4 Day The Islay Festival of Whisky, Music & Culture

We depart Edinburgh at 9.00 am and travel to the charming village of Luss on Loch Lomond. We continue our journey west, stopping at the Rest and Be Thankful viewpoint, before lunch in pretty Inveraray, which sits on Loch Fyne. The afternoon is spent visiting the historically significant Dunadd Fort. Afterwards, we board the ferry to Islay before settling into our accommodation. (Overnight: Port Ellen)

After breakfast, we start the day with a walk on the beach and a visit to the ancient Kildalton Cross. Enjoy lunch and a dram at Ardbeg Distillery. Next, you can walk the Three DistilleriesPath to Lagavulin and Laphroaig, where you will be rewarded with coastal views and more drams! We finish the day back in Port Ellen, to experience the local whisky festival celebrations. (Overnight: Port Ellen)

We spend our morning exploring the rugged peninsula that is the Mull of Oa. Visit the American Monument from WW1 and look out for wildlife in the RSPB Nature Reserve. Next, we pay a visit to Bowmore Distillery before free time for lunch and shopping. Then, we travel to Port Charlotte to visit the Islay Life Museum, and Bruichladdich distillery for whisky – and gin! Afterwards, take a walk along the white sands of Machir Bay, before our final distillery visit at Kilchoman. We return to the hotel and go to dinner in a local restaurant. (Overnight: Port Ellen)

We catch the morning ferry back to the mainland, and then continue our journey along the idyllic west coast to the bustling seaside town of Oban, where we will have lunch. Afterwards, we travel towards Glencoe; one of Scotland’s most dramatic and awe-inspiring landscapes. Soak up the last of the scenery on our drive south, with a final stop at The Kelpies; two striking steel structures, and the largest equine landmark in the world. We arrive back into Edinburgh at approximately 7.30pm.

Please note this tour runs in conjunction with our sister company HAGGiS Adventures.