Quick Details
Double Rooms
1 large bed for 2 people to share
£ 2,120
Twin Rooms
2 single beds for 2 people
£ 2,120
Triple Rooms
3 single beds for 3 people
£ 3,180
Single Occupancy Rooms
1 Bed for 1 Person
£ 1,360
Prices include fees
The Original Islay Whisky Tour
Remote, windswept and deeply atmospheric, Islay is one of the most celebrated whisky regions in the world.
Despite its small population, the island is home to ten working distilleries whose whiskies are famous for their powerful peat smoke, maritime character and remarkable depth of flavour.
This four day whisky tour from Edinburgh takes you across the island to meet its legendary distilleries, explore coastal landscapes and enjoy exceptional tastings drawn directly from the cask.
Distilleries You Will Visit
During this tour you will explore many of Islay’s most celebrated whisky distilleries, each with its own style and character.
• Lagavulin – rich, smoky and deeply complex
• Laphroaig – bold maritime whisky with powerful peat smoke
• Ardbeg – intensely peated yet beautifully balanced
• Bowmore – elegant smoke with fruit and coastal character
• Bruichladdich – innovative distilling with remarkable variety
• Bunnahabhain – famous for its coastal unpeated style
• Kilchoman – Islay’s farm distillery producing distinctive craft whisky
For whisky enthusiasts, this line up offers a rare opportunity to experience multiple styles of Islay Scotch in one journey.
* Distillery visits may take place in a different order depending on availability and opening times, but the overall experience will remain the same.
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Your journey begins in Edinburgh as you travel west through the dramatic landscapes of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. The road continues through Argyll with a short comfort stop in the historic harbour town of Inveraray before arriving at Kennacraig.
Ferry to Islay
Board the afternoon ferry for the two hour crossing to Islay. This scenic journey offers views across the Hebrides towards Jura and the Atlantic coastline. Lunch is available on board while you enjoy the sea air.
Bunnahabhain Distillery
Your first whisky experience takes place at Bunnahabhain, located on the remote northern coast of Islay. Here you enjoy a cask strength tasting, sampling whisky drawn directly from the barrel while overlooking the Sound of Jura.
Evening Whisky Experience
The day continues with a tasting at the Islay Whisky Vault, introducing you to the diverse styles of the island. You then settle into your accommodation in Bowmore, your base for the next three nights.
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Today explores the western side of Islay, home to innovative distilleries and Atlantic views.
Kilchoman Distillery
Your morning begins at Kilchoman*, one of Scotland’s few farm distilleries. This guided tour follows the full production process and includes a rare opportunity to see a working malting floor. *If Kilchoman is closed, the morning begins with a visit to the Islay Whisky Vault.
Bruichladdich Warehouse Tasting
Next you travel to Bruichladdich Distillery, famous for its progressive whisky making. Inside the warehouse you sample drams drawn directly from the cask, experiencing whisky at its most authentic.
Lunch Break
Enjoy lunch on the island before the afternoon tastings begin.
Bowmore Cask Tasting
The day concludes at Bowmore Distillery, one of the oldest distilleries on Islay. Your cask tasting reveals the balance of fruit, smoke and maritime character that defines Bowmore whisky.
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Today you visit three of the most famous distilleries in Scotland.
Lagavulin Distillery
Begin the day at Lagavulin, known for its deep, smoky and richly layered whisky. Your guided tour explores the distillation process followed by a tasting of this iconic spirit.
Ardbeg Distillery
Next stop is Ardbeg, whose intensely peated whiskies have achieved cult status among whisky lovers. Here you enjoy a five dram tasting along with lunch at the distillery café overlooking the Atlantic.
Laphroaig Distillery
Your final visit of the day is Laphroaig, perhaps the most distinctive whisky on Islay. The tour reveals the traditional methods that create its powerful medicinal peat smoke and maritime flavours.
Evening in Bowmore
Return to Bowmore where you can explore local restaurants, seafood bars and welcoming pubs. Your guide will be happy to recommend the best places to enjoy an evening dram.
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After breakfast you board the morning ferry back to Kennacraig.
Inveraray Stop
Back on the mainland you travel to the historic town of Inveraray, home to Clan Campbell. This is the perfect place for lunch and a final opportunity for whisky shopping.
Journey through the Highlands
Your route back follows the shores of Loch Fyne before climbing through the dramatic mountain pass of Rest and Be Thankful.
You arrive in Glasgow in the late afternoon before continuing to Edinburgh, where your Islay whisky adventure comes to an end.
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Accommodation is on a B&B basis in The Bowmore House or Island Bear, both on Shore Street in Bowmore. Spacious and comfortable rooms, a fantastic breakfast each morning and hosts that go above and beyond for every one of their guests. There’s a reason we come back here year after year!
Who This Tour Is Perfect For
This small group whisky journey is ideal for:
- whisky enthusiasts who want to visit Islay’s most famous distilleries
- travellers looking for exclusive cask tastings and warehouse experiences
- visitors who want to explore Scotland beyond the main cities
- anyone interested in the craft, heritage and culture behind Scotch whisky
Why Travel with Scottish Routes
Small group experience: Travel with a maximum of 16 guests for a more relaxed, personal and immersive journey.
Expert whisky guides: Our guides combine in-depth local knowledge with a genuine passion for Scotch whisky.
Exclusive tastings: Enjoy unique experiences including warehouse drams and cask samples rarely available to the public.
Carefully crafted itineraries: Each tour is thoughtfully designed to balance distillery visits, local culture, scenic landscapes and time to explore at your own pace.
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- No matter what the time of year, the weather in Scotland can be “changeable”, to say the least. We suggest that you bring suitable clothing for all conditions, including a waterproof jacket (it has been known to rain in Scotland) and plenty of layers.
- Ensure you bring shoes suitable for short walks, on rough or uneven terrain.
- Although all the distilleries we visit accept card payments, we would also recommend bringing cash with you.
- Don’t forget a camera to snap the fantastic memories you’ll make on tour with us!
- Our scheduled tours are all 18+, if you’re lucky enough to look under 25 you may to asked to provide proof of age at the distilleries.
- Please limit your luggage to 1 x small/medium piece per person, along with 1 x small handbag or daypack.