Islay and the Whisky Coast of Scotland Tour

Tour ID: 1018 Tour Theme: Small Group Sightseeing Tours (Multi-days) This tour starts from: Edinburgh or Glasgow Duration: 4 Days / 3 Nights
	Operated by: Rabbies Trail Burners

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Tour Description:

This 4 day specialist whisky tour takes you to the “Queen of the Isles” and the Whisky Coast. Islay is home to 8 of Scotland's finest malt whisky distilleries Lagavulin, Laphroaig, Bowmore, Bunnahabhain, Bruichladdich, Ardbeg, Caol Ila and Kilchoman. For the whisky enthusiast this tour will give you an in depth knowledge and even better - you won't need to drive anywhere yourself!


DAY 1: INVERARY - CAMPBELTOWN - BOWMORE
Leaving Edinburgh you will 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. Here you can visit the local micro brewery and then sample some of the local seafood. Or perhaps just explore the historic town itself. After lunch you will travel down the Kintyre peninsula to Campbeltown for a visit to Springbank Distillery, one of the last distilleries producing everything by hand. Nearby are the impressive seacliffs of the Mull of Kintyre and the superb beach at Machrihanish. From here it is a short drive to catch the early evening ferry to Islay, before travelling to Bowmore for your 3 night stay. Please see accommodation notes below.

DAY 2: 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 you 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. After lunch here you will travel to the tiny harbour village of Portnahaven (look out for seals) then take the back roads along the west coast with its lovely sandy bays. In the afternoon you will stop at the privately owned Bruichladdich Distillery for a tour and tasting followed by a short visit to the Islay Museum or a drink in a local pub before returning to Bowmore.

DAY 3: ANOTHER DAY EXPLORING ISLAY
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. You will make photo stops at the first two then 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. While in the area you will visit the ruins of Kildalton church with its famous 8th Century Celtic cross. In the 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 (July – Aug) or just relax with a quiet drink looking out over the water. Alternatively you could continue with the tour to Bridgend where you will visit the community craft producers (and brewery!) at Islay House Square or take a walk through the woods along the nearby River Sorn.

DAY 4: ARGYLL - KILMARTIN - OBAN
This morning you take the ferry back to the mainland then travel through Argyll and the ancient Kingdom of Dalriada. There are more than 350 prehistoric monuments within a six-mile radius of the village of Kilmartin. You will stop here for lunch and a chance to visit the mysterious stone circles and the local community museum. From Kilmartin it is a short drive to Oban – the main ferry port for the islands. Here you will drop off anyone who is continuing on the Mull, Iona and Isle of Skye extension. The others will have some free time to explore the town, before departing for the return journey to Glasgow and Edinburgh

For departure details refer to the "Prices, Dates, and What's Included" Section...

Discover the Great Whiskies of Islay!!

Prices, Dates & What's Included:

Depart: Fridays (23/APR/2010, 14/MAY/2010, 4/JUN/2010, 25/JUN/2010, 2/JUL/2010, 16/JUL/2010, 30/JUL/2010, 13/AUG/2010, 27/AUG/2010, 10/SEP/2010)
Departure Time 08.30
Departure Point 207 High St, Edinburgh (see map)
*This tour can pick up and drop off in Glasgow. You can book online and then arrange this by telephone.
Return Time 19.00 approx
Return Point Waverley Bridge opposite Waverley Train Station
Adult Prices: From £199
Discount Prices: From £179
**Note: All prices are in British Pound Sterling (Currency Converter)
Click below to book this tour

The Tour Includes:
- Transportation by top of the range 16 seat Mercedes minicoach for a more personal experience.
Beware other operators claiming to deliver "small group tours" in 29-39 seat midi-coaches. We know it makes a big difference, because we tried touring in larger coaches and your experience wasn't the same and you told us so. That's why we stopped using larger coaches and we are the only 5 star operator in Scotland, who can truly claim to provide you a small group tour experience with a maximum of 16 passengers on tour.
- Services of a professional Rabbie's driver/guide
- All ferry crossings except optional trip to Staffa.
- Rabbie's Discount Card - money off restaurants, shopping and attractions.

Not Included:
- Lunch and refreshments.
- All Visitor Attractions

Accommodation:
The tour price does not include accommodation but this gives you an opportunity to choose your budget and the type of accommodation you wish to stay in and we will book it for you.

On this tour we have pre-booked a number of rooms in the beautiful Bowmore Distillery Cottages. All these rooms are ensuite and a self service continental breakfast will be provided. Prices are £33 per person per night twin/double share or £58 per night for a single. For this option please select "B&B ensuite" as your first choice when booking. When these rooms are full we will book you into a nearby B&B. There is also a limited number of 3* hotel rooms available on this tour - for this option please select 3 star hotel as your first choice when booking.

Please note that in the case of late bookings accommodation availability and choice may be restricted and we cannot guarantee to find your first choice. There is usually a supplement for single rooms. By giving you a choice of accommodation it allows you to choose your budget, stay in smaller places and get closer to the local people. This also means you help to sustain their communities in the long term. For more information click here

*NB On occasions, when villages we stay in have events on, accommodation can be scarce and expensive so we may use other locations for your accommodation on the tour. We will always inform you of this when this is necessary.

Discount Price:
Students, Seniors over 60 and Children between 5 and 16

Important Information:
Because we believe in time off the bus and give you opportunities to take nature walks we recommend you bring suitable clothing and footwear for your tour. Scotland can be a wet place!!

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