4-Day Private Whisky Tour to Islay with Distillery Visits, Edinburgh

About this activity

Explore the renowned whisky isle of Islay on this exclusive 4-day private tour, designed for whisky enthusiasts seeking a deep dive into Scotland's distilling heritage. You’ll journey through the breathtaking landscapes of the West Highlands, visit iconic distilleries like Lagavulin, Ardbeg, and Laphroaig, and enjoy tastings at each location. Your private driver guide ensures a personalized experience, complete with visits to historical sites and stunning vistas. This customizable tour caters to small groups and includes comfortable transportation from Edinburgh or Glasgow.

Discover the rich whisky culture at multiple distilleries on Islay.
Enjoy personalized service with a dedicated driver guide.
Includes visits to historic landmarks like Kilchurn Castle, Templewood Standing Stones, Kildalton Cross and Inveraray Castle.
Suitable for small groups of 1 to 7 people, with flexible itineraries.

Multi-day Tours Bus Tours Private and Luxury Private Sightseeing Tours Beer & Brewery Tours Water Tours Car Tours Additional fees

At a glance

Duration: 4 days
Confirmation: Confirmed within 48 hours
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–6
Guide: English
Operated by: Go Scotland Tours (Private Tours)

What is included

Included

Included: MB Vito 7 seater van, with luggage space
Included: Return ferry to Islay
Included: Fuel
Included: Restaurant Recommendations
Included: Qualified Driver Guide
Included: Guide's overnight expenses

Not included

Not included: Laphroaig Distillery Tour
Not included: Entrance fees: Lagavulin Exclusive Tasting
Not included: Entrance fees: Kilchoman Distillery tour/tasting
Not included: Entrance fees: Bowmore Warehouse Tasting
Not included: Entrance fees: Inverary Castle

Itinerary

Day 1 · West Highlands, Oban and ferry to Islay

Deanston Distillery & Visitor Centre

30 min

short stop to see the shop and cafe
Kilchurn Castle

5 min

photo stop at this historic castle in the middle of Loch Awe
Oban

one hour

Lunch break at this picturesque season town.
Oban Distillery

one hour

free time to visit tasting bar at the distillery. Enjoy a flight of drams.
Temple Wood Stone Circle

30 min

Stop to see some standing stones in Kilmartin Glen.
Stop 6

2 hours

We will take a two‑hour ferry to the Isle of Islay. Along the way there are fine views of both Islay and Jura. It is possible to spot sealife such as dolphins during the crossing. Dinner is suggested on board the Calmac vessel.

Day 2 · Explore Islay Distilleries; Laphroaig, Lagavulin Ardbeg

Kildalton Cross

30 min

Scenic drive to the 1200 year old stone cross of Kildalton and the medieval church ruins.
Laphroaig Distillery

one hour Admission not included

Enjoy a distillery tour experience at Laphroaig. See the traditional malting floor, wash backs, still room, warehouse and end with a dram tasting. Laphroaig Distillery Tour from £25.00pp, book online.
Ardbeg Distillery

one hour

We go to Ardbeg distillery to gram some lunch at the food van. You will also have time for the shop and tasting bar.
Lagavulin Distillery

2 hours Admission not included

Here we recommend you book the exclusive tasting to sample some very rare releases straight from the warehosue. Lagavulin Exclusive Tasting from £110.00pp, book online.

Day 3 · Explore Islay Distilleries; Bruichladdich, Kilchoman and Bowmore

Bruichladdich Distillery

one hour Admission not included

Bruichladdich Distillery showcases its signature single malts alongside Port Charlotte’s smoky style and Octomore’s powerful peat. The tour highlights traditional methods and modern innovation, with The Botanist gin adding a fresh Islay twist. Guests finish with a guided tasting that captures the full range of spirits crafted on site. Distillery tour/tasting from £20.00pp, book online.
Kilchoman Distillery

one hour

Kilchoman Distillery, Islay’s farm-to-bottle producer, is our lunch stop at the café. Guests can enjoy a bowl of soup with sandwiches, including the classic Cullen Skink. There will be time at the shop to grab a dram. Kilchoman’s barley-to-bottle philosophy sets it apart among Islay’s distilleries.
Bowmore

15 min

Bowmore is the main town on Islay, set on the shores of Loch Indaal. Its centre is marked by the Round Church, with streets leading down to the harbour. Visitors will find shops, cafés, and services that make Bowmore the island’s hub. The town’s location offers fine views across the loch.
Bowmore Distillery

one hour Admission not included

Bowmore Distillery, founded in 1779, is the oldest licensed distillery on Islay. Set on the shores of Loch Indaal, it combines tradition with modern production. The visit focuses on the legendary No.1 Vaults Warehouse Experience, where guests taste whisky straight from the cask in Scotland’s oldest maturation warehouse. Bowmore Warehouse Tasting from £60.00 online
Islay

Passing by

On the return to Bowmore the route passes the peat moss, where bricks can be seen drying in the open air. The drive also takes us by Islay Airport and the Machrie Hotel. Along the way there are fine views of An Oa, the rugged southern tip of the island. This stretch offers a glimpse of everyday Islay alongside its natural beauty.

Day 4 · Loch Fyne, Inveraray Castle, Rest and be Thankful, Loch Lomond

Loch Fyne

Passing by

The journey follows the shores of Loch Fyne, Scotland’s longest sea loch. Its waters are known for oysters and seafood, with small villages dotted along the coastline. The loch offers wide views across to the Cowal peninsula.
Inveraray Castle & Gardens

one hour Admission not included

Inveraray Castle is the seat of the Dukes of Argyll, chiefs of Clan Campbell. The castle’s distinctive architecture and gardens make it one of Scotland’s most notable stately homes. Inside, visitors can see fine collections of art, armour, and family history. Admissions from £16pp,

Note: Castle is closed Tue/Wed and Nov-Mar. At this time we will offer time in town.
Inveraray

one hour

Optionally if you don't want to go to the castle or it is closed you can spend sometime in town. Or visit the old Victorian Jail.
Rest and be Thankful

Passing by

The road climbs through Glen Croe to the viewpoint known as Rest and Be Thankful. The name comes from a stone inscription left by soldiers who built the road in the 18th century. From here there are sweeping views down the glen and across the surrounding hills. It is one of the most famous stops on the drive through Argyll.
Loch Lomond

30 min

The route continues along the shores of Loch Lomond, Scotland’s largest freshwater loch. Its broad waters are ringed by mountains, including Ben Lomond to the east. The drive offers some of the most iconic views in the Highlands. This final stretch provides a fitting close to the journey

Meeting point and pickup

The operator picks every participant up from their accommodation or the points below.

Pickup points

OYO Metro Inns Falkirk
Westfield
Premier Inn Falkirk North hotel
Premier Lodge
Antonine Hotel
The Graeme Hotel
Park Hotel
Premier Inn Falkirk Central hotel
Travelodge Falkirk Hotel
The Hoxton, Edinburgh
Wilde Aparthotels, Edinburgh, Grassmarket
Virgin Hotels Edinburgh

and 183 more pickup points

Cancellation

Free cancellation

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.<br>If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.