4-Day Islay Whisky Tour from Edinburgh

Visit the Isle of Islay in the Scottish Hebrides, famous for its friendly people, magnificent wildlife, and most importantly it’s whisky! Having produced Scotland's finest dry and peaty malt whiskies for more than 200 years, Islay provides the perfect base for whisky lovers and novices alike. Tour whisky distilleries and enjoy samples galore on the 4-Day Islay Whisky Tour from Edinburgh!

With a friendly local expert as your guide, you will travel by luxury minivan from Edinburgh to Islay, "Queen of the Hebrides". Your small-group (maximum 15 people), 4-Day Islay Whisky Tour includes visits to many of the island's whisky distilleries. Learn how to nose and taste the distinctive malt whiskies and identify the characteristics that make each one so unique!

Even the most avid of whisky-lovers will appreciate that 'theres more to life than a good malt', and your small-group tour will certainly deliver on showing off the rest of the Islay's delights. In between distillery tours and tastings, enjoy bracing walks along dramatic coastal paths and sandy beaches. Additionally, there is a brewery tour and fresh oyster sampling at a local oyster farm.

The return journey provides further chance to explore, passing classic sights from mainland Scotland including the town of Inveraray, Loch Lomond and Loch Fyne. Arrive back in Edinburgh feeling refreshed after discovering one of Scotland's best kept secrets - the fascinating Isle of Islay.

Schedule details

Departure Dates:

Select a month to view a calendar of availability and departure details.

Departure Point:

Royal Mile, Edinburgh

Departure Time:

8:00am

Return Details:

Returns to original departure point

Pricing information

Click the link below to check pricing & availability on your preferred travel date. Our pricing is constantly updated to ensure you always receive the lowest price possible.

Tour options:

Additional information

Inclusions:

• 3 nights accommodation
• Meals as per itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)
• Blue Badge guide

Exclusions:

• Hotel pickup and drop off
• Gratuities (optional)
• Food and drinks, unless specified

Additional Information:

• Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability 

Itinerary:

Day 1: Edinburgh to the shores of Islay (B)
Leaving Edinburgh, your small-group tour will head north in the direction of Loch Lomond (Scotland's largest freshwater loch). Continue on to Loch Awe for stunning views of the ruined Kilchurn Castle. Reach the pretty fishing village of Oban in time for lunch, and sample your first whisky of the day as you tour the legendary Oban Distillery. En route to the Isle of Islay ferry, you will pass the ancient site of Kilmartin Glen, which traces more than 5,000 years of history. On arrival to Islay, you will be transferred to the pretty village of Bowmore, where your cozy B&B accommodation awaits.

Day 2: Whisky, Whisky and a drop more Whisky! (B)
Visit the south east corner of Islay, where the famous Laphroaig, Lagavullin and Ardberg distilleries can be found. These powerful distilleries produce Islay's medium-bodied whiskies, saturated with peat-smoke, brine, iodine and Islay's brown water.

Enjoy a tour of Lagavullin Distillery with a local whisky warehouseman, and sample whisky straight from the cask before tasting a few more drams of varying maturities.  A second tour beckons at Laphroaig Distillery before finishing your day with a short walk along the island's breathtaking beaches to visit the Kildaton Cross. Have your camera ready to capture the stunning natural wildlife including birds and gray seals!

Day 3: Whisky, History, Real Ales and Oysters (B)
Tour Bowmore Distillery, which has stood on the shores of Loch Indaal since 1779. Enjoy a couple of drams of Bowmore whisky, before sampling some lighter Islay malt whiskies at the Bruichladdich Distillery. Take lunch at the Kilchoman Farm Distillery, and stretch your legs during a brisk beach walk before touring the distillery itself.

Your afternoon includes a visit to the historic site of Finlaggin, home to the Lord of the Isles. If by this time you fancy a change from whisky, you'll be in luck with a trip to the Islay brewery! Sip on delicious, handcrafted, quality cask beers (known as real ale), and relax in the brewery's tranquil garden. Feast on fresh oysters from the local oyster farm before returning to Bowmore for the evening. There is an option to continue your day with a round of Links golf or trout fishing (available at an extra cost, to be arranged with your guide).

Day 4: Back to Mainland Scotland (B)
A morning ferry ride takes you from Port Askaig to enjoy views of the Isle of Jura. On return to the mainland, you will visit the quaint town of Inveraray to shop in its famous whisky shop, and take in the sights. Time permitting, a visit to Inveraray Castle may be possible before continuing your journey south. Pass the shores of Loch Fyne, Loch Lomond and the wee village of Luss before reaching Edinburgh in the early evening.

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Local Operator Information:

Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation Voucher. Our Product Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.