5-day Islay Tour

After departing Edinburgh, your first stop is Callander, where you can grab a coffee before we head north into the Highlands. Sit back, relax and take in the scenery as your guide tells you the history of this stunning part of Scotland. Passing Loch Awe, with a few photo stops on the way, we'll make our way to the quaint Victorian harbour town of Oban. Here, we'll enjoy a tour and tasting and Oban Distillery before having the opportunity to explore the town and grab some lunch.

Oban is known for being the seafood capital of Scotland, so make sure you make the most of your time exploring! From here, our journey will take us to the ancient neolithic landscapes of Kilmarten 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 for your 4 night stay.

With 3 full days to explore, there are plenty of options for sightseeing. 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 9 world class distilleries, the chances of finding a ‘wee dram’ on Islay are pretty good.

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'll visit Lagavulin, Laphroaig,Ardbeg, Kilchoman, Bunnahabhain, Caol Ila, Ardnahoe, Bowmore and Bruichladdich. Slainte Mhath, as they say in Gaelic.

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 short stop in central Glasgow (George Square) before returning to Edinburgh.

* Accommodation is on a B&B basis in the Bowmore House. The price is based on 2/3 sharing a twin / double / triple room. There is an additional supplement for single occupancy. Please note that if the Bowmore House is not available we will source alternative local accommodation of the same standard. 

** Due to various reasons (weather, closures and special events) it may not always be possible to visit all distilleries mentioned. Please be aware that, if this is the case, we will ensure that suitable alternatives are found.