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5 Day Islay Whisky Tour from Edinburgh

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Overview

Available languages

English

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 To Expect

Day 1

Day 1 - Depart Edinburgh

Accommodations

Overnight in a Bed & Breakfast, either Bowmore House or Island Bear, in the village of Bowmore in Islay

1

Callander

Our first stop is Callander where you can grab a coffee before we head north into the Highlands.

30 minutes • Admission Not Applicable
2

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.

1 hour • Admission Included
3

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.

Admission Not Applicable
4

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.

2 hours • Admission Not Applicable
Day 2

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

1

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.

45 minutes • Admission Included
2

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.

1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Included
3

Ballygrant

We will visit the Ballygrant Inn for a delicious lunch (own expense).

1 hour • Admission Not Applicable
4

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.

2 hours • Admission Included
Day 3

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

1

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.

1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Included
2

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.

1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Included
3

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.

1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Included
Day 4

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

1

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.

20 minutes • Admission Not Applicable
2

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.

1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Included
3

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.

2 hours • Admission Included
4

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.

1 hour • Admission Included
Day 5

Day 5 - Return to Edinburgh

Food and Drinks

BREAKFAST

Breakfast

A delicious full cooked breakfast

1

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.

1 hour • Admission Not Applicable
2

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

30 minutes • Admission Not Applicable
3

We will drive through Glasgow where you can end the tour, if you like, rather than returning to Edinburgh.

Admission Not Applicable

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

Options

Double room

Double room: 1 room with 1 bed for 2 to share

Single Room

Single Room: room for one person with one bed

Twin room

Twin room: room with two beds, for two people

Reviews

5.00

16 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

16
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  • Awesome Islay distillery tour

    robertsL772MO,Dec 9, 2025

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    Scottish Routes did an excellent job with this tour. Calum was an amazing guide. The B&B on Islay and it's hosts were awesome. The distillery tours and tastings exceeded my expectations.

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  • 395evans,Jul 21, 2025

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    Absolutely 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

    5.00

    An 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

    5.00

    We 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.

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  • Islay

    trxdublin,Jun 27, 2025

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    Lovely 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

    5.00

    The 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.

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  • Brilliant whisky tour of Islay - strong recommend!

    RachPark,Apr 23, 2025

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    Absolutely 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

    5.00

    An 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

    5.00

    Our 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.

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  • A trip to remember

    K936PMdominicl,Apr 19, 2025

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    I 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.

From £1,385.00

5.00
(16 reviews)
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