4-Day Islay & Whisky Tour Including Admissions From Edinburgh

Whisky enthusiasts and adventure-seekers alike can embark on a captivating 4-day journey to the Isle of Islay, renowned for its exceptional single malt scotches. This small-group tour from Edinburgh promises an immersive experience, offering visits to up to 6 iconic distilleries and the opportunity to explore the region’s stunning natural landscapes. With comfortable accommodations and a carefully curated itinerary, travelers can explore the rich heritage and production processes that make Islay’s whiskies so celebrated. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or a curious newcomer, this tour presents a chance to uncover the secrets that give Islay’s drams their distinctive character.

Key Points

• 4-day small-group tour of the Isle of Islay, exploring up to 6 renowned whisky distilleries and providing 3 nights of en-suite accommodation.
• Transportation via 16-seat Mercedes mini-coaches and inclusion of ferry crossings, distillery tours, and tastings.
• Accommodation options include Bowmore Distillery Cottages or Lochside Hotel, with all rooms featuring private en-suite bathrooms.
• Itinerary includes stops in Oban, Kilmartin Glen, and several prominent Islay distilleries, as well as a visit to Inveraray Castle and Loch Lomond.
• Maximum group size of 16 participants, with luggage restricted to 20kg per person and potential for itinerary and distillery visit changes.

Tour Overview

This 4-day small-group tour of the Isle of Islay allows visitors to explore up to 6 renowned whisky distilleries, traveling via 16-seat Mercedes mini-coaches for a personalized experience.

The tour provides 3 nights of en-suite accommodation, with a choice of single or twin rooms in the shared 4-star Bowmore Distillery Cottages or the Lochside Hotel. Continental breakfast is included.

The itinerary covers key sights like Oban, Kilmartin Glen, Bowmore, Kilchoman, Bruichladdich, Bunnahabhain, Ardbeg, Laphroaig, Kildalton Cross, Inveraray Castle & Gardens, and Loch Lomond. Entrance fees for select distillery tours and tastings are also included, along with hotel pickup and drop-off.

With a maximum group size of 16, this tour offers an intimate and immersive Islay whisky experience.

Accommodations

The tour provides 3 nights of en-suite accommodation, with a choice of single or twin rooms in the shared 4-star Bowmore Distillery Cottages or the Lochside Hotel, depending on the departure day.

Those departing on Mondays and Fridays will stay in the Bowmore Distillery Cottages, while Wednesday departures will be accommodated at the Lochside Hotel or a similar property.

All rooms feature private en-suite bathrooms, and a continental breakfast is provided each morning.

The lodgings offer a comfortable and convenient base for exploring the distilleries and sights of Islay during the 4-day small-group tour.

Itinerary Day 1

The tour begins with a departure from Edinburgh, traveling west through the Scottish Highlands towards the Isle of Islay, with stops along the way in Oban and Kilmartin Glen.

In Oban, travelers will have the chance to explore the charming coastal town and its famous distillery.

The journey then continues to Kilmartin Glen, a historic site known for its ancient monuments and archaeological wonders.

Upon arrival on Islay, the group will check into their accommodation and have time to settle in before the whisky adventures begin the following day.

Itinerary Day 2

On the second day, guests embark on a journey to visit up to four renowned whisky distilleries on Islay.

They start at Bowmore Distillery, where they’ll learn about the distilling process and sample the signature Bowmore single malt.

Next, they’ll head to Kilchoman, a small farm distillery that produces classic Islay whiskies.

In the afternoon, they’ll visit Bruichladdich, known for its progressive approach and experimentation.

The final stop is Bunnahabhain, tucked away on the northern coast, offering stunning views and a chance to try its delicate, un-peated single malt.

Throughout the day, guests enjoy the rich history and traditions of Islay’s whisky production.

Itinerary Day 3

After exploring the northern distilleries on the previous day, the tour now turns its attention to the southern part of Islay. Guests will visit three renowned whisky producers – Ardbeg, Laphroaig, and the historic Kildalton Cross.

The itinerary for Day 3 includes:

1. Ardbeg Distillery – Explore the distillery, sample their award-winning peaty whiskies, and learn about their time-honored production methods.
2. Laphroaig Distillery – Visit this iconic Islay distillery, known for its distinct medicinal and smoky flavors, and enjoy a tasting.
3. Kildalton Cross – Marvel at this 8th-century Celtic cross, a stunning example of early Christian art and architecture on the island.

Itinerary Day 4

With the distillery visits complete, the final day takes guests to explore the picturesque Inveraray Castle & Gardens and the scenic shores of Loch Lomond. Departing Islay, the group will cross the Firth of Clyde and make their way to the historic Inveraray Castle. After exploring the stunning castle and its gardens, the tour continues to the banks of Loch Lomond, where travelers can take in the breathtaking natural beauty of the area. The tour then returns to Edinburgh, marking the end of this immersive Islay and whisky exploration.

Destination	Highlights	Duration
Inveraray Castle & Gardens	Stunning architecture, beautiful gardens	1-2 hours
Loch Lomond	Serene loch, picturesque shoreline	30-60 minutes
Edinburgh	Return to starting point	–

Inclusions

The tour package includes transportation by Mercedes mini-coach, ferry crossings, and entrance fees for select distillery tours and tastings. This ensures a seamless and immersive experience for participants.

The key inclusions are:

1. Entrance fees for guided tours and tastings at Ardbeg, Kilchoman, Bowmore, and Laphroaig Distilleries.
2. Hotel pickup and drop-off, making the journey to and from Islay hassle-free.
3. All necessary ferry crossings, so travelers can focus on enjoying the stunning scenery and whisky tastings.

With these comprehensive inclusions, guests can fully enjoy the rich whisky heritage of Islay without worrying about additional costs or logistical challenges.

Additional Information

This tour has a few additional details travelers should be aware of. The group size is capped at a maximum of 16 participants, ensuring a personalized experience. Luggage is restricted to 20kg per person, so packing light is recommended. Finally, while the itinerary and distillery visits are carefully planned, they may be subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances.

The tour includes transport by Mercedes mini-coach, ferry crossings, and entrance fees for select distillery tours and tastings. Hotel pickup and drop-off are also provided. Travelers can choose between single or twin rooms in shared 4-star accommodations, with continental breakfast included.

This comprehensive Islay and whisky tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the island’s renowned distilleries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There a Discount for Booking Multiple Tours?

The tour doesn’t offer discounts for booking multiple tours. However, travelers can save on the overall cost by sharing a room. The tour provides a personalized experience with up to 6 whisky distillery visits.

Can We Stop for Lunch During the Distillery Visits?

The tour includes visits to multiple distilleries, but there’s no set lunch stop. Travelers can purchase food and drinks at the distilleries or bring their own during free time between visits.

Do We Have Free Time to Explore Islay on Our Own?

The tour provides a structured itinerary visiting several distilleries, but it does not include dedicated free time for independent exploration of Islay. The daily schedule is focused on the distillery tours and activities.

Is There a Dress Code for the Distillery Tours?

There is generally no strict dress code for distillery tours. Visitors are advised to wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and closed-toe shoes. The tours involve walking through production areas, so dressing appropriately is recommended for safety and comfort.

Can We Bring Our Own Whisky Bottles to Be Filled?

Unfortunately, bringing your own bottles to be filled is generally not allowed on distillery tours. Distilleries have strict policies in place to control the distribution and sales of their products. Bringing your own bottles would likely be prohibited.

Recap

This comprehensive 4-day tour offers an immersive experience for whisky enthusiasts, providing access to up to 6 iconic Islay distilleries.

Travelers will also explore the stunning Scottish landscapes, including Oban, Kilmartin Glen, Inveraray Castle, and Loch Lomond.

With 3 nights of en-suite accommodations and all admissions included, this tour offers a well-rounded and convenient way to discover Islay’s rich whisky heritage.