakfast basis.
Price includes return ferry crossing for a car and passengers and the following activities:
- A full day Wildlife Safari with expert local wildlife guide.
- A 6 hour Whale Watch, accompanied by marine biologist.
- A 6 hour boat trip exploring the Treshnish islands & Staffa, with 2-3 hours ashore.
Please note: The full day whale-watch is not advised for children under 12. We can arrange for an alternative marine wildlife boat trip if preferred. Ask us for more details.
Puffins are only readily seen until the end of July.
Note for wildlife trips:
We of course cannot guarantee that you will see any of the wildlife described – these are wild animals and as such cannot be called to order, and no refund will be made if you are unlucky enough not to see any of the animals described, despite the very best efforts of the guides.
All our touring holidays include a map of Scotland with recommended routes from your specified starting point, suggestions on places to see and visit depending on your personal interests and our expertise to help you get the most from your holiday.
All itineraries and room types are presented subject to availability at specific hotels.
