Islay Whisky Ultimate Adventure Tour
Whisky Tour - Book Now!
Whisky Tour - Book Now!
Tour Description
The Ultimate Islay tour is for those who want to experience as much of Islay as possible. We will visit every distillery on the island, taste a range of incredible drams and explore some unforgettable secret spots…
Day 1: EDINBURGH - ISLAY
After departing Edinburgh, your first stop is Callander, where you can grab a coffee before we head north into the Highlands. The landscape becomes more mountainous and your guide will tell the history and culture of this stunning part of Scotland. Passing Loch Awe and into Argyllshire, with some great photo stops along the way, you will arrive in the Victorian town of Oban. We will enjoy a tour and tasting at Oban Distillery before you have time for lunch and some exploring.
This is the seafood capital of Scotland so make sure you make the most of it. Your tour takes you to the ancient Neolithic landscapes of Kilmartin Glen. There are hundreds of ancient monuments and historic sites in this region, some of which you will explore. It is then a short drive down the Kintyre Peninsula to Kennacraig where you will board the evening ferry to Islay. The ferry crossing is around 2 hours and allows for some beautiful views of the islands of Gigha, Jura and Islay as well as the area surrounding West Loch Tarbert. There is time to relax in the bar with an Islay whisky; grab some dinner from the restaurant and just soak up the sea air before you arrive. On arrival into Port Ellen or Port Askaig it is a short drive to Bowmore to check in to The Bowmore House or Freewinds for your 3-night stay.
Day 2, 3 & 4: THREE FULL DAYS EXPLORING ISLAY
With 3 full days to explore Islay and plenty of options for sightseeing, your guide will share some of their favourite places with you, including white sandy beaches, whitewashed villages, ancient sites, the Kildalton Cross, medieval strongholds, fresh seafood, local wildlife and traditional cultures. With around 3000 people and 9 distilleries, the chances of finding a ‘wee dram’ are pretty good. We’ve designed a tour that includes a range of different experiences at the incredible distilleries this island is famous for. Such as Warehouse Cask Tastings, behind the scenes tours, food and whisky pairings and much more! We will visit, Lagavulin, Laphroaig, Ardbeg, Kilchoman, Bunnahabhain, Caol Ila, Ardnahoe, Bowmore and Bruichladdich! Slainte Mhath, as they say in Gaelic.
Day 5: ISLAY - EDINBURGH
After a final hearty breakfast, you catch the morning ferry back to Kennacraig. Arriving on the mainland, you head to the loch-side town of Inveraray. This is the seat of the clan Campbell, home to the Loch Fyne Whisky shop and your stop for lunch. After lunch (and some last minute whisky shopping) your journey now hugs the shores of Loch Fyne and Loch Long before climbing up to the Rest and be Thankful pass for sweeping views. Then it is to the shores of Loch Lomond. With time to stop for some lovely views and stretch of the legs, this is the last stop on your tour before crossing the River Clyde and into Scotland’s largest city of Glasgow. Some of our guests may be leaving the tour here so we may make a shortstop in central Glasgow (George Square) before returning to Edinburgh.
* Accommodation is on a B&B ensuite basis in the Bowmore House and Freewinds. Please note that if the Bowmore House is not available we will source alternative local accommodation of the same standard. ** 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.
5 Day Islay Whisky ULTIMATE Adventure Tour!!!
Prices & Dates
Departure Time: Edinburgh 08.00am
Return Time: Edinburgh 18.30pm
Departure Point: Cafe Nero, 1 Parliament Square, Edinburgh, EH1 1RE.
Departs: one Monday per month, - April to October
Prices Per Person (including accommodation)
select date to find pricing on specific dates (Blue)
**children are not permitted on this tour. See below for more price notes
** note: ensuite rooms guaranteed with Hotel and Superior b&b option
What's Included
Inclusions
Minibus transport (max 16 guests)
Return Ferries to/from Islay
Services of a professional tour guide
A tasting in Oban at The View
Visits & Tasting at all Islay Distilleries!
4 nights B&B en-suite accommodation
Exclusions
- Meals and refreshments, other than breakfast
- Shopping
- Entrance fees to any attractions not mentioned above (these will be optional and paid for
locally)
- Tips and gratuities
Notes
- Due to special events, seasonal closures, weather and other circumstances outwith our
control it may sometimes be necessary to alter the itinerary and distillery options. Please
note that, in these circumstances, a suitable alternative will always be found.
- All tour guests must be at least 18 years of age.
- Due to the size of our transport, all guests are limited to one small/medium bag and one
small piece of cabin baggage per person.
- Our standard terms and conditions apply to all guests once booked.
Departure & Map
Terms & Conditions
Scheduled Tours
In order to confirm a booking, full payment must be made at time of booking.
In the event of a cancellation, by the client, following payment, the following schedule of refunds will apply:
Should notification of cancelation be received 30+ days before departure of a tour, a full refund will be given of all pre-paid monies.
Where notification of cancellation has been received less than 30 days prior to departure of a tour, the following schedule of refunds will apply:
- 30- 15 days before start - 75% of balance
- 14-7 days before start - 50% of balance
- 6-0 days before start - NIL Notification of cancellation must be made in writing to the company by post or e-mail
Scottish Routes reserves the right to cancel trips under exceptional circumstances. In such cases clients will be promptly informed and offered:
- Transfer to a substitute trip or tour or
- An alternative trip or tour which if a lower cash value will include a cash adjustment refund or
- A total refund of all prepaid monies.
