I’d like information on a day trip to the Isle of Mull/Isle of Iona from Oban. I haven’t ever booked any day tours in Europe so I'd love some input from experienced travelers. I have seen tours on the West Coast Tours and Staffa websites. The only West Coast tour available on the date we want to go leaves Oban at 9:50, a little later than I was hoping for. We will be there on Sunday, September 13, so I'm assuming it will be crowded and an early departure would be most desirable. I plan to go to Iona, see the Abby and leave. I also saw a online post suggesting that you could save 60% by buying individual tickets for the ferries and bus ride, although I'm not sure where I would need to go to do that. If we booked in this manner, would we have the option of having a guide on the bus to give us background information on the area? Also, would you recommend the free guided tour or audio tour at the Abbey? Is 2 hours at the Abbey enough? Thanks for your help!!
Posted by
New York City, NY, USA
5678 posts
I was on Mull on 9/11--yes, the 9/11--and did the tour of Iona and Staffa. I was not on one of the tours out of Oban. The boat to Staffa was full--it was a gorgeous day in Scotland just as it was in NYC. I remember that there was a decent crowd at Staffa walking out to see Fingal's cave, but it wasn't mobbed at all. When we got to Iona, the crowd dispersed even more and it didn't seem crowded to me. I think I got a mid-morning (10 AM in Fionnphort) tour.
I didn't do the audio tour, but there may not have been one when I was there. I think that two hours is plenty for the Abbey.
Pam
Posted by
2540 posts
A few years ago, I booked the tour out of Oban. Shop carefully to learn if you might save on buying transport independently. Two hours a the abbey was enough time. Interesting. Tick.
Posted by
Monterey County, CA (formerly Verbania Italy-Lago Maggiore)
1640 posts
We were planning on going to Isle of Iona, but the night before it just sounded like too long of a day between the ferry, bus ride, ferry, and back to Oban. As I was perusing a local tourist magazine, saw an add for Duart Castle on Isle of Mull, which is only a 10 minute coach bus ride from the ferry terminal. If I recall we took a ferry around 9, and back to Oban around 1. Someone from the family still lives in part of the castle, but the clan history and museum was very interesting. You actually see the castle as the ferry approaches Isle of Mull. The Duart coach bus is waiting as the ferry arrives, and returns you to the ferry terminal with plenty of time to catch the return ferry.
Posted by
New York City, NY, USA
5678 posts
Duart Castle is wonderful! It so spectacularly located. The ferry from Oban goes right past it. You can see up Loch Linhe and the Sound of Mull as well as to the south. You can see why it was a valuable castle.
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Thanks, everyone!
Posted by
Westlake, Ohio USA
58 posts
My husband and I will be staying two nights in Oban the end of September and also want to get to Iona. I am looking at the tour of Mull - Staffa - Iona versus booking separate ferries/busses on our own. How is the Staffa tour? Worth the time for Staffa? After reading Joan Anderson books, my sight is on seeing Iona for its peacefulness, serenity and spirituality.
Posted by
New York City, NY, USA
5678 posts
Staffa was wonderful. The boat trip to the island was great. There was time to wander out to the cave, and then hang out for a little bit before heading back to Iona. Mind, I only did the two island tour as I was already on Mull, but I think that the three island tour would be well organized as well.
Pam