Highland Experience Tours - Islay Experience (4 day)

Tour Includes:

*  Accommodation on a B&B basis

*  Distillery tours of Auchentoshan, Laphroaig, Bowmore and Kilchoman

*  Tastings at Ardbeg and Bruichladdich

*  A unique warehouse experience and cask tasting at Lagavulin

*  A sample of Islay Ale and a taste of local seafood

Tour Excludes:

*  Lunches and evening meals

*  Admission to any visitor attractions*

Itinerary:

Day One
Travel to Islay – the Queen of the Hebrides…
You start this wonderful trip by heading into Stirlingshire, past Stirling Castle and the Wallace Monument. You’ll see Scotland’s largest loch – Loch Lomond – and travel through Rob Roy Country and the lands of the infamous Clan Campbell; then you’ll drive along Loch Fyne before taking the ferry for Islay. Your overnight stay is at Bowmore, where you’ll get an introduction to the island and enjoy a dram or two... Overnight for 3 nights: Bowmore

Day Two and Three
Two full days to explore the island…

The exact itinerary on each day will be as flexible as possible, so that you can get the most from your Islay experience. To find out why Islay whiskies are so special, you’ll take guided tours of a number of the island’s distilleries. There will, of course, be ample opportunity to sample the island’s delicious whiskies along the way.

Among the whisky experiences we can offer are the chance to taste the smoky and peaty Ardbeg, Laphroaig and Lagavullin (on the south coast) and the lighter Bruichladdich (near Port Charlotte). We can also visit Bowmore (the oldest working distillery on Islay), Kilchoman (the newest and smallest) and the biggest producer on the island, Caol Ila.

Along the way, you will discover why Islay is famous for so much more than whisky. A visit to the Kildalton Cross will transport you more than 1200 years back in time and you will discover the ancient seat of the Lords of the Isles at Finlaggan.

Wildlife abounds on Islay so keep your eyes open for golden eagles, seals, otters, whales, dolphins, wild geese, red deer and much more. You’ll also discover traditional coastal villages, ruined castles, golden beaches and a proud Gaelic culture.

Day Four
Homeward bound…

You’ll leave Islay on the morning ferry and head back home. The drive takes you towards the Trossachs, and there will be ample time for exploring as you head south. You will arrive back in Glasgow (6.00pm) / Edinburgh (7.00pm) feeling relaxed and refreshed after discovering one of Scotland’s best kept secrets - the Isle of Islay.

*Optional Extra

Additional Information:

Edinburgh Departure: Edinburgh Tours Office, 1 Parliament Square, High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1RE - 8.00am

Glasgow Departure: 11 George Square, Glasgow, G2 1DY - 9.15am

Please arrive 15 minutes before scheduled departure time to check in for tour

Accommodation is on a B&B basis in 3-star, or equivalent, local guesthouse. Whenever possible, this will be in Bowmore. However, due to the nature of the island, occasionally some accommodation may be in a different area

Highland Experience Tours Terms & Conditions

Cancellation Policy – minimum 28 days (working days Mon- Fri) 40% will be retained by VisitScotland.com. Less than 28 days 100% will be retained and no refund will apply.