From Edinburgh: Islay and The Whisky Coast 4-Day Tour

Islay Whisky and Scottish Highlands Tour from Edinburgh

This 4-day guided tour from Edinburgh explores the Scottish Highlands, Loch Lomond, and Islay’s whisky distilleries, ideal for whisky enthusiasts and history lovers.

Highlights

• Drive through Loch Lomond National Park
• Visit the ancient Kilmartin standing stones
• Stay overnight in the village of Bowmore
• Tour multiple Islay whisky distilleries
• Discover sandy beaches on Islay’s west coast

Tour Description

Day 1: Depart Edinburgh and head to the Highlands, stopping at Trossachs National Park to enjoy local scenery and cuisine. Travel through the Western Highlands to Oban, known for seafood and its historic whisky distillery where you enjoy a tasting and lunch. Continue through Kilmartin Glen with its ancient standing stones, then catch the evening ferry from Kennacraig to Islay. Arrive on the island and check into your accommodation.

Day 2: Begin with a relaxed start before touring Bowmore Distillery, one of Scotland’s oldest, including a whisky tasting. Visit Kilchoman Distillery for a tour and local lunch; it is Islay’s only Single Farm Single Malt producer. Depending on the day, tour either Bruichladdich on Thursdays and Saturdays or Bunnahabhain on Tuesdays. Return to Bowmore for the night with time to explore the village.

Day 3: Explore Islay’s southern distilleries: Ardbeg (tour and tasting), Laphroaig (historic distillery with royal connections), and Lagavulin (known for its rich, smoky whisky). Your guide will highlight historical sites such as Kildalton church ruins and Dunyvaig Castle. Overnight again in Bowmore.

Day 4: Ferry back to the mainland, travelling through scenic coastal areas to Inveraray, noted for its historic buildings and whisky shop. Continue to Loch Lomond to view Britain’s largest surface area lake before returning to Edinburgh in the early evening.

Note: Itinerary and distillery visits may change. Ardbeg and Laphroaig have silent seasons with limited tours but include tastings during specified dates.

Includes

• Transportation by Mercedes mini coach (max 16 passengers)
• Professional Rabbie’s driver-guide services
• All ferry and bridge crossings
• 3 nights en-suite accommodation in guesthouses or B&Bs
• Exclusive Rabbie’s tours and tastings at Ardbeg and Laphroaig (or Lagavulin on Monday departures)
• Tours, tastings, and group lunch at Kilchoman Distillery
• Tours and tastings at Bowmore and Bunnahabhain Distilleries

Excludes

• All meals and refreshments except where specified
• Entrance fees to attractions unless noted

Important Information

• Minimum age to participate is 18
• Maximum 8 passengers per group to ensure a quality experience
• Accommodation in small, locally owned guesthouses and B&Bs with en-suite rooms
• B&Bs are usually located 20-30 minutes walk from town centres; no lifts available, inform if you have mobility issues
• Ardbeg Distillery silent season: 11 June to 13 July, no production tours but a tutored tasting with 5 drams
• Laphroaig Distillery silent season: 8 July to 13 September, no tours but museum access, guided talk, and tasting of two drams

Cancellation Policy

Cancel up to 14 days before departure for a full refund.

Book in advance to secure your place. Bring weather-appropriate clothing and walking shoes. The best time to visit Islay for distillery tours is outside silent seasons to experience full production visits.