About this experience
Enjoy this unique 4-day tour to the “Queen of the Isles” and the Whisky Coast. Islay is home to 8 of Scotland’s finest malt whisky distilleries.
Highlights
- Drive through the stunning Loch Lomond National Park
- Tour the Islay distilleries
- Visit the ancient Kilmartin standing stones
- Stay in the charming village of Bowmore
- Discover the sandy beaches of Islay’s west coast
What's included
- Transportation by Mercedes mini coach with a maximum of 16 passengers per tour
- Services of a professional Rabbie's driver/guide
- All ferry and bridge crossings
- 3 nights en-suite accommodation
- Rabbie's exclusive tour and tasting at Ardbeg Distillery
- Tour, tasting and group Lunch at *Kilchoman Distillery
- Tour and tasting at Bowmore Distillery
- Rabbie's exclusive tour and tasting at Laphroaig Ditillery (Monday departures will visit Lagavulin Distillery instead of Laphroaig Distillery)
- Tour and tasting at Bunnahabhain Distillery
How to use
- Show Mobile Ticket
- At Redemption Counter
What to expect
Day 1
Leaving Edinburgh behind, you head straight for the Highlands, with your first stop in Trossachs National Park to soak in Scotland's breathtaking scenery and savor local delicacies.
Your driver-guide may entertain you with Scottish folklore tales as you journey through the mountainous landscapes of the Western Highlands to Oban.
Once a hub for feuding clans, Oban is now renowned for its fresh seafood and 200-year-old whisky perfected at its own distillery. Enjoy a tasting and lunch of delicious local seafood here.
Continuing your adventure, you pass through Kilmartin Glen, home to ancient standing stones and strongholds dating back over 1,500 years.
At Kennacraig, board the evening ferry to Islay, a two-hour sail where you might catch sight of the Paps of Jura, guiding you to the Queen of the Hebrides, Islay.
Upon arrival, settle into your accommodation on the island.
Day 2
We know whisky tasting can be hard work, so you begin the day with a little sleep in.
After you’ve had an ample amount of breakfast, you enjoy a tour of Bowmore Distillery, one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland. You have time for a tour and a whisky tasting here before you continue exploring the island.
Next, your driver-guide takes you to *Kilchoman Distillery for a tour and a lunch of local treats. Kilchoman is known as Islay's only Single Farm Single Match Scotch Whisky, reviving traditional farm distilling of barley to bottle, making their whisky 100% Islay.
After trying local larder, you travel through the beautiful countryside to the third distillery of the day. On Thursday and Saturday, you visit Bruichladdich, the progressive distillery specialising in unpeated whisky. On Tuesday, you taste the unpeated and salty notes of Bunnahabhain in the most remote distillery on Islay.
You head back to Bowmore where you can either stumble back to your room for the night or relax and explore the village.
Day 3
Today, you'll explore the southern side of the island, home to Scotland's renowned distilleries: Laphroaig, Lagavulin, and Ardbeg.
After breakfast, your first stop is Ardbeg*, where a tour and tasting await. Then, visit Laphroaig*, a 200-year-old favorite of the British royal family, marked by the Prince of Wales's seal.
Throughout the day, your driver-guide showcases historical sites like the ruins of Kildalton church and Dunyvaig Castle. Stop at Lagavulin for intensely flavored, rich, and smoky whisky.End your day back in Bowmore.
Day 4
This morning, you take the ferry back to the mainland.
You travel through coastal scenery to the beautiful village of Inveraray on the banks of Loch Fyne. The town is adorned with historic buildings, old boats, and a great whisky shop.
Your trip continues to Loch Lomond where you have a chance to admire Great Britain’s largest body of water by surface area.
You arrive in Edinburgh in the early evening.
*Itinerary and distillery visits are subject to change.
Terms & conditions
Minimum age to participate is 18
To maintain the integrity of the tour and ensure the best possible experience for all our customers, we limit bookings to a maximum of 8 passengers per group
Accommodation: Small, locally owned guesthouses and B&Bs. All rooms are en suite. B&Bs are typically located on the outskirts of towns, so be prepared for a 20–30 minute walk to local facilities such as pubs and restaurants. If you have difficulty with stairs, please let us know, as lifts are not available in these types of properties.
*Please note that from 11 June to 13 July, Ardbeg Distillery will be in its Silent Season. Production tours will not be available; however, guests will enjoy a tutored tasting featuring 5 drams.
*Please note that from 8th July to 13th September, Laphroaig Distillery will be observing its Silent Season. During this period, distillery tours will not be available. Instead, your visit will include access to the museum, a guided talk, and a tasting of two drams