Best Option For Mull/Staffa/Iona

Posted by studiowinfo on 01/15/19 01:30 AM

My husband and I are planning our trip around Scotland for mid June, and are trying to decide what they best option for spending a day exploring the three isles. We are looking at a few options, taking a planned tour, doing a self drive, or purchasing the Spirit of Scotland Rail Pass. We will be using that for train travel between Falkirk, Edinburgh and Glasgow/Stirling. I know that it includes ferry and coach travel, but is that better than doing the suggested Early Bird Tour? I've priced it all out, and all I think I've done is confuse myself more. HELP!

Thanks!

Posted by Carol now retired

Lynnwood, Washington

01/15/19 01:47 AM

8879 posts

We took the three isles tour from West Coast Tours. I think you will maximize your time if you use the tour. There is a seamless flow to the bus, to the Staffa Island Tour boat, to Iona, the short ferry back to Mull and the bus back to the ferry dock. You maximize your touring time in each location since you are not waiting for the local bus on Mull. (Local bus also serves as a bit of a delivery truck, and makes quirky stops).

We took the train to Oban from Glasgow and it was scenic and convenient. I would encourage to price out regular advance tickets with and without a two together rail card to see if the Scotland rail pass provides enough savings for your short trips,

Posted by studiowinfo OP

01/15/19 02:00 AM

4 posts

I think if we do not use the Spirit of Scotland pass for the ferry advantage, we will just go with the Central Scotland Rail Pass, and pay for our one way train travel one day. We really only need it for four days while staying in falkirk and traveling back and forth to Edinburgh and Glasgow. I just was tossing around the self drive vs the tour.

Posted by Tammy (aka Diveloonie) 🤿

Last Frontier aka Alaska 🏔️

01/15/19 04:26 AM

3561 posts

We took the three isles tour with West Coast tours and it was a highlight of our trip to Scotland. I think the early bird tour is the same tour as the later one.

Posted by Pamela

New York City, NY, USA

01/17/19 02:48 AM

5678 posts

I went to Mull and spent three nights in Tobermory. One day I went down and caught the boat to Staffa and then back to Iona. It was great. On another day I went to the castles. I loved Duart Castle. The other more Victorian Castle was interesting as well. The other day I wandered around the island. It was a great visit. I would highly recommend spending time on Mull. It's a lovely island.