islay guided tours

Islay Tours & Private Hire

Welcome to Islay Tours & Private Hire

Fancy a walk on the wild side or a drive that takes you off the beaten track? Then you're in the right place.

Dougie at Islay Tours and Private Hire is an Ileach (someone born on the island of Islay) through and through.  He has an intrinsic and intimate knowledge of the island's natural, social and ancient history, and a burning desire to share it with you.  Let him take you on a guided walk to visit some of the more remote landmarks on the island, or join him for a drive along the winding roads and tracks that lead to hidden gems most locals don't even know exist.  A visit to Islay would not be complete without visiting at least one of the nine whisky distilleries on the island.

If you can't find anything on this site that appeals to you, just ask and Dougie will do his utmost to accommodate your needs.  Use the "Get in Touch" form below to tell him what you want and he will customise a tour to suit you.

Or, if you just want a ferry or airport transfer, a visit to the shops, a lift up the road, or going out to dinner, contact Dougie on 07474 686367.

Abandoned Townships and Population Clearances

Churches, Chapels and Crosses

Lords of the Isles

Stones old and not so old!

Nature in all her glory

Islay Distilleries

Other interesting places to be and things to do:

Port Ellen Lighthouse

Nerabus Old Graveyard

Fly fishing

Islay Woollen Mill

Portnahaven and Port Wemyss villages

Coultoon Stone Circle

Gruinart RSPB Reserve

Skeet shooting

Dun Nosebridge

Canoeing and kayaking

Claggain Bay . . . . . . .and much, much more.

Get in Touch

[email protected]

07474 686 367

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7 Distilleries on the Best Islay Tour with Highland Explorers

I’ve always wanted to do an Isle of Islay tour, and attending the Whisky and Music Festival with Highland Explorer Tours was easily the best option. As I’ve stated before, I don’t drink a lot of alcohol, but I was really happy to sample different whiskies from seven of the nine distilleries on Islay, not to mention all the other attractions, food, and stories on the tour.

As good as the whisky and the island were, the 4-day Islay Whisky and Music Tour with Highland Explorer was so much more.

Table of Contents

Visiting the Isle of Islay from Edinburgh

As a quick geography lesson, the Isle of Islay is one of the southwesternmost islands of Scotland, only about 30 miles from Northern Ireland. In a nutshell, off the west coast of Scotland are the Hebrides, which are divided into the Outer Hebrides and the Inner Hebrides. The Outer Hebrides have the Isle of Lewis and Harris at the top and several more small islands extending to the south. The main island in the Inner Hebrides is the Isle of Skye, but there are plenty of more beautiful islands.

Some examples of prominent islands in the Inner Hebrides are the Isle of Mull, Isle of Iona, Isle of Jura, and Staffa Isle where you can find Fingal’s Cave. These islands can be reached by ferry leaving from Oban. The Isle of Arran is sheltered in a bay with a ferry from Ardrossan, just a bit west of Glasgow. And then there’s the Isle of Islay (pronounced eye-luh ), which you can get to with a ferry from Kennacraig.

It certainly is possible to rent your own car and get out to Islay, but expenses will quickly mount up. The car rental, fuel, ferry costs, accommodations, etc. aren’t cheap these days. As such, a much better option would be to take a bus tour. And I think the best Islay tour is with Highland Explorer.

If you’d like to book your tour , you can use booking code SKYETRAVELS10 to get a 10% discount.

Islay Whisky Distilleries

Currently, there are nine Islay distilleries – ten if you count Port Ellen which closed in 1983 but will re-open later in 2023. There are also two more distilleries scheduled to open in the near future, bringing the total up to twelve.

As part of our Islay Whisky and Music Festival Tour, we visited seven of the nine distilleries. For Fèis Ìle, or Islay Festival, each of the nine distilleries has an open day over nine days. As we were only on the island for three nights and two full days, we only made it to two of the open days (we missed the Bowmore open day by minutes), but we visited another five distilleries to see how they compared.

The only two distilleries we missed were Ardnahoe – Islay’s newest distillery (I don’t think they have any bottles for sale yet) and Caol Ila (pronounced cull-eeluh) – Islay’s largest distillery. After all, there’s only so much you can do in two days.

The first distillery we visited was Ardbeg, at the end of the Three Distilleries Walk. That’s a path from Port Ellen which passes through Laphroig, Lagavulin, and Ardbeg. At the distillery, we received a full tour of the operations and got to sample three different Ardbeg whiskies. Annoyingly, I didn’t get the names of all three, but the last was called Uigeadail, which won best whisky in 2021. All three were quite smooth and a little sweet, which was rather different than others we tried on the tour.

We learned some interesting facts on the tour about how Ardbeg stands out from other distilleries. After all, as of this writing, there are 143 whisky distilleries in Scotland, all trying to do something different, but also working together with blended whiskies. One thing that’s unique about Ardbeg is that it’s owned by Glenmorangie, which in turn is owned by LVMH (Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy). In other words, the owners of Louis Vuitton also own this distillery.

I was particularly interested in visiting Ardbeg, as one of the stops I go to on the food tour I give in Edinburgh – The Whiski Rooms – is an Ardbeg Embassy. So I finally got a bit of reality on the distillery and its whiskies.

Lagavulin has been around since 1816, and now is part of Diageo. Diageo has 132 sites around the world, including Caol Ila on Islay, Talisker on the Isle of Skye, Johnnie Walker, and, of course, Guinness beer in Ireland.

As the distillation process is basically the same from one distillery to the next, we didn’t do a tour of the facilities. Instead, we went into the beautiful tasting room where and learned about their different expressions. This was the only distillery that didn’t provide a free sample, although a couple guests on the tour purchased a sample of a rare bottle.

This is the southernmost distillery on Islay, at least until the Port Ellen distillery reopens later this year. Laphroaig is a bit different from the other distilleries in the way it smokes peat over the malted barley to create a heavily peated whisky. Oddly, I found many distilleries are a bit secretive about how long they smoke peat over the barley, but Laphroaig says it’s over 17 hours per batch.

Kilchoman (pronounced kil-ho-man ) is the only independent distillery on Islay. We arrived for their open day full of activities. With a bagpipe rock band playing in the background, we toured around the distillery sampling three different bottles, all of which were surprisingly nice. There was a large room with barley on the ground we could practice raking and evening out, and a photo spot with Cask #1 from 2005 when they opened.

My one regret was the regular cafe with their world-famous Cullen skink was closed and they had a separate food stand set up, which ran out of food just before we arrived. But the showroom was also really nice (bigger than any other distillery), and I liked learning how they keep their entire production on Islay, using barley from the nearby farms.

We just missed the Bowmore open day the evening we arrived, but I’m glad we returned later on for a quick visit. The Bowmore 12 turned out to be one of my favorite whiskies on Islay. It was super smooth and had virtually no burn at the back of the throat. All the flavor was at the tip of my tongue, which is my favorite kind of whisky.

The tasting room at Bowmore was also beautiful, with a fantastic view overlooking the bay. Technically every distillery on Islay (except for Kilchoman) overlooks a bay, but the open floor plan, historical information displays about the distillery, and great samples really stood out.

Bruichladdich

Bruichladdich (pronounced  brew-ick-la-dee ) was our first distillery stop on day two after we went to the American Monument. This distillery has four main brands – Bruichladdich, Port Charlotte and Octomore whiskies, and The Botanist gin. Each brand is quite different. Bruichladdich is one of the only non-peated whiskies from Islay, and Octomore is one of the most peated.

The Botanist is an incredible gin (more to my liking than the whisky) with over 30 botanicals added, more than 20 of which are locally foraged on Islay. Vanesa also loved the Octomore 13.4, a whisky only available at the distillery and with a peat level of 180 parts per million. We got a little of both to take home with us, but the £200 bottle was slightly out of our budget.

Bunnahabhain

Our final distillery was Bunnahabhain (pronounced bu-na-ha-vin ) for their open day. This is the northernmost distillery on Islay, located across the straight from the Isle of Jura. There were several activities, most of which had to be purchased. We missed out on the whisky workshop and chose not to go on a boat tour, exploring the distillery instead.

The Bunnahabhain Distillery is unique on Islay in that it isn’t peated (like the one brand at Bruichladdich). The flavor was surprisingly smooth. Unfortunately, after a couple dozen samples in two days, I was getting a little full of whisky. But I would have still loved to do that whisky workshop.

Other Attractions on the Islay Whisky Tour

While our Islay tour was focused on the distilleries, we had several other stops, particularly on the drive out to Islay and then on the way back. Many of the stops were places I’d never seen in all my other trips and tours around Scotland. As I keep saying, there’s just so much to see and do in this country.

Our first stop was the quaint village of Luss on the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond. I’ve passed by on the highway countless times but never actually stopped in the village, which only has a population of about 450. It’s your quintessential Scottish village with beautiful little cottages, an ancient church, a pier for boat trips, and a handful of cafes and a pub for snacks or a meal.

Inveraray feels more like a small town than a village, even though population-wise it’s almost as small as Luss. The difference is the establishments set up for tourists, and the stunning castle built on the outskirts of the town. This was the lunch stop of the tour. We’d heard about the world-famous Loch Fyne oysters served at the pubs, but we chose a traditional Scottish Breakfast for lunch at Brambles of Inveraray instead.

I would have loved to visit the castle, but we were in a rush to catch the ferry as the later departure had been canceled and we had to catch the earlier sailing. At least I had time to get a bit of drone footage.

American Monument

This is quite a unique site on Islay. In 1918, over 500 US servicemen lost their lives when two military vessels sank at sea, one from a German torpedo and the other from a collision with another ship in a thick fog. The monument is like a windmill without sails, looking out to sea. These were just two of the countless ships that sank around the perilous Western Isles of Scotland over the centuries.

After visiting Kilchoman on the second day, we went to the end of the single-track road to Machir Bay, a beautiful beach on the Atlantic Ocean. Everyone else went for the view, but I couldn’t help myself. I stripped down to my small clothes to go for a plunge in the waves. At least I had a towel with me.

Dunadd Fort

After a quick breakfast stop at Lochgilphead on the fourth and final day of our tour, we had a stop at Dunadd Fort. A fort was built at this site 2,000 years ago and was used until the mid-16th century by Gaelic kings. Historic Environment Scotland did a great job setting up information displays across the site, which is open year-round and free to visit.

Nether Largie Standing Stones

These standing stones make Dunadd Fort seem new. They were erected around 5,000 years ago, although the purpose of them is still hotly contested. I loved feeling the millennia of history here. If you’re an Outlander fan (as Vanesa is) or a lover of history, this is a great stop.

This is one of the best towns in western Scotland, and our lunch stop on the last day. There are plenty of places to go for lunch, but I think the best is the Oban Seafood Hut across from the ferry terminal. Some of the freshest seafood and also really good prices (the best combination). Just be prepared for a long line when you go.

If you have more time, you can climb to the top of the hill to see McCaig’s Tower, which looks like a mini Colosseum. My 5-Day Highlands Tour with Haggis Adventures also stopped in Oban and I have a full description of the town in that article.

Our final stop on our tour was in Glencoe, one of the most beautiful valleys in the UK. Nearly every tour passes through Glencoe and for good reason. The scenery is stunning. As usual, we only stopped for a few minutes for some photos. Someday I need to visit there for a few hours and hike up to the top of the trails.

Meals and Accommodations on the Islay Tour

The highlight of our Islay tour was certainly the distilleries, followed by the other attractions and sites, but room and board are also important. We had some great meals on our trip, plus all three nights at the same hotel in Port Ellen on Islay.

No. 1 Charlotte Street

Unlike any other tour I’ve had in Scotland, every night of our tour of Islay was spent at the same hotel – No. 1 Charlotte in Port Ellen. This is where the ferry should have arrived and departed from, but the fleet was minimized on our tour and we had to use Port Askaig at the top of the island instead.

The room was small but very comfortable. We slept like babes in the bed (or maybe that was the whisky). As with many old buildings in Scotland, the thick stone walls made our room completely soundproof, even with a bar downstairs. We had a lovely view of the bay, but the best part was the breakfast in the morning. A nice continental breakfast was laid out for us, and we had a form to fill out for a hot Scottish breakfast as well. In short, we were well fed before our whisky tastings.

On our first night, we went to Bowmore for dinner. We had a dinner booked at the Bowmore Hotel the following night so we searched for another option. That was the same day that Bowmore Distillery had its open day and the village was packed, but we managed to get some takeaway pizzas from Peatzeria to eat out on the pier. The pizzas were surprisingly good – more American style than Italian – and quite large. If you’re looking for some comfort food on Islay, this is your stop.

Bowmore Hotel

The following night, we had a very nice, three-course dinner at the Bowmore Hotel. I had a proper Scottish burger topped with black pudding and caramelized onions. But the highlight of the Bowmore Hotel was the whisky selection. The menu was several dozen pages long! If there’s any rare whisky you’ll looking to try, you’ll probably be able to find it at the Bowmore Hotel.

Bridgend Hotel

Our final meal on Islay was at the Bridgend Hotel, a finalist as Scotland’s Best Country Hotel in 2023. The meal was certainly on par with the award. You can usually get the best seafood in the coastal towns and islands in Scotland, and the fish and chips here were perfect. Yet still no Cullen skink. That’s for the next time I’m at Kilchoman.

Why Highland Explorer Has the Best Islay Tour

Renting a car to get to the Isle of Islay is always an option. It gives you the freedom of going where you want, when you want. On the other hand, having a tour guide makes all the difference, and Rich was incredible as a guide. He was a wealth of information, both historical facts and personal anecdotes, and made our Islay tour so much more fun.

Taking a tour with Highland Explorer is also far more economical. Except in a few circumstances, you will always get a better deal on a tour than paying for everything separately. The car rental, fuel, ferry tickets, accommodations, and some entrance fees really start to add up. Lastly, taking a tour takes the headache out of the planning, and you can just sit back and enjoy the experience.

While my tour was special for Fèis Ìle , the Islay Whisky Festival, Highland Explorer has other Islay tour packages . In 2023, there is a tour coming up on September 15th. The tours include everything I’ve detailed above, barring some change in circumstances if something isn’t available. The Islay tour price is variable, so check the website for the current information.

Further Reading

Looking for another tour of Scotland? Here are some other tours to consider with Haggis Adventures:

• My Amazing Week on the Hebridean Hopper with Haggis Adventures
• The Perfect 5-Day Highlands Tour with Haggis Adventures
• An Honest Review of the Whisky, Warriors and Waterfalls Tour with Haggis Adventures

Hi, I'm Skye. Writer, photographer, adventurer, foodie, teacher, masseur, friend, dreamer, etc. I think "normal" sucks. Let's aim for extraordinary. SkyeTravels seeks to find the good around the world, focusing on adventures, food and wellness. Be inspired. Be yourself.

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Islay & The West Coast Whisky Trail

This island-hopping whisky tour blends incredible scenery with unforgettable wildlife and wonderful single malt whisky for a truly unforgettable holiday in the islands of Scotland. Explore the natural beauty of the West Coast on this self-drive tour.

Click here to find out more about our Islay & The West Coast Whisky Trail self-drive tour.

Selected highlights:

• Experience the beautiful Isle of Arran and sample The Arran Malt
• Explore the world-famous distilleries on Islay, including Laphroaig, Ardbeg & Lagavullin
• Visit Tobermory Distillery on the Isle of Mull

Established in Scotland in 2004, Absolute Escapes is an award-winning specialist in self-drive tours of Scotland. Our exceptional reputation has developed through a deep passion and knowledge of Scotland - we firmly believe that your visit should be truly unforgettable.

Our self-drive tours offer complete freedom of choice. The itineraries and accommodation on our website is designed to give you a flavour of what is possible and can be tailored to suit your preferences. This allows you to explore your interests at your own pace, and stay in your preferred style of accommodation - with our specialists' knowledge always at your disposal.

Fair Prices

While many travel companies like to promote low prices, we believe that value for money is more important. This translates into charging a fair price for your holiday - whether staying in simple guest houses or luxurious hotels - and not compromising on quality. We want you to travel with us again and know that you will not do this if you feel that you paid too much for your arrangements.

Creating Your Perfect Trip

If you would like us to contact you with a proposal for your tailor-made holiday in Scotland, please get in touch with us via the following methods. Our holiday suggestions are individually designed to suit your personal requirements, so the more detail you can provide us with, the better.

Complete our Online Enquiry Form

Email us at [email protected]

Phone us on +44 (0) 131 610 1210

Price on Request

Departure days.

• W Wednesday

January — December

Contact details

• +44 (0131) 6101210
• View tour details
• [email protected]

Tour information

• Aberdeen Airport
• Edinburgh & The Lothians
• Edinburgh - City Centre
• Edinburgh Airport
• Glasgow Airport
• Glasgow City Centre
• Greater Glasgow & The Clyde Valley
• Inverness Airport
• Loch Lomond Area
• Loch Lomond, The Trossachs, Stirling & Forth Valley
• Stirling Area

Tour company information

Absolute escapes.

Absolute Escapes is a leading specialist in self-guided walking holidays and tailor-made travel to Scotland. We offer self-guided walking holidays on some of the finest long-distance trails in Scotland, including the West Highland Way, Great Glen Way, Speyside Way, and Skye Trail. We also specialise in tailor-made travel to Scotland including self-drive itineraries and escorted tours. We customise all of our itineraries to your exact requirements based on our experience and intimate knowledge of Scotland.

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Opening times

Our office is open Monday to Friday from 10.00 to 17.00.

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Islay & the Whisky Coast 4 day tour

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Savour the distilled essence of Scotland’s fine landscapes and exquisite whisky on this delectable tour.

Tour Highlights

Bruichladdich Distillery - This rebellious distillery reopened in 2001 and set out to challenge industry norms while making great whisky.

Bowmore Distillery* - Journey to the home of Islay’s oldest distillery, this charming place lies on the shores of the picturesque Loch Indaal.

Ardbeg Distillery* -  “as close to perfection as makes no difference" sums up the reputation of this respected distillery.

Laphroaig Distillery* -  200 year old whisky distiller is a favourite with the British royal family and bears the seal of the Prince of Wales to prove it.

Kilchoman Distillery - From barley to bottle, this is the only farm distillery on Islay bringing a revival to traditional farm distilling techniques.

Lagavulin Distillery - Enjoy a stop at Lagavulin Distillery where you can pick up some of their rich and smoky whisky.

Inveraray  Explore the fabulous home town of the Duke of Argyll's ancestral castle.

Oban* - This Victorian harbour town offers excellent seafood.

Your journey

You may know a thing or two about whisky.

Like how taxes forced distillers to produce whisky at night, or how the Scots once called it the ‘water of life’.

But even if you’re knowledgeable about whisky, you’re going to learn a lot more on this four day whisky tour .

You discover the smoky flavours of Islay’s single malt whiskies, explore the historic sights of Islay, and spend your time trading notes with fellow whisky lovers.

So join this tour, explore distilleries without having to drive, and enhance your knowledge of whisky, Scotland , and Islay, ‘Queen of the Hebrides’.

Tour Details

Students, and seniors over 60

• Pack your waterproof clothing and walking shoes
• Unfortunately we don't carry anyone under 18 years old on this tour
• Access to distillery production areas may not be possible
• Some distilleries offer tutored tastings instead of tours
• Distilleries may be substituted
• Some attraction tickets can be purchased in advance when you book your tour. You’ll have the option to add at check-out. Other attractions will not be available to book beforehand, instead you can purchase those while on tour.
• All ferry and bridge crossings
• Transport in a 16 seat Mercedes mini-coach
• Air conditioning as standard
• The stories and services of an English-speaking driver-guide
• Tour accommodation
• Attraction entry tickets
• Sample the sights and seafood of Oban*
• Venture through the legends and landmarks of the Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park
• Explore Scotland’s ancient past in Kilmartin Glen

You escape the city of Edinburgh and head straight for the Highlands. Your first stop of the day is in the Trossachs National Park. Here, you can admire Scotland’s scenic beauty and enjoy some local delicacies.

Your driver-guide may regale you with tales from Scottish folklore as you travel through the mountainous landscapes of the Western Highlands to Oban*.

This port town was once the strategic heartland of great feuding clans. But today, Oban is famous for seafood sourced fresh off the boats. It also boasts its own distillery where you can sample whisky that’s been perfected for 200 years. Here, you will have time to enjoy a dram and indulge in delicious local seafood for lunch.

You then venture through the Kilmartin Glen where you see standing stones and strongholds that are over 1,500 years old.

At Kennacraig, you catch the evening ferry to Islay. The sail is around two hours; and if you peek out to the ocean, you may see the Paps of Jura. These mountains mark the way to Islay, Queen of the Hebrides.

Once you’ve arrived on the island, you settle into your accommodation in Bowmore.

*Please note that due to a change with the sailing schedule imposed by Caledonian MacBrayne, tours departing on the following dates (June 21st, June 28th, July 5th, July 19th, July 26th), will no longer be able to visit Oban on day one of the tour, instead they will spend more time on Islay. You will have approximately 2 hours extra on Islay and you will instead visit Oban on day four of the tour. We apologise for the inconvenience.  

• Sample Scotland’s most heavily-peated whiskies
• Admire Islay’s rugged coastline
• Explore the town of Bowmore

We know whisky tasting can be hard work, so you begin the day with a little sleep in.

After you’ve had an ample amount of breakfast, you enjoy a tour of Bowmore Distillery*, one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland. You have time for a tour and a whisky tasting here before you continue exploring the island.

Next, your driver-guide takes you to Kilchoman Distillery for a tour and a lunch of local treats. Kilchoman is known as Islay's only Single Farm Single Match Scotch Whisky, reviving traditional farm distilling of barley to bottle, making their whisky 100% Islay.

After trying local larder, you travel through the beautiful countryside to the third distillery of the day. On Thursday and Saturday, you visit Bruichladdich, the progressive distillery specialising in unpeated whisky. On Tuesday, you taste the unpeated and salty notes of Bunnahabhain in the most remote distillery on Islay.

You head back to Bowmore where you can either stumble back to your room for the night or relax and explore the village.

*Please note that Bowmore Distillery is observing their Silent Season between 11th July and 12th August 2024. Guests will be offered a digital tour instead, with a cask tasting experience in the warehouse. 

• Discover the Island’s ancient religious past
• Taste the most famous whiskies of the island

Today you explore the southern side of the island, home to a few of the most famous whiskies in all of Scotland: Laphroaig, Lagavulin, and Ardbeg*.

After you’ve made it out of bed and eaten your breakfast, you visit Ardbeg*. You stay here for a tour, tasting, and lunch*. The restaurant here is a beautiful place to relax and enjoy fine Scottish produce as you sip upon delightful drams.

You then visit Laphroaig**. This 200-year-old whisky distiller is a favourite with the British royal family and bears the seal of the Prince of Wales to prove it.

Throughout the day, your driver-guide takes you to historical spots such as the ruins of Kildalton church and Dunyvaig Castle. And you can also stop at Lagavulin for some intensively flavoured, rich and smoky whisky.

You return to Bowmore for your last evening of the trip.  

*Please note that if your tour departs before 1st May, your lunch today will be at Ardbeg Distillery. However, if your tour departs after 1st May 2024, lunch will be either at an outdoor food truck at Ardbeg (weather dependent) or in Port Ellen. 

*Please note that Ardbeg Distillery is observing their Silent Season between 10th June and 8th July 2024. Guests will be offered a more in-depth tasting with a guide from the distillery, who will discuss the history of the distillery and the process. 

**Please note that Laphroaig Distillery will be observing their Silent Season from 13th July to 5th August 2024. Guests will be offered a walk around the Laphroaig Museum, and a sensory tasting in the bar with several drams.   

• Get a sense of the old history of Inveraray
• Wander along the banks of Loch Lomond

This morning, you take the ferry back to the mainland and replace the intoxicating fumes of whisky with the replenishing fresh air of Scotland’s West Highlands.

You travel through coastal scenery to the beautiful village of Inveraray on the banks of Loch Fyne. The town is adorned with historic buildings, old boats, and a great whisky shop.

Your trip continues to Loch Lomond where you have a chance to admire Great Britain’s largest body of water by surface area.

You arrive in Edinburgh in the early evening. 

*Itinerary and distillery visits are subject to change.

Attractions

Tour Attractions

You are able to pre-purchase entrance tickets to the following attractions at the time of booking:

• Ardbeg Distillery
• Kilchoman Distillery
• Laphroaig Distillery
• Bowmore Distillery

Other attractions may be booked and paid locally during the tour.

Accommodation

Where does this tour stay overnight.

On the tour departing on Monday and Friday, we reserve rooms in the beautiful Bowmore Distillery Cottages.

The cottages have between three and six twin bedrooms. Due to the shared nature of the accommodation, individual bedrooms don't have lockable doors.

The kitchen and lounge facilities are shared with other passengers, and basic self-service breakfast ingredients are provided. Full Scottish breakfasts are available at the nearby hotels if you prefer, payable locally.

Prices are as follows:

• March to May  - £72.50 per person per night for Twin Share, and £125.00 per night for Single Occupancy.
• June to September  - £82.50 per person per night for Twin Share, and £145.00 per night for Single Occupancy.
• October  - £72.50 per person per night for Twin Share, and £125.00 per night for Single Occupancy.

Family Rooms are limited at Bowmore Cottages. Groups of 3 or more may need to stay in 2 or more rooms. Please budget accordingly.   For this option, please select 'B&B en-suite' as your first choice when booking the tour online. When these rooms are full, we book you into a nearby B&B. Rooms at the cottages are limited and are reserved on a first come first served basis. Local B&B charges are £40 - 60 per person per night based on shared accommodation for a standard room (shared bathroom). 

On the tours departing on Wednesdays , we reserve rooms in the 3* Lochside Hotel. Prices are between £90.00 - £120.00 per person per night for Double or Twin Occupancy and between £160.00 - £240.00 per night for single occupancy. For this option, please select three star hotel as your first choice when booking.

We contact you afterwards to arrange payment for the accommodation.

If you would prefer to book your own accommodation, please see information on how to do this under the ‘Accommodation’ tab on FAQ page HERE .

Alternatively, please email us your questions at [email protected] or call us on +44(0)131 226 3133.

Do you offer hotel pickups in the departure cities?

The UK and Ireland's historic city centres are full of narrow streets and winding roads. So, to speed up your departure, we only pick up from our central meeting points. What's more is leaving the city using the most direct route also reduces the carbon footprint of our tours.

Is there parking close to the departure point?

We don't recommend bringing your car into the centre of our departure cities. It can be hard to find parking, and there are excellent public transportation services.

When should I get to the departure point?

Arrive 15 minutes before your departure time. Due to waiting restrictions, we can't wait for you if you're late.

What happens if I'm late or miss the tour?

If you're late for your tour, our cancellation policy applies. 100% charges are applicable, and you will not be entitled to a refund or alternative.

What are your cancellation policies?

For one-day tours: You'll receive a full refund if you cancel 24 hours or more before the tour departure

For tours of between two and nine days: You'll receive a 90% refund if you cancel 15 or more days before the tour departure

For tours of 10 or more days: You'll receive a 90% refund if you cancel 21 or more days before the tour departure

For all European packaged tours: You'll receive a 90% refund if you cancel 42 days before the tour departure.

If you cancel inside these notice periods, full charges will apply and no refunds will be issued.

To cancel your booking, email [email protected] as soon as possible. The effective date of cancellation will be the date we receive written confirmation from you.

Click here to view terms and conditions

Can Itineraries change?

Your tour will always follow the itinerary as closely as possible. Your driver-guide will keep you up to date on the road, and we'll try to get in touch about any large changes prior to your departure.

Can I pre-book a specific seat?

Due to logistical reasons, we're unable to let you pre-book a seat on the bus. But our comfortable 16-seat mini-coaches have huge windows. So, you'll always get a good view.

Are there toilets on the bus?

Unfortunately, we have no on-board toilet facilities, but you'll have regular comfort breaks.

How do you cater for people with accessibility needs?

We aim to accommodate everyone. To read more information on how we do this, click here to go to our accessibility guide.

Do you take children on your tours?

We regret we don't carry children under the age of five on our scheduled tours.

You can ask us about the tours we recommend for younger children. And if your child is less than 1.35m tall, you should let us know, so we can provide them with a suitable booster seat.

How much time do I get off the bus?

We want you to enjoy Britain and Ireland. And we believe the best way to do this is to get you off the mini-coach and out exploring. So, we give you plenty of time to take photos, go walking, and explore ancient ruins.

Why do you exclude visitor attractions?

We exclude visitor attractions in your tour price because it lets you travel your way. It means you can pamper yourself with a luxury lunch or skip an attraction whenever you feel like it.

Do we need to bring our own lunch?

You don't need to. We stop in small towns, villages, and rural eateries where you can choose whatever meal pleases both your taste buds and your budget.

Should I tip the driver-guide?

Let's be honest, our driver-guides would never refuse a cheeky bonus. But it's up to you, and the amount is entirely at your discretion.

What about travel insurance?

We advise you take out travel insurance.

What is ABTOT?

You're protected by ABTOT when you chose to let us reserve your accommodation on a multi-day tour. This means you can claim back anything you've paid us if we become bankrupt. Read our terms and conditions for more information.

I have more questions, who can help me?

If you have any more questions, call us on +44(0)131 226 3133, email [email protected] , or check out our full FAQs .

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Welcome to Epic Travel Plans!

Epic Travel Plans

Destinations that will leave you Breathless. Plans to make it happen

ISLAY Whisky Distillery Tours + Map: Visit ALL 9

Interested in Islay whisky distillery tours? With 9 working distilleries – all with unique seasons, hours and tours – it’s a bit tricky to plan an efficient trip to tour them all. Here’s everything you need in one place: a helpful table with 2020 visitor information, distillery summaries and suggested itineraries to plan that amazing trip.

Interested in visiting other scotch whisky distilleries? Check out SPEYSIDE Whisky Distilleries: 16 to Visit and Why .

Islay is certainly well known for its smoky peated whisky. Many of its single malts are sought-after around the world, and many are prominent in famous blends like Johnny Walker. Islay also has experimental whiskies, a farm-to-scotch distillery, and a brand-new modern distillery. It’s a fun time for Islay whisky distillery tours!

Now, visiting Islay was my husband’s pick. But Islay stole my heart. Its rugged hills, covered in sheep and shaggy highland cows. Achingly beautiful shorelines lined with proud white-washed warehouses. 

And that peated whisky. Just like the locals, Islay’s scotch whisky warms you through and through, right to your soul. (I suggest sipping it. Slowly.)

• MAP: Islay Whisky Distilleries, Sights and Accommodations  
• TABLE: Islay Whisky Distillery Tours & Visitor Information
• SOUTH Islay Whisky Distilleries: Laphroaig, Lagavulin and Ardbeg

CENTRAL Islay Whisky Distillery: Bowmore

• NORTH Islay Whisky Distilleries: Coal Ila, Ardnahoe and Bunnahabhain

WEST Islay Whisky Distilleries: Bruichladdich and Kilchoman

• BONUS: Isle of Jura Distillery and Port Ellen Re-Opening

Summary and Resources

But first … 

This post may contain affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!

TIPS to tour all 9 Islay whisky distilleries:

• Book tours/tastings in advance . All Islay (and Jura) whisky distilleries have interesting special tours. Pick your favorites and plan your trip around them. Note: children aren’t allowed into production areas, and some distilleries don’t allow them on tours at all. 
• Best time to visit Islay is May to early July, during the week. In spring/early summer, Islay whisky distilleries are open more days and offer more variety of tours. Plus, the weather is sunniest and warmest. From mid-July to mid-August, some Islay distilleries close for maintenance and have reduced tour options. Also, many special tours are only offered on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
• Feis Ile/Islay Festival (last week of May): D istillery tours will change during this annual festival . If visiting during this week, check schedules in late March.
• Flights from Glasgow to Islay (via Loganair): You typically have two daily options during weekdays (arriving by 9am or 6pm) and one daily on the weekend (arriving by 9am on Saturday or 4pm on Sunday). Flights depart shortly after these arrive.
• Islay is a small island. No two distilleries are more than a 45-minute drive from each other. Bowmore is central, and the airport is about 10 minutes south of Bowmore.
• Designate a driver. Scotland has lower legal blood alcohol levels for drivers compared to other areas of the UK and the US (at .05%). So, designate a driver, use Islay’s bus system, or hire a friendly taxi to take you around. Visitor centers often give DDs a 50mL miniature to enjoy later.

MAP: Islay Whisky Distilleries, Sights and Recommended Accommodations

Get a sense of where everything is with this Islay whisky distilleries map. It includes key tourist sights and accommodations to check out.

TABLE: Islay Whisky Distillery Tours – Visitor Information

*Note: Children are generally not allowed in production areas; check details before you book.

SOUTH Islay Whisky Distilleries: Laphroaig, Lagavulin & Ardbeg  

Let’s start in south Islay, as these Islay whisky distilleries are closest to the airport and likely among your must-do tours.

The Laphroaig, Lagavulin and Ardbeg distilleries are collectively known as the Kildalton Distilleries and within 5 minutes of each other. From April through October, these three Islay whisky distilleries are open 7 days a week. They also offer some very interesting tours, like a bog walk, chocolate pairing, and a hike and picnic to their water source.

About 15 minutes up the road from Ardbeg is the pretty Claggain Bay. Along the way, stop at the Kildalton Church and Cross (the oldest Celtic cross in all of Scotland).

On your way back to central Islay, stop at Mull of Oa. Drive the rugged road to the end (don’t be deterred by the single-track road that leads to the car park!). Then, make the easy 15-minute hike to the American Monument tribute to WWI sailors. Breathe in the fresh salty air and rugged cliff views.  

Suggested itinerary for South Islay whisky distillery tours:

• 10am distillers wares tour at Laphroaig (2hrs)
• Lunch and 2pm table tasting at Ardbeg
• 3pm sister whisky and chocolate tasting at Lagavulin (1hr)
• Tour Claggain Bay, Kildalton Church and Cross, and Mull of Oa

Laphroaig Distillery

Founded in 1815, Laphroaig Distillery (pronounced laFROIG) is now Islay’s best-selling scotch whisky. Its style has evolved over the years from fruity to tobacco. 

Laphroaig Distillery has a small but welcoming visitor’s center, tasting bar and museum. Its website is laphroaig.com .

Interesting special tours at Laphroaig Distillery include:

• 4.5-hour malt, maturation and memories tour (maximum 8 people; distillery tour, tasting, bottling, hike and picnic lunch; £130), offered at 11:30am.

Lagavulin Distillery

Lagavulin Distillery (pronounced lagaVOOlin) was founded in 1816 as a direct rival to its neighbor, Laphroaig. Lagavulin’s distillation process makes a “rich and meaty” spirit, by running its stills very full (reducing contact with the copper) and with a slow distillation.

Check out Lagavulin Distillery’s virtual tour by Google Street View, below! Just imagine sipping a dram in one of their comfy lounge chairs (located behind the storefront; it’s truly as cozy as it looks). Explore the grounds, still house and one of the warehouses (it’s a treasure hunt looking for open doors). For more information on touring Lagavulin Distillery, visit malts.com .

Interesting special tours at Lagavulin Distillery include:

• 1-hour sister whisky and chocolate tasting, offered Monday-Saturday at 3pm.
• 1-hour sensory experience with tasting kit (5 whisky samples and 7 aromas/flavours), offered Tuesdays/Thursdays at 1:30pm and Saturdays at 10:30am.

Ardbeg Distillery

Ardbeg Distillery opened in 1815 and is famed for being one of Islay’s most heavily peated whiskies. After closures in the 1980s-90s, The Glenmorangie Company bought Ardbeg in 1997. Ardbeg continues to produce the heavily peated whisky it’s famous for.

Ardbeg Distillery provides a very personal-style of tour with many options, depending on the season. Its cafe is a great place to grab a bite to eat, and we really enjoyed the table tastings, available between 10am-noon/2-4pm.

Now you can stay right at Ardbeg! Formerly the manager’s house, up to 6 adults can stay in this renovated Seaview Cottage on Ardbeg grounds. 

Shut-down for scheduled maintenance is in December and January ; if coming during this time, check in advance on what’s available. Details are on ardbeg.com .

Interesting special tours at Ardbeg Distillery include:

• 3-hour bog walk (includes picnic lunch; £65), offered Wednesdays at 11am.
• 1.5-hour bus top tour (bus, tastings and chocolate; £65), offered Fridays at 5:30pm.
• 1-hour C6H5OH smokin’ tasting (to learn about smoke; £35), offered Monday-Friday at 11:30am (spring/fall only).
• Table tastings at the cafe, offered 10-noon and 2-4pm.

Bowmore Distillery is the only distillery in central Islay and is located right in Bowmore. Founded in 1779, Bowmore is Islay’s first recorded distillery and second best-selling whisky.

Bowmore Distillery is one of the few distilleries in Scotland that malts some of its own barley and matures a lot of its whisky on Islay … including in the famous No. 1 Vaults that are below sea level. Its whiskies have a fruity character with light smokiness, plus a 1980s expression that’s floral.

Chances are, you’ll have to compromise one of the other suggested itineraries to tour Bowmore. This popular distillery’s 1-hour main tour and 3-hour vaults tour (weekdays only) are offered mid-morning and mid-afternoon, so you could start or end another itinerary at Bowmore. 

You can stay right on the Bowmore grounds in their very comfortable cabins. Once home to distillery workers, these cottages are now spacious and cozy 1-bedroom to 4-bedroom accommodations.

Shut-down for regular maintenance at Bowmore Distillery is mid-July to mid-August , but special tours are still available. For details, visit bowmore.com .

Interesting special tours of Bowmore Distillery include:

• 5-hour laggan, lade and legendary no.1 vaults tour (hike to water source, lunch and in-depth tour; £130), offered on specific Wednesdays/Fridays from March to September at 10:30am.

NORTH Islay Whisky Distilleries: Coal Ila, Ardnahoe & Bunnahabhain  

North Islay’s whisky distilleries are right along the Sound of Islay, with a rough rocky coastline and fantastic views of Jura. Be prepared to stop along the windy scenic road up to Bunnahabhain. On your way back to central Islay, take a 5-minute detour to visit the ruins along Loch Finlaggan, which was the seat of power for the Lords of the Isles. 

Suggested itinerary for North Islay whisky distillery tours:

• 9:30am express tour and 10am blending experience at Ardnahoe (2.5hrs), plus lunch
• 2pm maturation warehouse tasting at Bunnahabhain (1.5hrs)
• Coal Ila: Contact distillery for tour times of chocolate and whisky tasting (1hr)
• Jura: Consider the 3pm Wood, Casks and Whisky on Mon/Wed/Fri or 4pm Wee Look; give yourself about 30 minutes to get there
• Stop at Loch Finlaggan on your way back to central Islay

Coal Ila Distillery

Coal Ila Distillery (pronounced COOL-eelah) was founded in 1846 but has literally rebuilt itself a few times since then. Its “light and flinty style” comes from low fills in the stills. The distillery is located down a steep bank from the road, with very pretty views of the Sound of Islay towards the Isle of Jura.

Coal Ila is the largest producing distillery on Islay. It produces both peated and unpeated single malts, and is a key ingredient in Diageo’s blends (i.e. Johnnie Walker). But, if you’ve had a chance to taste a Coal Ila whisky, you know its single malts stand strong all on their own.

After being closed for construction over winter, Coal Ila is re-opening to visitors in 2020. Find more information at  malts.com .

Interesting special tours at Coal Ila Distillery include:

• 60-minute luxury chocolate and whisky tasting (5 expressions, including unpeated; £23); contact the distillery to reserve. 
• 90-minute cask strength tour (2 exclusive distillery-only releases and 3 from cask; £27); contact the distillery to reserve. 

Ardnahoe Distillery

The newest of Islay’s distilleries is Ardnahoe Distillery, which opened to the public in April 2019. By November 2019, Ardnahoe already welcomed 24,000 visitors and received Visit Scotland’s five-star grading (one of only two distilleries on Islay). First runs of distillation began in October 2018 and the first cask was filled in November 2018. 

Its restaurant, The Illicit Still, is open every day, but with reduced afternoon hours on Sunday. This distillery is fully accessible, and various tours and tastings are available depending on the season and day. For more details, visit ardnahoedistillery.com .

Interesting special tours at Ardnahoe Distillery include:

• 2-hour manager’s tour (in-depth tour with the distillery manager; £70), offered Tuesdays at 10am.
• 2-hour blending experience (tutored session on how to blend whisky; £95), offered weekdays at 10am.
• Tastings of whiskies from different regions, including a 1-hour (Monday-Saturday at 3pm; £70) and 90-minute (minimum 4 people, by appointment; £150).

Bunnahabhain Distillery

Bunnahabhain Distillery (pronounced boonaHAAven) is Islay’s most remote distillery. But, it’s at the end of a windy scenic road. This Islay whisky distillery was established in 1881, along with the nearby village of Bunnahabhain that was created for distillery workers. 

Bunnahabhain is best known for its unpeated whisky, but now has a well-received smoky whisky named Margadale. Learn more at bunnahabhain.com .

Interesting special tours of Bunnahabhain Distillery include:

• 90-minute maturation warehouse tour (New Make Spirit, then 3yo, 7yo, 12yo and 20yo tastings; £75), offered daily at 2pm.
• 90-minute ultimate Bunnahabhain tour (older whiskies, special releases and Warehouse 9 drams; £250), offered Tuesdays/Thursdays at 4:30pm or by appointment.
• Fill your own bottle from the cask at the visitor’s center.

From Bowmore, Bruichladdich is a 15-minute drive and Kilchoman a 25-minute drive. It’s about 15 minutes between Bruichladdich and Kilchoman distilleries. Kilchoman is tucked away on the west coast near Machir Bay, which is considered one of Britain’s best beaches and a fantastic spot to watch the sun set. But swimming isn’t advised because of the strong undercurrents.

South of Bruichladdich is Port Charlotte and Portnahaven, right at Islay’s southwest tip. It takes about 45 minutes to drive the loop back up to Port Charlotte. Give yourself time to stop at Portahaven’s An Tigh Seinnse (11 Queen St) and to watch the fishing boats. Another treat is making friends with the neighborhood sheep, horses and highland cows!

Suggested itinerary for West Islay whisky distillery tours:

• 11am in-depth tour at Kilchoman (2.5hrs), plus a quick bite at the cafe
• 2pm tour and 3pm tasting at Bruichladdich (1hr each)
• Port Charlotte loop with dinner at Portnahaven, and sunset at Machir Bay

Bruichladdich Distillery

Since it was founded in 1881, Bruichladdich Distillery (pronounced BROOìch-LADDich) has changed owners many times and has been closed many times. In 2000, it was reborn as a fiercely local and independent operation. Local barley is used when possible; all of its whisky matures on Islay; and, bottling is done on Islay. Bruichladdich uses the original 1881 mash tun, longer fermentation and slow distillation.

Considering how peaty a lot of Islay’s whiskies are, it’s kinda hilarious to read a Bruichladdich scotch described as “ridiculously smoky” and “testing the limits of the barley-peating process.” If this is what you’re looking for, it’s called Octomore! Details are at bruichladdich.com .

Interesting special tours of Bruichladdich Distillery include:

• 45-minute botanist tour (reclaimed whisky still to create Islay’s first dry gin), offered daily at 1pm. Combine this with a 1-hour cocktail-making class on Wednesdays/Saturdays at 2pm.

Kilchoman Distillery

Kilchoman Distillery was established in 2005 at Rockside Farm, and has a unique concept. Kilchoman grows its grain, malts it, uses it to make whisky, and even bottles much of it, too … Islay’s only farm-to-scotch distillery. Its farm doesn’t produce enough grain, so outside malt is used, too. BUT, unique to Kilchoman is its 100% Islay whisky.

Because of Kilchoman’s unique farm-to-scotch operation, it’s a terrific tour to take in. Consider the more in-depth 2-hour daily distillery tour at 11am (£35) or the special tour on Thursdays (details below). Its website is kilchomandistillery.com .

• 2.5-hour whisky and wilderness tour (farm and distillery tour; £35), offered April to September on Thursdays at 11am.

BONUS: Isle of Jura Distillery and Port Ellen Re-opening

Isle of jura distillery .

Isle of Jura Distillery originally opened in 1810 but, like so many Islay distilleries, closed for quite some time. It reopened in 1963 and produces a style similar to Highland scotches, with some experimental peated scotches from the 1990s. Jura is a rugged island, with 200 locals and plenty of roaming deer.

It’s easy to combine a trek up to Isle of Jura Distillery with your visit to North Islay’s distilleries. Catch the ferry from Port Askaig (just south of Coal Ila Distillery) over to Jura, then head over to Isle of Jura Distillery in Craighouse. It’s a 5-minute ferry ride (less than £30 return for car and 4 passengers) and a 15-minute drive up to Craighouse.

Visitor information for Isle of Jura Distillery:

• High season (Apr-Oct): Open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm; closed Sunday
• Low season (Nov-Mar): Open Monday to Friday from 10am to 4pm; closed Saturday and Sunday; daily and tasting tours only
• Tours: Daily at 11am, 2pm and 4pm (in winter, no 4pm); each day features either a tasting (10am) or special tour (3pm)

Note: Isle of Jura Distillery shuts down for summer maintenance from mid-July to mid-August ; if visiting during this time, connect with them on what’s available. Visit jurawhisky.com for details.

Port Ellen Distillery Re-opening

When this 1824 distillery closed its doors in 1983, its increasingly rare scotch whiskies became the most sought after in the world. And pricey. On thewhiskyexchange.com , the Port Ellen 1981 33 year old fetches and handsome £7000!

Port Ellen Distillery’s young spirits were rough. You were recommended to “put it down in a oner” and chase it with water to “put the fire out.” But, it matured into a highly-appreciated, complex peaty spirit. 

And soon, Port Ellen Distillery will be up and running again! In 2018, Diageo received approval to re-open Port Ellen Distillery. Plans include restoring original 1819 buildings and constructing a new still house, to retain Port Ellen’s character while enabling it to experiment. Port Ellen Distillery was originally slated to restart production in 2021. Although delayed, The Herald Scotland reports a new manager was hired to get production going in 2023.

Nine scotch distilleries on Islay … plus one on Jura. This is one delicious adventure!

I hope this has been helpful in planning your Islay whisky distillery tours. If at any time you feel a little whiskied-out, just pull over and start talking to the friendly island animals … they really are SO cute!

Here are some helpful resources in planning your Islay whisky distillery tours and Islay visit:

• Islay tourism: IslayInfo.com ,  VisitScotland.com and Islay.com distilleries  
• Whisky reviews: TheWhiskyExchange.com and ralfydotcom (YouTube)  
• LostDistillery.com: Its Isle of Islay page lists 14 lost distilleries, some with ruins you can visit
• TripAdvisor.com for reviews on activities and accommodations on Islay
• Booking.com for hotels: Lochside Hotel is in central Bowmore, warm and super friendly with delicious food right on the water.  Machrie Hotel & Golf Links is a 4-star golf and spa resort in southern Port Ellen, with onsite restaurant, bar and afternoon tea in the lounge. 
• Find pretty coastal hikes  in Islay on AllTrails .

For private guided tours of Islay whisky distilleries, check out:

• Custom private tours of Islay’s distilleries: Both Islay Whisky Tours (through Bowmore Taxi Service) and Islay Taxis offer customized private tours of Islay to hit your priority distilleries and other local sights.
• North Islay Whisky Tour (£125/person): Tastings, lunch and chocolate pairing (brilliant!) at North Islay’s 3 distilleries. Offered April to October on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. 

Remember to SHARE this post with your TRAVEL COMPANIONS!

Other posts you may be interested in:

• SPEYSIDE Scotch: 16 Whiskey Distilleries to Visit and Why  
• 36+ Fantastic Stops from LONDON to EDINBURGH  
• How to Survive AFTER a RED-EYE to LONDON with your Partner   (but these tips work with other travel companions, too)

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2-Day Self-Guided Islay Whisky Tour: Visit the Distilleries

If you’re a whisky fan, you’ve likely smelled the peaty, smoky whisky made exclusively on the Isle of Islay (pronounced eye-la). It’s the southernmost island of the  Inner Hebrides  of Scotland – the fifth-largest of the Scottish isles, and it’s known for its peaty whisky.

Islay is one of five areas in Scotland where whisky distilling takes place and is protected by law. There are nine distilleries on the island currently that you can visit on an Islay Whisky Tour.

The island is small, but it can still be challenging to envision the Islay distilleries map and make a plan for visiting them when it’s your first time. We spent hours putting together our itinerary and researching all the various options.

As always we wanted to share our itinerary with you, so you have everything you need to plan your trip, from transport to accommodations, so you can just focus on having a great time tasting authentic Scottish whisky.

On a 2-Day Islay distilleries tour that you put together your self, you can make it to six of the top distilleries. It’s a lot of whisky and a bit of driving, but each of the distilleries gives a take-away option so you can sample the whisky when the driving is done.

If you’re adding a few days to your Scotland itinerary to visit Islay, you can choose which of these distilleries sound fun and learn a bit about this tiny island that’s serious about its craft.

Best Affordable Luxury Hotel in Islay

Need to get your accommodations booked? We think the all-around best choice is the…

Machrie Hotel & Golf Link

» If you’re visiting Scotland , check out our 7-day itinerary that covers the west of Scotland and the Isle of Skye, or this week-long itinerary to the east. You’ll also love visiting Edinburgh .

Table of Contents

Should I Book an Islay Whisky Tour?

A group tour takes all of the planning off your shoulders. This is great for beginner travelers or those who want a more structured itinerary.

This private 4-Day Islay Whisky Tour from Edinburgh is perfect for true whisky enthusiasts. It will introduce you to many of Scotland’s top distilleries—including every distillery on Islay. Accommodation and transport are included in the cost and are a great way to take the planning off of you.

However, you don’t have to book Islay tours with a company to enjoy your tasting experience. Self-guided tours are a great way to explore the location on your own time, add stops, and get to know the locals a bit more.

You can hire a private driver to take you from location to location (best to ask your hotel for recommendation) or you can drive yourself around and keep the tasters for the end of the day.

How to Plan Self-Guided Islay Whisky Tours

It doesn’t matter what time of the year you visit. Tours of the distilleries are available throughout the year. However, in winter, some distilleries may only have a limited number of tours a month, so it’s best to check their websites ahead of time and make a booking to ensure you can get in.

We found that all of the tours filled up by the time we got there, so if we hadn’t made reservations in advance we wouldn’t have gotten in to any of them!

How to Get to Islay

No matter where you’re coming from, to get to Islay, you’ll need to take a ferry from Kennacraig. There are two ferry ports on the island, Port Ellen and Port Askaig. The ferry ride should take about two and a half hours.

The earliest ferry ride is at 7:00 from Kennacraig, with the last ones leaving Port Ellen at 12:45 and Port Askaig at 18:00. You can find the ferry timetable here . You can take your car on the ferry, but make a reservation early, especially in summer to guarantee a spot.

One more thing about the car ferry – it can break down. It does pretty often in fact. When we visited, we got on the ferry no problem, but the very next ferry broke down and no cars could be transported to the island for 2 days. This can dramatically affect your trip, so be prepared with a backup plan, if possible.

There are also daily flights from Glasgow that take about 45 minutes. You can also take a bus from Glasgow to the ferry port. This will leave you without a car on the island though, so you’ll need to look into rentaling on the island from Islay Car Hire Company .

How to Get Around Islay

We thought it would be possible to get a taxi to take us to the distilleries, but quickly found out there are only a few taxi drivers on the whole island. As there was a wedding going on that weekend, there were absolutely no taxis available.

We also tried to take the bus but found the schedule to be quite prohibitive, as well as how far it is to get to the distilleries from the bus stop. In my opinion, the best way to get around is to take your own car or rent a car on the island.

Here are the best ways to get around the island for your self-guided tour.

Islay Coaches is the island’s bus service and has two bus routes — bus 450 and 451. These are a great way to save a bit of cash if you’re not in a hurry. However, there are a few downsides.

Buses aren’t frequent and don’t run on Sundays. They run between 8 am to 5 pm as these are also the school buses in the area. The stops are not exactly convenient to the distilleries.

The easiest way to get around Islay is by car — whether you drive yourself or get a taxi. This is also needed for the distilleries in the north, as there are no bus routes.

If you take a taxi, you’ll have to book your ride well in advance (about a day or two) as cabs are few in this area. There are Ubers available on the island, but, like taxis not many, and since the signal can be poor, it’s best to book these ahead of time too.

Private Driver

If you’d like to visit these distilleries on your own time, consider getting a private driver instead. Not only will you be supporting local businesses and learning insights from locals, but you’ll also be eliminating the chance of driving under the influence.

The best way to find a private driver is to ask your hotel for recommendations or do a Google search.

It’s good to note that there is a walking trail that connects all of the south distilleries. If it’s nice enough outside, you should definitely consider walking it. We were hoping to take a taxi to Ardbeg and walk the way back to Port Ellen, but that didn’t work out since we couldn’t get a taxi. If you can though, give this a try.

It’s a 3-mile walking path that connects Ardbeg, Lagavulin, and Laphroaig, to Port Ellen. If you’re staying in or new Port Ellen, this is a fantastic way to spend a day. You walk right along the coast line on a very nice path. It’s gorgeous.

Self-Guided Whisky Tours in Islay

Day 1: south islay.

South Islay has the most popular distilleries on the island. I would suggest staying in a hotel in that area, like the Machrie Hotel , which is a 7-mile drive from Ardbeg.

Morning: Ardbeg Distillery

The earliest tour starts at 10:00, so you can have a leisurely morning and only start moving to the first location around 9:00.

Ardbeg Distillery sits along the crashing shore on Pier Road. Since its opening in 1815, this distillery has been through many trials and owners. In 1987, production even subsided to nothing. But, as you can see, it came out kicking to become the award-winning distillery it is today.

For that reason, it is worth visiting on this Islay distillery tour, don’t you think? There are a few variations of the distillery tour, with different tastings added. The most basic tour is the 10:00 ‘Tour And Wee Taste’ , which costs $15 (£12) and includes a tasting of a dram of whisky of your choice.

While there, you can also enjoy Ardberg cocktails or ‘rocktails’ for as little as $6 (£5). But it’s probably a good idea to have something in your stomach first. Luckily the Old Kiln Cafe is not too far away and serves sandwiches, soups, and home-baked goods between November and March.

From April to October, The Ardstream Trailer takes over and serves a selection of wood-burn pizzas, salads, and paninis.

Note: While tours still run in winter, they are reduced to Mondays and Fridays only.

Noon: Lagavulin Distillery

Not too far from Ardberg is Lagavulin Distillery. To get here by bus, you’ll need to take bus 451 from Farm Road End, Ardbeg, to the Lagavulin Distillery stop. It is less than a five-minute drive by car.

Like the previous distillery, Lagavulin also has a fascinating history. It started as an illegal still in the 18th century before officially opening in 1816. Since opening, the distillery has won several awards locally and internationally ( San Francisco loves them).

The Lagavulin Classic Tour starts at 13:00, so you can take your time at Ardbeg Distillery filling up on their treats. And, seeing as Lagavulin doesn’t have an eatery, it is recommended. The tour costs $27 (£22) and is about an hour and a half long.

On it, you’ll get to see the long process of how this award-winning whisky is made. You’ll also get an expert-guided tasting of a selection of whiskies, including a taste of the Distillery Exclusive bottling. Don’t forget your complimentary Lagavulin branded glass souvenir.

Note: Please arrive 15 minutes before your reservation.

Late Afternoon: Laphroaig Distillery

You can take bus 451 from Lagavulin to the Laphroaig Distillery or take the short three-minute drive. There are no restaurants on-site, so you’ll have to make a booking in Port Ellen for dinner.

Laphroaig Distillery is the oldest distillery on the itinerary for day one, opening in 1810. It was also illegitimate for a while before Scottish laws were relaxed. But, unlike the other distilleries in the area, this has the royal seal of approval.

After visiting in 1994, Prince Charles gave this whisky his Royal Warrant. He liked it so much that he visited again in 2008 for his 60th birthday celebration.

The Laphroaig Experience Tour starts at 14:30, which means you’ll have to either leave the previous tour a bit early or call ahead to say you’ll arrive about five minutes late. On the experience, you’ll get a peek into its secrets by walking through the floor maltings and museum. From there, you’ll get to pick a dram to taste and also get a few souvenirs.

This is the last distillery for the day and very near to Port Ellen, where you’ll most likely retreat for the night. Take bus 451 in the direction of Bowmore to get to the Charlotte Street stop, about a five-minute walk from your accommodation.

Day 2: North Islay

As mentioned, there aren’t many bus lines in the North of Islay. So, arranging a taxi beforehand or getting a private driver to take you around would be best.

Morning: Kilchoman Distillery

It should take a 36-minute drive from Port Ellen to Kilchoman Distillery. This tour starts at 10:00, so you can choose to eat breakfast at your hotel or look for a lovely eatery in town before making your way over.

However, there is a cafe if you’re feeling peckish around lunchtime. Kilchoman Distillery Cafe serves cakes, soups, paninis, and drinks with a drop of whisky. Don’t forget to try the Northern Scottish favorite of Cullen skink — a thick smoked haddock soup with potatoes and onions.

Kilchoman Distillery is a family-run business run by the Wills Family. They opened it in 2005 and have seen great success since. You can learn how they achieved this success by taking the one-hour Classic Tour which starts at 10:00 and costs $12 (£10). This will take you through the distillery production alongside an expert guide and finish with a dram at the Visitor Centre.

Noon: Bunnahabhain Distillery

It is another 36-minute drive to Bunnahabhain Distillery from Kilchoman Distillery. This spot opened in 1818 thanks to the pier, which not only allowed for supplies to be brought in but also allowed shipping.

But, it wasn’t until 1961 that the distillery got a road for easy access that it started to grow. Today, this Single Malt Whisky Collection attracts many visitors and connoisseurs.

The Production Tour starts at 12:00 and costs $19 (£15). It takes you through the entire process of what it takes to make this Single Malt Whisky. After a lesson on the production and history, you’ll head to the Boathouse for a dram tasting of your own.

Late Afternoon: Ardnahoe Distillery

It is a short five-minute drive from Bunnahabhain Distillery to Ardnahoe Distillery. This distillery is still quite young, having only officially opened in 2019. But that doesn’t mean they don’t know what they’re doing, as this family has been in the biz for over 60 years.

If you want a tour of the process of this particular distillery, take The Spirit Of Ardnahoe tasting tour. It costs £10 and takes about 45 minutes to complete. There are a few time slots for the distillery tour. The afternoon time slots have one tour at 14:00 and the last tour of the day at 16:00, so you don’t have to rush over from Bunnahabhain Distillery.

The Illicit Still Café is an on-site eatery. It is laid-back and serves treats, light and hearty meals, and vegetarian and vegan options. It is important to note that it only serves food until 15:45, and bookings are required.

Ardnahoe Distillery is about a 30-minute drive to Port Askaig. As mentioned before, the last ferry ride to Kennacraig is at 18:00, so you won’t have to rush to catch your ferry. So, you can either have a bite to eat at the distillery cafe or grab an early dinner at the Port Askaig Hotel.

Where to Stay in Islay

As the Isle of Islay is tiny, it doesn’t have a city center. However, Port Ellen is the island’s biggest town, so it will be your base for your stay.

Machrie Hotel & Golf Links

This four-star hotel is exactly what you need after a long day of lifting the elbow. It sits on the beach and has a wellness spa offering all kinds of beauty treatments. The rooms are spacious and modern, with some of the best views on the island.

There are also two restaurants on-site that serve hearty Scottish and British meals. We ate dinner twice at the 18 Restaurant & Bar and really enjoyed the food. In the low season, you might find it’s easiest to eat the hotel because there tends to be more demand than there is supply in town.

⇒ Read reviews on Trip Advisor

No. 1 Charlotte Street

Cozy and close to the Port Ellen Ferry terminal, No. 1 Charlotte Street is the perfect place to be after a long day. Each room has a sea view and a double bed, a seating area, and a private bathroom.

While it doesn’t have an on-site restaurant, it is in a prime location and only a few steps away from a selection of eateries.

Islay Whisky Festival

Another great way to get to try a lot of Islay’s whiskies and have a great time doing it is to go to the Islay Whisky Festival , which takes place in the last week of May.

The festival is 9 days of music, song, dancing, chatting, meeting friends old and new and perhaps having a wee bit of Islay whisky along the way.

Ready to Visit the Top Islay Whiskey Distilleries?

As you can see, Islay has a range of amazing whisky-producing stills. While this list only takes you to six of the nine distilleries, you can always add another day or two to visit the rest.

Now that you know everything for a successful self-guided whiskey tour in Islay, what’s stopping you?

If you loved this tour, you might enjoy this Speyside Distilleries Malt Whisky Trail too.

Like this post? Why not save it to Pinterest? FOLLOW US  on  Pinterest ,  Instagram ,  Facebook  for more great travel inspiration and tips.

Laura Lynch, creator and writer of Savored Journeys, is an avid world traveler, certified wine expert, and international food specialist. She has written about travel and food for over 20 years and has visited over 75 countries. Her work has been published in numerous guidebooks, websites, and magazines.

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11 Guided Tour Companies That Offer Trips around the World

L ike cruising and theme park vacations , guided tours aren’t for everyone. But for people who especially enjoy meeting (and traveling with) like-minded people on vacation, guided group tours can be the perfect way to see a new destination—and make some new friends along the way. 

Some guided tours are geared toward groups of a dozen or fewer, while others can accommodate 50 or more travelers. Most guided tours include accommodations and some meals. In all cases, the tour companies who operate group tours take most of the complicated planning out of the equation , leaving you to focus on simply enjoying your vacation. 

The Best Guided Tour Operators

If you’re ready to give tour groups a try, consider one of these guided tour operators that rank among the very best in the world. 

MAKE MEMORIES: Tours for Everyone: 11 Best Companies for Family Vacations

Guided tour operator Tauck has been a leader in high-end group tours since its founding in 1925. Operating land-based group tours on all seven continents (as well as river tours in Europe and small-ship tours around the world), Tauck caters to families, couples, and solo travelers.

ACTIVE TRAVEL:   5 Best Senior Adventures for Travelers Age 50+

The average size of a guided tour group with Tauck is 35 to 44 guests, though the group size may vary depending on the season and the nature of the tour. Travelers enjoy Tauck for its attention to detail and ease of planning. Prices for tours vary by location, type of tour, and season, but the average Tauck tour starts at around $4,000 and goes up from there for one room with two guests. 

2. Trafalgar

Taking groups on guided tours to destinations around the world since 1947, Trafalgar runs trips to nearly every corner of the planet except Antarctica. The mostly land-based guided tours are offered year-round, including to popular destinations like New Zealand and Africa. The number of guests on tours vary based on the destination. Africa tours are the smallest with a maximum of 20 guests, while the United States and Canada tours are the biggest with up to 52 guests. 

SENIOR TRAVELERS: 9 Tour Companies That Cater to Travelers Over 50

In addition to its standard tours, Trafalgar also offers women-only tours . Other travelers who may enjoy Trafalgar are adventure travelers and foodies. Trafalgar tours start at just under $2,000 for one guest.

3. Collette

No travel company brand has been doing group trips longer than Collette , which has been in business since 1918. The group touring agency goes to all seven continents and has 179 different tour options. Its top tour destinations are Ireland, Italy, and Iceland. 

TRIPS OF A LIFETIME:   12 Best Amtrak Vacations and Scenic Train Rides in North America

Collette’s small group exploration tours allow for 14 to 24 people per tour, while its classic group tours can be up to 44 people. Collette primarily serves an older audience of travelers over 55. Tours with Collette start at just under $1,500 per person. 

4. Grand Circle Travel

Another popular group tour option for travelers over 50 is Grand Circle Travel , which has been in operation since 1958. Grand Circle’s variety of land-based tours and river cruises range in size from 24 to 47. Trips with Grand Circle start around $2,400 but vary based on the destination and season. 

5. Adventures by Disney

The luxury travel arm of Disney, Adventures by Disney is known for its focus on guided family tours . Since its founding in 2005, the company has continued to add new touring options with land- and river cruise-based adventures to destinations worldwide. Tours with Adventures by Disney can have upwards of 40 people, including kids under 10 years old. The tour company does offer some adult-only adventures as well. 

LEAVE THE PARENTS AT HOME:   9 Skip-Gen Vacations Grandparents and Grandkids Will Love

One reason why travelers choose Adventures by Disney for family vacations is that they likely already partake in other Disney vacations and know the level of service Disney can provide. Adventures start at just under $2,100 for one person for a short two-night escape. 

6. G Adventures

Best known for its cheaper group tours that span the globe from Croatia to Tanzania, G Adventures was founded in 1990 as a way to bridge the divide between solo adventure travel and more mainstream travel. G Adventures focuses on small group trips; the number of travelers per group is typically between 10 to 15 participants. 

7. Intrepid Travel

Eco-conscious travelers will want to consider a group travel vacation with Intrepid Travel , which is known for its active stance on climate action and sustainable travel. Intrepid offers tours for families as well as more strenuous walking tours and cycling tours. Since 1989, Intrepid has been taking small group tours of about 10 people around the world from Bali to Antarctica. 

8. Backroads

Travelers with a more active lifestyle who want to take a group tour will want to look into Backroads , where hiking and biking tours are the main attraction. Backroads has been traveling around the world from famous U.S. national parks to the glaciers of Antarctica since 1979. Backroads offers more than 200 different tours, most of which have an average of 16 participants. Prices start around $2,500 per person. 

9. Classic Journeys

Luxury group tour operator Classic Journeys (founded in 1995) offers tours to destinations around the world, and are especially well tailored to travelers interested in wildlife or local food and drink. These small group tours are typically no larger than 12 guests. Land-based trips start around $3,300. 

10. Thomson Family Adventures

With a focus on family travel, Thomson Family Adventures has been operating group tours to more than a dozen destinations since 1998. These bucket-list-worthy trips are limited to no more than 25 people. Tours start at $3,190 per adult and teen and $2,990 per child. 

11. Road Scholar

Since 1975, Road Scholar has provided educational tours around the world for small groups of 12 participants or less. The trips are ideal for those who want to do a deep dive into a destination’s culture or be immersed in nature. These budget-friendly trips start around $750 per person. 

More from FamilyVacationist:

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The post 11 Guided Tour Companies That Offer Trips around the World appeared first on FamilyVacationist .

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There are historical towns around Moscow - Suzdal, Sergiev Posad - which definitely worth a daytrip. 

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Donald James MacPhee is a ‘Regional Affiliated Guide’ of the Scottish Tourist Guides Association (Green Badge - Argyll Islands) and can offer full and half day, or a series of day tours.  The walks cover all parts of Islay, Jura and Colonsay's beautiful landscapes from hill to shore. Donald James (DJ) deeply cares about his home island and wants to share local knowledge and stories with visitors. Being born and raised on the island, DJ has a unique insight into the nature, history and geography, and the changes that have happened even in the last few years. He has a wealth of knowledge about all things Islay and looks to unlock the beauty of the land around him and keen for visitors to understand what the Argyll islands means to a local like himself.

DJ can open your eyes to the amount of wildlife and historical sites that the islands have to offer and can adapt the day to suit all abilities.  He is deeply passionate about nature and offers up pieces of curious knowledge throughout the trip.

He can navigate you along paths that you would never have found yourself to idyllic parts of the islands with normally no other people in sight.  His days out are over and above a walk that you could organise yourself and you will feel that Islay has been brought to life through spending time with DJ who knows the island like the back of his hand.  His wildlife eye is very keen and it’s rare for him not to spot some wildlife during the day.

Before setting up his own guiding service, DJ spent 40 years on Dunlossit Estate on Islay, from Kennel Boy to Head Keeper.  Through Islay Outdoors he is now putting his knowledge to work on behalf of his clients ensuring that no matter how brief their visit, they will have an unforgettable outdoor experience.

"He can navigate you along paths that you would never have found yourself to idyllic parts of the islands with normally no other people in sight."

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Moscow - Astrakhan 4-star cruise by Vodohod

This Volga cruise covers many cities. You will admire the vibrancy of Moscow, enjoy the quiet atmosphere of ancient Vladimir. You will visit Nizhny Novgorod, the old center of the Volga region as well as Kazan and Astrakhan which occupy the former territory of the Golden Horde.

Jewels of Two Capitals

It is our most complete and popular tour of Moscow and St. Petersburg. In addition to visiting all the emblematic places, you will also have free time for your own discoveries. On your free nights you can watch the shows at the Bolshoi and Mariinsky Theaters or a folkloric show.

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The Central European part of Russia is known for its ancient towns. On this tour you will make stops in the most important towns of the Silver Ring - Velikiy Novgorod, Pskov, Izborsk and Pechory. Each of these towns are home to unique monuments of Russian history and culture.

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