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 at 08.30 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 perhaps sample some of the local seafood for lunch or just explore the historic town itself. After lunch you will then travel through Argyll and into the ancient Kingdom of Dalriada. There are more than 350 prehistoric monuments within a six-mile radius of the village of Kilmartin. We will stop here to see the mysterious stone circles and standing stones and visit the community museum. From here it is a short drive to Kennacraig where we catch the early evening ferry to Islay. The sail is just over 2 hours and you should look out for wildlife such as dolphins, whales and seabirds. On arrival on Islay is is a short drive to Bowmore for your 3 night stay..
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. In the afternoon you will stop at the privately owned Bruichladdich Distillery for a tour and tasting and visit the tiny harbour village of Portnahaven (look out for seals) before taking the back roads along the west coast with its lovely sandy bays, on the way back 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
Please note: Monday departures of this tour may reverse the itineraries for days 1 and 4
The itinerary and distillery visits are subject to variation throughout the season and may not be the same described above, however there will always be a minimum of 5 distillery visits during the tour.
For departure details refer to the "Prices, Dates, and What's Included" Section...
Discover the Great Whiskies of Islay!!
Prices, Dates & What's Included:
Departs: Edinburgh 08.30 | Returns 20.00 approx
Departs
Friday (May to September 2012)
Monday (April to October 2012)
B&B Double/Twin Room Price £ 510 (GBP)
B&B Single Room Price £ 377 (GBP)
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
- accommodation in B&B
- 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
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!!
