Islay Whisky Connoisseur Tour

Leaving from Edinburgh, the journey begins westward through the rolling landscapes of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. The route follows the shimmering shores of Loch Lomond - Scotland’s largest loch and among its most spectacular scenic treasures.

Soon, the tour reaches the famous Rest and Be Thankful viewpoint, where sweeping vistas of mountain peaks and glens unfold, accompanied by fascinating tales of local history and folklore.

Continuing through the heart of Argyll, a pause in the picturesque fishing town of Inveraray offers a glimpse of its elegant, Georgian-era, white-washed houses and impressive castle, home to the Duke of Argyll.

From here, the drive takes us to Lochgilphead, where there are fine views over Loch Fyne all the way to the pretty town of Tarbert, from where we turn towards West Loch Tarbert.

At the port of Kennacraig, we board our ferry for our crossing to Islay. During the two-hour crossing, savour striking views of Gigha, Jura and Islay itself, or relax with a dram of Islay whisky in the ferry bar while the sea breeze carries the scent of salt air.

Our arrival on Islay marks the start of our whisky experience with a visit to Bunnahabhain Distillery - its Gaelic name meaning “mouth of the river.” With its dramatic backdrop of the Paps of Jura, it produces both peated and unpeated single malts.

Afterwards, settle into Bowmore for a three-night stay.

The exact itinerary for these days will vary depending on weather, seasonal and natural attractions. Our flexible approach ensures that you enjoy the very best experience.

The distillery visits will be spread throughout our two full days on the island.

The island of Islay (pronounced “eye-la”) has always been blessed with nature’s bounty - rich farmlands which each autumn witness clouds of geese arriving to winter on the mild pastures.

Loch Gruinart, located in the north, is the island’s primary reserve, where barnacle and white-fronted geese fly in from Greenland. Elsewhere, keep your eyes open for golden eagles, seals, otters, whales, dolphins, wild geese and red deer.

At Kilchoman, one of Islay’s youngest yet most celebrated distilleries, here we follow the entire whisky-making journey - from malting floor to stillhouse - and sample their signature  -“100% Islay” single malt, crafted entirely from island-grown barley and distilled on site.

Bruichladdich Distillery has a scenic location overlooking Loch Indaal. Upon arrival, we are led into Warehouse 6 for a whisky tasting experience unlike any other. Sample three cask-strength whiskies, each carefully selected by the Head Distiller and drawn straight from the cask.  

Our island base of Bowmore is Islay’s main town. It is the location of a unique, round church, said to have been designed to ensure that evil spirits had no corner in which to hide.

Your tour guide will recommend some options for dinner and suggest the best places to head for a nightcap.

Islay has a proud Gaelic culture that extends over a thousand years, as we will discover when visiting some of the traditional villages that cling to the rough Atlantic Coastline.

Peat is still cut from the moss lands which cover much of the interior, giving the unique flavour to the ‘Islay malts’. A visit is planned to the iconic Laphroaig distillery, famed for its powerfully peated character. Here, a guided tour reveals generations of craftsmanship, followed by an exclusive tasting of distinctive Laphroaig expressions.

We’ll make visits to Lagavoulin and Ardbeg distilleries, allowing you to observe the production process and, even better, sample their finest offerings.

Later, visit the Kildalton Cross, which will transport you back in time more than 1200 years to the ancient seat of the Lords of the Isles at Finlaggan.

The Islay Whisky Vault is famed for its extensive selection of Islay whiskies. Our stop here gives you time to talk with the friendly staff. They will happily suggest the best addition for your collection.

Later, we return to Bowmore for our last night on Islay.

Sadly, it’s time to board our ferry and bid a fond farewell to Islay.

On our return to the mainland, we will make the short drive to the attractive fishing port of Tarbert.

We follow the banks of Loch Fyne back to Inveraray, where we will make a stop for lunch. Why not enjoy some freshly landed seafood, and don’t forget to visit the popular Loch Fyne Whisky shop.

This part of Scotland has strong connections with Rob Roy MacGregor, so as we travel through Glen Kinglas, there are sure to be stories of cattle rustling and tales of ancient clan rivalries to be told.

We will stop at the viewpoint overlooking Glen Croe, known as the “Rest and be Thankful”, then travel through the Argyll Forest Park to reach Arrochar and the gentle banks of Loch Lomond, where we will make a stop.

The final part of our journey together will take us to Glasgow, where some guests may disembark, and then onwards across central Scotland to the end of our journey in Edinburgh.

Due to various reasons (weather, closures, ferry schedules and special events), it may not always be possible to visit all distilleries mentioned. If this is the case, suitable alternatives will be offered.