Islay Whisky Explorer - 5 Days

Edinburgh - Oban - Islay - Bowmore. After departing Edinburgh, we make our first stop in the town of Callander, where you can grab a coffee before we continue north into the Highlands. The scenery soon becomes more rugged and mountainous, and your guide shares stories of the history and culture that have shaped this remarkable part of Scotland.

Travelling through Argyllshire and passing Loch Awe, we make a few scenic photo stops before arriving in the Victorian harbour town of Oban. Here we visit Oban Distillery for a guided tour of the production facilities, followed by a whisky tasting. Afterwards, you have free time for lunch and a chance to explore the town. Oban is widely known as the seafood capital of Scotland, so it is well worth sampling the local catch.

In the afternoon we travel to the remarkable prehistoric landscapes of Kilmartin Glen. This area is home to one of the most important concentrations of Neolithic and Bronze Age monuments in Scotland, and we take time to explore some of these ancient sites.

From here we continue down the Kintyre Peninsula to Kennacraig, where we board the evening ferry to Islay. The crossing takes around two hours and offers beautiful views of Gigha, Jura and Islay, as well as the surrounding coastline of West Loch Tarbert. You can relax with a drink in the bar - perhaps your first Islay whisky - enjoy dinner in the restaurant, or simply take in the sea air during the journey.

On arrival at either Port Ellen or Port Askaig, it is a short drive to Bowmore where we check in at The Bowmore House or Island Bear for our three-night stay.

Departure Point: Caffé Nero, 1 Parliament Square, Royal Mile, Edinburgh 07:15am

Please Note: Due to various reasons (weather, closures and special events) it may not always be possible to visit all distilleries mentioned. Please be aware that, if this is the case, we will ensure that suitable alternatives are found.

With three full days on Islay, we explore the island’s landscapes, history and world-famous whisky traditions. Your guide shares some of their favourite spots, which may include quiet beaches, whitewashed villages, ancient sites, medieval ruins, the famous Kildalton Cross, and opportunities to sample fresh local seafood while keeping an eye out for wildlife.

Despite having a population of only around 3,000 people, Islay is home to eleven working distilleries and has earned a global reputation for its distinctive peated whiskies. Over the next few days we visit several of the island’s most celebrated distilleries, each offering a different insight into the craft of whisky making.

Our itinerary includes visits to Lagavulin, Laphroaig, Ardbeg, Kilchoman, Bunnahabhain, Caol Ila, Ardnahoe, Bowmore and Bruichladdich, with a variety of tours and tastings along the way.

Slàinte mhath - as they say in Gaelic.

Bowmore - Loch Lomond - Glasgow - Edinburgh. After a final hearty breakfast, we leave Islay and catch the morning ferry back to Kennacraig. Once on the mainland, we travel to the lochside town of Inveraray. This picturesque town is the historic seat of Clan Campbell and is home to the well-known Loch Fyne Whisky Shop, where we stop for lunch and a chance for some last-minute whisky shopping.

In the afternoon we follow the shores of Loch Fyne and Loch Long before climbing to the Rest and Be Thankful pass, where sweeping Highland views open up across the surrounding mountains.

Our journey then brings us to the banks of Loch Lomond. We pause here to enjoy views of Scotland’s largest freshwater loch and to stretch our legs before continuing south.

Crossing the River Clyde, we arrive in Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city. Some guests may finish their tour here, so we may make a short stop at George Square in the city centre before continuing on to Edinburgh.