A unique combination of two of the smallest inhabited Hebridean islands - historical Iona and Gigha, an escapists paradise.

You reach your first island by taking the ferry from Oban to Mull, then driving another 90 minutes to the far west coast, where you leave your car at the harbour before catching the passenger only ferry to Iona.

Part One - Iona

Just a short ferry ride across the Sound of Iona, this tiny island is a deeply spiritual place which has drawn travellers to its enigmatic shores for more than a thousand years. The brilliant blue-green waters and clear light here have inspired poets, painters and pilgrims for centuries. Iona's historical and religious significance dates back to the time of St. Columba, who founded a monastery here and helped to spread Christianity throughout Scotland.

The present Iona Abbey dates from the eleventh century and is a true sanctuary, where services and special events are held every day throughout the summer months.. The island is also noted for its wonderful sandy beaches and picturesque views of Mull's dramatic cliffs. As you explore this enchanting wilderness, whether on foot or bicycle, listen to the call of the corncrakes and keep an eye out for some stunning wild flowers and birds, including sea eagles and buzzards.

Your Iona hotel

The best way to experience the unique atmosphere of Iona is to stay overnight, and this delightfully welcoming hotel is conveniently situated right at the end of the pier, near the village centre.. It combines traditional Hebridean charm with a touch of Gallic sophistication ' one of the owners is French and her sure touch pervades the cosy fire-lit lounges, sunny conservatory and elegant period dining room.

The hotel is committed to environmentally sound ecological practices and has, for many years, grown herbs and vegetables in its own organic garden, lovingly tended by three gardeners. These are naturally used to great effect in the superb hotel restaurant, which offers the very finest local dining with a hint of French influence, from a menu featuring organically-reared Argyll beef and lamb, organic dairy products and locally caught seafood. Meanwhile, the wine list is a further fitting reflection of the 'auld alliance' between Scotland and France, offering the perfect complement to your evening meal at affordable prices.

What to see and do on Iona

The lovely Iona Abbey and Nunnery are open all day, with tours organised by Historic Scotland. There is also an excellent Heritage Centre which tells the story of the Iona community and its way of life. On the opposite side of the island, vast sweeping beaches invite walkers to explore, whilst the machair conceals a challenging links golf course, home to the annual Iona Open. Fine Celtic art, pottery, jewellery and wood carvings can be found in the island's several craft shops ' or take a boat trip to the isle of Staffa to admire magnificent Fingal's Cave and meet the island's friendly colony of puffins.

Part Two ' God's Island

Crossing back, first to Mull then to the mainland, today you will head down the Argyll coast, then the scenic Kintyre peninsula to another tiny harbour. From here it's a twenty minute ferry ride and you're on Gigha.

Your hotel on Gigha

Your comfortable and extremely welcoming hotel exudes Hebridean charm and, in its position a few minutes walk from the ferry terminal, is very much the social hub of this tiny island. A favourite haunt for locals, the bar features fascinating old photographs which give the visitor a flavour of the island's history - the ideal place to enjoy a few drams of single malt and listen to tales of Gigha life which have been handed down through the generations.

Practically every room in this comfortable and simple hotel offers stunning views, either of the island's gently undulating landscape or over the wide sweep of Ardminish Bay, where colourful yachts and ferry boats ply back and forth to the Kintyre. The lively dining room is no exception and serves an array of local produce, including freshly caught prawns and lobsters. And make sure you try the Isle of Gigha cheese!

The Island

Known by the Vikings as 'the Good Isle' - and later as 'God's island' - Gigha, the most southerly of the Hebrides, is a place of complete escape. As you cross the Sound of Gigha on the ferry from Tayinloan, you feel as though you are leaving behind far more than just your car. Walkers can take in stunning panoramic views from wildflower-strewn hillsides and cyclists will discover perfect picnic spots on tiny beaches of pure white sand. The island's history makes fascinating reading - especially the recent community buy-out, ensuring Gigha's future for islanders and visitors alike. Sitting in the beer garden of the friendly Gigha Hotel Bar, the locals' passion for their island is apparent as you quiz them on the ancient Bronze Age burial cairns, the spectacular banks of rhododendrons in Achamore Gardens, the ancient 13th century church of Kilchattan or the best place to watch the sun rise over Kintyre.

Return Home

Return to the mainland and it's around three hour's drive back to Glasgow, with a stunning route passing Loch Lomond.

From £299 per person , based on 2 people sharing, for holidays in March 2008, from £309 per person for April, May, September and October, and from £335 per person for June, July, August 2008. For 2 nights with dinner (on Iona), 2 nights on bed & breakfast.

The price includes return ferry crossings for a car and passengers to/from Mull and for passengers only to/from Gigha. You can choose to take your car to Gigha for an additional £21.10 per car. The passenger ferry to Iona costs £3.95 per person return and should be paid direct at the port.

All our holidays include a map of Scotland with recommended routes from your specified starting point, suggestions on places to see and visit depending on your personal interests and our expertise to help you get the most from your holiday.

All itineraries and room types are presented subject to availability at specific hotels.

The McKinlay Kidd Guarantee

All our holiday prices include a service charge of £7 per person per night towards the costs we incur in researching, planning and designing your holiday. We guarantee to refund this service charge if you believe that arranging your holiday through McKinlay Kidd has not met your expectations for value.

All we ask is that you write to us within 7 days of your return and explain your reason for claiming the refund. This will ensure that we can improve the experience for all our future guests.