Islay, Oban & the Whisky Coast – 4-Day Small-Group Tour

Day 1 Loch Lomond & Oban

Leaving Edinburgh, we set out for Islay, famed for its peaty whisky, where heritage, nature, and skill blend to craft iconic spirits. Traveling northwest, the scenery shifts from the gentle Lowland farms to the wooded hills and peaks around Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. This area, rich in wildlife and breathtaking scenery, is marked by craggy cliffs, sparkling lochs, thick forests, and the tales of folk hero Rob Roy MacGregor. A brief stop in the picturesque village of Callander, beside its bright loch, offers a refreshing pause before the journey continues.

We wind through the hidden glens and twisting paths of the Trossachs National Park, then press on through the dramatic mountains of the Western Highlands, reaching Oban for free time for lunch.

Once the stronghold of feuding clans, Oban is now the “Gateway to the Isles” and renowned for its fresh seafood straight off the boats.

We travel through Kilmartin Glen, home to ancient stone circles and forts over 1,500 years old. At Kennacraig, we board the evening ferry to Islay.

The two-hour crossing is a chance to relax and take in the scenery—watch for dolphins or the towering Paps of Jura, signaling our approach to Islay, the “Queen of the Hebrides.” On arrival, we settle into Bowmore, a tranquil town on Loch Indaal, where we stay for the next three nights.

Day 2 Bowmore, Bunnahabhain* & Kilchoman Distillery

Today is all about enjoying some of Islay’s finest and most distinctive whiskies. We start at Bowmore Distillery, a landmark of Islay for over 240 years.

Discover Bowmore’s heritage, learn about its whisky-making process, and enjoy a tasting of three drams of their signature sweet and smoky whisky, along with a complimentary whisky glass. We then follow the coast to Kilchoman Distillery.

Kilchoman is Islay’s only Single Farm Single Malt Scotch Whisky, using the traditional “barley-to-bottle” method to craft a spirit that’s entirely made on the island. On this exclusive visit, explore the site and taste Kilchoman’s distinctive whisky, with its mix of peat smoke, citrus, spice, and fruit. After lunch, we continue through Islay’s beautiful countryside to Bunnahabhain*, the island’s most remote distillery, known for its unpeated whisky with salty notes.

We return to Bowmore, where you can relax by the loch, visit cosy pubs, savour fresh seafood, or wander the charming whitewashed streets steeped in history. ­

*Bunnahabhain Distillery will begin in tours departures from April 2026 - ONLY!!

Day 3 Ardbeg & Laphroaig or Lagavulin Distillery

Today, we explore the southern side of the island, home to three of Scotland’s most celebrated whiskies: Laphroaig, Lagavulin, and Ardbeg. Our route winds through narrow roads bordered by soft green hills, sheep-filled fields, and open moorland. Near Port Ellen, we pass stretches of peat bogs—vital to Islay’s signature smoky flavour—set against the vivid green of the landscape.

At Ardbeg Distillery, a 200-year legacy of bold innovation includes sending whisky into space to mature. Enjoy exclusive experience: a guided tour and tasting of three drams, followed by a meal of fine Scottish fare in the distillery’s restaurant, overlooking the rocky coastline and Atlantic waves.

If your tour departs on Friday, the visit to Ardbeg will not include a full tour of the distillery facilities; instead it will include a visit to the still house and a tasting, including four drams of whisky.

Your driver-guide will also lead you to historic landmarks such as the ruins of Kildalton Church, home to an 8th-century cross—one of Scotland’s finest early Christian relics—set in the peaceful Islay countryside. Later, the tour visits another distillery, depending on the day: on Mondays, Lagavulin, famed for deep richness, silky texture, and unforgettable smoky depth; on Wednesdays and Fridays, Laphroaig, capturing Islay’s wild character in every bottle for over two centuries.

Day 4 Inveraray & return to Edinburgh

This morning, we travel to Port Ellen to board the ferry back to the mainland, leaving the whisky-scented air of Islay for the fresh, clean air of Scotland’s West Highlands.

As the ferry departs, enjoy sweeping views of the island’s wild coastline, famous distilleries, and the striking Paps of Jura in the distance. Keep watch for wildlife—dolphins, seals, and, on occasion, minke whales or basking sharks.

Following the coastal road, we arrive in the picturesque village of Inveraray for free time for lunch.

We then head east through the dramatic Arrochar Alps, pausing at the ‘Rest and Be Thankful’ viewpoint, before continuing to Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. Here, we make a brief stop in the charming village of Luss, known for its pretty cottages and beautiful lochside setting.

With time, the rugged Highlands give way to the gentle lowland plains as we return to Edinburgh.