4-Day Private Whisky Tour to Islay with Distillery Visits

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4 days (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: English

Explore the renowned whisky isle of Islay on this exclusive 4-day private tour, designed for whisky enthusiasts seeking a deep dive into Scotland's distilling heritage. You’ll journey through the breathtaking landscapes of the West Highlands, visit iconic distilleries like Lagavulin, Ardbeg, and Laphroaig, and enjoy tastings at each location. Your private driver guide ensures a personalized experience, complete with visits to historical sites and stunning vistas. This customizable tour caters to small groups and includes comfortable transportation from Edinburgh or Glasgow.

- Discover the rich whisky culture at multiple distilleries on Islay.
- Enjoy personalized service with a dedicated driver guide.
- Includes visits to historic landmarks like Kilchurn Castle, Templewood Standing Stones, Kildalton Cross and Inveraray Castle.
- Suitable for small groups of 1 to 7 people, with flexible itineraries.

What's Included

MB Vito 7 seater van, with luggage space
Return ferry to Islay
Fuel
Restaurant Recommendations
Qualified Driver Guide
Guide's overnight expenses
Laphroaig Distillery Tour
Lagavulin Exclusive Tasting
Kilchoman Distillery tour/tasting
Bowmore Warehouse Tasting
Inverary Castle

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).

Itinerary

Duration: 4 days (approximately)
    Day 1

    West Highlands, Oban and ferry to Islay

    6 stops
  • 1
    Deanston Distillery & Visitor Centre

    short stop to see the shop and cafe

    30 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 2
    Kilchurn Castle

    photo stop at this historic castle in the middle of Loch Awe

    5 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 3
    Oban

    Lunch break at this picturesque season town.

    1 hour • Admission ticket free
  • 4

    free time to visit tasting bar at the distillery. Enjoy a flight of drams.

    1 hour • Admission ticket free
  • 5

    Stop to see some standing stones in Kilmartin Glen.

    30 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 6

    We will take a two‑hour ferry to the Isle of Islay. Along the way there are fine views of both Islay and Jura. It is possible to spot sealife such as dolphins during the crossing. Dinner is suggested on board the Calmac vessel.

    2 hours • Admission ticket free
    • Day 2

    Explore Islay Distilleries; Laphroaig, Lagavulin Ardbeg

    4 stops
  • 7

    Scenic drive to the 1200 year old stone cross of Kildalton and the medieval church ruins.

    30 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 8

    Enjoy a distillery tour experience at Laphroaig. See the traditional malting floor, wash backs, still room, warehouse and end with a dram tasting. Laphroaig Distillery Tour from £25.00pp, book online.

    1 hour • Admission ticket not included
  • 9

    We go to Ardbeg distillery to gram some lunch at the food van. You will also have time for the shop and tasting bar.

    1 hour • Admission ticket free
  • 10

    Here we recommend you book the exclusive tasting to sample some very rare releases straight from the warehosue. Lagavulin Exclusive Tasting from £110.00pp, book online.

    2 hours • Admission ticket not included
    • Day 3

    Explore Islay Distilleries; Bruichladdich, Kilchoman and Bowmore

    5 stops
  • 11

    Bruichladdich Distillery showcases its signature single malts alongside Port Charlotte’s smoky style and Octomore’s powerful peat. The tour highlights traditional methods and modern innovation, with The Botanist gin adding a fresh Islay twist. Guests finish with a guided tasting that captures the full range of spirits crafted on site. Distillery tour/tasting from £20.00pp, book online.

    1 hour • Admission ticket not included
  • 12

    Kilchoman Distillery, Islay’s farm-to-bottle producer, is our lunch stop at the café. Guests can enjoy a bowl of soup with sandwiches, including the classic Cullen Skink. There will be time at the shop to grab a dram. Kilchoman’s barley-to-bottle philosophy sets it apart among Islay’s distilleries.

    1 hour • Admission ticket free
  • 13

    Bowmore is the main town on Islay, set on the shores of Loch Indaal. Its centre is marked by the Round Church, with streets leading down to the harbour. Visitors will find shops, cafés, and services that make Bowmore the island’s hub. The town’s location offers fine views across the loch.

    15 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 14

    Bowmore Distillery, founded in 1779, is the oldest licensed distillery on Islay. Set on the shores of Loch Indaal, it combines tradition with modern production. The visit focuses on the legendary No.1 Vaults Warehouse Experience, where guests taste whisky straight from the cask in Scotland’s oldest maturation warehouse. Bowmore Warehouse Tasting from £60.00 online

    1 hour • Admission ticket not included
  • 15

    On the return to Bowmore the route passes the peat moss, where bricks can be seen drying in the open air. The drive also takes us by Islay Airport and the Machrie Hotel. Along the way there are fine views of An Oa, the rugged southern tip of the island. This stretch offers a glimpse of everyday Islay alongside its natural beauty.

    Admission ticket free
    • Day 4

    Loch Fyne, Inveraray Castle, Rest and be Thankful, Loch Lomond

    5 stops
  • 16

    The journey follows the shores of Loch Fyne, Scotland’s longest sea loch. Its waters are known for oysters and seafood, with small villages dotted along the coastline. The loch offers wide views across to the Cowal peninsula.

    Admission ticket free
  • 17
    Inveraray Castle & Gardens

    Inveraray Castle is the seat of the Dukes of Argyll, chiefs of Clan Campbell. The castle’s distinctive architecture and gardens make it one of Scotland’s most notable stately homes. Inside, visitors can see fine collections of art, armour, and family history. Admissions from £16pp, Note: Castle is closed Tue/Wed and Nov-Mar. At this time we will offer time in town.

    1 hour • Admission ticket not included
  • 18
    Inveraray

    Optionally if you don't want to go to the castle or it is closed you can spend sometime in town. Or visit the old Victorian Jail.

    1 hour • Admission ticket free
  • 19
    Rest and be Thankful

    The road climbs through Glen Croe to the viewpoint known as Rest and Be Thankful. The name comes from a stone inscription left by soldiers who built the road in the 18th century. From here there are sweeping views down the glen and across the surrounding hills. It is one of the most famous stops on the drive through Argyll.

    Admission ticket free
  • 20
    Loch Lomond

    The route continues along the shores of Loch Lomond, Scotland’s largest freshwater loch. Its broad waters are ringed by mountains, including Ben Lomond to the east. The drive offers some of the most iconic views in the Highlands. This final stretch provides a fitting close to the journey

    30 minutes • Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Tour is for 18+ only
Supplied by Go Scotland Tours (Private Tours)

Tags

Multi-day Tours
Bus Tours
Private Sightseeing Tours
Beer & Brewery Tours
Water Tours
Car Tours
Food & Drink
Additional fees

Cancellation Policy

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.

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