scottish islands tours

Tours of the Scottish Islands - Skye, Hebrides, Orkney | Go Scotland Tours

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Scotland Island Hopping Extravaganza Tour

• Tour ID: 1062
• Tour theme: Scotland Island Hopping Tours , Group Sightseeing Tours (Multi-days) ,
• Duration: 17 Days / 16 Nights
• Starts from: Edinburgh

Scotland treasured islands. Tour Scotland west coast islands, Orkney islands, Lewis and Harris, Hebrides Islands Tour, Whisky Isle of Islay, tour of Scotland...

Whisky Tour

Scotland Whisky Coast Tour - Islay, Mull, Iona and Skye

• Tour ID: 1064
• Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights

A tour to tease the palette; the world famous isle of Islay, a whisky connoisseurs dream, then the 4 Hebrides magical islands of Mull, Iona, Staffa and Skye...

Small Group Tour

Orkney and the Outer Hebrides Tour

• Tour ID: 1063
• Duration: 10 Days / 9 Nights

A tour of Scotland to remember forever, enjoy the northern Orkney Isles, then the western Isles of Lewis and Harris, Scotland Orkney and Hebrides combined tour.

Scottish Islands Highlights Tour

• Tour ID: 1127
• Duration: 12 Days / 11 Nights

Explore the 5 fantastic west coast islands including Islay, Iona, Mull, Staffa and Skye and the prehistoric beauty and history of the northern Orkney islands...

Scotland Island Hopping Adventure Tour

• Tour ID: 1045
• Tour theme: Group Sightseeing Tours (Multi-days) , Scotland Island Hopping Tours ,
• Duration: 14 Days / 13 Nights

West Europe last great wilderness. Tour Scotland west coast islands, Orkney islands, the Isles of Lewis and breathtaking Harris, Hebrides Islands Tour and Skye.

Scotland West Coast Islands and Orkney Tour

• Tour ID: 1046
• Duration: 9 Days / 8 Nights

The tour of dreams 9 days to enjoy 5 fantastic west coast islands, Iona, Mull, Staffa, Skye and the prehistoric Orkney islands, Scotland Tour also Loch Ness....

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Scottish Islands

Miles from nowhere.

What if you were miles from anywhere? And yet... everything is around you. You've never felt so connected to a place before. In the distance, a violent silhouette of rocks cuts across the sky as it fades towards night. Mountains before you. A dark loch eager for a night of rest. 

You've discovered something special here. Something most people you know have never and will never experience. The wild beauty of a Scottish Island . 

And you know this is only the beginning. Which Scottish isle will you visit next? The legendary Skye ? Humble Mull ? Wild Orkney ? Sweeping Outer Hebrides ? Then there's Arran , Iona , Staffa , Islay , Bute ... you could spend eternity with them and never grow restless. 

And we go there. Rabbie's have 1 – 17 day tours to the islands. So, even if you only have a few days in Scotland , you can (and should) include a few islands in your travel plan.

Explore Scottish island tours

Why you'll love Scotland's islands

Abundant Wildlife

In Orkney, bird watchers spotted 100 species in a week. In Mull, it’s almost guaranteed you’ll see a whale, dolphin, or porpoise. And in the Hebrides, you’re bound to stroll close to a herd of seals. So, join a tour to the islands, get your binoculars ready, and watch the wildlife roam.

Geologic Giants

Mesozoic eras, rock cycles, relative dating: geology can be dull. But not when you’re in the Scottish islands. Because 400 million-year-old outcrops clash with the weather and create extraordinary caves, immense mountains, and staggering sea-cliffs. After visiting, earth science may be your new favourite subject.

History's Mysteries

No one knows why we built stone circles. But when you’re there, it's unimportant. Because a mystical awe overcomes you. The location and shapes make sense. On the islands, you’ll find ancient examples of these landmarks. And if you’re lucky, you may figure out the mystery yourself.

Ancient Trades

From the backbreaking work of crofting to the intricate weaving of Harris Tweed, Scottish Islanders have dappled in many trades and professions. Step back in time and discover how people lived, worked and created. Perhaps you’ll have the chance to learn a skill or two while visiting.

Scottish Island Tours

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The Isle of Skye - 3 day tour

Roam the breathtaking Isle of Skye and its beautifully unique landscape that's something out of a dream.

Prices from £195.00

DEPARTING FROM: Edinburgh

Isle of Skye & West Highlands - 4 day tour

Travel to where ancient mountains meet thrilling myths, where beauty waits in every forest and mountain.

Prices from £289.00

Highland Explorer: Skye & Far North - 5 day tour

Soak up the romantic beauty of the Isle of Skye and the Far North.

Prices from £399.00

Islay & the Whisky Coast - 4 day tour

Savour the distilled essence of Scotland's fine landscapes and even finer whisky.

Prices from £389.00

Orkney & Scotland's Northern Coast - 5 day tour

Escape to Scotland's extreme Northern Coast and magical Orkney.

Prices from £489.00

Orkney Explorer - 3 day tour

Unearth ancient Neolithic mysteries and explore gorgeous coastlines as you discover vibrant Orkney.

Prices from £225.00

DEPARTING FROM: Inverness

Discover breath-taking landscapes, quaint villages and epic castles on this journey to the 'Misty Isle'.

DEPARTING FROM: Glasgow

Iona, Mull & the Isle of Skye - 5 day tour

Rugged mountains taper down to pristine lochs in these iconic Scottish islands of myth and legend.

Prices from £509.00

Lewis, Harris & the Outer Hebrides - 3 day tour

Fine woven materials, white sandy beaches, and mystifying monuments: welcome to Lewis and Harris.

Prices from £239.00

Outer Hebrides & Skye Adventure - 6 day tour

Escape to the Outer Hebrides and the marvellous Isle of Skye.

Prices from £579.00

Iona, Mull, Skye & Orkney - 9 day tour

Photographers, explorers, and adventurers can't get enough of Skye, Orkney, Iona and Mull.

Prices from £998.00

Magical Mull, Isle of Iona & West Highlands - 4 day tour

Discover the magic of the Isle of Mull and the dramatic West Highlands of Scotland.

Prices from £339.00

St Ninians Isle, Shetland Islands

© VisitScotland / Paul Tomkins

Scottish Islands & Island Hopping

Experience the best of Scotland's islands. From legendary islands to lesser-known gems and even the most northerly places in the British isles, island hopping in Scotland is an experience to treasure. 

Island itineraries

These itineraries will help you plan an island hopping break in Scotland.

Skye and Fort William by Public Transport

Follow a 4-day itinerary and see the Isle of Skye, Fort William, Oban and more using public transport.

An island hopping holiday on the west coast

Discover what it means to island hop across the western islands of Scotland.

Orkney & Shetland Island Hopping - Itinerary

Take a 12-day trip where you'll discover some of the most stunning coastal scenery in the world.

Hebridean Way Cycling Route

Follow this 185-mile cycle route, which crosses 10 islands in the blissful Outer Hebrides.

Scottish Island Hopping Tours

Want help from the experts? Explore a range of Scottish island tours, from sailing holidays to bespoke guided tours, and book your trip today!

How can I go island hopping in Scotland?

Caledonian Macbrayne Ferry Departing Ardrossan

Whether you fancy travelling between Scotland's islands by ferry or plane you'll find plenty of ways to tick your dream islands off your must-visit list on a Scottish islands holiday. 

ISLAND HOPPING BY FERRY

Regular ferry connections run from the mainland to the islands on the west and north coasts of Scotland, and also between the islands themselves.

Find out more about travelling by ferry

In the west of Scotland

Caledonian MacBrayne , often known as CalMac, is the largest operator of ferry services in the west of Scotland, serving the west coast Scottish island groups of:

• The Outer Hebrides
• The Inner Hebrides
• The Firth of Clyde
• The Small Isles

The Caledonian MacBrayne Ferry

In addition to the CalMac routes, there are a few smaller ferry services to some destinations. These are usually run by council-appointed operators, and allow access to some of the best Scottish islands to visit.

If you're visiting our major cities, there are some operators which offer Scottish island tours from Glasgow, or island tours from Edinburgh with additional coach travel added in.

In the north of Scotland

If you're looking to visit the islands north of Scotland, Orkney and Shetland are connected to the mainland and each other by  NorthLink Ferries . In Shetland, inter-island ferry travel is operated by the  council , while  Orkney Ferries  connect the archipelago's 13 island destinations.

An aerial view of the coastline on West Mainland

SCOTTISH ISLAND HOPPING BY PLANE

In some instances it's possible to go by plane. Some islands have a local airport where chartered flights are operated from mainland Scotland and beyond.

Find out more about flying in Scotland

In addition, there are inter-island flights in:

• Outer Hebrides  - flights connect Benbecula with Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis.
• Orkney  - flights connect Kirkwall with North Ronaldsay and Papa Westray, and Eday, Stronsay, Sanday and Westray.
• Shetland  - from Shetland Mainland, flights go to Fair Isle and Foula.

Find out more

Where will your Scottish island holiday take you? Check out this brilliant list of Scottish island destinations which you could visit as part of an unforgettable trip.

Isle of Arran

Arran is an island on the west coast of Scotland. It's family-friendly and has great scenery, beaches and lots of things to do.

Isle of Islay

The island of Islay sits off the west coast of Scotland. It's known for it's many whisky distilleries.

Isle of Mull

This large Inner Hebridean island is full of many incredible possibilities, whether you are going for a day trip or staying a fortnight.

Dramatic sea cliffs, mysterious standing stones and flourishing birdlife. Your Orkney story awaits.

Outer Hebrides

The Scottish Western Isles of the Outer Hebrides are a diverse chain of inter-connected islands with their own unique Hebridean way of life.

Head 60 degrees north for a short break or longer holidays in Shetland and find your perfect Scottish escape.

Isle of Jura

Follow in the footsteps of George Orwell and find whisky, magnificent mountains and splendid tranquillity on this island off Scotland's west coast.

Lewis & Harris

Discover Lewis and Harris, with holiday ideas, accommodation, travel information, maps and things to see and do.

Isle of Skye

Skye is a truly magical place. The largest of the Inner Hebrides, it's home to some of Scotland's most iconic landscapes.

Get away from it all on Uist, a group of six idyllic islands home to quiet beaches, incredible wildlife, and rich island culture.

Things to do on Scotland's islands

12 Scottish island holiday ideas

Looking for tips on holidaying around the Scottish Islands? Discover the best places to visit, tips on things to do, accommodation and more!

Best Time of Year to Visit Islands in Scotland

Plan the ultimate Scottish island holiday, with handy guidance and top recommendations for off-the-beaten-track stays.

Sailing in Scotland

Set sail in Scotland. Find info on boat hire, yacht charters, places to drop anchor and useful resources.

Scottish Island Adventures - The New CalMac Podcast

Explore Scotland's west coast with this new podcast from Caledonian MacBrayne hosted by Coinneach MacLeod (the Hebridean Baker).

Dark Sky Parks & Stargazing in Scotland

There are few things as amazing as staring up at a clear night sky.

Your island photos

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Other things you might like

Orkney's lesser-known islands

Airports & Flights in Scotland

Holiday Ideas for Scotland

10 Hidden Gems & Things To Do On the Isles of Mull & Iona

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Scottish Isles & Glens

Starting from $3,995

• The Experience
• 12 Days In 2024
• 13 Days In 2024
• 12 Days In 2025
• 13 Days In 2025

Explore Scotland's coasts and islands

Trip details.

Tour start Glasgow

Tour end Edinburgh

Available Promotions for this tour

Ring of Brodgar

This stone circle is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the Heart of Neolithic Orkney.

Isle of Skye

Admire the rugged coastlines and ancient ruins of this Scottish island.

Orkney Islands

These islands encompass dramatic vistas, Neolithic sites, tall sandstone cliffs and seal colonies.

Inverewe Gardens

Enjoy a garden of Eden in the unlikeliest of places, with 2,000 exotic plant species from around the world, including towering California redwoods, a "Savage Garden" of carnivorous plants, and rhododendrons from China, India, and Nepal.

Loch Ness Cruise

Cruise across this lake known for sightings of the Loch Ness Monster, also known as "Nessie".

Urquhart Castle

Admire the beautiful ruins of a Scottish icon by land — and from the dark waters of Loch Ness.

Discover the ruins of a 5,000-year-old village, unearthed by the sea more than a century ago.

Mount Stuart House and Gardens

This innovative Victorian and Georgian building will enthrall you. With dazzling design inspired by astrology, art, and mythology, it features an early telephone system and a Victorian elevator.

Dunrobin Castle

Looking like it came out of a fairytale with its magnificent spires, Dunrobin Castle in the Highlands has been continuously inhabited for over 700 years.

Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

Our July 27th to August 12th departures get to enjoy the precision and performance of pipe and drum corps from around the world.

Day 1 Glasgow Arrival

Day 2 isle of bute | mount stuart house, day 3 loch lomond | eilean donan castle, day 4 isle of skye | dunvegan castle | portree, day 5 inverewe gardens | gairloch or ullapool, day 6 dornoch | dunrobin castle | orkney, day 7 orkney sights | ring of brodgar | skara brae | st magnus cathedral, day 8 italian chapel | inverness, day 9 urquhart castle | loch ness cruise | sheepdog demonstration, day 10 whisky tasting | scottish evening*, day 11 edinburgh panoramic tour | edinburgh castle, day 12 tour ends in edinburgh, where you’ll stay.

Novotel Glasgow Centre Hotel Glasgow, Scotland

The 4-Star Novotel Glasgow Centre is conveniently located in the heart of the vibrant city. This...

Balmacara Hotel Scottish Highlands, Scotland

This traditional Highland hotel is beautifully located on scenic Loch Alsh, with views of the Isle...

The Royal Hotel Ullapool, Scotland

One of the premier luxury hotels in the Scottish Highlands, the Royal will delight the most...

Ayre Hotel Kirkwall, Scotland

The Ayre Hotel is one of Orkney's finest hotels and is situated in the principal town of Kirkwall...

Columba Hotel Inverness, Scotland

This grand hotel has a great location in the heart of Inverness, yet in a ...

Crieff Hydro Hotel Perth, Scotland

Crieff Hydro Hotel is on a 900-acre estate with a Victorian spa, 18-hole golf course and over 60...

Novotel Edinburgh Centre Hotel Edinburgh, Scotland

5 minutes' walk from Grassmarket, Novotel Edinburgh Centre features a hot tub and swimming pool....

Inclusive package with no hidden extras

What's included?

• Full daily breakfast and many meals*
• An evening of Scottish entertainment
• Transportation (Buses, shuttles & ferries)
• Welcome drinks with your group
• Free Wi-Fi on luxury coaches
• All entrance fees to attractions
• Comprehensive travel itinerary

*Breakfast is not included on Day 1

Our welcome gift to you

• A travel backpack
• Travel adapter
• Rain poncho
• Luggage strap and tags
• Documents wallet

From our travelers

This holiday tour of Scotland was the second time I traveled with CIE. The best by far! I wouldn’t contemplate booking with any other company. Our brilliant tour guide Graham was so friendly and knowledgeable.

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Novotel Glasgow Centre Hotel, Glasgow

The 4-Star Novotel Glasgow Centre is conveniently located in the heart of the vibrant city. This family-friendly hotel is set amongst the hustle and bustle of Glasgow, making getting around town easy. Guests can rejuvenate after busy city days in the state-of-the-art fitness centre, or in the sauna and stream room. The hotel offers a choice of Standard, Superior and Executive rooms.

Novotel Glasgow Centre Hotel

• 24-hour Front Desk
• Business Center
• Coffee Shop
• Disabled Facilities
• Dry Cleaning
• Fitness Center
• Wifi in Public Areas (Complimentary)
• 24-hour Room Service
• Coffee & Tea-making Facilities in Room
• Complimentary Bottled Water
• In-Room Wifi (Complimentary)
• Iron/Ironing Board
• Private Bathroom
• Room Service
• Work Desk & Lamp

Balmacara Hotel, Scottish Highlands

This traditional Highland hotel is beautifully located on scenic Loch Alsh, with views of the Isle of Skye and the hills of Wester Ross. All rooms are tastefully decorated, and many enjoy stunning views. A delicious full English breakfast is served in the 1930s-style coffee lounge. The hotel is close to the Isle of Skye Bridge and Eilean Donan Castle.

Balmacara Hotel Exterior

• Cable/Satellite Television
• Daily Maid Service

Double Room

Restaurant With a View

The Royal Hotel, Ullapool

One of the premier luxury hotels in the Scottish Highlands, the Royal will delight the most discerning of guests and offers 55 en-suite rooms, many with breathtaking views over Loch Broom and the others over rugged mountain landscapes.

The Royal Hotel

Ayre Hotel, Kirkwall

The Ayre Hotel is one of Orkney's finest hotels and is situated in the principal town of Kirkwall. We aim to provide a friendly & professional service to make your stay in Orkney as comfortable & enjoyable as possible. With homemade food using local produce and the best of Orkney and World Beers, Whiskies and Gins, our restaurant & bar i the perfect place to unwind or try anything

• Luggage Racks

Twin Bedroom

Columba Hotel, Inverness

This grand hotel has a great location in the heart of Inverness, yet in a quiet area with splendid views of the River Ness and Inverness Castle. Inside its historic exterior, the Columba Hotel houses bright, airy rooms. Each has a TV with satellite channels and facilities for making tea and coffee. The hotel's décor combines traditional comfort with contemporary style and amenities. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the building.

Columba Hotel

Crieff Hydro Hotel, Perth

Crieff Hydro Hotel is on a 900-acre estate with a Victorian spa, 18-hole golf course and over 60 indoor and outdoor activities. The resort is in the beautiful Strathearn Valley just a one hour drive from both Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Crieff Hydro Hotel

• Babysitting
• Exercise Classes
• Swimming Pool

Novotel Edinburgh Centre Hotel, Edinburgh

5 minutes' walk from Grassmarket, Novotel Edinburgh Centre features a hot tub and swimming pool. It offers spacious, modern rooms with LCD TVs. Princes Street is a 10-minute walk away. Each room provides a 26-inch LCD TV. Rooms also feature free Wi-Fi,a private bathroom, minibar, and tea/coffee facilities. Guest can relax in Novotel’s sauna, or exercise in the modern fitness centre. Elements Restaurant serves international cuisine in stylish surroundings. The naturally lit Elements Bar offers light meals and a range of drinks.

Novotel Edinburgh Centre Hotel

• Laundry Facilities
• Mini Refrigerator
• Soap/Hair Products

See what people are saying about this trip

Scottish isles & glens - 12 days/11 nights engaging and wonderful time had.

We had an absolutely wonderful time. Enjoyed the make up of the tour and the places it took us. Learned alot about Scotland both now and the history. Saw some beautiful scenery making us ponder, maybe we should move there?! Ian and his command of history was an interesting tour director, giving us information that we had not thought about and added to the tour. Ian and Joe (the driver) were great together and played off of each other making the tour light and fun. We were impressed with the castles, countryside, and calm living of Scotland. The tour ending at Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Military Tattoo was spectacular. The hotels we stayed in were each different and reflected the Scottish land, not like an American hotel, but a hotel that was both intriguing with wonderful scenery. The food we had included with our tour was also very Scottish and fun to see the difference from what we eat in America and what the Scottish people enjoy. The porridge with whiskey was very tasty! Lastly, we have spoken of this tour to all our friends and have recommended it to many. I have a teacher friend who is wishing to go on a tour and she is looking into your CIE tour because of our wonderful experience. Thank you.

CIE Tours Customer

Scottish isles & glens - 12 days/11 nights-wonderful adventure.

I must give a shout out to our fantastic tour guide, Linda! She was extremely friendly, personable, and her knowledge of Scottish history was very impressive. She was the “icing on the cake” and made each and every day an enjoyable experience!

Cliff Sandwrson

Scottish isles & glens - 12 days/11 nights-exceeded expectations.

Each stop was more breathtaking g than the previous & our guide’s knowledge of the country and its history was remarkable

Scottish Isles & Glens - 12 Days/11 Nights

The itinerary was good and the accommodations were acceptable. I loved our guide and his excellent commentary I disliked having so many meals on our own in places that were ill equipped to handle crowds I definetly recommend packing snacks from home

Christine Mary Galbraith

I loved the breathtaking sites and locations.

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The Inclusive Advantage

Get more without spending more. CIE Tours includes every experience and most meals so you won't be hit with hidden expenses.

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Scottish Island Hopping

There's a deliciously old-fashioned thrill to touring the Scottish islands - discovering the varying character and charm of each.

Scottish island hopping brings a sense of growing excitement as you lean over the stern, watching one isle shrink from view in your ferry’s wake, and wondering what undiscovered pleasures the next will hold as it gradually looms into shape on the horizon.

Grappling with route planning and ferry timetables, however, is not for the fainthearted. That’s where McKinlay Kidd comes in. We not only know the Scottish islands inside out, but also the ferry and flight timetables, so we can work out the best combinations and timings to ensure you get the most out of your Scottish island adventure. We also hand-pick the accommodation, concentrating on smaller, usually family-run places, where you will really get an authentic flavour of local island life. Book your holiday with us and we’ll share a detailed set of recommendations of our favourite things to see and do throughout the Scottish islands – many of them well off-the-beaten track.

The Scottish Islands

Just let us know what you are seeking on your island adventure and we’ll point you in the right direction – browse through the many suggested Scottish itineraries on this website or ask us to prepare a tailor-made proposal for you.

• Discover the empty wide sandy beaches and wild landscapes of the Outer Hebrides , taste much sought-after Harris gin or experience the unique thrill of your small plane splashing down on the runway of cockle strand on Barra .
• Marvel at the soaring mountains and sense of history on the Isle of Skye or hop over to neighbouring Raasay with its fantastic new distillery.
• Seek out wonderful wildlife habitats, both on-shore and off-shore, of the Isle of Mull . Yes, you really can go whale-watching off Scotland’s West Coast!
• Find out why Arran is dubbed Scotland in miniature, boasting ancient history, dramatic mountains, plus whisky, beer and crafts.
• Slow down and enjoy the gentler, remote peace of our wee islands, such as the Atlantic Twins of Coll & Tiree . Or delight in the Southern Hebridean island atmosphere, complete with palm trees, delightful gardens and stunning beaches on  Gigha and Colonsay
• Enjoy a dram or several on Islay , with its nine distilleries (though we keep losing count) and whisky galore.
• Venture north to the very different Scottish islands of Orkney and Shetland , with their history and culture very much Norse in origin. You’ll find some of the oldest signs of civilisation in Europe on Orkney at Knap of Howar and Skara Brae, while on Shetland the briny sea air is a constant reminder that you are never far from the ocean in this fascinating outpost. While often bracketed together, they are quite distinct island groups, well-worth exploring in detail. They also combine well in an island-hopping touring holiday, whether by ferry or by flight.

Browse the website for ideas of holidays featuring the many and varied Scottish islands then let us know which appeal most to your sense of adventure. We’ll then put together a proposal based on your specific requirements. Bear in mind that many of the islands are quite remote and undeveloped – there is not abundant accommodation at every turn. Early planning and booking is therefore strongly advised, especially if you are looking to travel in the peak season from May to September.

We look forward to helping design your tailor-made Scottish island hopping trip.

Seeing the contrasts between the islands. How unspoilt it was and the tranquility was a trip highlight. Lynda & Michael - Chippenham

A very good introduction to the Outer Hebrides. Enjoyed following parts of the Peter May trail having read the books! Eileen & Wilfred - Newcastle

Shetland is intriguing, stunning, and engaging in equal measures. The openness of the scenery matches that of the people. Kenneth & Elizabeth - Devon

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Holidays throughout Scottish Islands

Fly-drive through the Western Isles

Orkney & Shetland Guided Small Group Tour

Orkney & Shetland Self-drive

Outer Hebrides Hopscotch

Scottish Island Escape

The Best of Scotland’s Highlands & Islands

Treasured Scottish Islands

Car-free Scottish Island Hopping

Mull & Iona, Isles of Enchantment

Slowly Through the Outer Hebrides

See Mull & Skye Differently

Complete Orkney & Shetland

Other holiday ideas to explore.

Fly-drive Holidays

Time is precious and if you want to squeeze every last drop from your trip, a fly-drive holiday is a great idea.

Irish Islands

Savouring a completely different pace and way of life on an island is one of the best holiday feelings -and Ireland has a few to choose from.

Wee Scottish Islands

We’ve dubbed some of the smallest inhabited isles in Scotland our “wee Scottish islands”.

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Scottish Islands Tours

Below are sample packages of our tours that cover the Scottish islands, including Orkney, Skye, Shetland, the Outer Hebrides and the Inner Hebrides.

Scottish Island Adventures

Find out more

Scottish Island Tours

The magic of skye and the west highlands, shetland wildlife trail, orkney and shetland island hopping, the inner hebrides by public transport.