Scotland travel update | New tours of the UK!

Menu
Ardbeg Distillery - Islay, Scotland

Islay Whisky Adventure

(6 days / 5 nights)

View Photos View Map

Discover the west coast one whisky at a time

Whisky enthusiasts will love this tour that combines whisky tastings with sightseeing, including some of Scotland’s beloved sights such as Edinburgh and Loch Lomond and some interesting hidden gems. Your guide will drive you to the seaside town of Oban then onward to the Isle of Islay, to discover and taste your way through some of the most interesting whiskies of the west coast. With nine whisky distilleries, Islay is a must for any whisky aficionado, and for those who want to learn more about Scotland’s ‘water of life’

Contact us for availability

— Why book with Nordic Visitor

  • Groups limited to 15 travellers
  • Hassle-free travel experience
  • Quality & value for your money
  • Trusted local experts in Scotland
  • Great customer reviews

Read more

Tour Highlights

  • Visit world-famous distilleries and sample a variety of whiskies
  • Admire the beauty of the west coast of Scotland and island of Islay
  • Spot Scottish wildlife such as red deer, seals, and birds of prey
  • Explore the ancient sites dotted around Kilmartin Glen
  • Stroll up the Royal Mile and discover the capital city Edinburgh
  • Take in the beauty of Scotland’s inland and sea lochs
  • Stay at quality boutique hotels handpicked by our local travel experts
  • Enjoy gourmet meals at hotels and lunches at distilleries on Islay
  • Experience the tour with fellow whisky enthusiasts
  • Hassle-free travel experience with a local and experienced driver-guide

Travel style

Guided Small Groups i

Interest

Countryside and natural scenery i, Culinary Experience i, Culture and History i, Heritage i, Off the Beaten Path i, Whisky i

Pace level

Level 2/3 (Classic) i

Activity level

Level 2/4 (Moderate) i

Season

Jun - Sep

Max group size

15

Departure

See Calendar

Interest

Countryside and natural scenery i, Culinary Experience i, Culture and History i, Heritage i, Off the Beaten Path i, Whisky i

Itinerary

A day-by-day plan to guide your journey.

  • Day 1: Arrival to Edinburgh

    When you arrive in Scotland, make your way into Edinburgh city centre where your hotel will be located. Many travellers opt to take public transport, but for a more direct and comfortable journey, we will be happy to organise a private airport transfer for you.

    For those arriving early in the day, we recommend spending the afternoon walking around the city, strolling along the Royal Mile and exploring the Old and New Towns, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are also plenty of museums and landmarks to visit within the city centre, including the majestic Edinburgh Castle. You could also take in the largest private collection of whisky in the world at the Scotch Whisky Experience or taste some unique drams at the Scotch Malt Whisky Society.

    Spend the night at Nira Caledonia or similar.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Accommodation details See Activities for this day
  • Day 2: Travel through dramatic scenery to Islay

    Today your driver-guide will pick you up from your accommodation to start our trip toward the west coast. We will pass through Stirlingshire and the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, to reach the charming seaside town of Oban. Here we will have have our first whisky experience at the Oban Distillery. There will be time afterwards to enjoy some lunch and explore the town.

    We‘ll then drive south past sea lochs and inlets to the historic valley of Kilmartin Glen. This area is considered to have one of the most important concentrations of Neolithic and Bronze Age remains in Scotland, with many cairns, standing stones and circles.

    We‘ll make our way down the shores of Loch Fyne, to catch the ferry to the Isle of Islay, during which you‘ll be able to admire the beautiful views over the isles of Gigha and Jura.

    Spend the night at Bridgend Hotel or similar.

    Included
    • Guided tour and tasting at Oban Distillery
    • Guided walking tour in Kilmartin Glen (weather permitting)
    • Ferry from mainland to Islay
    • Breakfast at the hotel

    Average Travel & Exploring Duration: 10-12 hours (including ferry crossing)

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Accommodation details
  • Day 3: Islay Kildalton Distilleries

    Today we will explore the best that the south of Islay has to offer. It is home to three of the smokiest and most complex distilleries on the island. We have included a range of experiences for you to have a day of whisky galore. We will have a tour and whisky tasting at Laphroaig and Ardbeg Distilleries, as well as a warehouse experience at Lagavulin Distillery.

    To ensure you get the full Islay experience, we will also visit the island‘s peat bogs, a vital part to the production of the smoky whiskies, the 8th-century Kildalton Celtic Cross, as well as go on a walk along Port Ellen beach. In the evening, enjoy a gourmet dinner at your hotel with the group.

    Spend the night at Bridgend Hotel or similar.

    Included:
    • Guided tour and tasting at Laphroaig Distillery
    • Guided tour and tasting at Ardbeg Distillery
    • Lunch at Ardbeg Distillery
    • Warehouse experience at Lagavulin Distillery
    • Breakfast at the hotel
    • Dinner at the hotel

    Average Travel & Exploring Duration: 8-9hours

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Accommodation details
  • Day 4: The Rhinns and North Islay

    After yesterday’s peaty hits, we‘ll spend today exploring the Rhinns and north Islay distilleries. Not all distilleries produce the smoky peaty whisky that Islay is known for. In fact, many of the Island‘s distilleries offer a lighter softer smoked whisky which has salty coastal notes. We will cross to the other side of Loch Indaal to Bruichladdich Distillery for a tour and tasting, enjoy tastings at both Kilchoman and Bunnahabhain, and tour the newest distillery on Islay, Ardnahoe.

    We will also see and discover more of Islay on the way. Take a walk along the beautiful Machir Beach and learn more about weaving at the Islay Woollen Mill, where they‘ve produced tweed for the Royal Family and for films such as Rob Roy.

    Tonight, enjoy a gourmet dinner with the group at the grand venue of Islay House, once home to the lairds of Islay.

    Spend the night at Bridgend Hotel or similar.

    Included:
    • Guided tour and tasting at Bruichladdich Distillery
    • Tasting at Kilchoman Distillery
    • Guided tour and tasting at Ardnahoe Distillery
    • Lunch at Ardnahoe Distillery
    • In-depth tasting at Bunnahbhain Distillery
    • Breakfast at the hotel
    • Dinner at Islay House Hotel

    Average Travel & Exploring Duration: 8-9hours

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Accommodation details
  • Day 5: Inveraray, Loch Lomond and the Trossachs

    Today we will catch a ferry back to the mainland and make our way towards Edinburgh. On the way we will stop at the pretty whitewashed village of Inveraray, where you will have the time to grab lunch, visit the local Fyne Whisky Shop or the beautiful Inveraray Castle, home to the Duke of Argyll. We will then continue on our journey down the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond. You have the option to be dropped off in Glasgow to end your tour there if you prefer.

    Back in Edinburgh, your driver-guide will drop you off at your accommodation. Tonight you can enjoy dinner at one of Edinburgh‘s many gourmet restaurants and spend the evening at your leisure.

    Spend the night at Nira Caledonia or similar.

    Included:
    • Ferry from Islay to mainland
    • Breakfast at the hotel

    Average Travel & Exploring Duration: 10 hours

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Accommodation details
  • Day 6: Departure from Scotland

    On your day of departure, make your way back to the airport. If you would like to add any additional nights to your trip or to arrange a private transfer, you can add the option during the booking steps. If your flight is in the afternoon, you may have time for some last-minute shopping, visit one of Edinburgh’s museums, or one last stroll through the charming city centre.

    Included:
    • Breakfast at your hotel

    See Activities for this day

Map

Here’s a map of your travel route, to help put things in perspective.

Accommodation

Sleep soundly, in the accommodation type of your choice, and wake up ready to enjoy another day of exploration.

Situated in the New Town of Edinburgh, the Nira Caledonia is a boutique hotel house in an elegant Georgian townhouse. Its central location, only a short stroll from Princes Street, will be...

While staying on the Isle of Islay, your base will be this charming hotel located at Bridgend, the “Heart of Islay”. Opened a century and a half ago, it offers comfortable amen...

While staying on the Isle of Islay, your base will be this charming hotel located at Bridgend, the “Heart of Islay”. Opened a century and a half ago, it offers comfortable amen...

While staying on the Isle of Islay, your base will be this charming hotel located at Bridgend, the “Heart of Islay”. Opened a century and a half ago, it offers comfortable amen...

Situated in the New Town of Edinburgh, the Nira Caledonia is a boutique hotel house in an elegant Georgian townhouse. Its central location, only a short stroll from Princes Street, will be...

The hotels mentioned are our first priority for this tour. Please note that although we have included specific accommodations in the tour, these are subject to change in some cases. We reserve the right to substitute a named property in the same locality for one of a similar standard. We will send you the final list of hotels before you arrive for your tour.

Tour Information

We recommend that all Nordic Visitor travellers read through the following information about what the tour includes, your tour guide, accommodation, and other useful information for your travels.

Please note that this tour is for those aged 18 and over.

YOUR TOUR DRIVER-GUIDE
This tour package includes the professional service of an experienced Scottish tour guide, who will drive you around Scotland. Not only will the guide offer their local knowledge and share hidden gems and stories with you, but they will act as the logistical organiser for the group, ensuring that everything is running smoothly and that you’re having a good time during your holiday. As an expert and a local, your tour guide will be a valuable resource for questions about local customs, language, food and other practical travel information. If you join our guided small group tour, you will get a personal experience for your Scottish adventure. There will be one guide per tour, who will drive and lead the tour aboard a comfortable, high-quality mini-bus.

ACCOMMODATION
Our team of local travel experts carefully selects the hotels for this tour based on excellent ratings, personal experience and comfort. Generally, in Scotland, whilst room sizes may vary, our room types are based on European standard sizes. Please note that twin rooms, triple and family rooms are not commonly available in Scotland, so please contact us for booking assistance if that is something you would like. Please also be aware that, due to the historic nature of the properties we usually select, most of the rooms are only accessible by going up stairs, as there are often no lifts available. Please contact us if you are not able to walk up stairs.

LUGGAGE INFORMATION
This tour is by mini-bus and so, to ensure comfortable seating for everyone on our tour, we need to limit the size and amount of luggage. Each guest is allowed one suitcase (total length, width and height cannot exceed 158 cm, or weigh more than 20kg) and one smaller item (e.g., a small backpack or day bag) for daily essentials. If you have more luggage, we ask you to please make arrangements to store it while you are on the tour as we will not have the space to bring it along.

FITNESS & ACTIVITY LEVEL
Please note that this tour includes some walking at some of the sightseeing stops. This means you need to be prepared and able to walk between 1-3 kilometres on certain days. This is especially true at the distilleries which may involve stairs and uneven surfaces. You also need to be able to carry your own luggage when boarding the bus each day.

FOOD & DRINK
A daily breakfast is included at your booked hotels for the duration of your stay. You will also enjoy two lunches at distilleries and two dinners with the group, as per the package’s inclusions. The dinners will usually be three-course à la carte meals. Please notify your travel consultant in advance of any dietary restrictions or allergies. Other meals and drinks are not included and will be at your own expense during the trip.

WHAT TO PACK IN SUMMER

  • A small backpack to store your daily items on the bus
  • Waterproof jacket and trousers
  • Sturdy hiking boots
  • Camera
  • Sunglasses and sunscreen
  • For more information on what to pack, please visit our Online Travel Guide.

ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE FROM GLASGOW
If you are planning on arriving in Glasgow, you can book a private transfer from Glasgow Airport to your accommodation in Edinburgh to start the journey in a comfortable way. During certain tours, you will have the options to end your trip in Glasgow, rather than Edinburgh, if that is more convenient for you.

CURRENCY RATE
All bookings are charged in British Pounds (£, GBP). Prices displayed in other currencies are indicative only and based on the daily exchange rate. Therefore, conversions from GBP to other currencies will fluctuate from day to day.

AFTER BOOKING WITH NORDIC VISITOR
After booking your package with Nordic Visitor, you will be contacted within two business days by one of our travel consultants who will serve as your dedicated contact person for all your travel needs before, during and even after your holiday. Your travel consultant will provide you with details about your booking and your remaining payment (if not paid in full). You will also receive more information about what to expect during your holiday.

OTHER SUGGESTED TOURS

10% OFF IN 2024
Scotland
Best seller
Guided Groups
10 days / 9 nights
4.7
May - Sep

Highlights of Scotland

3774GBP

Eur

10% OFF IN 2024
Scotland
Best seller
Guided Groups
7 days / 6 nights
4.8
May - Sep

Wonders of Scotland

2892GBP

2603GBP

Eur

We are here to help

Whether you have a single question or a special request, we're here for you.

here to help