islay whisky tours from edinburgh

ISLAY WHISKY TOUR

Do you love Islay whisky?

Explore the best whisky distilleries in Islay with our 4 day Islay whisky tours from Edinburgh.

Edinburgh to Oban

Depart at 10:00am from 242 Morrison Street, Malones Pub, Edinburgh.

On our way to Islay, we make the journey from Edinburgh to Oban. On the way to Oban, we drive through and past the world-famous Loch Lomond and Trossachs national park.

Although this is an Islay Whisky Tour, we know that Highland distilleries provide a great introduction to traditional whisky distilling.

Our usual lunch stop is the Drover’s Inn. With over 300 years’ worth of visitors, the walls of the Drover’s Inn could certainly tell a tale. This historic and well-known building has welcomed hundreds of thousands of people, including Rob Roy and Gerard Butler! Other places, we use for lunch are Deanston distillery, Glenturret distillery and the Tyndrum Green Welly.

Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park is a national park in Scotland centred on Loch Lomond and the hills and glens of the Trossachs, along with several other ranges of hills. It was the first of the two national parks established by the Scottish Parliament in 2002, the second being the Cairngorms National Park.

The Park consists of many mountains and lochs, and the principal attractions are scenery, walking, and wildlife.

When we arrive in Oban, we will visit the Oban distillery.

Most people agree that the best way to travel to Islay on an Islay Whisky Tour is to break up the travel time with a stop in the Highlands. The time in Oban includes: a fantastic distillery tour and tasting at Oban distillery. Time to visit Oban town, have a meal and relax before we travel to Islay on day two. The small and historic Oban distillery is located in the charming coastal town of Oban.

Oban distillery takes its name from the town where the Highland mainland meets the Islands and nestles below the steep cliff that overlooks Oban. This coastal location is said to be reflected by the character of the Oban 14-year-old single malt whisky.

Duration: 7 hours. No meals included on this day. Accommodation included: Overnight B&B or Guesthouse stay at a local accommodation in Oban.

We use well-reviewed accommodation such as the Whisky Vaults.

Oban to Islay and Islay distilleries

Depart early morning depending on Ferry times.

Stop At: Lagavulin, Ardbeg and Laphroaig

Lagavulin distillery.  Distillery tour and tasting. At least three whiskies included with the tour. Lagavulin distillery is a single malt whisky distillery in the village of Lagavulin on the south of the island of Islay, Scotland. It distils spirit that is destined to become Islay single malt Scotch whisky.

A firm favourite among locals and international whisky fans. The Lagavulin tour is a great way to start your tour on Islay!

After we visit Lagavulin, we move to Ardbeg for a whisky tasting and time for lunch.

At least four whiskies are included along with a tutored tasting from the bar staff. Lunch is excellent at Ardbeg.

The restaurant is frequented by whisky fans and locals because of the quality of food and experience.

One of the most popular stops on our Islay Whisky Tour is the tour and tasting at Laphroaig distillery. Two or three whiskies included. With a history dating back to the early 1800s and a reputation for producing some of the world’s most famous malt whiskies, the Laphroaig distillery is a great choice for whisky afficionados.

Duration: 10 hours. Breakfast included on this day. Accommodation included. Well reviewed guesthouses or Bed and Breakfasts.

Islay Whisky Tour

Depart your hotel around 9:00am

Tour and tasting at Kilchoman distillery – gain a behind scenes look into the day-to-day running of the distillery starting on the malt floor with a dram of their 100% Islay whisky.  You will have the opportunity to walk through the distillery production area accompanied by one of their friendly guides, visit the warehouse and finish with a dram in the lovely Visitor Centre.  A tasting glass is included and driver’s drams are available if required.

Bruichladdich Distillery, a stop for a quick tasting and look around the fantastic gift shop. Bruichladdich distillery is located on the southwestern tip of Islay. Bruichladdich distil four unique spirits and home to Bruichladdich, Port Charlotte and Octomore single malt whiskies and the Botanist Islay dry gin.

Bowmore Distillery, shop visit and a quick taste. The distillery, which lies on the South-eastern shore of Loch Indaal, is one of the oldest in Scotland and is said to have been established in 1779. The distillery is owned by Morrison Bowmore Distillers Ltd, a holding company owned by Japanese drinks company Suntory. Morrison Bowmore also own the Auchentoshan and Glen Garioch distilleries and produce the McClelland’s Single Malt range of bottlings.

Lunch in Bowmore at the Bowmore hotel – situated in the island’s ‘capital’, Bowmore, in Jamieson Street and close to all the village amenities.

The lounge bar is used as the main lunchroom serving great food. Homemade soup, toasted sandwiches, fish and chips, baked potatoes, pasta bake etc all feature on the lunchtime menu.

The hotel stock a good range of beers and lagers. However, the 700 malt whiskies, mostly from Islay are what brings the majority of people to the most famous whisky bar on the island. This hotel is a fond meeting place for many whisky enthusiasts on an Islay Whisky Tour.

Tasting at Bunnahabhain – Very picturesque part of the Island. The Bunnahabhain Distillery was founded in 1881 near Port Askaig. The Bunnahabhain whisky is one of the milder single malt Islay whiskies available and its taste varies greatly from other spirits to be found on the island of Islay. The majority of its spirit is unpeated. Great selection of rare casks and styles to be found here.

Shop visit and a quick tasting at Caol Ila distillery, the new home of Johnnie Walker on the Island and a must visit.

Tour at Ardnahoe distillery – Ardnahoe prides itself on being a modern distillery, set beautifully in a stunning location, which employs rigorously traditional methods and values. The spirit being produced is sweet, smoky and smooth yet peaty and spicy – unique and dynamic to its very core.

Duration – 9 hours. Breakfast included. Accommodation included: We pick well-reviewed B&Bs and hotels for accommodation.

Islay to Edinburgh

Stop at Loch Fyne Whiskies. A whisky shop with friendly staff and an impressive selection of whiskies, liqueurs and gins, including exclusive and independent bottlings you won’t find elsewhere. Time for lunch in Inveraray.

On the way back from Loch Fyne Whiskies, we can stop at The Clydeside Distillery for a tasting or shop visit. All visitors to the Clydeside can enjoy lunches and bites in the sumptuous Pumphouse Café. Presenting all of Scotland’s bounty for you to enjoy. The food is freshly prepared using locally sourced, seasonal ingredients and our menu is carefully chosen to showcase regional specialities (Food not included).

Breakfast: Breakfast served at your local B&B in Islay. No accommodation included on this day.

From £590 per person.

We can also tailor the tour to your needs and create a customised tour. For more information and to book a bespoke customised Islay Whisky Tour please contact us.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is your covid-19 policy.

• Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff.
• Social distancing enforced throughout experience.
• Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas.
• Gear/equipment sanitized between use.
• Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized.
• Guides required to regularly wash hands.
• Regular temperature checks for staff.

What does the Islay whisky tour ticket price include?

What isn't included in your islay whisky tour ticket price.

• Whisky Experiences or whisky tastings over the six included
• Lunch, Dinner and Snacks
• Evening Transport – most places within walking distances and local taxi telephone numbers are provided

What group size is the whisky tour?

When does the whisky tour run, i have another question.

If you have any questions not addressed here, please email us at [email protected] or call us on: 07549839684

Choose your tour date:

Sample the best islay single malt scotch whisky with whiskywheels.

We provide bespoke whisky tours in Scotland.

07549 839 684 (UK)

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Islay & the Whisky Coast 4 day tour

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Savour the distilled essence of Scotland’s fine landscapes and exquisite whisky on this delectable tour.

Tour Highlights

Bruichladdich Distillery - This rebellious distillery reopened in 2001 and set out to challenge industry norms while making great whisky.

Bowmore Distillery - Journey to the home of Islay’s oldest distillery, this charming place lies on the shores of the picturesque Loch Indaal.

Ardbeg Distillery* - “As close to perfection as makes no difference" sums up the reputation of this respected distillery.

Laphroaig Distillery* - 200 year old whisky distiller is a favourite with the British royal family and bears the seal of the Prince of Wales to prove it.

Kilchoman Distillery - From barley to bottle, this is the only farm distillery on Islay bringing a revival to traditional farm distilling techniques.

Lagavulin Distillery - Enjoy a stop at Lagavulin Distillery where you can pick up some of their rich and smoky whisky.

Inveraray - Explore the fabulous home town of the Duke of Argyll's ancestral castle.

Oban - This Victorian harbour town offers excellent seafood.

Your journey

You may know a thing or two about whisky.

Like how taxes forced distillers to produce whisky at night, or how the Scots once called it the ‘water of life’.

But even if you’re knowledgeable about whisky, you’re going to learn a lot more on this four day whisky tour .

You discover the smoky flavours of Islay’s single malt whiskies, explore the historic sights of Islay, and spend your time trading notes with fellow whisky lovers.

So join this tour, explore distilleries without having to drive, and enhance your knowledge of whisky, Scotland , and Islay, ‘Queen of the Hebrides’.

Tour Details

Students, and seniors over 60

• Pack your waterproof clothing and walking shoes
• Unfortunately we don't carry anyone under 18 years old on this tour
• Access to distillery production areas may not be possible
• Some distilleries offer tutored tastings instead of tours
• Distilleries may be substituted
• Some attraction tickets can be purchased in advance when you book your tour. You’ll have the option to add at check-out. Other attractions will not be available to book beforehand, instead you can purchase those while on tour.
• All ferry and bridge crossings
• Transport in a 16 seat Mercedes mini-coach
• Air conditioning as standard
• The stories and services of an English-speaking driver-guide
• Tour accommodation
• Attraction entry tickets
• Sample the sights and seafood of Oban
• Venture through the legends and landmarks of the Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park
• Explore Scotland’s ancient past in Kilmartin Glen

You escape the city of Edinburgh and head straight for the Highlands. Your first stop of the day is in the Trossachs National Park. Here, you can admire Scotland’s scenic beauty and enjoy some local delicacies.

Your driver-guide may regale you with tales from Scottish folklore as you travel through the mountainous landscapes of the Western Highlands to Oban.

This port town was once the strategic heartland of great feuding clans. But today, Oban is famous for seafood sourced fresh off the boats. It also boasts its own distillery where you can sample whisky that’s been perfected for 200 years. Here, you will have time to enjoy a dram and indulge in delicious local seafood for lunch.

You then venture through the Kilmartin Glen where you see standing stones and strongholds that are over 1,500 years old.

At Kennacraig, you catch the evening ferry to Islay. The sail is around two hours; and if you peek out to the ocean, you may see the Paps of Jura. These mountains mark the way to Islay, Queen of the Hebrides.

Once you’ve arrived on the island, you settle into your accommodation in Bowmore.

• Sample Scotland’s most heavily-peated whiskies
• Admire Islay’s rugged coastline
• Explore the town of Bowmore

We know whisky tasting can be hard work, so you begin the day with a little sleep in.

After you’ve had an ample amount of breakfast, you enjoy a tour of Bowmore Distillery*, one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland. You have time for a tour and a whisky tasting here before you continue exploring the island.

Next, your driver-guide takes you to Kilchoman Distillery** for a tour and a lunch of local treats. Kilchoman is known as Islay's only Single Farm Single Match Scotch Whisky, reviving traditional farm distilling of barley to bottle, making their whisky 100% Islay.

After trying local larder, you travel through the beautiful countryside to the third distillery of the day. On Thursday and Saturday, you visit Bruichladdich, the progressive distillery specialising in unpeated whisky. On Tuesday, you taste the unpeated and salty notes of Bunnahabhain in the most remote distillery on Islay.

You head back to Bowmore where you can either stumble back to your room for the night or relax and explore the village.

• Discover the Island’s ancient religious past
• Taste the most famous whiskies of the island

Today you explore the southern side of the island, home to a few of the most famous whiskies in all of Scotland: Laphroaig**, Lagavulin, and Ardbeg*.

After you’ve made it out of bed and eaten your breakfast, you visit Ardbeg*. You stay here for a tour, tasting, and lunch*. The restaurant here is a beautiful place to relax and enjoy fine Scottish produce as you sip upon delightful drams.

You then visit Laphroaig**. This 200-year-old whisky distiller is a favourite with the British royal family and bears the seal of the Prince of Wales to prove it.

Throughout the day, your driver-guide takes you to historical spots such as the ruins of Kildalton church and Dunyvaig Castle. And you can also stop at Lagavulin for some intensively flavoured, rich and smoky whisky.

You return to Bowmore for your last evening of the trip.  

*Please note that if your tour departs before 1st May, your lunch today will be at Ardbeg Distillery. However, if your tour departs after 1st May 2024, lunch will be either at an outdoor food truck at Ardbeg (weather dependent) or in Port Ellen. 

**Please note that if your tour departs on 7th, 9th, 11th or 21st October 2024, Laphroaig Distillery will be conducting maintenance works which will unfortunately impact your tour. Visitors will be unable to tour the facility but will be able to visit the Laphroaig Museum with a Sensory Tasting including drams at the bar. We apologise for the inconvenience.

• Get a sense of the old history of Inveraray
• Wander along the banks of Loch Lomond

This morning, you take the ferry back to the mainland and replace the intoxicating fumes of whisky with the replenishing fresh air of Scotland’s West Highlands.

You travel through coastal scenery to the beautiful village of Inveraray on the banks of Loch Fyne. The town is adorned with historic buildings, old boats, and a great whisky shop.

Your trip continues to Loch Lomond where you have a chance to admire Great Britain’s largest body of water by surface area.

You arrive in Edinburgh in the early evening. 

*Itinerary and distillery visits are subject to change.

Attractions

Tour Attractions

You are able to pre-purchase entrance tickets to the following attractions at the time of booking:

• Ardbeg Distillery
• Kilchoman Distillery
• Laphroaig Distillery
• Bowmore Distillery

Other attractions may be booked and paid locally during the tour.

Accommodation

Where does this tour stay overnight?

On the tour departing on Monday and Friday, we reserve rooms in the beautiful Bowmore Distillery Cottages.

The cottages have between three and six twin bedrooms. Due to the shared nature of the accommodation, individual bedrooms don't have lockable doors.

The kitchen and lounge facilities are shared with other passengers, and basic self-service breakfast ingredients are provided. Full Scottish breakfasts are available at the nearby hotels if you prefer, payable locally.

Prices are as follows:

• March to May  - £72.50 per person per night for Twin Share, and £125.00 per night for Single Occupancy.
• June to September  - £82.50 per person per night for Twin Share, and £145.00 per night for Single Occupancy.
• October  - £72.50 per person per night for Twin Share, and £125.00 per night for Single Occupancy.

Family Rooms are limited at Bowmore Cottages. Groups of 3 or more may need to stay in 2 or more rooms. Please budget accordingly.   For this option, please select 'B&B en-suite' as your first choice when booking the tour online. When these rooms are full, we book you into a nearby B&B. Rooms at the cottages are limited and are reserved on a first come first served basis. Local B&B charges are £40 - 60 per person per night based on shared accommodation for a standard room (shared bathroom). 

On the tours departing on Wednesdays , we reserve rooms in the 3* Lochside Hotel. Prices are between £90.00 - £120.00 per person per night for Double or Twin Occupancy and between £160.00 - £240.00 per night for single occupancy. For this option, please select three star hotel as your first choice when booking.

We contact you afterwards to arrange payment for the accommodation.

If you would prefer to book your own accommodation, please see information on how to do this under the ‘Accommodation’ tab on FAQ page HERE .

Alternatively, please email us your questions at [email protected] or call us on +44(0)131 226 3133.

Do you offer hotel pickups in the departure cities?

The UK and Ireland's historic city centres are full of narrow streets and winding roads. So, to speed up your departure, we only pick up from our central meeting points. What's more is leaving the city using the most direct route also reduces the carbon footprint of our tours.

Is there parking close to the departure point?

We don't recommend bringing your car into the centre of our departure cities. It can be hard to find parking, and there are excellent public transportation services.

When should I get to the departure point?

Arrive 15 minutes before your departure time. Due to waiting restrictions, we can't wait for you if you're late.

What happens if I'm late or miss the tour?

If you're late for your tour, our cancellation policy applies. 100% charges are applicable, and you will not be entitled to a refund or alternative.

What are your cancellation policies?

For one-day tours: You'll receive a full refund if you cancel 24 hours or more before the tour departure

For tours of between two and nine days: You'll receive a 90% refund if you cancel 15 or more days before the tour departure

For tours of 10 or more days: You'll receive a 90% refund if you cancel 21 or more days before the tour departure

For all European packaged tours: You'll receive a 90% refund if you cancel 42 days before the tour departure.

If you cancel inside these notice periods, full charges will apply and no refunds will be issued.

To cancel your booking, email [email protected] as soon as possible. The effective date of cancellation will be the date we receive written confirmation from you.

Click here to view terms and conditions

Can Itineraries change?

Your tour will always follow the itinerary as closely as possible. Your driver-guide will keep you up to date on the road, and we'll try to get in touch about any large changes prior to your departure.

Can I pre-book a specific seat?

Due to logistical reasons, we're unable to let you pre-book a seat on the bus. But our comfortable 16-seat mini-coaches have huge windows. So, you'll always get a good view.

Are there toilets on the bus?

Unfortunately, we have no on-board toilet facilities, but you'll have regular comfort breaks.

How do you cater for people with accessibility needs?

We aim to accommodate everyone. To read more information on how we do this, click here to go to our accessibility guide.

Do you take children on your tours?

We regret we don't carry children under the age of five on our scheduled tours.

You can ask us about the tours we recommend for younger children. And if your child is less than 1.35m tall, you should let us know, so we can provide them with a suitable booster seat.

How much time do I get off the bus?

We want you to enjoy Britain and Ireland. And we believe the best way to do this is to get you off the mini-coach and out exploring. So, we give you plenty of time to take photos, go walking, and explore ancient ruins.

Why do you exclude visitor attractions?

We exclude visitor attractions in your tour price because it lets you travel your way. It means you can pamper yourself with a luxury lunch or skip an attraction whenever you feel like it.

Do we need to bring our own lunch?

You don't need to. We stop in small towns, villages, and rural eateries where you can choose whatever meal pleases both your taste buds and your budget.

Should I tip the driver-guide?

Let's be honest, our driver-guides would never refuse a cheeky bonus. But it's up to you, and the amount is entirely at your discretion.

What about travel insurance?

We advise you take out travel insurance.

What is ABTOT?

You're protected by ABTOT when you chose to let us reserve your accommodation on a multi-day tour. This means you can claim back anything you've paid us if we become bankrupt. Read our terms and conditions for more information.

I have more questions, who can help me?

If you have any more questions, call us on +44(0)131 226 3133, email [email protected] , or check out our full FAQs .

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From Edinburgh: Islay and The Whisky Coast 4-Day Tour Verified

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• Drive through the stunning Loch Lomond National Park
• Visit the ancient Kilmartin standing stones
• Stay in the charming village of Bowmore
• Tour the Islay distilleries
• Discover the sandy beaches of Islay’s west coast
• Explore Oban, the Gateway to the Isles
• See the distinctive white buildings at Inveraray

Explore Islay and become a whisky expert on this unique 4-day tour. Sit back and enjoy the action-packed itinerary as you are driven in style in a luxury minicoach. And learn about the long history and traditions of this special Island.

Discover everything Islay has to offer, from stunning sandy beaches to fascinating wildlife and a vibrant local culture. And try the famous Islay whiskies, renowned for their strong peaty flavors and nurtured by the salty sea air.

Day 1 On day 1 you’ll travel through Loch Lomond National Park, with visits to Inveraray, Loch Fyne and the Kingdom of Dalriada. Here you can see the Kilmartin standing stones and community museum before catching the ferry to Islay for 3 nights in Bowmore.

Day 2 Day 2 gives you the flexibility to visit the lovely sandy bays of Islay’s west coast, Saligo Bay, Kilchoman Distillery, Machair Bay, the tiny harbor village of Portnahaven, Bruichladdich Distillery and the Islay Museum.

What’s included

• Transportation by Mercedes mini coach with a maximum of 16 passengers per tour
• Services of a professional Rabbie’s driver/guide
• All ferry and bridge crossings
• Accommodation

What’s not included

• All meals and refreshments
• Entrance fees to all distilleries and visitor attractions

Before you go

Accommodation : The local guide uses a selection of small, locally owned, guesthouses and B&B’s. All rooms are ensuite. The guesthouses may be a short walk from the city center. For individual travelers, please select the single accommodation option. For 2 or more people travelling together, please choose the twin room shared option. On occasions, when villages you stay in have events on, accommodation can be scarce and expensive. In that case, the local guide may use other locations for your accommodation on the tour. They will always inform you if this is necessary.

Cloth : Because we believe in time off the bus and giving you opportunities to take nature walks, we recommend you bring suitable clothing and footwear for your tour.

Kids : We do not carry children under 18 years on this whisky tour.

Dates : On Monday departures, days 1 and 4 will be reversed. Monday departures offer the chance to see more whisky production as all the distilleries are in operation on weekdays.

• Listing categories Amateur / From Edinburgh
• Location / Region Islay

Opening Hours

• E-mail [email protected]
• Website https://www.scotlandwhiskytours.com

4 reviews on “From Edinburgh: Islay and The Whisky Coast 4-Day Tour”

Viernheim, germany.

Tour war excellent, lediglich Abstriche Hotel/B&B

Tour, Tasting, Reisebegleitung (Englisch) waren Excellent. Führung bei Ardbeg war die Beste, Tasting sowieso. Abstriche in Punkto Sauberkeit des Hotels bzw. B&B in Bowmore.

Thomas – Berlin, Germany

Tolles Erlebnis was Landschaft und Whisky betrifft.

Klasse Reise, tolle Gruppengröße, alle Besichtigungen haben das gehalten was versprochen wurde.

Perfekter Tour-Guide/Busfahrer von Rabbie´s Tolle Führungen

Frank – Habach, Germany

Perfekte Tour.Alles Bestens!

Kann die Tour zu 100% weiter empfehlen.Es war traumhaft schön und die Whisky Tasting waren wunderbar.

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Islay Whisky Connoisseur Tour - 4 day tour

Islay Whisky Connoisseur Tour 4 day / 3 night tour

The Hebridean island of Islay is famed for its natural beauty, history, wildlife and whisky! On this four-day island odyssey, there is the chance to visit and sample the whiskies of six Islay distilleries – Lagavulin, Ardbeg, Laphroaig, Bruichladdich, Kilchoman and Bunnahabhain. Add a visit to Oban Distillery too, and you’ll see why this is the perfect tour for whisky aficionados.

Oban Distillery - discover the heritage behind one of Scotland’s most popular whiskies

Kilmartin Glen - explore Scotland’s birthplace and see where ancient kings were crowned

Ferry to Islay - lookout for dolphins and basking sharks during the scenic crossing

Bowmore - savour island life with a relaxing three-night stay in the attractive village of Bowmore

Islay Whisky - get to know how Islay whisky is lovingly produced by visiting six different whisky distilleries, including the Lagavulin Warehouse Experience

Movie Locations - The Maggie, Kidnapped and Rob Roy

Guest house accommodation included

  Book Now

Full Tour Itinerary

Select Day:

Day 1 - Edinburgh - Oban - Isle of Islay

From Edinburgh, we travel westwards to enter the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park and head towards Tyndrum.

After a drive along the banks of Loch Awe, travel through the Pass of Brander to reach Oban, home to the famous Oban Distillery , which sits in the heart of this bustling Victorian seaside town. 

Founded in 1794, this distillery produces a characterful whisky that is claimed to have hints of brine and seaweed, thanks to its seaside setting. After our tour and tutored tasting, there is free time to explore more of Oban . 

Later we make our way southwards, enjoying the stunning coastal scenery, to Kilmartin Glen , the birthplace of the Scottish nation. Here we’ll find an incredible range of pre-historic sites, including standing stones and burial cairns.

From Lochgilphead, there are fine views over Loch Fyne all the way to pretty Tarbert, from where we turn towards West Loch Tarbert.

At the port of Kennacraig, we board our ferry for our crossing to Islay. Why not get your holiday off to a great start by enjoying an Islay malt from the well-stocked bar on board.

On arrival in Islay, it’s a short drive to your accommodation in Bowmore.

Overnight: Bowmore, Isle of Islay (3 nights)

Day 2 - Exploring the Isle of Islay

The exact itinerary for these days will vary depending on weather, seasonal and natural attractions. Our flexible approach will ensure that you will enjoy the very best experience.

The distillery visits will be spread throughout our two full days on the island.

The island of Islay (pronounced "eye-la") has always been blessed with nature's bounty - rich farmlands which each autumn witness clouds of geese arriving to winter on the mild pastures.

Loch Gruinart in the north is the island's primary reserve, with barnacle and white-fronted geese flying in from Greenland. Elsewhere keep your eyes open for golden eagles, seals, otters, whales, dolphins, wild geese and red deer .

During our island tour, we'll get the chance to stroll along deserted beaches and gaze over the Sound of Jura when we visit the pretty Bunnahabhain Distillery .

Islay has a proud Gaelic culture that extends over a thousand years, as we will discover when visiting some of the traditional villages that cling to the rough Atlantic Coastline.

Day 3 - Lagavulin and Laphroig Excursion

Peat is still cut from the moss lands which cover much of the interior, giving the unique flavour to the 'Islay malts' - world-famous whiskies such as  Bowmore , Laphroaig and  Ardbeg .

We'll make visits to several distilleries so you can watch the production process and, even better, sample their delights!

Later visit the Kildalton Cross , which will transport you back in time more than 1200 years to the ancient seat of the Lords of the Isles at Finlaggan.

Our island base of Bowmore is Islay's main town. It is the location of a unique, round church, said to have been designed to ensure that evil spirits had no corner in which to hide. During your stay, why not make a visit?

Day 4 - Isle of Islay - Loch Lomond - Edinburgh/Glasgow

Sadly it’s time to board our ferry and bid a fond farewell to Islay.

On our return to the mainland, we will make the short drive to the attractive fishing port of Tarbert. We’ll make a stop for lunch here so you can enjoy some freshly-landed seafood .

From Lochgilphead, we follow the banks of Loch Fyne to Inveraray. This attractive white-washed town sits just a short distance from impressive Inveraray Castle , the home of the Dukes of Argyll. We’ll make a photo stop so you can capture the scene.

This part of Scotland has strong connections with Rob Roy MacGregor , so as we travel through Glen Kinglas there are sure to be stories of cattle rustling and tales of ancient clan rivalries to be told.

We will stop at the viewpoint overlooking Glen Croe, known as the “Rest and be Thankful”, then travel through the Argyll Forest Park to reach Arrochar and the gentle banks of Loch Lomond, where we will make a stop.

The last part of our journey together will take us to Glasgow, where some guests may alight, then onwards across central Scotland to the end of our journey in Edinburgh.

Due to various reasons (weather, closures, ferry schedules and special events), it may not always be possible to visit all distilleries mentioned. If this is the case, suitable alternatives will be offered.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can i expect on this connoisseur tour.

For the discerning whisky enthusiast these special tours will immerse you in the traditions and heritage of whisky making.

With unique behind-the-scenes access at some of Scotland’s most distinctive distilleries you’ll get the chance to learn the age-old methods of production from experienced whisky makers followed by tutored nosings and tastings.

Each tour is led by a professional driver/guide, who has been chosen for their enthusiasm, driving skills and knowledge.

This specialist tour is limited to a small group of just 16 whisky fans.

Comfortable guest house accommodation featuring en-suite bathrooms, tv and other amenities is included in the price.

A wonderful Scottish breakfast will be served each morning of your stay.

Admission fees and tastings are included in the price.

Can children travel on this tour?

For all our tours, all guests must be a minimum of 18 years old.

If you look under 25, you may be asked to provide identification at the distilleries we visit.

Tell me what the visit to a whisky distillery will be like?

A visit to a traditional whisky distillery is a feast for all the senses. After a warm welcome you’ll normally have a short audio/visual presentation on the the history of the distillery and the traditional methods used in the distilling process.

Next is a tour of the distillery where you you will experience all stages of the whisky making process from mashing and fermenting to distilling and maturation.

Your tour will end with a tutored tasting of a malt whisky and the opportunity to buy a souvenir of your visit in the distillery shop.

Will there be stops for meals and are they included in the price of the tour?

Meals are not included in the tour price, but we will make stops where you can get refreshments and something to eat.

If you wish, you can bring a packed lunch or pick up lunch items at a previous stop.

Vegetarian food is widely available in Scotland.

Can I book seats on the coach?

The seating on the coach is not allocated so you are free to sit in any vacant seat.

We recommend that you and your party arrive at the boarding point together so that you can be seated in the same part of the coach.

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Accommodation

• 3 nights guest house accommodation
• Location: Bowmore, Isle of Islay (3)
• Scottish/Continental breakfast (3)

Visits, Admissions and Experiences

• Tour and/or tastings at Oban Distillery, Ardbeg Distillery, Laphroaig Distillery, Bruichladdich Distillery and Kilchoman Distillery
• Cask tasting at Bunnahabhain Distillery
• Admission to the Lagavulin Warehouse Experience

Tour Essentials

• Transportation by luxury air-conditioned minicoach
• Live commentary in English
• Services of an experienced driver/guide
• Service charges and taxes
• Admission charges unless otherwise stated above
• Meals, snacks or items of a personal nature
• Gratuity to your driver/guide

Departure information

From 1 Parliament Square Royal Mile/High Street Edinburgh EH1 1RE

Check-in: 07:45 hrs Tour Departs: 08:00 hrs Tour Returns: 18:30 hrs

Child details

We are sorry but children aged under 18 years cannot travel on this tour. 

Price Notes

Accommodation The price of this tour includes guest house accommodation with en-suite bathroom. 

Admission Prices Distillery visits and tastings are included in the cost of this tour.

FAQs Please see the FAQ section for more information on this tour.

Product code   SR 00182

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2-Day Self-Guided Islay Whisky Tour: Visit the Distilleries

If you’re a whisky fan, you’ve likely smelled the peaty, smoky whisky made exclusively on the Isle of Islay (pronounced eye-la). It’s the southernmost island of the  Inner Hebrides  of Scotland – the fifth-largest of the Scottish isles, and it’s known for its peaty whisky.

Islay is one of five areas in Scotland where whisky distilling takes place and is protected by law. There are nine distilleries on the island currently that you can visit on an Islay Whisky Tour.

The island is small, but it can still be challenging to envision the Islay distilleries map and make a plan for visiting them when it’s your first time. We spent hours putting together our itinerary and researching all the various options.

As always we wanted to share our itinerary with you, so you have everything you need to plan your trip, from transport to accommodations, so you can just focus on having a great time tasting authentic Scottish whisky.

On a 2-Day Islay distilleries tour that you put together your self, you can make it to six of the top distilleries. It’s a lot of whisky and a bit of driving, but each of the distilleries gives a take-away option so you can sample the whisky when the driving is done.

If you’re adding a few days to your Scotland itinerary to visit Islay, you can choose which of these distilleries sound fun and learn a bit about this tiny island that’s serious about its craft.

Best Affordable Luxury Hotel in Islay

Need to get your accommodations booked? We think the all-around best choice is the…

Machrie Hotel & Golf Link

» If you’re visiting Scotland , check out our 7-day itinerary that covers the west of Scotland and the Isle of Skye, or this week-long itinerary to the east. You’ll also love visiting Edinburgh .

Table of Contents

Should I Book an Islay Whisky Tour?

A group tour takes all of the planning off your shoulders. This is great for beginner travelers or those who want a more structured itinerary.

This private 4-Day Islay Whisky Tour from Edinburgh is perfect for true whisky enthusiasts. It will introduce you to many of Scotland’s top distilleries—including every distillery on Islay. Accommodation and transport are included in the cost and are a great way to take the planning off of you.

However, you don’t have to book Islay tours with a company to enjoy your tasting experience. Self-guided tours are a great way to explore the location on your own time, add stops, and get to know the locals a bit more.

You can hire a private driver to take you from location to location (best to ask your hotel for recommendation) or you can drive yourself around and keep the tasters for the end of the day.

How to Plan Self-Guided Islay Whisky Tours

It doesn’t matter what time of the year you visit. Tours of the distilleries are available throughout the year. However, in winter, some distilleries may only have a limited number of tours a month, so it’s best to check their websites ahead of time and make a booking to ensure you can get in.

We found that all of the tours filled up by the time we got there, so if we hadn’t made reservations in advance we wouldn’t have gotten in to any of them!

How to Get to Islay

No matter where you’re coming from, to get to Islay, you’ll need to take a ferry from Kennacraig. There are two ferry ports on the island, Port Ellen and Port Askaig. The ferry ride should take about two and a half hours.

The earliest ferry ride is at 7:00 from Kennacraig, with the last ones leaving Port Ellen at 12:45 and Port Askaig at 18:00. You can find the ferry timetable here . You can take your car on the ferry, but make a reservation early, especially in summer to guarantee a spot.

One more thing about the car ferry – it can break down. It does pretty often in fact. When we visited, we got on the ferry no problem, but the very next ferry broke down and no cars could be transported to the island for 2 days. This can dramatically affect your trip, so be prepared with a backup plan, if possible.

There are also daily flights from Glasgow that take about 45 minutes. You can also take a bus from Glasgow to the ferry port. This will leave you without a car on the island though, so you’ll need to look into rentaling on the island from Islay Car Hire Company .

How to Get Around Islay

We thought it would be possible to get a taxi to take us to the distilleries, but quickly found out there are only a few taxi drivers on the whole island. As there was a wedding going on that weekend, there were absolutely no taxis available.

We also tried to take the bus but found the schedule to be quite prohibitive, as well as how far it is to get to the distilleries from the bus stop. In my opinion, the best way to get around is to take your own car or rent a car on the island.

Here are the best ways to get around the island for your self-guided tour.

Islay Coaches is the island’s bus service and has two bus routes — bus 450 and 451. These are a great way to save a bit of cash if you’re not in a hurry. However, there are a few downsides.

Buses aren’t frequent and don’t run on Sundays. They run between 8 am to 5 pm as these are also the school buses in the area. The stops are not exactly convenient to the distilleries.

The easiest way to get around Islay is by car — whether you drive yourself or get a taxi. This is also needed for the distilleries in the north, as there are no bus routes.

If you take a taxi, you’ll have to book your ride well in advance (about a day or two) as cabs are few in this area. There are Ubers available on the island, but, like taxis not many, and since the signal can be poor, it’s best to book these ahead of time too.

Private Driver

If you’d like to visit these distilleries on your own time, consider getting a private driver instead. Not only will you be supporting local businesses and learning insights from locals, but you’ll also be eliminating the chance of driving under the influence.

The best way to find a private driver is to ask your hotel for recommendations or do a Google search.

It’s good to note that there is a walking trail that connects all of the south distilleries. If it’s nice enough outside, you should definitely consider walking it. We were hoping to take a taxi to Ardbeg and walk the way back to Port Ellen, but that didn’t work out since we couldn’t get a taxi. If you can though, give this a try.

It’s a 3-mile walking path that connects Ardbeg, Lagavulin, and Laphroaig, to Port Ellen. If you’re staying in or new Port Ellen, this is a fantastic way to spend a day. You walk right along the coast line on a very nice path. It’s gorgeous.

Self-Guided Whisky Tours in Islay

Day 1: south islay.

South Islay has the most popular distilleries on the island. I would suggest staying in a hotel in that area, like the Machrie Hotel , which is a 7-mile drive from Ardbeg.

Morning: Ardbeg Distillery

The earliest tour starts at 10:00, so you can have a leisurely morning and only start moving to the first location around 9:00.

Ardbeg Distillery sits along the crashing shore on Pier Road. Since its opening in 1815, this distillery has been through many trials and owners. In 1987, production even subsided to nothing. But, as you can see, it came out kicking to become the award-winning distillery it is today.

For that reason, it is worth visiting on this Islay distillery tour, don’t you think? There are a few variations of the distillery tour, with different tastings added. The most basic tour is the 10:00 ‘Tour And Wee Taste’ , which costs $15 (£12) and includes a tasting of a dram of whisky of your choice.

While there, you can also enjoy Ardberg cocktails or ‘rocktails’ for as little as $6 (£5). But it’s probably a good idea to have something in your stomach first. Luckily the Old Kiln Cafe is not too far away and serves sandwiches, soups, and home-baked goods between November and March.

From April to October, The Ardstream Trailer takes over and serves a selection of wood-burn pizzas, salads, and paninis.

Note: While tours still run in winter, they are reduced to Mondays and Fridays only.

Noon: Lagavulin Distillery

Not too far from Ardberg is Lagavulin Distillery. To get here by bus, you’ll need to take bus 451 from Farm Road End, Ardbeg, to the Lagavulin Distillery stop. It is less than a five-minute drive by car.

Like the previous distillery, Lagavulin also has a fascinating history. It started as an illegal still in the 18th century before officially opening in 1816. Since opening, the distillery has won several awards locally and internationally ( San Francisco loves them).

The Lagavulin Classic Tour starts at 13:00, so you can take your time at Ardbeg Distillery filling up on their treats. And, seeing as Lagavulin doesn’t have an eatery, it is recommended. The tour costs $27 (£22) and is about an hour and a half long.

On it, you’ll get to see the long process of how this award-winning whisky is made. You’ll also get an expert-guided tasting of a selection of whiskies, including a taste of the Distillery Exclusive bottling. Don’t forget your complimentary Lagavulin branded glass souvenir.

Note: Please arrive 15 minutes before your reservation.

Late Afternoon: Laphroaig Distillery

You can take bus 451 from Lagavulin to the Laphroaig Distillery or take the short three-minute drive. There are no restaurants on-site, so you’ll have to make a booking in Port Ellen for dinner.

Laphroaig Distillery is the oldest distillery on the itinerary for day one, opening in 1810. It was also illegitimate for a while before Scottish laws were relaxed. But, unlike the other distilleries in the area, this has the royal seal of approval.

After visiting in 1994, Prince Charles gave this whisky his Royal Warrant. He liked it so much that he visited again in 2008 for his 60th birthday celebration.

The Laphroaig Experience Tour starts at 14:30, which means you’ll have to either leave the previous tour a bit early or call ahead to say you’ll arrive about five minutes late. On the experience, you’ll get a peek into its secrets by walking through the floor maltings and museum. From there, you’ll get to pick a dram to taste and also get a few souvenirs.

This is the last distillery for the day and very near to Port Ellen, where you’ll most likely retreat for the night. Take bus 451 in the direction of Bowmore to get to the Charlotte Street stop, about a five-minute walk from your accommodation.

Day 2: North Islay

As mentioned, there aren’t many bus lines in the North of Islay. So, arranging a taxi beforehand or getting a private driver to take you around would be best.

Morning: Kilchoman Distillery

It should take a 36-minute drive from Port Ellen to Kilchoman Distillery. This tour starts at 10:00, so you can choose to eat breakfast at your hotel or look for a lovely eatery in town before making your way over.

However, there is a cafe if you’re feeling peckish around lunchtime. Kilchoman Distillery Cafe serves cakes, soups, paninis, and drinks with a drop of whisky. Don’t forget to try the Northern Scottish favorite of Cullen skink — a thick smoked haddock soup with potatoes and onions.

Kilchoman Distillery is a family-run business run by the Wills Family. They opened it in 2005 and have seen great success since. You can learn how they achieved this success by taking the one-hour Classic Tour which starts at 10:00 and costs $12 (£10). This will take you through the distillery production alongside an expert guide and finish with a dram at the Visitor Centre.

Noon: Bunnahabhain Distillery

It is another 36-minute drive to Bunnahabhain Distillery from Kilchoman Distillery. This spot opened in 1818 thanks to the pier, which not only allowed for supplies to be brought in but also allowed shipping.

But, it wasn’t until 1961 that the distillery got a road for easy access that it started to grow. Today, this Single Malt Whisky Collection attracts many visitors and connoisseurs.

The Production Tour starts at 12:00 and costs $19 (£15). It takes you through the entire process of what it takes to make this Single Malt Whisky. After a lesson on the production and history, you’ll head to the Boathouse for a dram tasting of your own.

Late Afternoon: Ardnahoe Distillery

It is a short five-minute drive from Bunnahabhain Distillery to Ardnahoe Distillery. This distillery is still quite young, having only officially opened in 2019. But that doesn’t mean they don’t know what they’re doing, as this family has been in the biz for over 60 years.

If you want a tour of the process of this particular distillery, take The Spirit Of Ardnahoe tasting tour. It costs £10 and takes about 45 minutes to complete. There are a few time slots for the distillery tour. The afternoon time slots have one tour at 14:00 and the last tour of the day at 16:00, so you don’t have to rush over from Bunnahabhain Distillery.

The Illicit Still Café is an on-site eatery. It is laid-back and serves treats, light and hearty meals, and vegetarian and vegan options. It is important to note that it only serves food until 15:45, and bookings are required.

Ardnahoe Distillery is about a 30-minute drive to Port Askaig. As mentioned before, the last ferry ride to Kennacraig is at 18:00, so you won’t have to rush to catch your ferry. So, you can either have a bite to eat at the distillery cafe or grab an early dinner at the Port Askaig Hotel.

Where to Stay in Islay

As the Isle of Islay is tiny, it doesn’t have a city center. However, Port Ellen is the island’s biggest town, so it will be your base for your stay.

Machrie Hotel & Golf Links

This four-star hotel is exactly what you need after a long day of lifting the elbow. It sits on the beach and has a wellness spa offering all kinds of beauty treatments. The rooms are spacious and modern, with some of the best views on the island.

There are also two restaurants on-site that serve hearty Scottish and British meals. We ate dinner twice at the 18 Restaurant & Bar and really enjoyed the food. In the low season, you might find it’s easiest to eat the hotel because there tends to be more demand than there is supply in town.

⇒ Read reviews on Trip Advisor

No. 1 Charlotte Street

Cozy and close to the Port Ellen Ferry terminal, No. 1 Charlotte Street is the perfect place to be after a long day. Each room has a sea view and a double bed, a seating area, and a private bathroom.

While it doesn’t have an on-site restaurant, it is in a prime location and only a few steps away from a selection of eateries.

Islay Whisky Festival

Another great way to get to try a lot of Islay’s whiskies and have a great time doing it is to go to the Islay Whisky Festival , which takes place in the last week of May.

The festival is 9 days of music, song, dancing, chatting, meeting friends old and new and perhaps having a wee bit of Islay whisky along the way.

Ready to Visit the Top Islay Whiskey Distilleries?

As you can see, Islay has a range of amazing whisky-producing stills. While this list only takes you to six of the nine distilleries, you can always add another day or two to visit the rest.

Now that you know everything for a successful self-guided whiskey tour in Islay, what’s stopping you?

If you loved this tour, you might enjoy this Speyside Distilleries Malt Whisky Trail too.

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Laura Lynch, creator and writer of Savored Journeys, is an avid world traveler, certified wine expert, and international food specialist. She has written about travel and food for over 20 years and has visited over 75 countries. Her work has been published in numerous guidebooks, websites, and magazines.

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2025 Islay Tours Now Live! 2025 Tours at 2024 Prices!

Five-Day Islay Whisky Tour

Experience the wonderful world of Islay

Quick Details

• Hour Glass Duration: 5 days
• Map Marker Location: Islay
• Users Max. Number of Guests: 16
• Bus Pick-Up Points: 08:00 Edinburgh: Caffe Nero, 1 Parliament Square, Royal Mile EH1 1RE 09:30 Callander 12:30 Oban: Oban Distillery 1730 Kennacraig Ferry Terminal
• User Minimum Age of Participants : 18
• Minibus transport (max. 16 guests)
• Return ferries to/from Islay
• Services of a professional tour guide
• A distillery tour and tasting at Oban Distillery
• Lagavulin Warehouse Experience
• Core Range Tasting at Ardbeg
• Tour and exclusive tasting at Laphroaig
• Tour and tasting at Kilchoman
• Core Range Tasting at Bunnahabhain
• Warehouse Tasting at Bruichladdich
• Tour and Tasting at Caol Ila
• Tour and Tasting at Ardnahoe
• Four nights en-suite B&B accommodation at The Bowmore House & Island Bear

Single Occupancy Room

1 person per room, double room, 2 people per room, triple room, 3 people per room, 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!

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.

• Chevron down Accommodation:

Accommodation is on a B&B basis in the Bowmore House and Freewinds, next door to one another in Bowmore. Your welcome and breakfast will be provided by the fantastic Andrew and Alison. Spacious and comfortable rooms, a fantastic feast of breakfast each morning and hosts that go above and beyond for every one of their guests. There’s a reason we come back here year after year!

• Chevron down What to Bring:
• No matter what the time of year, the weather in Scotland can be “changeable”, to say the least. We suggest that you bring suitable clothing for all conditions, including a waterproof jacket (it has been known to rain in Scotland) and plenty of layers.
• Ensure you bring shoes suitable for short walks, on rough or uneven terrain.
• Although all the distilleries we visit accept card payments, we would also recommend bringing cash with you.
• Don’t forget a camera to snap the fantastic memories you’ll make on tour with us!
• Our scheduled tours are all 18+, if you’re lucky enough to look under 25 you may to asked to provide proof of age at the distilleries.
• Please limit your luggage to 1 x small/medium piece per person, along with 1 x small handbag or daypack.

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Four-Day Islay Whisky Tour

This tour takes you to a Scottish island paradise. Islay is home to stunning scenery, ancient history, traditional culture and nine of Scotland’s finest whisky distilleries.

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• Enjoy distinctive tastes of Islay whisky
• Stroll along rugged beaches
• Travel through Loch Lomond National Park
• Discover seaside towns and local produce
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• RG Reinhard · 5th May 2024 Automatically translated. View in English Rate this translation Automatic translation available in English. View in English Everything was well organized. We were also informed in good time about short delays. Any time again! Trip date: May 2024
• DD Darla · 5th April 2024 Amazing trip! Keith was an awesome tour guide and we thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Trip date: April 2024

• DM Dan · 30th September 2022 Fantastic time! Billy did a great job of getting us to the distilleries without making us feel rushed. Plus, he was an excellent guide. I will recommend this to everyone! Trip date: September 2022
• AB Andreas · 26th August 2022 Well organised, interesting and entertaining tour. Pete was a great guide. Trip date: August 2022

• W WonaChae · 13th April 2019 The tour, especially the guide, exceeded our expectation. Trip date: March 2019

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Typically, a booking confirmation is sufficient for check-in without the need for printed tickets.

Accommodations range from B&Bs to hotels, with variations depending on single or multiple occupancy.

Yes, luggage must not exceed 20kg per person to comply with transportation regulations.

Tour participants will receive communication regarding any schedule adjustments or alternative arrangements.

Room types are specified at the time of booking, and can include single or twin options.

Each traveler is restricted to 20kg of luggage; specific dimensions apply to ensure safety and comfort.

The term refers to the tasting events at different distilleries during the tour, offering a variety of whisky sampling.

You can reach out to us via the Ask a Question button to discuss any changes or concerns regarding your tour's schedule.

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Visit Whisky Distilleries on the Isle of Islay with a 4 Day Group Tour departing Edinburgh

© Experience Scotland's Wild

Isle of Islay Whisky Distillery

Islay and Oban Scotch Whisky 4 Day Tour from Edinburgh

Visit the Isle of Islay on our ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ tour and taste some of the best Scotch Whisky the island has to offer. Sip on a Laphroaig, and travel through some spectacular Highland scenery.

Highlights - Glasgow to Isle of Islay - Day 1

• Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park
• Inveraray Castle
• The Seaside Town of Tarbert
• Boat to the Isle of Islay

Day 1- Start your tour in Edinburgh and depart heading north through Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park. Enjoy the stunning changing landscape from the Lowlands to the Highlands of Scotland. Visiting Inveraray Castle along the way, learn about the Highland Clan Chief that still owns the castle today, as we head out west towards the seaside town of Tarbert. Catch the ferry across the sea the Isle of Islay, and get ready for the delicious Scotch Whisky to begin pouring.

Highlights - Isle of Islay - Day 2 and 3

• Bowmore Distillery
• Laphroaig Distillery
• Lagavulin Distillery
• Ardbeg Distillery
• Stunning Coastal Scenery

Day 2 and 3 is when the Scotch Whisky is in full flow. Travel around the island to taste some of the best whisky Islay has to offer. Some of the distilleries you'll be visiting include Bowmore, Lagavulin and Laphroaig. Travelling around the island, don't forget to enjoy the stunning coastal views surrounding this incredible island.

Highlights - Isle of Islay to Glasgow - Day 4

• Kilmartin Glen
• Kilchurn Castle
• Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park

Day 4 is when we sadly depart the Isle of Islay, but we travel north on the Mainland towards a place full of Ancient History, Kilmartin Glen. Learn about the Ancient Kingdom that once controlled the West Coast of Scotland, a travel in the footsteps of Kings exploring Dunnadd Fort. Continuing north, visit Oban Whisky Distillery and travel to ruin of Kilchurn Castle before we start heading south through Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park to Edinburgh

From £360 per adult

Departure days.

• W Wednesday

January — December

Contact details

• +44 (01389) 513467
• View tour details
• [email protected]

Tour information

• Driver guide
• Small Group (1-16)
• Food and drink
• Walking/Hiking

Tour prices

From £360 Per Adult £340 Per Child

Prices are subject to change depending on season

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Tour company information

Experience scotland's wild.

Experience Scotland's Wild are an award winning, 5 Star ★★★★★ Tour Operator who focus on going above and beyond to ensure our visitors have the most wonderful time possible as they explore Scotland. We provide Extra Small Group Tours for up to 8 clients and fully Private Vacations for groups from across the world, taking visitors for short walks in the Highlands, visits to Castles, Standing Stones, historical sites and overall providing wonderful experiences for Clients

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Opening times

We provide Experiences all year round Contact us from 8am to 8pm daily

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Discover the essence of Scotland with our whisky tours. Sit back and relax as you enjoy the beautiful Scottish scenery while visiting renowned distilleries across Islay and Campbeltown. Sample the distinctive peaty flavours of Islay’s famous single malts and savour the robust, maritime-influenced drams of Campbeltown. Each tour includes all tastings, distillery experiences, travel, ferry crossings, and accommodation, providing a seamless and memorable journey.

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From Edinburgh: Glenkinchie Distillery & Whisky Experience

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This tour takes you to a Scottish island paradise. Islay is home to stunning scenery, ancient history, traditional culture and nine of Scotland’s finest whisky distilleries.

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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 drams and explore its secret spots.

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Islay Whisky Adventure Tour

Whisky tour - book now.

• Pick up location:
• Price notes:
• Additional notes:
• Restrictions: - If group size bigger than [% selected_price.size.max_qty %] then enquire for details. - Minimum age 18
• Tour ID: 1074
• Tour theme: Whisky Tours ,
• Duration: 4 Days / 3 Nights
• Starts from: Edinburgh
• Room type guide

Enquire About This Tour

Need a private tour, enquire about private tour, tour description.

This tour takes you away to a Scottish island paradise. Stunning scenery, ancient history, traditional culture and 8 of Scotland’s finest whisky distilleries ... what more can you ask for? Day 1: EDINBURGH - ISLAY After departing Edinburgh you will head north into the Highlands the landscape becomes more mountainous and your guide will tell 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 will arrive in the Victorian town of  Oban  where we’ll tour the distillery and do a tasting before you have free time for lunch and some exploring. This is the seafood capital of Scotland so make sure you make the most of it. Please note on some occasions, due to ferry times, we will visit a Distillery on the way to meet the ferry, such as Auchentoshan, rather than visiting Oban.

Your tour 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 will explore.

It is then a short drive down the  Kintyre Peninsula  to  Kennacraig  where you will board the evening ferry to Islay. The ferry crossing is around 2 hours and allows for some beautiful views of the islands of Gigha, Jura and Islay as well as the area surrounding West Loch Tarbert . There is time to relax in the bar with an Islay whisky; grab some dinner from the restaurant and just 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 or Freewinds for your 3-night stay. Day 2 & 3: TWO FULL DAYS EXPLORING ISLAY With 2 full days to explore, there are plenty of options for sightseeing and your guide will share some of their favourite places with you. These can include empty beaches, whitewashed villages, ancient sites, the  Kildalton Cross , medieval strongholds, fresh seafood, local wildlife and traditional cultures.

With only around 3000 people and 8 world class distilleries, the chances of finding a ‘wee dram’ on Islay are pretty good. The distillery and whisky experiences will give you an insight into Islay’s most famous export. We’ve planned a wide range of tours and tastings, including a warehouse experiences, tours and exclusive tastings! Each tour is a little different and there will be lots of delicious drams to taste – you won’t be disappointed!

Each night on Islay there are plenty of options for eating, drinking and relaxing. Your tour guide will let you know all the best places to get the most out of your time in Bowmore.

There is an eating option for all budgets and tastes and with so much local produce on offer, you will be spoilt for choice. The whisky bars aren’t too bad either. Slainte Mhath, as they say in Gaelic. Accommodation is on a B&B basis in The Bowmore House or Island Bear, both on Shore Street in Bowmore. Spacious and comfortable rooms, a fantastic breakfast each morning and hosts that go above and beyond for every one of their guests. There’s a reason we come back here year after year! Day 4: ISLAY - EDINBURGH After a final hearty breakfast, you catch the morning ferry back to Kennacraig . Arriving 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 stop for lunch.

After lunch (and some last minute whisky shopping) your journey now hugs the shores of  Loch Fyne and Loch Long  before climbing up to the  Rest and be Thankful  pass for sweeping views. Then it is to the shores of  Loch Lomond . With time to stop for some lovely views and stretch of the 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 shortstop in central Glasgow (George Square) before returning to Edinburgh. For more details go to the "Prices, Dates, and What's Included" section...

4 Day Islay Whisky Adventure Tour!!!

Prices & Dates

Departure Time:  Edinburgh 08.00am Return Time:  Edinburgh 18.30pm

Departure Point:  Cafe Nero, 1 Parliament Square, Edinburgh, EH1 1RE.

Departs:  various Mon, Thu, Sun, per month, - April to October

Prices Per Person (including accommodation)

select date to find pricing on specific dates (Blue)

**children are not permitted on this tour. See below for more price notes ** note: ensuite rooms guaranteed with Hotel and Superior b&b option

What's Included

Inclusions Tasting in Oban Lagavulin Warehouse Experience Core Range Tasting at Ardbeg Tour and exclusive tasting at Laphroaig Tour and tasting at Kilchoman Tasting at Bunnahabhain Tour & Tasting at Bruichladdich Minibus transport (max. 16 guests) Services of a professional tour guide    Exclusions  - Meals and refreshments, other than breakfast  - Shopping  - Entrance fees to any attractions not mentioned above (these will be optional and paid for  locally)  - Tips and gratuities

Notes - Due to special events, seasonal closures, weather and other circumstances outwith our control it may sometimes be necessary to alter the itinerary and distillery options. Please note that, in these circumstances, a suitable alternative will always be found. - All tour guests must be at least 18 years of age. - Due to the size of our transport, all guests are limited to one small/medium bag and one small piece of cabin baggage per person. - Our standard terms and conditions apply to all guests once booked.

Departure & Map

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Terms & Conditions

Scheduled tours.

In order to confirm a booking, full payment must be made at time of booking.

In the event of a cancellation, by the client, following payment, the following schedule of refunds will apply:

Should notification of cancelation be received 30+ days before departure of a tour, a full refund will be given of all pre-paid monies.

Where notification of cancellation has been received less than 30 days prior to departure of a tour, the following schedule of refunds will apply:

• 30- 15 days before start - 75% of balance
• 14-7 days before start - 50% of balance
• 6-0 days before start - NIL Notification of cancellation must be made in writing to the company by post or e-mail

Scottish Routes reserves the right to cancel trips under exceptional circumstances. In such cases clients will be promptly informed and offered:

• Transfer to a substitute trip or tour or
• An alternative trip or tour which if a lower cash value will include a cash adjustment refund or
• A total refund of all prepaid monies.

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