5 Day Islay Whisky Tour from Edinburgh

Our first stop is Callander where you can grab a coffee before we head north into the Highlands.

Our next stop, and first distillery of the tour is Oban Distillery. Whilst here, enjoy a tour around the distillery and try their delicious whisky.

After the Oban Distillery tour, and your own choice of lunch in the town itself (at own expense), we'll journey further on to Inveraray. Nestled on Loch Fyne's shores, it offers a blend of history and natural beauty. Its iconic castle, Georgian architecture, and scenic surroundings make it a must-visit.

Passengers enjoy panoramic views of the coastline and onboard facilities before docking at one of Islay's ports. It's a convenient and picturesque way to reach the island.

At the first of your distillery visits on Islay, we will travel we will enjoy a whisky tasting whilst taking in the views from the Distillery. It offers breathtaking panoramas of rugged coastal beauty. Situated on the northeastern coast of the island, Bunnahabhain overlooks the Sound of Islay, with stunning vistas of the surrounding sea and neighbouring islands, such as Jura.

Led by experienced guides, visitors embark on a fascinating journey through the distillery's production process and the flavours that define Caol Ila whisky. During the tour, participants engage their senses as they learn about the influence of peat, barley, water, and cask selection on the whisky's character. The experience includes tastings of Caol Ila's distinctive single malt whiskies, allowing guests to appreciate the complexity and depth of flavour that have made Caol Ila a beloved name in the world of Scotch whisky.

We will visit the Ballygrant Inn for a delicious lunch (own expense).

Our first stop of the day is the islands newest addition. Here, we'll get the chance to explore Islay's newest distillery, and find out how their spirit is made, followed by a sample of their offerings with a Warehouse Tasting.

At the Bowmore Distillery tour, you'll journey through the historic process of crafting Bowmore single malt whisky. Led by a knowledgeable guide, you'll explore the distillery's inner workings, from mashing to maturation, witnessing traditional copper pot stills and aging barrels along the way. The tour culminates in a tasting session, where you'll sample a range of Bowmore whiskies, experiencing their distinct flavours first-hand. It's an immersive journey into the world of Scotch whisky, offering a taste of Bowmore's rich heritage and exceptional craftsmanship.

At a warehouse tasting at Bruichladdich Distillery, you'll enjoy exclusive access to their aging warehouses, where you'll sample whisky straight from the cask. Guided by knowledgeable staff, you'll explore the nuances of each whisky's flavour profile, including rare samples that you won't be able to try anywhere else. It's a unique and memorable experience for whisky enthusiasts, offering a glimpse into the distillery's craftsmanship and creativity.

At Kilchoman Distillery on Islay, visitors embark on a captivating journey through the whisky-making process. Led by expert guides, the tour delves into every stage, from malting to maturation. You'll witness traditional methods in action, learn about the importance of peat in flavour, and savour the distinct taste of Kilchoman whisky during a guided tasting. You'll try their famous 100% Islay dram.

The Kildalton Cross is a monumental Celtic cross located on the Isle of Islay in Scotland. It stands near the ruins of Kildalton Parish Church, which dates back to the 8th century. The cross is one of the finest and best-preserved Celtic crosses in Scotland and is renowned for its intricate and elaborate carvings.

The fourth day of the tour will begin with a visit to Lagavulin Distillery for a tour and tasting at one of Islay’s most famous distilleries.

Our next stop is Ardbeg Distillery, also located on the southern coast of the island. It sits amidst the rugged landscape and peat bogs that characterize the island. Here we'll do a 5-dram whisky tasting (included) and have time for lunch (own expense). It's a fantastic introduction to their range of whisky.

Our tour at Laphroaig Distillery offers a memorable exploration of Islay's whisky heritage. Led by one of their knowledgeable guides, you will journey through the distillery's production process, from malting to maturation, learning about Laphroaig's unique peat-smoked flavour along the way. The experience culminates in a tasting session, where guests savour a selection of Laphroaig's iconic single malt whiskies, and immerse yourself in the distillery's rich history and distinctive character.

After a final hearty breakfast, we'll catch the ferry back to the main land, before stopping for lunch(own expense) in Inveraray. The seat of the Clan Campbell.

From Inveraray we'll head to Luss, the pretty little village perched on the banks of Loch Lomond, for a quick rest stop, before our final leg back to Edinburgh