Islay and Campbeltown Whisky Routes Tour
Whisky Tour
Whisky Tour
Tour Description
This tour takes you to 2 iconic whisky producing regions in Scotland: Islay and Campbeltown. You will also experience an overnight stay in a castle perched on Loch Fyne - a perfect Scottish experience!
Day 1
After departing Edinburgh you will head north west through Stirlingshire and into the Highlands to make your way towards the ferry from Kennacraig to Islay.
We will pass Loch Lomond and make a short stop in Inveraray. 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 lunch from the restaurant and just soak up the sea air before you arrive.
On arrival in Islay, we will visit our first distillery of the tour! Bunnahabhain Distillery. Pronounced 'Bunn-na-ha-venn', meaning 'mouth of the river' in Scots Gaelic, this distillery is in a stunning location offering gorgeous views of the Paps of Jura and a range of peated and unpeated drams.
It is then a short drive to Bowmore to check in to The Bowmore House or Island Bear for your 3-night stay.
Days 2 & 3
We have 2 full days on Islay to explore, which means there are plenty of options for sightseeing as well as visiting the all important distilleries.
On our first full day on the island we will focus our visits on the southern distilleries of the island: Laphroaig, Lagavulin and Ardbeg.
Our second day will see us exploring Bruichladdich Distillery (home to many delights including the Botanist Gin as well as "the world's peatiest whisky" Octomore.
Then it's on to Kilchoman Distillery one of the newer distilleries on the island (founded in 2005).During your visit to this farm distillery, you will be able to see all aspects of the whisky making process (including traditional floor-maltings) and sample their fantastic 100% Islay dram.
We will then squeeze in a short visit to Bowmore Distillery, the oldest running on the island.
Your guide will also share some of their favourite places with you. These can include empty beaches, whitewashed villages and ancient sites such as the Kildalton Cross.
Day 4
After a hearty breakfast in Bowmore, you will catch the morning ferry back to Kennacraig then make your way to Campbeltown. This area was once known as ‘the whisky capital of the world’ with 34 distilleries. Now only three active distilleries remain in the town: Glen Scotia, Glengyle and Springbank, making it Scotland's smallest whisky region.
We will visit Glen Scotia to tour their distillery and then take part in an incredible Warehouse Tasting - trying some delicious cask strength drams. Next we will visit the family-owned Springbank Distillery, who produce both peated and unpeated whisky and tour their facilities to see each step of the whisky making process.
We will then travel to Stonefield Castle for a group farewell dinner and our final overnight stay. The castle was built in 1837 and is set in 60 acres of woodland gardens with views of Loch Fyne. They also boast an impressive whisky collection if you haven't tried enough yet.
Day 5
After a leisurely start, we will travel 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.
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.
Prices & Dates
Departure Time: Edinburgh 07:30 a.m.
Return Time: Edinburgh 18.30pm
Departure Point: Cafe Nero, 1 Parliament Square, Edinburgh, EH1 1RE.
Departs: May 6, Jul 1, Aug 5
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
An experience at a minimum of 6 Islay Distilleries!
Tour & Warehouse tasting at Glen Scotia Distillery!
Tour & tasting at Springbank Distillery Distillery!
3 nights en-suite B&B accommodation at The Bowmore House & Island Bear
1 night en-suite Dinner Bed & Breakfast at Stonefield Castle Hotel
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.
