Overview

Discover some of Scotland's finest whiskies on this 4 day sightseeing tour.

Inclusions

• Transportation throughout by modern touring mini-coach
• Services of an experienced local driver/guide
• 3 nights accommodation
• All rooms ensuite
• Full Scottish breakfast daily
• All ferry & bridge crossings
• Discount card for local restaurants, shopping & attractions
• Service charges and local taxes

Exclusions
All meals and refreshments.
Entrance fees to all distilleries and visitor attractions.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Friday
Inveraray & Bowmore
Depart Edinburgh: 8:30. Head west through Scotland’s largest city, Glasgow along Loch Lomond then west through the mountains to the beautiful little village of Inveraray on the banks of Loch Fyne. After lunch you will then travel through Argyll and into the ancient Kingdom of Dalriada. There are more than 350 prehistoric monuments within a six-mile radius of the village of Kilmartin. We will stop here to see the mysterious stone circles and standing stones and visit the community museum. From here it is a short drive to Kennacraig where we catch the early evening ferry to Islay. The sail is just over 2 hours and you should look out for wildlife such as dolphins, whales and seabirds. Overnight stay in Bowmore on Islay. Some of the accommodation is on a room only basis in the beautiful Bowmore Distillery Cottages – places here are limited and early booking is advised. Meals are available at nearby hotels and restaurants.
Overnight – Bowmore

Day 2 - Saturday
Islay
A full day exploring Islay. The itinerary today is quite flexible with a mixture of beautiful scenery, white sand beaches, short walks and of course the famous Islay whiskies - renowned for their strong peaty flavours and nurtured by the salty sea air. In the morning we will take the short drive to the west of the island via Saligo Bay for a visit to Kilchoman Distillery (the newest and smallest on the island) with the option of a coastal walk to Machair Bay for any non-whisky lovers. In the afternoon you will stop at the privately owned Bruichladdich Distillery for a tour and tasting and visit the tiny harbour village of Portnahaven (look out for seals) before taking the back roads along the west coast with its lovely sandy bays, on the way back to Bowmore.
Overnight – Bowmore

Day 3 - Sunday
Whisky Tour & More
Another day in paradise! Today you will explore the southern side of the island, home to the smokiest and peatiest of all whiskies – Laphroaig, Lagavulin and Ardbeg. We will visit Ardbeg for a tour, tasting and lunch. The restaurant here is a beautiful place to relax and enjoy local produce as well as some unique whisky. We then follow that up with a visit to Laphroaig. While in the area we will visit the ruins of Kildalton church with its famous 8th Century Celtic cross. In the late afternoon there will be the option to spend some free time in Bowmore village. Here you can visit the famous Round Church, Bowmore Distillery itself (June – Aug) or just relax with a quiet drink looking out over the water. Alternatively we may stop in Bridgend where you could visit the community craft producers (and brewery!) at Islay House Square or take a walk through the woods along the nearby River Sorn.
Overnight – Bowmore

Day 4 - Monday
Oban
This morning you take the ferry back to the mainland then travel up the coast to Oban – a busy harbour town and the main ferry port for the islands. We will have some free time to explore the town, have a late lunch or even pop into Oban Distillery before departing for the return trip. Return Edinburgh: 20:00.

Accomodation Prices