Description

Are you a lover of all the Islay single malt? Smoky or sweet? Then this is the private tour for you. Let Go Scotland Tours arrange your travel to Islay and distillery visits with a guide that is knowledgeable about whisky. Enjoy a 5 day tour starting from Edinburgh or Glasgow to the Isle of Islay.
This tour can be tailor-made to your request. Below is a suggested itinerary although it is subject to change depending on availability.
We also offer 3-day and 4-day Islay whisky tours if you prefer a shorter trip.

Highlights

- Private 5-day whisky tour to Islay, Scotland’s famous Whisky Isle
- Visits to Lagavulin, Laphroaig, Ardbeg, Caol Ila, Bunnahabhain, Kilchoman, Bruichladdich and Bowmore
- Scenic West Highlands, Oban, Kilmartin Glen and Temple Wood
- Cultural stops including Kildalton Cross, Loch Finlaggan and the Islay Woollen Mill
- Optional visit to Machir Bay’s white sands
- Ferry crossing from Kennacraig to Islay
- Fully customisable itinerary based on distillery availability
- Pick-up from Edinburgh, Glasgow or other locations

Itinerary

Day 1 - Western Highlands, Oban, Kilmartin Glen and Ferry to Islay

On the first day we will travel to the Western Highlands and take a break at the picturesque seaside town of Oban. From here we will travel through Kilmartin Glen and stop to see the standing stones at Temple Wood. Ferry departs from Kennacraig, arriving to Islay about 8pm.

Day 2 - South Islay: Lagavulin, Laphroaig and Ardbeg

The next few days will be spent exploring Islay. Mainly it’s distilleries but we can make a few stops to appreciate the heritage.
On one day we will spend our time on the south end of the island and the 3 heavy smoky whiskies of Lagavulin, Laphroaig and Ardbeg. We will look at the tours they offer on your dates and plan accordingly. While at Laphroaig you will have a chance to plant your flag on your plot at their peat moss. We will also take some time to go see the grand stone cross at Kildalton.

Day 3 - Caol Ila, Bunnahabhain, Loch Finlaggan and Woollen Mill

On another day we can go check out the new Islay Home of Johnnie Walker at Caol Ila Distillery. After we go to Bunnahabhain for the Warehouse Experience. A close look at how the wood plays a vital part in the process of making whisky.
While on this part of the island we can go to Loch Finlaggan to see the ancient headquarters to the Lord of the Isles. And then take some time to go to the Woollen Mill.

Day 4 - Kilchoman, Machir Bay, Bruichladdich and Bowmore

Then on another day we can go to the only farm distillery on the island. Kilchoman Distillery make their whisky from barley to bottle. If time permits and the weather is right we can go see the white sands of Machir Bay. After we can go to Bruichladdich and/or Bowmore Distillery.

Day 5 - Return via Inveraray and Loch Lomond

We will return via Inveraray and Loch Lomond to Edinburgh or Glasgow.

Contact us now to discuss your itinerary.

Why Choose Go Scotland Tours

We only hire fully qualified guides and experienced driver-guides who know the Highland roads, the distilleries and the stories that bring them to life. We look after the planning, timings and bookings so your days run smoothly, and along the way we share the history, landscape and whisky knowledge we’ve gathered over years of guiding. It’s a relaxed, informative way to explore Scotland with people who genuinely enjoy talking about its past, its places and its drams.

FAQs

Do we need to book Islay distillery tours in advance
Yes. Islay distilleries are extremely popular and many tastings sell out well in advance. We handle all bookings for you.
How long is the ferry crossing to Islay
The ferry from Kennacraig to Islay takes around two hours.
Can we visit more distilleries if we add an extra day
Yes. We also offer 3-day and 4-day Islay tours which allow more time for additional distilleries.
Is this tour suitable for people who don’t like smoky whisky
Yes. While Islay is famous for peat, there are lighter styles available, and we balance the itinerary with scenery and cultural stops.
Which Islay distilleries still malt their own barley
Laphroaig is one of the few remaining distilleries on the island that still operates traditional floor maltings.
What is the Kildalton Cross and why do we visit it
It’s one of the finest early Christian crosses in Scotland, carved in the 700s. The drive there is scenic and often includes wildlife sightings.
Where do we stay on Islay during the tour
Accommodation is normally in Port Ellen or Bowmore, depending on availability.