Description

Take a tour to the Whisky Isle of Islay. An exclusive private tour that can be tailor made just for you. This tour is designed as a short break whisky tour for those who don't have time to visit all the distilleries on the island. Instead we focus on the popular distillery tours at Lagavulin and Laphroaig, also with a stop at Ardbeg. Whisky is certainly in the air as soon as you step off the boat. Our private driver guide will take you to as many distilleries as possible in the limited time on the island.
Below is a suggested itinerary for a 3 day tour. This is an introductory tour. If you want to explore more of the island and the distilleries see the 4 day tour.

Highlights

– Private whisky tour to Islay, Scotland’s famous Whisky Isle
– Visits to Lagavulin, Laphroaig, Ardbeg and optional distilleries
– Scenic West Highlands, Loch Awe, Kilmartin Glen and Loch Lomond
– Cultural stops including Kilchurn Castle, Temple Wood and Dunnad Hill
– Ferry crossing to Islay with overnights in Port Ellen or Bowmore
– Fully customisable short-break whisky itinerary
– Pick-up available 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 in the morning will vary depending on where and what time you start from. But eventually you will end up in the West Highlands.
Loch Awe is the third biggest loch in Scotland and has a romantic landscape. It is on the site of the Cruachan Power Station which tunnels under the mountain. It was used in the James Bond movie "The World is Not Enough". In the centre of the loch sits the ruins of the picturesque Kilchurn Castle; built in the 1400s by Sir Colin Campbell. We will make a short photo stop here. Lunch break in Oban.
Continuing the tour we will travel through the dramatic landscape of Kilmartin Glen. This is where some of Scotland's first civilization started. There are ancient stone circles and cairns scattered through out the region. We will have some time to walk around the stones at Temple Wood and walk in the foots steps of the first Kings of Dalriada at Dunnad Hill.
Finally we reach the ferry port at Kennacraig. 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

On this tour we focus on South Islay going to the heavy smoky hitters of Lagavulin, Ardbeg and Laphroaig distilleries.
Moving across to the other side of the island we will pass by boggy land where the distilleries shovel their peat. This peat gives the Islay whisky their smoky characteristics in which they are known for. The peat is dried into bricks then when lit on fire they give a smoky aroma which stays with the barley throughout the whisky making process.
We will start the day by going 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.
Our first visit of the day is to Lagavulin Distillery where you will have the unique experience of the Warehouse Tasting. Learn about the wood and special casks used to perfect the whisky aromas from Iain MacArthur, who has been in the Whisky Industry for over 40 years. You will get to enjoy a few samples straight from the casks. Note that this is not available on the weekend. It will be replaced with Bunnahabhain Warehouse 9 Tasting.
For lunch we will head of to the Food Van 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. Declared as the "Finest Whisky in the World" by Prince Charles on his visit to Islay in 1994. 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 become an official Scottish Laird! For rent you are given a miniature bottle and then you can strap on your wellies to plant a flag on your peat plot.
This day is customizable if you had something else in mind then what is described above. We can either add another day on or completely change the itinerary. The other distilleries on the island are Coal Ila, Bowmore, Bunnahabhain, Bruichladdich and Kilchoman.

Day 3 – Return to Mainland, Inveraray, Rest and Be Thankful and Loch Lomond

In the morning we will take the ferry back to the mainland arriving about 12 noon. We then begin our journey back to Edinburgh or Glasgow. We then stop to visit the white washed town of Inverary. A Georgian new town built in the late 18th century, around the same time the New Town of Edinburgh was built. The castle is home to Clan Campbell and the Duke of Argyll. A great piece of Georgian architecture it is still lived in by the family today. You will have an opportunity to visit the castle and after some free time for lunch.
After lunch we will make a stop at the Rest and Be Thankful. An amazing mountainous area named so by the red coat soldiers who built the military road leading to Inverary. Now used by many walkers and bikers.
We then will make our way to the Bonnie Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond. An area mesmerised in music and sought out by photographers and painters. It is the largest body fresh water in Britain. It is dominated by the large mountain of Ben Lomond and contains a number of islands. Here you will have some time to walk the shores.
It is a long day of driving back to Edinburgh, 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.