Islay: 5-Day Ultimate Whisky Tour
City Centre Glasgow, Glasgow
Explore the distilleries of the Scottish Whisky heartland of Islay. Enjoy a visit to nine distilleries on the island, and sample a range of exquisite drams.
This 5-day whisky tour departs from Edinburgh, exploring Islay and the Scottish Highlands, suited for whisky enthusiasts and cultural explorers.
Highlights
- Visit and taste whisky from 10 world-class distilleries
- Sample whisky straight from the cask
- Enjoy the scenic views of Islay
Description
Day 1: Depart Edinburgh and stop in Callander for coffee before heading north into the Highlands. Travel through mountainous landscapes past Loch Awe into Argyll with photo stops en route. Arrive in Oban for a tour and tasting at Oban Distillery, followed by lunch and free time to explore.
Drive down the Kintyre Peninsula to Kennacraig to board the evening ferry to Islay. The two-hour crossing offers views of Gigha, Jura, Islay, and West Loch Tarbert. Relax in the bar with Islay whisky, dine at the onboard restaurant, or enjoy the sea air. Arrive at Port Ellen or Port Askaig, then transfer to Bowmore for a four-night stay at The Bowmore House or Island Bear.
Day 2: Visit three northern Islay distilleries starting with a visitor centre tasting at Bunnahabhain, followed by a tour and tasting at Caol Ila. After lunch at Ballygrant Inn, visit Ardnahoe, Islay's newest distillery, for an extensive tour and warehouse tasting.
Day 3: Explore western Islay with a tour and tasting at Kilchoman distillery, followed by a warehouse tasting at Bruichladdich. After lunch, visit Bowmore distillery for a tasting experience including cask strength whisky.
Day 4: Tour the southern Islay distilleries known for heavily peated whisky. Activities include tours and tastings at Lagavulin and Laphroaig, plus a curated tasting at Ardbeg.
Day 5: After breakfast, take the morning ferry back to Kennacraig. Visit Inveraray, seat of Clan Campbell, for lunch. Travel along Loch Fyne and Loch Long, then cross the Rest and Be Thankful pass for views before stopping at Loch Lomond. Conclude with a brief stop in central Glasgow (George Square) before returning to Edinburgh.
Includes
- 4 nights of bed and breakfast accommodation in Bowmore
- Tour and tasting at Oban Distillery
- Tour and tasting at Lagavulin
- Tasting at Ardbeg
- Tour and exclusive tasting at Laphroaig
- Exclusive tasting at Bowmore
- Warehouse tasting at Bruichladdich
- Tour and tasting at Kilchoman
- Extensive tour and warehouse tasting at Ardnahoe
- Distillery tour at Caol Ila
- Tasting at Bunnahabhain
Excludes
- Lunches and evening meals during the tour
Cancellation Policy
Cancel up to 30 days in advance for a full refund.
For the best experience, bring weather-appropriate clothing and book in advance especially during peak seasons.
