Islay and The Whisky Coast - 4 days

This 4 day specialist whisky tour takes you to the “Queen of the Isles” and the Whisky Coast. Islay is home to 8 of Scotland’s finest malt whisky distilleries Lagavulin, Laphroaig, Bowmore, Bunnahabhain, Bruichladdich, Ardbeg, Caol Ila and Kilchoman. For the whisky enthusiast this tour will give you an in depth knowledge and even better - you won’t need to drive anywhere yourself!

Day1
Travel to Islay - the Queen of the Hebrides...
The first highlight on this wonderful trip is Scotland's largest loch - Loch Lomond. You'll then drive to the beautiful seaside town of Oban, the Gateway to the Isles. Next stop is the historic village of Kilmartin and you'll then skirt the shores of Loch Fyne before you board the ferry to Islay. On the island you'll stay in Bowmore, where you'll get an introduction to the island and enjoy a dram or two. Overnight for 3 nights: Bowmore

Days 2 and 3
Two Full Days to explore the island...
The exact itinerary on each day will be as flexible as possible, so that you can get the most from your Islay experience. To find out why Islay whiskies are so special, you'll take guided tours to a number of the island's distilleries. There will, of course, be ample opportunity to sample the island's delicious whiskies along the way.

A Great Menu of Great Whiskies...
Among the whisky experiences we can offer are the chance to taste the smokey and peaty Ardbeg, Laphroaig and Lagavullin (on the south coast) and the lighter Bruichladdich (near Port Charlotte). We can also visit Bowmore (the oldest working distillery on Islay), Kilchoman (the newest and smallest) and the biggest producer on the island, Caol Ila.

The history of the island...
Along the way, you will discover why Islay is famous for so much more than whisky. A visit to Kildalton Cross will transport you more than 1200 years back in time and you will discover the ancient seat of the Lord of the Isles at Finlaggan.
Wildlife and Wilderness....
Wildlife abounds on Islay so keep your eyes open for golden eagles, seals, otters, whales, dolphins, wild geese, red deer and much more. You'll also discover traditional coastal villages, ruined castles, golden beaches and a proud Gaelic culture.

Day 4
Homeward Bound...
You'll leave Islay on the morning ferry and head back home. The drive takes you towards the Trossachs, and there will be ample time for exploring as you head south. You will arrive back in Edinburgh / Glasgow feeling relaxed and refreshed after discovering one of Scotland's best kept secrets - the Isle of Islay.

Included: Distillery tours of Auchentoshan, Laphroaig, Bowmore and Kilchoman, Tastings at Ardbeg and Bruichladdich, A unique warehouse experience and cask tasting at Lagavulin, A sample of Islay Ale and a taste of local seafood, Tea and coffee, A few surprises...

Price excludes

On this tour we have pre-booked a number of rooms in the beautiful Bowmore Distillery Cottages. All these rooms are ensuite and a self service continental breakfast will be provided.When these rooms are full we will book you into a nearby B&B.

If you are a single traveller you must select a single room upgrade, as we cannot offer a room-share service for this tour. 

On this tour you will be travelling in our purpose-built coaches with have large windows, good air circulation and clear PA systems so that your professional guide can escort  you comfortably through our wonderful country. Our itineraries are carefullly planned (with many years of experience) so that you discover as much as possible, without spending too much time on the road.

As we travel in smaller vehicles, we normally use the most scenic routes, where large coach are prohibited from travelling. Additionally, as our group sizes are smaller we are able to more time out of the vehicle. We also employ a the very best driver/guides.

Friendly and Professional Guides - Small Groups - More Scenic Routes - More Time Sightseeing - Great Value for Money