Iona Pilgrimage & Mull Experience (6 Days) -
A Journey of Peace, Heritage & Hebridean Beauty
For centuries, pilgrims have crossed land and sea to reach the sacred Isle of Iona — a place of stillness, prayer and profound spiritual resonance. Under the renewed banner of TML Heritage Journeys, we invite you to experience Iona in the way pilgrims have always hoped to: staying on the island itself, waking each morning to Atlantic light, and walking in the footsteps of St Columba.
Available -
April / May / June & September
Sample Itinerary (6 Days)
DIRECT DEPARTURES AVAILABLE FROM - GLASGOW
WITH OPTIONAL CONNECTIONS VIA TML FLYCONNECT (HEATHROW / GATWICK)
& TML RAILCONNECT
For the Gaels, Iona has long been known as Ì Chaluim Chille — the Isle of Colm Cille, the Irish priest and prince who became revered across these islands as St Columba. Though small in size, Iona holds an immense place in Scotland’s story. Its white‑shell beaches, ancient stones and shifting Hebridean light have drawn monks, pilgrims, clan chiefs and kings for more than fourteen centuries. People have lived, worked and worshipped here in an unbroken thread of devotion, creativity and community.
Across the water lies Mull, an island of wide horizons and deep character. Its glens, shores and colourful harbour towns offer a glimpse of Hebridean life shaped by nature, heritage and the rhythm of the sea. Wildlife thrives, history lingers, and every turn of the road reveals another story waiting to be told.
This Heritage Journey brings these landscapes together — Iona’s spiritual heart, Staffa’s dramatic beauty, Mull’s rich heritage, and a reflective Farewell Cruise on Loch Lomond — creating a balanced and deeply meaningful Hebridean experience where pilgrimage truly feels personal.

Heritage Journey Itinerary
DAY 1 — Glasgow > Loch Fyne Hotel & Spa, Inveraray > St Conan’s Kirk > Oban
Guests arriving via TML FlyConnect from Heathrow and Gatwick land in Glasgow within minutes of each other, allowing a calm and seamless start. After luggage collection, we travel to Glasgow Central to meet guests joining via TML RailConnect.
We travel together from Glasgow aboard your chauffeur‑driven Mercedes‑Benz Grand Tourer vehicle to the Loch Fyne Hotel & Spa in Inveraray for an included lunch — a gentle moment of welcome — before continuing north to St Conan’s Kirk for your first reflective pause.
From the road the Kirk gives few clues about the amazing architecture both inside and out. It is exceptional both in style and surroundings, with a strong sense of peace and inherent spirituality. Designed and built by Walter Douglas-Campbell, the Kirk is unique in having an example of almost every style of church architecture. St. Conan is the patron saint of Lorne and is reputed to have lived in Glenorchy. There is a well named after him on the far side of Dalmally. He was a disciple though not a contemporary of Columba, and like him came from Ireland. As a young man he was chosen to be tutor to the two sons of the King of Scotland, and eventually rose to be a Bishop. On arrival at St Conan's Kirk, we have included a private guided tour of this magnificent building.
We arrive in Oban around 16:15, where you check in at the 4* Oban Bay Hotel and enjoy a relaxed evening meal. Meals: Lunch & Dinner
DAY 2 — Oban > Iona > Staffa Boat Trip
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast in Oban before boarding a mid‑morning ferry to Craignure on Mull — a calm, scenic crossing and a gentle start to your Hebridean journey.
Continue by coach to Fionnphort, then take the short foot ferry to Iona.
Check in at the 3* St Columba Hotel, your peaceful island base for the next three nights.
This afternoon, begin your pilgrimage with a spectacular boat trip to Staffa, home of the world‑famous Fingal’s Cave. Weather permitting, you may walk into the cave itself and observe puffins during the season.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 3 — Pilgrimage Walk, Iona
Begin your day gently, with time to breathe in the island’s quiet rhythm before setting out on your Pilgrimage Walk — a route shaped by centuries of devotion, footsteps and story. This walk traces the ancient spine of Iona, following the path traditionally associated with St Columba and the early monastic community.
Your Iona Guide will guide you across three of Iona’s most significant sacred sites:
Hermit’s Cell
A place of solitude used by monks seeking silence and separation from the main community. Tradition holds that hermits came here for prayer, contemplation and spiritual discipline, surrounded only by wind, rock and Atlantic light.
St Columba’s Bay
The legendary landing place of St Columba in 563 AD. Here, the saint and his companions first stepped ashore after leaving Ireland, establishing the monastery that would shape Christian life across Scotland and northern Europe. The bay is also known for its “green stones” — serpentine pebbles long associated with blessing and protection.
The North Shore
A wild, open sweep of coastline where the monastic community once gathered seaweed, fished and tended the land. Today it remains one of Iona’s most peaceful places, offering wide horizons and space for reflection.
This walk includes uneven ground, rocky sections and a steep ascent/descend near St Columba’s Bay.
Stout, sensible footwear (ideally walking boots), weather‑appropriate clothing and walking poles are strongly recommended. The walk is undertaken at your own risk.
Late afternoon is free for quiet exploration, journaling or personal reflection, allowing you to absorb the island’s gentle stillness at your own pace.
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
DAY 4 — Iona Abbey & Pilgrimage Eucharist
Morning admission to Iona Abbey, with time to explore the cloisters, museum and St Columba’s Shrine.
In the afternoon, join your Vicar for a Pilgrimage Eucharist in either the Michael Chapel or the Abbey itself — the spiritual centrepiece of your journey.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 5 — Mull Heritage Day: Duart Castle > Kilmore Church > Tobermory > Oban
After breakfast, depart Iona and travel across Mull for a full heritage day:
- Duart Castle - Visit the ancestral home of Clan MacLean, dramatically positioned above the Sound of Mull.
- Kilmore Church, Dervaig - A quiet, atmospheric church offering a reflective pause in the heart of Mull’s Christian heritage.
- Tobermory - Continue north to Mull’s colourful capital for free time on the harbour, shops, galleries and optional museum or distillery visits.
Late afternoon, return to Craignure for the ferry to Oban, where we spend the night at the 4* Oban Bay Hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 6 — Oban > Glasgow
After breakfast, travel south aboard your chauffeur‑driven Mercedes-Benz Grand Tourer vehicle to Tarbet for your Farewell Cruise on Loch Lomond — a gentle, reflective closing chapter to your pilgrimage. Enjoy a 90‑minute cruise with commentary and included morning coffee & shortbread onboard.
Following your cruise, we return you to Glasgow Airport for approximately 13:45, or to Glasgow Central shortly afterwards, for onward travel.
Meals: Breakfast, Morning Coffee & Shortbread
YOUR HOTELS
The 3* St Columba Hotel,
Isle Of Iona
(Resort Hotel)
A warm Hebridean welcome awaits you at the St Columba Hotel on the beautiful Isle of Iona. The perfect base for you to explore the island’s sacred history and find your own sense of peace and tranquility. Originally built as a manse, the hotel stands next to the world famous Iona Abbey and ancient Reilig Òdhrain. Enjoy the spectacular views and otherworldly sunrises with a coffee in our lounge, explore our award-winning organic garden, or walk off lunch amidst the unspoilt landscape that surrounds you.
GUEST ROOMS - 27 modern en suite rooms to choose from with the option of sea or garden views. Rooms come with tea and coffee making facilities, delicious complimentary shortbread, Scottish Fine Soap toiletries and WiFi.
The 4* Oban Bay Hotel (Overnight Hotel)
What's Included -
Thoughtfully arranged touches throughout your Hebridean pilgrimage ensure a relaxed pace from the moment you join us in Glasgow.
Included Transfers Between Glasgow & Iona
Your journey north begins with a coordinated arrival in Glasgow. Guests travelling via TML FlyConnect from Heathrow and Gatwick arrive within minutes of each other, allowing a calm and seamless start. After luggage collection, we travel to Glasgow Central to meet guests joining via TML RailConnect.
Travel together aboard your chauffeur‑driven touring vehicle to the Loch Fyne Hotel & Spa in Inveraray for an included lunch — a gentle moment of welcome — before continuing north to St Conan’s Kirk for your first reflective pause.
We continue to Oban, arriving late afternoon, where you check in at the Oban Bay Hotel and enjoy a relaxed evening meal overlooking the harbour.
Welcome Touches
- Every guest receives a TML Heritage Journeys Welcome Collection — a small curation of thoughtful items designed to set the tone for your pilgrimage.
- Your Heritage Journeys Experience Manager accompanies you throughout, offering warmth, insight and attentive care.
Your Island Retreat
- Three nights at the St Columba Hotel, Iona — a peaceful, heritage‑rooted haven overlooking the Sound of Iona.
- Full Scottish breakfast each morning.
- Evening dining in warm, welcoming surroundings.
- Rooms shaped by simplicity, comfort and the quiet beauty of island life.
Curated Experiences
- Time at St Conan’s Kirk, Loch Awe
- A spectacular boat journey to Staffa, home of Fingal’s Cave and seasonal puffins.
- A guided Pilgrimage Walk across Iona’s sacred landscape — Hermit’s Cell, St Columba’s Bay and the North Shore.
- Admission to Iona Abbey, including time to explore the cloisters, museum and St Columba’s Shrine.
- A reflective Pilgrimage Eucharist led by your Vicar
- A full Mull Heritage Day including Duart Castle, Kilmore Church and Tobermory’s - colourful harbour.
- Return ferry crossings arranged with calm and care
Time to Unwind
- Space each day to breathe, journal, wander and reconnect with the island’s gentle rhythm.
| CODE | Basic Price | Single Occupancy Supplement |
|---|---|---|
| THJ-0001 |
All experiences & journeys are operated by TML Travel Group Limited and are subject to availability and terms & conditions of the TML Travel Group trading charter. All prices are per person based on sharing a twin/double bedded room and are valid for new bookings only. Single occupancy supplement and Insurance not included. Offers maybe withdrawn at any time. Every attempt is made to keep the information guides up-to-date, however tours maybe subject to change and you will be notified. if this is the case.


