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Tour Operator: Scottish Routes 5 days Travel method:   Mini Bus / Car Region / Starts from: Edinburgh

Five-Day Ultimate Islay Whisky Tour

The Ultimate Islay tour is for those who want to experience as much of Islay as possible. We will visit every distillery on the island, taste a range of incredible drams and explore some incredible secret spots...

Duration

5 Days

About

Day 1
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 at Oban Distillery 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 for your 4-night stay.

Days 2, 3 & 4
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

Day 5
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.

*Accommodation is on a B&B basis in the Bowmore House & Freewinds.
The price is based on 2/3 sharing a twin / double / triple room.

Please note that if the Bowmore House or Freewinds is not available we will source alternative local accommodation of the same
standard.

Due to various reasons (weather, closures and special events) it may not always be possible to visit all distilleries mentioned. Please be aware that, if this is the case, we will ensure that suitable alternatives are found.

What to Bring

  • If you are lucky enough to look under 25, please bring a photo ID with you as you may be asked to prove you are over 18. All passengers must be 18+

  • We suggest you bring suitable clothing for sun and rain including a waterproof jacket, plenty of layers and shoes suitable for short walks.

  • Due to the size of our vehicles, we ask you to limit your luggage to 1 small piece per person with a maximum weight of 15kg. You can also bring 1 small handbag or daypack which can be stored on the bus by your feet or above your head.

Included

• Minibus transport (max 16 guests)
• Return Ferries to/from Islay
• Services of a professional tour guide
• 4 nights en-suite B&B accommodation
at The Bowmore House & Freewinds

Not included

Meals and entrance fees not mentioned above, Tips and Gratuities.

Best price guarantee
No hidden costs
Where notification of cancellation has been received prior to departure of a tour, the following schedule of refunds will apply:

60 days + before start - 80% of the balance

59 – 30 days before start – 65% of the balance

29 – 14 days before start – 50% of the balance

13 – 0 days before start – NIL
Meeting point
Caffe Nero, 1 Parliament Square, Royal Mile, Edinburgh, EH1 1RE
Important information
We will meet at 7:45 am to check-in.
What to Bring


  • If you are lucky enough to look under 25, please bring a photo ID with you as you may be asked to prove you are over 18. All passengers must be 18+




  • We suggest you bring suitable clothing for sun and rain including a waterproof jacket, plenty of layers and shoes suitable for short walks.




  • Due to the size of our vehicles, we ask you to limit your luggage to 1 small piece per person with a maximum weight of 15kg. You can also bring 1 small handbag or daypack which can be stored on the bus by your feet or above your head.





Included

• Minibus transport (max 16 guests)


• Return Ferries to/from Islay


• Services of a professional tour guide


• Distillery tours and tastings


• 4 nights en-suite B&B accommodation


at The Bowmore House & Freewinds



Not included

Meals and entrance fees not mentioned above, Tips and Gratuities.


For any luggage storage needs, Edinburgh’s luggage concierge service can help! Visit www.unbaggaged.com to find out more, and for our customers there is a 10% discount: type in the voucher code ‘HIGHLAND10’

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