A Magical Journey from Rosslyn to Iona
September 2021
Highlights
On this 8 day tour
- Discover and be in awe of the marvels of Rosslyn and its famous 15th century chapel, magnificent glen and castle.
- Sample the delights of rather drinkable artisan gin, made with organic herbs in a secret garden.
- Unearth the mysteries of an ancient yew reputed to be over 1000 years old.
- Discover the wonders of a remote and hidden highland glen, the longest in Scotland and its most sacred.
- Find out what life was like 2500 years ago at an ancient loch dwelling.
- Walk through ancient meadows with stunning views of Highland mountains accompanied by your trusty companion a Shetland pony on hand to provide delicious refreshments.
- Whisky tasting at a wonderful Highland distillery.
- Journey to three stunning Hebridean islands, the Isles of Mull, Iona and Staffa.
- Visit an iconic 14th century Hebridean castle, home of the Clan Maclean, one of the oldest Highland clans and meet its Chief, Sir Lachlan Maclean. Explore castle with the clan’s storyteller who brings the whole place to life, with his wonderful tales and harp.
- Explore an excellent example of a Neolithic stone circle in a truly magnificent setting. Then travel on to the sacred, and much loved Isle of Iona said to be one of the “thin places”.
- Explore the beautiful landscape of Iona through geology and folklore. Staying in a historic building on the land of the original Iona Abbey, surrounded by summer meadows.
- Visit the iconic Fingal’s cave on Staffa and meet the puffins.
- Endless possibilities of wildlife spotting including otters, white tailed eagles, the elusive corncrake with its startling cry and dolphins dancing in the Sound of Iona.
- At journeys end visit a famous fish smokehouse and sample their delicious offerings.
The whole journey will be guided with magical highland storytelling, folklore and exploration of the land through geology making the land come alive and showing you some of the hidden secrets of these places. Your guides for this tour are Scot, a highland bard and keeper of the Clan Maclean’s stories, James Westland, and Sarah Ewing. Please get in touch for more information.
In all of these wonderful and ancient places you can feel a connection with the land and it is a great way to connect back to nature and therefore to yourself.
“History and legend meet here: the secular and the holy join forces, and the fabric and the geography conspire”
Frank Delaney, A Walk to the Western Isles
Pricing and Booking
Next tour date 2021 – The total price for this tour is £2250.
This price is based on double occupancy, some rooms are available on a single occupancy basis on request for an extra fee.
A deposit of £500 will secure your place on this tour; reservations are accepted on a first come first serve basis. The balance must be paid in full 2 months (60 days) before the start date of the tour. If the balance is not paid by this date, we reserve the right to regard the reservation as cancelled.
To book this tour please click on the link below and you will be taken to a registration form, upon completion you will be taken to the payment page and access to secure payment with PayPal.
We very much look forward to welcoming you on your special magical trip through Scotland!
- Extremely comfortable 4 Star accommodation on the mainland
- On Iona accommodation in a beautiful historic island home
- Intimate tour group 10 people maximum
- Admission to all attractions listed on the tour itinerary
- Personal full time tour guides expert in their fields
- Hearty Scottish breakfasts every day
- Lunches and dinner where specified on the itinerary
- Gin and whisky tastings
- Smokehouse delicacies tasting
- All transportation and all ferry fares between the islands
For more details please see the additional information page.
Additional Information
What is included in the tour?
- Overnight accommodation in 4 star accommodation that has been carefully selected for high standards of comfort and beautiful locations. Fees are based on double occupancy, single occupancy at extra charge.
- Accommodation in a historic house on Iona
- Intimate tour group 10 people maximum
- Hearty Scottish breakfasts
- Lunches and dinner as noted on the tour
- Gin and Whisky Tastings
- Smokehouse delicacies tasting
- Admissions to all attractions listed on the tour itinerary
- All transportation and all ferry fares between the islands
- Personal full-time tour guides with expert local knowledge
What is not included?
- Airfare (we can offer guidance on best ways to book)
- Expenses before and after the tours
- Teas, lunches and dinners (except where specified)
- Any side trips or excursions guest do outside of the set itinerary
- Gifts, souvenirs, laundry, cleaning, telephone calls, telexes, faxes, cables, wines, liquors, beer, mineral water, soft drinks and incidental expenditures
- Porterage – we carry our own bags, always
- Tips for tour guides, hotel staff
What is the accommodation like?
All accommodation is four-star standard, the accommodation has been carefully selected for its location and comfort levels.
Iona accommodation is in a historic building on land said to have housed the original Iona Abbey. The house is full of interesting books and original 1930’s carpet specially commissioned for the property. It has outstanding views over the Abbey and to the islands to the North and South. This is your home and a place for you to relax in as much as you would like, it has a wonderful kitchen with a range cooker if you fancy just staying in. Please note there is Wifi at the property but no TV, but with so many books, the views and the atmosphere there is little need for a TV! The double room will be allocated on a first book basis.
Weather
Scotland is a land of sunshine, mists, wind, rain and anything else it feels like doing. Conditions can change quickly but tours will not be cancelled due to poor weather. There might be slightly altered itineraries but tours will still go ahead. The most important thing is to be prepared for all weather conditions to ensure you are comfortable. Some of the most amazing photos can be taken just before or after storms the light can be incredibly intense and certainly brings you closer to nature! Highland locals would say it is possible to experience all four seasons in one day and if you don’t like the weather – just wait 20 minutes!
What to bring
- Waterproof jacket and trousers
- Walking pole (if required)
- Sturdy shoes or walking boots
- Rucksack
- Diary and paints if you like to record your trip
- Swimming Costume/Trunks – yes people do swim in Scotland! Also on some of our tours, we have access to a fully heated indoor swimming pool.
What is the Cancellation Policy?
In the event of cancellation before 26th February 2019. Your deposit will only be refunded if your place is filled by someone else, in which case it will be refunded minus an administration fee.
In the event of cancellation on or after 26th February 2019, no refunds will be issued unless your place can be filled by someone else, in which case all monies paid will be refunded, minus an administration fee.
All cancellations must be received in writing.
Smoking Policy
Please note all properties we stay in, follow a strict no smoking policy, no smoking is allowed on or near the properties or whilst in transit from site to site. Scotland has strict no smoking laws. It is now illegal to smoke in and around accommodation and public interiors. To make it comfortable for all on our tours no smoking is allowed at the tours sites either.
Travel Insurance
We recommend you take out travel insurance.