5 Day Islay Whisky Tour from Edinburgh

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Day 1 - Depart Edinburgh
4 stops
1
Callander
Our first stop is Callander where you can grab a coffee before we head north into the Highlands.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
2
Our next stop, and first distillery of the tour is Oban Distillery. Whilst here, enjoy a tour around the distillery and try their delicious whisky.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
3
Inveraray
After the Oban Distillery tour, and your own choice of lunch in the town itself (at own expense), we'll journey further on to Inveraray. Nestled on Loch Fyne's shores, it offers a blend of history and natural beauty. Its iconic castle, Georgian architecture, and scenic surroundings make it a must-visit.
Admission ticket free
4
The ferry from Kennacraig to Islay offers a scenic two-hour journey across the Sound of Islay. Passengers enjoy panoramic views of the coastline and onboard facilities before docking at one of Islay's ports. It's a convenient and picturesque way to reach the island.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 2
Day 2 - First day on Islay
4 stops
5
At the first of your distillery visits on Islay, we will travel we will enjoy a whisky tasting whilst taking in the views from the Distillery. It offers breathtaking panoramas of rugged coastal beauty. Situated on the northeastern coast of the island, Bunnahabhain overlooks the Sound of Islay, with stunning vistas of the surrounding sea and neighbouring islands, such as Jura.
45 minutes • Admission ticket included
6
Led by experienced guides, visitors embark on a fascinating journey through the distillery's production process and the flavours that define Caol Ila whisky. During the tour, participants engage their senses as they learn about the influence of peat, barley, water, and cask selection on the whisky's character. The experience includes tastings of Caol Ila's distinctive single malt whiskies, allowing guests to appreciate the complexity and depth of flavour that have made Caol Ila a beloved name in the world of Scotch whisky.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket included
7
We will visit the Ballygrant Inn for a delicious lunch (own expense).
1 hour • Admission ticket free
8
Our first stop of the day is the islands newest addition. Here, we'll get the chance to explore Islay's newest distillery, and find out how their spirit is made, followed by a sample of their offerings with a Warehouse Tasting.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 3
Day 3 - Day 2 on Islay
3 stops
9
At the Bowmore Distillery tour, you'll journey through the historic process of crafting Bowmore single malt whisky. Led by a knowledgeable guide, you'll explore the distillery's inner workings, from mashing to maturation, witnessing traditional copper pot stills and aging barrels along the way. The tour culminates in a tasting session, where you'll sample a range of Bowmore whiskies, experiencing their distinct flavours first-hand. It's an immersive journey into the world of Scotch whisky, offering a taste of Bowmore's rich heritage and exceptional craftsmanship.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket included
10
At a warehouse tasting at Bruichladdich Distillery, you'll enjoy exclusive access to their aging warehouses, where you'll sample whisky straight from the cask. Guided by knowledgeable staff, you'll explore the nuances of each whisky's flavour profile, including rare samples that you won't be able to try anywhere else. It's a unique and memorable experience for whisky enthusiasts, offering a glimpse into the distillery's craftsmanship and creativity.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket included
11
At Kilchoman Distillery on Islay, visitors embark on a captivating journey through the whisky-making process. Led by expert guides, the tour delves into every stage, from malting to maturation. You'll witness traditional methods in action, learn about the importance of peat in flavour, and savour the distinct taste of Kilchoman whisky during a guided tasting. You'll try their famous 100% Islay dram.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket included
Day 4
Day 4 - Third day on Islay!
4 stops
12
The Kildalton Cross is a monumental Celtic cross located on the Isle of Islay in Scotland. It stands near the ruins of Kildalton Parish Church, which dates back to the 8th century. The cross is one of the finest and best-preserved Celtic crosses in Scotland and is renowned for its intricate and elaborate carvings.
20 minutes • Admission ticket free
13
The fourth day of the tour will begin with a visit to Lagavulin Distillery for a tour and tasting at one of Islay’s most famous distilleries.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket included
14
Our next stop is Ardbeg Distillery, also located on the southern coast of the island. It sits amidst the rugged landscape and peat bogs that characterize the island. Here we'll do a 5-dram whisky tasting (included) and have time for lunch (own expense). It's a fantastic introduction to their range of whisky.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
15
Our tour at Laphroaig Distillery offers a memorable exploration of Islay's whisky heritage. Led by one of their knowledgeable guides, you will journey through the distillery's production process, from malting to maturation, learning about Laphroaig's unique peat-smoked flavour along the way. The experience culminates in a tasting session, where guests savour a selection of Laphroaig's iconic single malt whiskies, and immerse yourself in the distillery's rich history and distinctive character.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
Day 5
Day 5 - Return to Edinburgh
3 stops
16
Inveraray
After a final hearty breakfast, we'll catch the ferry back to the main land, before stopping for lunch(own expense) in Inveraray. The seat of the Clan Campbell.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
17
Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park
From Inveraray we'll head to Luss, the pretty little village perched on the banks of Loch Lomond, for a quick rest stop, before our final leg back to Edinburgh
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
18
We will drive through Glasgow where you can end the tour, if you like, rather than returning to Edinburgh.
Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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