4-Day Isle of Islay Tour from Edinburgh: Whisky Distilleries Including Laphroaig, Bowmore, Kilchoman and Ardbeg

4 Days

Mobile Ticket

Hotel Pickup Offered

English

Language Offered

Overview

Indulge in natural wonders, charming locales and fine whiskies on a 4-day small-group tour of Isle of Islay. Travel to the Scottish Hebrides, where jagged peaks and white sand beaches set the stage for a centuries-old whisky-making tradition. Spend four days exploring the remote archipelago and visiting up to six distilleries such as Laphroaig and Ardbeg, and enjoy three evenings of relaxation at the 4-star Bowmore Distillery Cottages.

4-day whisky tour from Edinburgh to the Isle of Islay
Spend three nights in a 4-star Bowmore Distillery Cottage with your group
Learn all about smoky Islay whiskies on up to six distillery visits, including Bruichladdich, Kilchoman, Laphroaig and Ardbeg
Enjoy a visit to the town of Oban and the ancient Kingdom of Dalriada on the Scottish mainland
Small-group tour with a maximum of 16 people ensures a more personalized experience

Inclusions & Exclusions

Departure & Return

What To Expect

Your 4-day excursion begins in Edinburgh, where you'll meet your guide and small group of fellow whisky-lovers. You'll set off in the morning by luxury van, embarking by ferry to the Hebridean island of Islay. Along the way, catch spectacular mountain and ocean views, full of local wildlife and ancient monuments. Arrive by early evening to Bowmore, where you'll check in to your quaint holiday cottage located at Bowmore Distillery. Please note that you'll have the choice of a single or twin room in a shared cottage. Over the next days, you'll visit at least six renowned whisky distilleries including Bruichladdich, Kilchoman, Laphroaig and Ardbeg. Enjoy samples of choice whiskies where you'll learn the full-sensory experience of whisky tasting (own expense). If time and group interest permit, your guide will happily make additional stops at some of the areas other distilleries. You'll have the option to taste at your own expense at each location, or simply view the space and its breathtaking natural surroundings.Your tour includes round-trip transport, three nights accommodation in the 4-star Bowmore Distillery Cottages and daily continental breakfasts of bread, milk and cereals.ItineraryThe itinerary below is for tours commencing on a Friday. If your tour starts on a Monday, then the itinerary for days 1 and 4 are swapped. Days 2 and 3 remain the same, with the difference that all distilleries will be in full weekday operation, meaning you'll benefit from more tastings, as well as seeing the distilleries in action!Day 1: Edinburgh - Bowmore, Isle of IslayLeave Edinburgh early and travel west by luxury minibus, passing Glasgow and along the banks of Loch Lomond to the wee village of Inveraray on the banks of Loch Fyne. Stop for lunch to sample some of the local seafood (own expense), and then continue traveling through the region of Argyll, into the ancient Kingdom of Dalriada. Explore the site with your guide on foot, seeing some of its 350 prehistoric monuments, like stone circles and standing stones, and then visit Kilmartin House Museum to learn about area's archeological finds. Continue with a short drive to Kennacraig to board your early-evening ferry to Islay. Watch out for dolphins, whales and seabirds on your 2-hour crossing, and then finish your day with a minibus transfer to your cottage in Bowmore.Overnight: Bowmore Distillery Cottage in BowmoreDay 2: Western Islay (B)Leave your cottage by minibus and travel past Saligo Bay to the western corner of Islay for a visit to Kilchoman Distillery - the newest and smallest distillery on the island. Unique for its practice of growing barley for its whisky on site, the distillery is also one of only six in Scotland that carries out traditional floor maltings - where the barley is spread over a floor to germinate naturally. Head inside for a tour, or alternatively, check out western Islay's scenery on a coastal walk to Machair Bay. Break for lunch, and then travel to the harbor village of Portnahaven to go seal spotting. Then, choose to either visit Bruichladdich Distillery (famous for its production of gin as well as whisky) or spend time at leisure in Bowmore. Both groups will meet back at a pre-arranged time for a visit to Bowmore Distillery. Head inside to watch the whisky workers milling the grain and smoking the peat, and then return to your cottage to spend your night at leisure.Overnight: Bowmore Distillery Cottage in BowmoreDay 3: Southern Islay (B)Set out with your guide to explore the southern part of Islay, where its most smoky and peaty whiskies are created. Visit Ardbeg Distillery for a tour, and try up to six of its finest smoky whiskies, including rare Ardbeg scotches and samples poured straight from the barrel. The distillery has also gained a name for itself as one of the best places in the area to eat lunch, so"¦ do just that; sit down for a meal and enjoy Ardbeg's top-quality local produce. Continue to Laphroaig Distillery to enjoy another distillery tour, or if you've had 'your fill' of whisky for the day, visit Kildalton Church or the village of Brigend instead. Return to your cottage and then spend your evening in the town independently.Overnight: Bowmore Distillery Cottage in BowmoreDay 4: Islay - Oban - Edinburgh (B)Leave your cottage by minibus and then cross over to mainland Scotland by ferry. Continue your journey along the coast by minibus to the town of Oban - a bustling little harbor town. Stretch your legs on a walk around at leisure, and use the time to enjoy lunch. Oban is famous for its seafood, and your guide will happily offer tips for the best restaurants to visit for it! Alternatively, visit Oban Distillery and get your tour's final taste of Scotch whisky before returning to Edinburgh. Your 4-day tour finishes back in Edinburgh in the early evening.

4-Day Isle of Islay Tour from Edinburgh: Whisky Distilleries Including Laphroaig, Bowmore, Kilchoman and Ardbeg

Inclusions & Exclusions

Departure & Return

What To Expect

Additional Info

Cancellation Policy

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