Oban, Mull & Iona

For a taste of Scotland's west coast, head to the port town of Oban. With a panorama of the lush islets just off shore, one of Scotland's best distillery tours, and plenty of character, Oban is a basket of Scottish traditions. And it's ideally situated for a busy and memorable full-day side-trip to three of the most worthwhile Inner Hebrides: big, rugged Mull; pristine little Iona, where buoyant clouds float over its historic abbey; and Staffa, a remote, grassy islet that's home to the famous basalt columns of Fingal's Cave…but inhabited only by seabirds.