Overview
Available languages
4 days
Mobile ticket
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
This tour takes you to the island of Islay, a Scottish island paradise, with stunning scenery, ancient history, traditional culture and home to some Scotland’s finest whisky distilleries, many of which you will have the opportunity to visit.
WHAT’S INCLUDED?
• Minibus transport (max 16 guests)
• Return Ferries to/from Islay
• Services of a professional tour guide
• Lagavulin Warehouse Experience
• Tour and tastings at Ardbeg
• Tour and exclusive tasting at Laphroaig
• Tour and tasting Bruichladdich
• Tour and exclusive tasting at Kilchoman
• Cask Tasting at Bunnahabhain
• 3 nights B&B accommodation at The Bowmore House or Island Bear
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What To Expect
Edinburgh - Islay
Accommodations
B&B at Bowmore House or Island Bear
Inveraray
As you travel through the south-west Highlands, you will make a visit to the attractive village of Inveraray on the shores of Loch Fyne
Board a ferry to travel to the island of Islay, whilst taking the two hour journey, you will be able to admire the impressive view across the islands of Gigha and Jura, as well as beauty of West Loch Tarbert. You could also take the opportunity to get a taste of some Islay whisky from the on board bar.
Bunnahabhain Distillery
At Bunnahabhain Distillery, you will have a brief tour of some of the distillery production areas, before sampling a range of cask strength expressions
Distilleries of Islay Day 1
Accommodations
B&B at Bowmore House or Island Bear
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
Enjoy a freshly prepared hearty breakfast at Bowmore House or Island Bear
Kilchoman Distillery
At the independently operated Kilchoman Distillery, you will embark on a captivating journey through the whisky-making process. Led by expert guides, the tour delves into every stage, from malting to maturation. You'll witness traditional methods in action, learn about the importance of peat in flavour, and savour the distinct taste of Kilchoman whisky during a guided tasting (subject to availability).
Bruichladdich Distillery
At a warehouse tasting at Bruichladdich Distillery, you'll enjoy exclusive access to their aging warehouses, where you'll sample whisky straight from the cask. Guided by knowledgeable staff, you'll explore the nuances of each whisky's flavour profile, including rare samples that you won't be able to try anywhere else. It's a unique and memorable experience for whisky enthusiasts, offering a glimpse into the distillery's craftsmanship and creativity.
Bowmore Distillery
At the Bowmore Distillery tour, you'll join a tasting session, where you'll sample a range of Bowmore whiskies, experiencing their distinct flavours first-hand. It's an immersive journey into the world of Scotch whisky, offering a taste of Bowmore's rich heritage and exceptional craftsmanship.
Distilleries of Islay Day 2
Accommodations
B&B at Bowmore House or Island Bear
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
Enjoy a freshly prepared hearty breakfast at Bowmore House or Island Bear
Lagavulin Distillery
The fourth day of the tour will begin with a visit to Lagavulin Distillery for a tour and tasting at one of Islay’s most famous distilleries.
Ardbeg Distillery
Our next stop is Ardbeg Distillery, also located on the southern coast of the island. It sits amidst the rugged landscape and peat bogs that characterize the island. Here we'll do a 5-dram whisky tasting (included) and have time for lunch (own expense). It's a fantastic introduction to their range of whisky.
Laphroaig Distillery
Our tour at Laphroaig Distillery offers a memorable exploration of Islay's whisky heritage. Led by one of their knowledgeable guides, you will journey through the distillery's production process, from malting to maturation, learning about Laphroaig's unique peat-smoked flavour along the way. The experience culminates in a tasting session, where guests savour a selection of Laphroaig's iconic single malt whiskies, and immerse yourself in the distillery's rich history and distinctive character.
Islay to Edinburgh
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
Enjoy a freshly prepared hearty breakfast at Bowmore House or Island Bear
Begin your final day on tour with us by taking a ferry to return to the Scottish Mainland.
Options
Single Room - 1 person
Single Room
4 Day Islay Whisky Tour
Double - 1 bed for 2 people
4 Day Islay Whisky Tour from Edinburgh
B&B Twin - two single beds
What‘s Included
Alcoholic Beverages
Driver/guide
Transport in a Mercedes Minibus
Small-group tour (max 16 people)
Lunch
Dinner
Gratuities
Cancellation Policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Reviews
154 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Islay Whisky tour
William M,May 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00John, our driver, was amazing. We stayed at the Bowmore House and it was lovely with very gracious hosts.
Brilliant Islay Whisky Experience
Trip826523,May 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A full recommendation from start to finish. Murray was a fantastic guide — knowledgeable, engaging, and very funny throughout the trip. The rooms at The Island Bear were comfortable and very welcoming, and all of the guides we met on Islay were excellent. The absolute highlight was Bruichladdich and their warehouse tasting. Both the guide and the straight-from-the-cask drams made for a truly memorable experience. If there’s one thing I would ask for, it would simply be even more warehouse tastings!
4 Day Islay Experience May 2026
Jason T,May 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Add this to the already numerous outstanding reviews. Jaime was out guide from Edinburgh through the highlands and onto Islay. That stories and history shared during the drive kept us engaged. Once on the island, he was quick to get us to our first tasting and worked to get us an extra visit. This was above and beyond what was expected and set the tone for the week. While the schedule was fluid, we did not miss out on any opportunity. Recommend this tour company and am sure any of the guides will be of the same caliber about I do have to say I think Jamie had something to do with the amazing weather we had.
Outstanding tour
C3532IValexandern,May 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00An absolutely superb trip - best guide imaginable (Murray); excellent accommodation; tour bus ideal; and the perfect itinerary. Couldn’t recommend this trip for whisky lovers highly enough. Islay is a very special place with a unique whisky heritage and Scottish Routes were the ideal company to experience it with.
Really enjoyed the trip!
lhS6953AL,May 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had a great time! Moray was an excellent guide and had great rapport at all the places we visited. Hosts at the B&B were also very nice and friendly.
Great 4 day Islay Whiskey Tour
mbs2,Apr 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent 4 day tour of Islay- everything as advertised- great tastings, lovely B+B and comfortable travel. Our guide Moray was great- just chatty enough and definitely knew his way around whiskey! Would do it again in a heart beat. (And it was cold, rainy, and windy)
A local's guide
brucefN5072ZW,Nov 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00First ever whisky tour. Thanks to Moray for what felt like a local's guide to Islay with commentary of the sites, people, history, and the distilleries of course. Great suggestion of The Pot Still to visit on our return to Glasgow. And thanks to Andrew at Bowmore House for great hospitality.
Incredible Islay Experience
jasontP1775CA,Oct 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The Islay tour was amazing and filled with breathtaking scenery, explanations about history and culture, information about each distilleries process, and of course lots of drams to taste. Our guide Murray's entertaining personality was a great addition and he was excellent at adapting the tour around the wild weather. A big shout out to Andrew at Bowmore House for his charming stories and warm breakfast!
Bite the bullet and do it
Colin P,Oct 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a wonderful experience. Every detail of the trip was well thought out. Our guide Moray did an amazing job getting us around. I enjoyed all of the information given on the drives to and from Islay. We had weather related issues but they were able to quickly make modifications to the tour schedule to fill in. It really felt like our guide was a local. Would not have been able to see anywhere anywhere near as much as we did with the tour
Perfect!
Keisererik,Sep 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent tour on Islay. Very good guide, who was very good informed of scottich history and legends. Thank you Stefan. The bowmore house was a very good accomadation.
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Operated by Scottish Routes Limited