Edinburgh: 4-Day Privately Guided Islay Whisky Tour

Day 1: Highland Castle, Lochs, and Coastal Charms

1. Stirling Castle
   1h
   With sweeping views, grand halls, and Renaissance detail, it’s the perfect introduction to Scottish history, your guide will stop for a photo opportunity and a background to one of Scotland's most iconic castles.
2. Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park
   1h
   Scotland’s first national park, and one of its most beloved. Here you’ll find tranquil waters, rolling hills, and quaint villages – a postcard-perfect Highland landscape.
3. Kilchurn Castle
   1h
   Perched dramatically at the head of Loch Awe, the romantic ruins of Kilchurn Castle are among Scotland’s most photographed. Once a stronghold of the Campbell clan, it offers striking views of loch and mountain.
4. Oban
   1h
   This picturesque coastal town, often called the “Gateway to the Isles,” is famed for its seafood, lively harbor, and Victorian charm. A perfect stop before heading west.
5. Kilmartin Glen
   30m
   A landscape steeped in mystery, dotted with ancient standing stones, cairns, and Celtic carvings. One of Europe’s richest prehistoric sites.
6. Islay
   2h
   After a scenic ferry ride, arrive on the enchanting Isle of Islay. Your base is the welcoming village of Bowmore, home to a legendary distillery and your 4-star accommodation.

Day 2: A Taste of Islay’s Whisky Heritage

1. Bowmore Distillery
   1h 30m · Admission ticket included
   One of Scotland’s oldest distilleries, Bowmore is famed for its perfectly balanced single malts. Enjoy an immersive tour and tasting in the heart of the village.
2. Kilchoman Distillery
   1h 30m · Admission ticket included
   Unique as Islay’s farm-to-bottle producer, Kilchoman grows its own barley, distills, and matures everything on-site. A truly authentic whisky tasting experience.
3. Bruichladdich Distillery
   1h 30m · Admission ticket included
   Known for pushing boundaries, Bruichladdich offers innovative styles from unpeated to the world’s peatiest whiskies – all with strong ties to local heritage.

Day 3: Legendary Distilleries & Island Treasures

1. Ardbeg Distillery
   1h 30m · Admission ticket included
   Bold, smoky, and world-famous. Ardbeg’s distinctive malts are matched with an atmospheric setting by the sea.
2. Lagavulin Distillery
   1h 30m · Admission ticket included
   Renowned for its intensely peaty whiskies, Lagavulin offers one of Islay’s most iconic tasting experiences, steeped in tradition.
3. Laphroaig Distillery
   1h 30m · Admission ticket included
   A true legend, loved (and sometimes feared!) for its medicinal, smoky character. Explore its heritage and enjoy a dram in a distillery with deep roots.
4. Kildalton Cross
   30m
   A beautifully preserved 8th-century stone cross, rich with intricate carvings – one of Scotland’s finest early Christian monuments.
5. Islay
   30m
   Golden sands, dramatic coastlines, and wild lochside scenery remind you of the island’s natural beauty beyond the whisky.

Day 4: Highland Scenery & Farewell

1. Inveraray
   1h
   A charming Georgian town on the banks of Loch Fyne. Wander its historic streets or admire the grand Inveraray Castle, home to the Dukes of Argyll.
2. Rest and be Thankful
   1h
   This stunning mountain pass, named by 18th-century soldiers, offers sweeping views of the Highlands – a place to pause, breathe, and take in the grandeur.
3. Loch Lomond
   1h
   Your journey closes with a return to Loch Lomond, its sparkling waters and rugged backdrop providing a memorable farewell to Scotland’s natural beauty.

Pickup details

Once you have booked, one of our friendly team members will contact you to confirm all the details of your tour and details of your guide who will typically meet you in the lobby of your hotel approx 15 mins before your tour is due to start. You can always contact us if you have any questions or if you'd like to tailor your tour.

• Suitable for all physical fitness levels