Islay: 5-Day Ultimate Whisky Tour
City Centre Glasgow, Edinburgh
Explore the distilleries of the Scottish Whisky heartland of Islay. Enjoy a visit to nine distilleries on the island, and sample a range of exquisite drams.
Islay Whisky Distillery Tour from Edinburgh
This 5-day guided tour from Edinburgh suits whisky enthusiasts interested in exploring Islay’s world-class distilleries and Scottish Highlands landscapes.
Description
Day 1 begins with a departure from Edinburgh, stopping for coffee in Callander before heading north into the Highlands. Passing Loch Awe and Argyll, expect photo stops en route to Oban. Here, you will tour and taste at Oban Distillery, followed by lunch and free time for exploration.
Next, travel down the Kintyre Peninsula to Kennacraig to board the evening ferry to Islay. The two-hour crossing offers views of Gigha, Jura, Islay, and West Loch Tarbert. Onboard, relax with Islay whisky in the bar or dinner from the restaurant. Upon arrival at Port Ellen or Port Askaig, transfer to Bowmore for check-in at The Bowmore House or Island Bear for a four-night stay.
Day 2 focuses on northern Islay distilleries: visit Bunnahabhain for a visitor centre tasting, tour and taste at Caol Ila, then lunch at the Ballygrant Inn. The day ends with an extensive tour and warehouse tasting at Ardnahoe, Islay’s newest distillery.
Day 3 explores western Islay with a tour and tasting at Kilchoman, followed by a warehouse tasting at Bruichladdich. After lunch, visit Bowmore distillery for a tasting including cask strength whisky.
Day 4 highlights southern Islay distilleries renowned for peated whisky. The day includes tours and tastings at Lagavulin and Laphroaig, plus a curated tasting at Ardbeg.
Day 5 begins with a morning ferry back to Kennacraig. Then travel to Inveraray for lunch in this historic Clan Campbell seat. The route continues along Loch Fyne and Loch Long, climbing the Rest and Be Thankful pass with scenic views, before reaching Loch Lomond. The tour concludes in Glasgow, with some guests disembarking there. A short stop at George Square is possible before returning to Edinburgh.
Includes
- 4 nights of B&B accommodation in Bowmore
- Tour and tasting at Oban Distillery
- Tour and tasting at Lagavulin
- Tasting at Ardbeg
- Tour and exclusive tasting at Laphroaig
- Exclusive tasting at Bowmore
- Warehouse tasting at Bruichladdich
- Tour and tasting at Kilchoman
- Extensive tour and warehouse tasting at Ardnahoe
- Distillery tour at Caol Ila
- Tasting at Bunnahabhain
Excludes
- Lunches and evening meals during the tour
Cancellation Policy
Cancel up to 30 days in advance for a full refund.
Booking Tips
Book in advance to secure accommodation and ferry spaces. Bring suitable clothing for varying weather and comfortable shoes for distillery tours. The best time to visit is from late spring to early autumn for milder weather and longer daylight hours.
