Start Your Story in Scotland

Where history meets breathtaking beauty, and every visit feels like an escape.

Inspiration for your trip

Step into a land steeped in history and legend, explore our dramatic landscapes and uncover our ancient Celtic roots. Vast lochs, glens and Munros - easily accessible from our vibrant cities and towns - make Scotland the perfect place to lose yourself.

Plan an epic trip to Scotland

Come and experience Scotland’s warm welcome for yourself with an unforgettable holiday packed with beautiful landscapes, unmissable events and, of course, our friendly Scots.

Highland games in Scotland

From the tug o' war to the caber toss, Scotland's Highland games are not to be missed.

The Northern Lights in Scotland

Nature's most dramatic winter light display. Discover more about this otherworldly natural phenomenon.

Dark sky parks & stargazing in Scotland

Discover spectacular dark sky parks for stargazing in Scotland. Including a stargazing toolkit, best time of year for stargazing, and more.

Scottish whisky

Whisky is Scotland's best known export and has been proudly produced throughout the country for hundreds of years.

Discover unique experiences in Scotland

Find hidden gems, plan your perfect trip, or find exactly what you need—from scenic hikes and cosy cottages to events and cultural experiences.

Experience Scotland's vibrant events and festivals

Scottish music festivals

See your favourite artists at this year's lineup of Scottish music festivals.

Halloween in Scotland

Discover Scotland’s Halloween happenings and connect with the Celtic roots of this spooky tradition.

Events and festivals in Scotland

There's something happening in Scotland right now that the whole family will love.

Autumn in Scotland

Scotland in autumn is a feast for the senses. Experience golden forests, crisp countryside walks, atmospheric festivals, and magical evenings beneath dark skies.

Autumn breaks

There's lots to do during autumn in Scotland. Find inspiration for half-term breaks and autumn holidays from family days out to walks and activities.

Scottish forests and woodlands

Explore Scotland’s most beautiful forests and woodlands, from ancient trees and peaceful trails to spectacular landscapes and wildlife.

Walking in Scotland

Find out about walking in Scotland including route guides, walking tours, mountains and hills, forests and woodlands, lochs and coastlines, and more.

Your Scottish adventure starts here

Use our interactive map to explore wild landscapes, vibrant cities, rich culture, and hidden historic gems to craft your personal Scottish experience.

Map of Scotland

Scotland as seen on TV!

From Tara Lipinski and Johnny Weir's luxury Scotland itinerary to local suggestions on the highlights of Glasgow and Dumfries & Galloway, check out this top advice on trips across Scotland.

Tara & Johnny's luxury Scotland itinerary

Have you been inspired by Tara & Johnny's Scotland itinerary as seen on NBC's Extra Mile Club? Read on and plan your own Scottish adventure.

Channel 4's Where to next? Scotland itinerary

Follow in the footsteps of comedians Fatiha El-Ghorri and John Tothill on their unforgettable journey through Scotland.

Scotland trip itineraries

Plan your days in Scotland with the help of our suggested itineraries.

Your pictures of Scotland

Share your images by tagging @VisitScotland 

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Join our Newsletter Clan

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Hen Harrier, male

© Dan Brown

Islay, Scotland

Islay & Jura in Autumn — The Eagle Islands Wildlife Tour

With 7 full days on Islay and Jura experience daily encounters with Golden Eagles, White-tailed Eagles and thousands of geese. Hen Harriers, Otters, Deer, Seals and countless dabbling and wading birds await you on the Queen of the Hebrides.

As seen on BBC's 'Wild Isles'

Winners of the National Thistle Award 2022/23 for 'Best Outdoor or Adventure Experience'

2027 dates TBC.

Highlights
  • Seven FULL days on Islay & Jura
  • Daily encounters with Golden & White-tailed Eagles
  • With as many as 30,000 Barnacle Geese and 6,500 Greenland White-fronted Geese we will be in for a spectacle
  • Witnessing the arrival of not only geese but Whooper Swans from Iceland
  • Enjoy communal roosts of Hen Harriers and sightings of Merlin & Peregrine
  • The shores of these islands are excellent for Otters
  • Jura is home to as many as 5,000 Red Deer as well as Roe Deer
  • Common & Grey Seals can be found all around the coast
  • As well as the geese there are thousands wildfowl & waders including Purple Sandpiper and many seaducks
  • The expert leadership of Calum Urquhart
  • Stay in high quality accommodation
  • Small group size 4-10.
Islay, also known as The Queen of the Hebrides, is a wildlife haven with resident Otters, seals and deer and in autumn this rugged island explodes with tens of thousands of birds. Take a short ferry ride to Jura and share the landscape with numerous pairs of Golden and White-tailed Eagles soaring overhead, over 5,000 Red Deer grazing the stark hillsides and good numbers of Otters along the coastline. There really isn’t anywhere better to be in Autumn than on these southern-most Hebrides searching for the best of their wildlife. 

Itinerary

Day 1:

Meet in Glasgow and travel west through Argyll to join the ferry over to Islay. We will keep an eye out for interesting animals along the route and the ferry crossing can be good for Porpoises, dolphins and seabirds. We will settle into our base on Islay for the next 7 nights.

Days 2-5:

We will have four full days to explore the magical island of Islay. In autumn it is home to tens of thousands of Barnacle Geese, alongside them hundreds of Greenland White-fronted Geese and also often rarer species such as Cackling Goose and Snow Goose may be found. The estuaries and floods attract flocks of Golden Plovers and Lapwing, up to 2,000 Teal, Pintail, Wigeon and Shoveler, whilst of the mudflats Knot, Grey Plovers, Bar-tailed Godwit and Dunlin will all be actively feeding.

Along the open coast and sand dunes we will enjoy the enigmatic Chough and hopefully Snow Buntings whilst Purple Sandpipers may well be clinging to the rocks. Grey and Common Seals are common along the coast and with a bit of patience we should be rewarded with an Otter sighting or two.

With so many wildfowl and waders its not surprising that the island attracts an incredible number of eagles and we can expect to have daily encounters with White-tailed and Golden Eagles. The former can form small aggregations of up to 10 birds (sometimes more) in certain hotspots. Hen Harriers, Merlin and Peregrine are all widespread and at dusk Barn Owls can often be seen hunting the field margins and we may be lucky and find a Hen Harrier roost.

Days 6-7:

In stark contrast to our days on Islay, Jura is a formidable and rugged landscape. Here large herds of Red Deer graze the moors overseen by Golden and White-tailed Eagles soaring from the Paps of Jura. Wild Goats cling to the crags and along the shorelines Otters can be frequently found foraging in the seaweed strewn bays. Our focus will be finding and getting good views of Otters and hopefully some close eagle encounters too.

Day 8:

Depart Islay and make our way back to Glasgow where this tour will finish.

Visit our website for more details about his tour.

Why not recreate this experience with friends on dates that suit you? Build on our existing itinerary to customise your experience.

A partire da £2495 per adulto


Giorni di partenza

  • Lunedì
  • Martedì
  • Mercoledì
  • Giovedì
  • Venerdì
  • Sabato
  • Domenica

Ottobre — Novembre

Contatti

Wild Discovery

Craigston
Birsemore
Aboyne
Aberdeenshire
Scotland
AB34 5FP

Tour information

Partenza

  • Glasgow
  • Glasgow Airport
  • Glasgow City Centre

Durata

8 Days

Transporto

  • Driver guide
  • Minibus

Tipo

  • Bespoke
  • Private
  • Small Group (1-16)

Lingue

  • English

Temi

  • Film and TV
  • Food and drink
  • LGBTQ
  • Landscapes
  • Outdoor Activities
  • Walking
  • Walking/Hiking
  • Wildlife

Prezzi dei tour


A partire da £2495 Per adulto

Prenota ora

I prezzi sono soggetti a variazioni a seconda della stagione

Tappe del tour

Wild Discovery

Informazioni sulla compagnia

Wild Discovery

An award-winning wildlife-watching tour company run by experts for wildlife enthusiasts. Conservation and sustainability are at its core; travel with purpose, tread lightly and experience more. Founded by husband and wife duo Dan & Rachael Brown and joined by naturalist guides the team brings passion and expertise to every expedition. Reconnect with nature through our fully inclusive, small-group tours or custom-made tours around Scotland and beyond.

Orari di apertura

Open all year.

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Il contenuto di questa inserzione è fornito dal relativo operatore terzo e non da VisitScotland. VisitScotland non si assume alcuna responsabilità per (1) eventuali errori o dichiarazioni errate contenute in questa inserzione e (2) per il contenuto di qualsiasi link esterno all'interno dell'inserzione ((1) e (2) insieme di seguito denominati 'Contenuto'). VisitScotland esclude ogni responsabilità per perdite o danni causati da qualsiasi affidamento fatto sul Contenuto. Il Contenuto è fornito solo a titolo informativo e non è approvato da VisitScotland.

Start Your Story in Scotland

Where history meets breathtaking beauty, and every visit feels like an escape.

Inspiration for your trip

Step into a land steeped in history and legend, explore our dramatic landscapes and uncover our ancient Celtic roots. Vast lochs, glens and Munros - easily accessible from our vibrant cities and towns - make Scotland the perfect place to lose yourself.

Plan an epic trip to Scotland

Come and experience Scotland’s warm welcome for yourself with an unforgettable holiday packed with beautiful landscapes, unmissable events and, of course, our friendly Scots.

Highland games in Scotland

From the tug o' war to the caber toss, Scotland's Highland games are not to be missed.

The Northern Lights in Scotland

Nature's most dramatic winter light display. Discover more about this otherworldly natural phenomenon.

Dark sky parks & stargazing in Scotland

Discover spectacular dark sky parks for stargazing in Scotland. Including a stargazing toolkit, best time of year for stargazing, and more.

Scottish whisky

Whisky is Scotland's best known export and has been proudly produced throughout the country for hundreds of years.

Discover unique experiences in Scotland

Find hidden gems, plan your perfect trip, or find exactly what you need—from scenic hikes and cosy cottages to events and cultural experiences.

Experience Scotland's vibrant events and festivals

Scottish music festivals

See your favourite artists at this year's lineup of Scottish music festivals.

Halloween in Scotland

Discover Scotland’s Halloween happenings and connect with the Celtic roots of this spooky tradition.

Events and festivals in Scotland

There's something happening in Scotland right now that the whole family will love.

Autumn in Scotland

Scotland in autumn is a feast for the senses. Experience golden forests, crisp countryside walks, atmospheric festivals, and magical evenings beneath dark skies.

Autumn breaks

There's lots to do during autumn in Scotland. Find inspiration for half-term breaks and autumn holidays from family days out to walks and activities.

Scottish forests and woodlands

Explore Scotland’s most beautiful forests and woodlands, from ancient trees and peaceful trails to spectacular landscapes and wildlife.

Walking in Scotland

Find out about walking in Scotland including route guides, walking tours, mountains and hills, forests and woodlands, lochs and coastlines, and more.

Your Scottish adventure starts here

Use our interactive map to explore wild landscapes, vibrant cities, rich culture, and hidden historic gems to craft your personal Scottish experience.

Map of Scotland

Scotland as seen on TV!

From Tara Lipinski and Johnny Weir's luxury Scotland itinerary to local suggestions on the highlights of Glasgow and Dumfries & Galloway, check out this top advice on trips across Scotland.

Tara & Johnny's luxury Scotland itinerary

Have you been inspired by Tara & Johnny's Scotland itinerary as seen on NBC's Extra Mile Club? Read on and plan your own Scottish adventure.

Channel 4's Where to next? Scotland itinerary

Follow in the footsteps of comedians Fatiha El-Ghorri and John Tothill on their unforgettable journey through Scotland.

Scotland trip itineraries

Plan your days in Scotland with the help of our suggested itineraries.

Your pictures of Scotland

Share your images by tagging @VisitScotland 

JavaScript needs to be enabled to see social media images for this place. You can turn this on in your browser settings.

Join our Newsletter Clan

Get Scotland inspiration direct to your inbox. Don't miss the inside track from our Scotland experts on exciting trip ideas, unique attractions and hidden gems loved by locals.