5 Day Ultimate Islay

After departing Edinburgh, your first stop is Callander, where you can grab a coffee before we head north into the Highlands. The landscape becomes more mountainous and your guide will tell the history and culture of this stunning part of Scotland. Passing Loch Awe and into Argyllshire, with some great photo stops along the way, you will arrive in the Victorian town of Oban. We will enjoy a tour and tasting in Oban before you have time for lunch and some exploring. This is the seafood capital of Scotland so make sure you make the most of it. Your tour takes you to the ancient neolithic landscapes of Kilmartin Glen. There are hundreds of ancient monuments and historic sites in this region, some of which you will explore. It’s then a short drive down the Kintyre Peninsula to Kennacraig where you will board the evening ferry to Islay. The ferry crossing is around two hours and allows for some beautiful views of the islands of Gigha, Jura and Islay as well as the area surrounding West Loch Tarbert. There is time to relax in the bar with an Islay whisky; grab some dinner from the restaurant and just soak up the sea air before you arrive. On arrival into Port Ellen or Port Askaig it is a short drive to Bowmore to check in to The Bowmore House or Island Bear for your 3 night stay.

With 3 full days to explore and plenty of options for sightseeing, your guide will share some of their favourite places with you, including empty beaches, whitewashed villages, ancient sites, the Kildalton Cross, medieval strongholds, fresh seafood, local wildlife and traditional cultures. With around 3000 people and 9 distilleries, the chances of finding a ‘wee dram’ are pretty good. We've designed a tour that includes a range of different experiences at the incredible distilleries this island is famous for. We will visit, Lagavulin, Laphroaig, Ardbeg, Kilchoman, Bunnahabhain, Caol Ila, Ardnahoe, Bowmore and Bruichladdich! Slainte Mhath, as they say in Gaelic.

After a final hearty breakfast, you catch the morning ferry back to Kennacraig. On the mainland, you head to the loch-side town of Inveraray. This is the seat of the Clan Campbell, home to the Loch Fyne Whisky shop and your stop for lunch. After lunch (and some last-minute whisky shopping), your journey now hugs the shores of Loch Fyne and Loch Long before climbing up to the Rest and Be Thankful pass for sweeping views. Then on to the shores of Loch Lomond. With time to stop for some lovely views and to stretch your legs, this is the last stop on your tour before crossing the River Clyde and into Scotland’s largest city of Glasgow. Some of our guests may be leaving the tour here so we may make a short stop in central Glasgow (George Square) before returning to Edinburgh.