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- 4 Day Puffin Island Hopper
Puffin Island Hopper
Roll out the red carpet – we’re setting sail for an incredible small-group adventure to the isles of Mull and Iona, the shining stars of Scotland’s Inner Hebrides! On this puffin tour, you’ll get up close to a famous sea cave, spot adorable wee birds during an action-packed wildlife cruise, and explore white sandy beaches with unreal turquoise waters. Throw whisky, Highland mountains, and Loch Lomond into the mix, and you’ve got the ultimate VIP trip of Scotland.
Tour Highlights
Wildlife cruise
Gaze upon epic mountains and coastline, as we cruise around Mull to the Treshnish Isles and Staffa. Listen to commentary from your wildlife guide, and look out for seals, eagles and whales, before meeting the puffins on Staffa and Lunga.
Isle of Iona
Iona is one of the most peaceful and beautiful islands Scotland; from the turquoise water and cute cottages which greet you on arrival, to the ancient abbey and white sand beaches. This wee island will have a big impact on you!
Isle of Staffa
Staffa is world-famous bucket list destination thanks to its population of puffins and the incredible Fingal’s Cave. The island’s insane basalt columns were formed by volcanic activity, and can also be found at the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland.
Tobermory
Tobermory is an 18th century fishing port, and the main town on the Isle of Mull. The brightly coloured buildings around the harbour were made famous by kids’ TV series Balamory – and always go down a treat on Insta!
Luss, Loch Lomond
Luss is a picturesque wee conservation village on the banks of Loch Lomond. Admire the rows of adorable cottages, stroll along the beach, and walk out onto the pier for epic views across the loch to Ben Lomond and beyond.
Oban
Oban is a bustling seaside town on Scotland’s west coast. Whether it’s fresh sea air or local seafood you’re craving, Oban’s got you covered. Watch ferries depart for the Hebrides, look up at Oban’s answer to the Colosseum, and dance the night away in The View Ceilidh House.
Inveraray
Inveraray is a wee town with lots of character, from its awesome location on Loch Fyne to the pretty buildings with striking black and white architecture. Grab lunch from a local eatery and soak up the surrounding scenery!
Glen Coe
As far as Scottish scenery goes, you don’t get more dramatic than the mighty Glencoe. ‘Glen’ is Gaelic for valley, and this jaw-dropper was deeply carved into the landscape during the Ice Age. From the sprawling peaks to crystal-clear rivers, Glencoe is guaranteed to blow your wee socks off.
Iona Abbey
Iona Abbey has been welcoming people from around the world for over 1400 years. The original abbey was established by St Columba in 563AD, and the beautifully restored structure you see today is filled with awesome remnants of the past.
Whisky Drinking
A trip to Scotland would not be complete without a wee taste of our national tipple… whisky! We take you to a local whisky tasting to sample the ‘water of life’, where you’re guaranteed to leave feeling warm and fuzzy inside.
Rest and Be Thankful
This awesome drive through Scotland’s west coast follows part of an old military road, between lochs and glens, and up a famous pass. The Rest and Be Thankful viewpoint sits at the top, and the views are absolutely epic!
Dunadd Fort
Dunadd Fort is an insanely significant Iron Age site in Kilmartin Glen, which is believed to be the capital of the ancient kingdom of Dalriada. Discover a carved footprint in the rocks, and follow in the footsteps of Scotland’s early kings.
Rannoch Moor
Rannoch Moor is 50 square miles of wildly gorgeous nothingness. Uninhabited wilderness is difficult to come by, and the Rannoch Moor is one of very few left in Europe. Road access is limited, so our adventure is on foot. Rannoch Moor is boggy, beautiful and completely off-the-beaten-track.
Inclusions
Your Legendary Local HAGGiS Guide
3 Nights 3* Hotel Accommodation
3 Traditional Scottish Breakfasts
All Ferry Crossings
Whisky Distillery Tour
Accommodation
Highland Hotel
Experience a warm Scottish welcome in our handpicked Highland hotels, each brimming with its own unique charm. Kickstart your mornings with a hearty breakfast showcasing authentic Scottish flavours, including the iconic Full Scottish Breakfast. While the specific hotel may vary, rest assured, you'll enjoy Highland hospitality at its finest.
Room Types
Accessibility and Facilities
For more information, see our Accessibility Statement.
What Other Explorers Say
I've thoroughly enjoyed this tour even though we were affected by Storm Floris. Our guide Dusty made sure we had an enjoyable trip with his skilfull driving and interesting commentaries. The sceneries on Iona and Staffa were absolutely stunning. Highly recommended!
Michelle
02/02/2026Louise & Laurie made a great tour in excellent weather absolutely perfect. They clearly enjoyed the trip as much as we did and we really enjoyed their company, all the stories, legends and magic. Excellent playlist and singalong! Next time we are in Edinburgh we will do another trip with Highland Tours.
Mike
18/07/2025Louise & Laurie made a great tour in excellent weather absolutely perfect. They clearly enjoyed the trip as much as we did and we really enjoyed their company, all the stories, legends and magic. Excellent playlist and singalong! Next time we are in Edinburgh we will do another trip with Highland Tours.
Mike
18/07/2025Louise & Laurie made a great tour in excellent weather absolutely perfect. They clearly enjoyed the trip as much as we did and we really enjoyed their company, all the stories, legends and magic. Excellent playlist and singalong! Next time we are in Edinburgh we will do another trip with Highland Tours.
Mike
18/07/2025Frequently Asked Questions
Your 4-Day Puffin Island Hopper tour departs from the city centre in Edinburgh. Check out our departure info page for more details on your pick-up location.
Yes, 3-star hotel accommodation and breakfast is included in the tour price. Hotel room types available are double room and twin room. Please note, that we can accommodate a limited amount of solo travellers for this particular tour.
Our hotels are handpicked by our crew to ensure that all our travellers enjoy a warm Scottish welcome. The specific hotel may vary, so we can't provide the exact details in advance. Rest assured, wherever you stay will be a cosy introduction to Scotland!
Find more info on our Accommodation page.
3 hearty Scottish breakfasts are included in your tour price. Lunch and dinner is not covered by us, but don’t worry, your Guide will stop at amazing places to indulge in local treats and will recommend great dinner options for the evenings.
Puffins typically nest during the summer months, however, encounters aren’t guaranteed. Nae worries, on your excursion to Staffa and the Treshnish Isles you can except to spot a variety of wildlife around.
Some of our tours run in conjunction with our mates at Highland Explorer Tours, creating a diverse mix of couples, friends, and solo adventurers. If you’re looking for a HAGGiS-only trip, with groups exclusively staying in hostel accommodation, check out the 3-Day Easter in Scotland tour.
While our coaches don't offer onboard toilets, rest assured that our itineraries include regular comfort stops, allowing frequent access to restroom facilities.
Our guides are unable to assist with wheelchairs or provide physical assistance during boarding or disembarking from the coach. Passengers should be capable of boarding and disembarking independently using the access stairs or with the help of a traveling companion. Foldable wheelchairs can be stored in our onboard luggage storage during travel.
Please note that some stops on our tours may involve rough terrain or only be accessible by steps.
It's important to be aware that your accommodation may have limited accessibility for wheelchair users. More info can be found on our Accessibility page.
Yes! Our routes include stops where you can grab a snack or recharge with a drink. Occasionally, we pause at shops offering local souvenirs as well. For precise details about timing and stops, don't hesitate to inquire with your guide.
Although our tours follow a structured plan with key stops, part of the excitement comes from unexpected surprises! We refrain from providing additional details beyond what's outlined here, as factors like weather, traffic, and the preferences of our driver guides may lead to slight deviations. Trust that your journey through Scotland will be unlike any other!
If you need to cancel your tour, you will need to inform us in writing by sending an email to info@highlandexplorertours.com. You can find our cancellation and refunds policy in section 3 in our Terms and Conditions.
Feel free to visit our general Frequently Asked Questions page for answers to common queries, or reach out to us directly via our Contact Us page.
{Overnight: Tobermory)
*The islands are rugged, so this optional add-on might not be suitable for anyone with limited mobility.
4 Day Tour Itinerary & Map
Our puffin tour leaves from Edinburgh as we travel west towards beautiful Loch Lomond. Explore the picturesque village of Luss and take in the mighty Rest and Be Thankful viewpoint before free time in Inveraray for lunch. Discover the ancient Dunadd Fort before we journey to the bustling port town of Oban, where we catch our ferry to Mull. Our home for the next two nights is the colourful fishing village of Tobermory.
{Overnight: Tobermory)
Day Highlights
Today’s the day! After breakfast, brace yourself for an immersive wildlife cruise to the Treshnish Isles and Staffa*. Keep a look out for bustling bird and sealife with live commentary from a wildlife guide. Depending on the season, you may spot seabirds, seals, eagles, dolphins, or whales. Our marine adventure takes us to Fingal’s Cave, risen to fame not just for its stunning rock formations but also for its powerful organ-like acoustics as the waves crash against its walls. We land on Staffa island, where we finally get to meet the puffins! As we observe these adorable birds in their natural habitat, we lose ourselves in the island’s gorgeous uninhabited landscapes. Enjoy the epic island views on our return to Tobermory.
*The islands are rugged, so this optional add-on might not be suitable for anyone with limited mobility.
Day Highlights
Today we journey alongside the mountains of Mull to visit the peaceful Isle of Iona, which is known as the sacred heart of Scotland. Grab a tasty bite for lunch, visit Iona Abbey, wander the tropical-style beaches, and just let the island’s special atmosphere wash over you. Afterwards, we hop on the ferry back to Oban where you can sample fresh seafood and share a wee dram with the locals on our final night.
Day Highlights
We depart Oban and travel through the jaw-dropping landscapes of famous Glen Coe and onto the wilderness of Rannoch Moor. No Scottish adventure is complete without a distillery visit and the chance to taste and learn about our favourite national drink – whisky! After four awesome days, our puffin tour arrives back into Edinburgh in the early evening.
Day Highlights
Departure Point
Edinburgh - Royal Mile
We’ll leave from our shop at 60 High Street (Royal Mile) which is 5 minutes from the train station, 10 minutes from the bus station and in the heart of Edinburgh. Return times are approximate and depend on road conditions and weather. Whilst we will do everything to get you back on time make sure you give yourself plenty of time to make your connection if you're travelling onward that night. We recommend at least 3 hours after the scheduled return time.
Not sure how to get here? Find more info on our Departure Info page.
Departure & Return Time
Tours Dates & Prices
Choose a departure date, number of people and accommodation option.
Wildlife Boat Cruise to Staffa and the Treshnish Isles
Reserve at the time of bookingCruise out to the Treshnish Isles and Staffa in search of whales, dolphins and basking sharks. If you're lucky you'll meet famous, friendly puffins and spot seals and seabirds among stunning island scenery. Explore the dramatic Fingal’s Cave (pictured), a natural wonder of towering basalt columns. Please be aware that visiting the Tresnish Islands requires walking on rough, uneven ground, which may not be suitable for those with limited mobility. Puffins encounters cannot be guaranteed.
Iona Abbey
Pay locallyIona Abbey, situated on the Isle of Iona in Scotland's Inner Hebrides, is a site of significant historical and spiritual importance, founded in AD 563. As a popular destination amongst pilgrims, it offers a glimpse into early Christian monastic life and history. Adult from £10. Tickets are subject to availability.
