5 Day Islay Whisky Tour from Edinburgh
Overview
Available languages
120 hours
Mobile ticket
This tour takes you to a Scottish island paradise, with stunning scenery, ancient history, traditional culture and 10 of Scotland’s finest whisky distilleries. Three full days on Islay means you get lots of time to soak up the atmosphere and whisky on this incredible island!
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
What‘s Included
Driver/guide
4 nights accommodation at Bowmore House or Island Bear, Islay
All whisky tours and tastings as described
Transport by air-conditioned mini bus
Small-group tour (max 16 people)
Lunch
Dinner
Gratuities
What To Expect
Day 1 - Depart Edinburgh
Accommodations
Overnight in a Bed & Breakfast, either Bowmore House or Island Bear, in the village of Bowmore in Islay
Callander
Our first stop is Callander where you can grab a coffee before we head north into the Highlands.
Oban Distillery
Our next stop, and first distillery of the tour is Oban Distillery. Whilst here, enjoy a tour around the distillery and try their delicious whisky.
Inveraray
After the Oban Distillery tour, and your own choice of lunch in the town itself (at own expense), we'll journey further on to Inveraray. Nestled on Loch Fyne's shores, it offers a blend of history and natural beauty. Its iconic castle, Georgian architecture, and scenic surroundings make it a must-visit.
The ferry from Kennacraig to Islay offers a scenic two-hour journey across the Sound of Islay. Passengers enjoy panoramic views of the coastline and onboard facilities before docking at one of Islay's ports. It's a convenient and picturesque way to reach the island.
Day 2 - First day on Islay
Accommodations
Overnight in a Bed & Breakfast, either Bowmore House or Island Bear, in the village of Bowmore in Islay
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
A delicious full cooked breakfast
Bunnahabhain Distillery
At the first of your distillery visits on Islay, we will travel we will enjoy a whisky tasting whilst taking in the views from the Distillery. It offers breathtaking panoramas of rugged coastal beauty. Situated on the northeastern coast of the island, Bunnahabhain overlooks the Sound of Islay, with stunning vistas of the surrounding sea and neighbouring islands, such as Jura.
Caol Ila Distillery
Led by experienced guides, visitors embark on a fascinating journey through the distillery's production process and the flavours that define Caol Ila whisky. During the tour, participants engage their senses as they learn about the influence of peat, barley, water, and cask selection on the whisky's character. The experience includes tastings of Caol Ila's distinctive single malt whiskies, allowing guests to appreciate the complexity and depth of flavour that have made Caol Ila a beloved name in the world of Scotch whisky.
Ballygrant
We will visit the Ballygrant Inn for a delicious lunch (own expense).
Ardnahoe Distillery
Our first stop of the day is the islands newest addition. Here, we'll get the chance to explore Islay's newest distillery, and find out how their spirit is made, followed by a sample of their offerings with a Warehouse Tasting.
Day 3 - Day 2 on Islay
Accommodations
Overnight in a Bed & Breakfast, either Bowmore House or Island Bear, in the village of Bowmore in Islay
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
A delicious full cooked breakfast
Bowmore Distillery
At the Bowmore Distillery tour, you'll journey through the historic process of crafting Bowmore single malt whisky. Led by a knowledgeable guide, you'll explore the distillery's inner workings, from mashing to maturation, witnessing traditional copper pot stills and aging barrels along the way. The tour culminates in 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.
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.
Kilchoman Distillery
At Kilchoman Distillery on Islay, visitors 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. You'll try their famous 100% Islay dram.
Day 4 - Third day on Islay!
Accommodations
Overnight in a Bed & Breakfast, either Bowmore House or Island Bear, in the village of Bowmore in Islay
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
A delicious full cooked breakfast
Kildalton Cross
The Kildalton Cross is a monumental Celtic cross located on the Isle of Islay in Scotland. It stands near the ruins of Kildalton Parish Church, which dates back to the 8th century. The cross is one of the finest and best-preserved Celtic crosses in Scotland and is renowned for its intricate and elaborate carvings.
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.
Day 5 - Return to Edinburgh
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
A delicious full cooked breakfast
Inveraray
After a final hearty breakfast, we'll catch the ferry back to the main land, before stopping for lunch(own expense) in Inveraray. The seat of the Clan Campbell.
Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park
From Inveraray we'll head to Luss, the pretty little village perched on the banks of Loch Lomond, for a quick rest stop, before our final leg back to Edinburgh
We will drive through Glasgow where you can end the tour, if you like, rather than returning to Edinburgh.
Options
Single Room
Single Room: room for one person with one bed
Twin room
Twin room: room with two beds, for two people
Double room
Double room: 1 room with 1 bed for 2 to share
Reviews
15 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
395evans,
Jul 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Absolutely amazing. The (whisky-related) trip of a lifetime. The accommodations at Bowmore House were lovely, as were the hosts. Each distillery had something unique and special to offer, and they were all wonderful. But the trip wouldn't have been possible without our amazing guide, Morey. His snarky banter, whisky and historical knowledge, and relationship with each distillery is what really made this trip perfect. Highly recommend.
Excellent Islay Trip
petergX1089FM,
Jul 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00An excellent trip altogether. Moray, the driver is fun and very Scottish! I have never had better breakfasts than those at Bowmore House Hotel, especially with a dram being provided. However as this is the third time I have been on the same trip says it all. Certainly if you like whiskey you will not be disappointed
Loved our trip to Islay
sabrinasQ8964XS,
Jun 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We just finished a wonderful trip to Islay with 13 other friends and family. We couldn't be happier. Frazer in the office was great to work with, was quick to answer questions and was very helpful. Our guide Jamie was awesome. From his help with making sure everything was set at the distilleries to his great history lessons while we were on the road we couldn't have asked for anything more. Would highly recommend Scottish Routes.
Islay
trxdublin,
Jun 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Lovely time on Islay! All the distilleries were very fun and interesting. Jamie was a great tour guide! Could not have been more accommodating. Very knowledgeable. Highly recommend.
Great tour!
RCW1982,
Jun 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tour was amazing. We did a tour or private tasting at each distillery, learning about what makes each one unique. Moray was a fantastic guide, funny, organized, and knowledgeable. Would highly recommend to all fans of Islay whiskey.
Brilliant whisky tour of Islay - strong recommend!
RachPark,
Apr 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Absolutely brilliant trip. John S, our tour guide, was fantastic - not just a great driver but full of really interesting information about Scottish history and worked really hard to add in extra things he thought (rightly!) we'd like and added so much to the trip. His jokes were terrible but also brilliant (we all loved them) and on a practical level he was great at telling us where we needed to be and when, being flexible, and being an all-around great guide. The trip itself was fantastic - really well organised to get around 10 distilleries with a mix of tours and tastings, great places to eat along the way too. It was a really great way to see Islay and get to try the amazing whiskies (and I'm not even a whisky drinker!). Very comfortable bus, lovely B&B with friendly, generous hosts in Andrew and Allison, massive, clean, comfortable room with amazing views and a huge, delicious breakfast every day. Lastly, a really lovely group of people to do the tour with!
Islay paradise
L2719VUnickl,
Apr 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00An amazingly fantastic trip - for anyone from whisky aficionados to the whisky curious. Our guide John S was brilliant, funny, knowledgable, punctual, helpful, interesting.... We visited 9 distilleries in Islay (i.e. all except Port Ellen) as well as Oban, the Ballygrant Inn, the Whisky Vault and several very interesting historical sites. All our fellow guests were great people - and also punctual - and our accommodation at Bowmore House with our hosts Andrew & Alison was exceptional. Some very good eateries in Bowmore too. The tastings at all the distilleries were brilliant with the single exception of Ardbeg where we got to taste their bog standard lines in a small shed with a disinterested host - but every single other aspect was brilliant - including the lunch at Ardbeg. The tasting at Ardnahoe was particularly memorable thanks to Emily.
Peaty heaven
Expedition394649,
Apr 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our tour guide John S was brilliant and made the tour interesting with his jokes and tales of folklore history. All the tasting sessions at the distilleries were excellent, except Ardbeg. It would have great to have the option of a cask experience other than just widely available core range provided by inexperienced staff. Our tour guide John S was helpful and always willing to share his experiences. Also a great group of whisky fans on the bus made the trip a memorable experience.
A trip to remember
K936PMdominicl,
Apr 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had the most fantastic time on this tour. John Scott was our guide and he was fantastic. I was lucky enough to go with 12 other wonderful people who loved their whisky and I have brought home some unforgettable memories. We stayed at the Bowmore House which was excellent and John brought it all together perfectly. Islay is a magical place and Emily at Ardnehoe was the most brilliant and hilarious distillery guide. I would recommend this tour to any whisky lover.
If you love whisky or are whisky curious, this is a good tour to select
maureentR9925YC,
Sep 28, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00One of the best tours ever! Great itinerary. Great guide. Great lodging at the Bowmore House. The tour exceeded expectations. If you love whisky or are whisky curious, this is a good tour to select. Highly recommended for both couples with one whisky lover and for solo travellers.
From £1,215.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
Chat with us on social
Related Experiences
Operated by Scottish Routes Limited