Description

Come with Go Scotland Tours on this exclusive 4 Day Private Tour to the Whisky Isle of Islay. A must visit for those whisky enthusiasts. This tour is designed to show you the best of the island in the short time that we have. This is a customisable tour but below is a suggested itinerary for a 3 day tour.

Highlights

– Private whisky tour to Islay, Scotland’s legendary Whisky Isle
– Visits to Lagavulin, Laphroaig, Ardbeg, Kilchoman, Bruichladdich and Bunnahabhain
– Scenic West Highlands, Loch Awe, Kilmartin Glen and Loch Fyne
– Cultural stops including Kilchurn Castle, Temple Wood, Dunnad Hill and Loch Finlaggan
– Optional visit to the Islay Woollen Mill
– Ferry crossing to Islay with overnights in Port Ellen or Bowmore
– Fully customisable long-break whisky itinerary
– Pick-up from Edinburgh, Glasgow or other locations

Itinerary

Day 1 - West Highlands, Loch Awe, Kilmartin Glen and Ferry to Islay

Your private driver guide can pick you up from Edinburgh, Glasgow or another location in Scotland to begin the tour. The itinerary will depend on where and what time you start.
Afterwards we continue our Journey to the West Highlands and head towards the inspiring Loch Awe. Kilchurn Castle sits on a small island in the middle of the Loch. Built in the 1400s by Sir Colin Campbell. We will make a short photo stop here. Then we go to the seaside town of Oban for lunch.
Continuing the tour we will travel through the dramatic landscape of Kilmartin Glen. This is an intriguing area of Scotland's ancient civilizations. We will have some time to walk around the Standing stones at Temple Wood. On the way to the ferry port at Kennacraig we pass by Dunnad Hill, once the seat of the Kings of Dalriada.
The ferry crossing to Islay is approx 2 hours so this is a perfect time to have your evening meal. Arriving on the island at about 8.30pm your guide will take you to your hotel for the night. Overnight will be at Port Ellen or Bowmore depending on availability.

Day 2 - South Islay Distilleries: Lagavulin, Ardbeg and Laphroaig

Today we will go to the south end of Islay going to the heavy smoky hitters of Lagavulin, Ardbeg and Laphroaig distilleries.
In the morning we drive by the peat fields to reach Lagavulin Distillery. The historic Dunyvaig Castle sits behind the distillery, it was once home to King of the Isles. Lagavulin has recently celebrated its 200 year anniversary, it is a favourite of many.
Then we go to see the Kildalton Cross; a 2.65m high cross that is just one single slab. Made in the 700s and has its origins on the holy island of Iona.
For lunch we will head of to the Old Kiln Cafe at Ardbeg Distillery. Here you will have a chance to sample a dram at the tasting bar and then explore their shop.
After lunch we will head to the Laphroaig Distillery. Laphroaig is one of the few remaining distilleries that still malts their own barley in traditional way on their malting floor. After you become a Friend of Laphroaig you will be given a square foot of land and then strap on your wellies to plant a flag on your peaty territory.

Day 3 - Kilchoman, Bunnahabhain, Loch Finlaggan and Islay Woollen Mill

In the morning we drive around the coast of Loch Indaal to reach Kilchoman Distillery. A unique farm distillery on the island. It is the only that goes from Barley to Bottle. It is near the white sandy beach of Machir's Bay.
After lunch we then drive across the island Bunnahabhain Distillery. The entrance is a bendy single track road which eventually reaches the Sound of Islay for great views to the Isle of Jura. Here we will take part in the Warehouse experience to sample whisky straight from the cask and learn about maturation process.
At the end of the day we can go to Loch Finlaggan. From the car park and visitor's centre we walk across the bridge to see ruins of the castle. During the medieval times this was the command centre for the Lords of the Isles who at one time controlled the western isles of Scotland.
Or visit the Islay Woollen Mill; in a picturesque setting producing a range of top quality woven fabrics. They have provided fabric for the film industry including Braveheart, Forrest Gump and Rob Roy.

Day 4- Return to Mainland, Inveraray, Rest and Be Thankful and Loch Lomond

In the morning we head towards the port to catch the ferry back to the mainland. On arrival we then start our long journey back to Edinburgh or Glasgow. Driving along the coast of Loch Fyne, which is well known for its sea food, we head to the white washed town of Inverary. Here you have the option to visit the fairy tale like Inverary Castle. It is home to the Duke of Argyll, Chief of the Clan Campbell. Also used in the TV series Downton Abbey.
We then continue our journey past the amazing mountainous area named Rest and Be Thankful. Last stop of the tour is at Loch Lomond.
Returning for about 6 or 7pm.

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 on Islay if we add an extra day
Yes. With an additional day we can include distilleries such as Caol Ila, Bowmore, Bruichladdich, Bunnahabhain or Kilchoman.
Is this tour suitable for people who don’t like smoky whisky
Absolutely. 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.