Five-Day Islay Whisky Tour

The Ultimate Isle of Islay Whisky Tour

The ultimate Islay tour is for those who want to experience as much of Islay as possible. We visit every distillery on the island, taste a range of incredible drams and explore some incredible secret spots. All distillery tours and tastings are included!

Itinerary

Day 1

After departing Edinburgh*, your first stop is Callander, where you can grab a coffee before we head north into the Highlands. The landscape becomes more mountainous, and your guide tells the history and culture of this stunning part of Scotland. Passing Loch Awe and into Argyllshire, with some great photo stops along the way, you arrive in the Victorian harbour town of Oban. Here, we’ll enjoy a tour and tasting at Oban Distillery before you have time for lunch and some exploring.

This is the seafood capital of Scotland, so make sure you make the most of it. Your tour then takes you to the ancient neolithic landscapes of Kilmartin Glen. There are hundreds of ancient monuments and historic sites in this region, some of which you get to explore. It’s then a short drive down the Kintyre Peninsula to Kennacraig where you will board the evening ferry to Islay. The ferry crossing is around two hours which allows for some beautiful views of the islands of Gigha, Jura, and Islay as well as the area surrounding West Loch Tarbert.

There is plenty of time to relax in the bar with an Islay whisky, grab some dinner from the onboard restaurant or simply soak up the sea air before you arrive. On arrival into Port Ellen or Port Askaig, it is a short drive to Bowmore to check in to The Bowmore House for your four-night stay.

Days 2, 3 & 4
With three full days to explore Islay, there is plenty of time for sightseeing! Your guide will share with you some of their favourite places on the island to visit making sure you experience the Islay culture. You’ll have the chance to walk beautiful empty beaches, explore the site of the Kildalton Cross in the churchyard of the old parish church, delve into the history at a medieval stronghold and sample some of the freshest seafood the island has to offer.

We’ve made sure to design a tour that includes a range of different experiences at the incredible distilleries this island is famous for. We will include a visit with a tour and or tasting at nine of Islay’s active distilleries. Every tour that we run will be slightly different, but typically a tour with us would include Warehouse Tastings at Bruichladdich and Lagavulin distilleries, for a chance to enjoy whiskies drawn fresh from the cask. At Ardbeg and Bunnahabhain, you will be able to enjoy a chance to sample a series of core range whiskies, whilst taking in the spectacular settings of both distilleries.

There will also be visits to a range of distilleries to explore their production facilities, including the modern distillery of Ardnahoe, who are launching their first whisky this year, the independent distillery of Kilchoman, where you will be able to see the full production process, including a rare opportunity to see a working malt floor, and to sample their 100% Islay whisky and Laphroaig, where you will also be able to taste a unique range of expressions.

With only around 3000 people and nine distilleries to choose from, the possibility of finding an enjoyable ‘wee dram’ is also pretty strong! Slainte Mhath, as they say in Gaelic.

Day 5
After a final hearty breakfast, you’ll catch the morning ferry back to Kennacraig. Back on the mainland, you head to the loch-side town of Inveraray. This is the seat of the Clan Campbell, home to the Loch Fyne Whisky shop and your lunch stop for the day.

After lunch (and some last-minute whisky shopping), your journey hugs the shores of Loch Fyne and Loch Long before climbing up to the Rest and Be Thankful pass for sweeping views.

Then on to the shores of Loch Lomond. With time to stop for some lovely views and to stretch your legs, this is the last stop on your tour before crossing the River Clyde and into Scotland’s largest city of Glasgow. Some of our guests may be leaving the tour here, so we may make a short stop in central Glasgow (George Square) before returning back to Edinburgh.

*Should you wish to begin your tour outside of Edinburgh, for example in Callander or Oban, please get in touch with the team, and we will be able to discuss your needs.