Islay And The Whisky Coast

( 5 Star )

Visit: Oban- Kilmartin Glen- Bowmore- The Islay Single Malt Whiskies- Sandy beaches of Islay- Inveraray- Loch Lomond National Park

Overview
Itinerary
Inclusion / Exclusion
Dates Pricing

Schedule: Every Monday (06/04/20-26/10/20 & 01/03/21 - 29/03/21) except (25/05/20)AND every Friday (03/04/20-30/10/20) - except (22/05/20 & 29/05/20) AND every Wednesday* (01/04/20 - 23/09/20) – except (29/04/20, 20/05/20, 27/05/20, 03/06/20, 15/07/20, 29/07/20) Savour the distilled essence of Scotland’s fine landscapes and exquisite whisky on this delectable tour. 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’

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. Choose what you want to do with your free time here. 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.

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, the oldest licenced distillery on the island. Your driver-guide takes you to a nice spot for a lunch of local treats before you head to Bruichladdich distillery. This forward-thinking whisky hub offers a wide-range of single-malts that celebrate the provenance of Islay’s ingredients. Your next stop of the day is at Kilchoman Distillery. This is a proud and independent whisky-maker whose tastes are as bold as their environmental ethos. You have time for a tour and whisky tasting here, before a walk down the beautiful white beach that lies close by. You head back to Bowmore where you can either stumble back to your room for the night or relax and explore the village.

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

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.

Inclusion

All rates are inclusive of Breakfast unless stated otherwise.
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

Exclusion

Entry fees to visitor attractions
Entry and tasting fees at the distilleries.
Optional activities
Other meals, drinks, tips and other personal expenses or services not specified on the program
Personal equipment
Travel insurance
Gratuities
Voluntary tips for guides or drivers
Travel and medical insurance
Any items not mentioned as included

Note

Departures ex Edinburgh

Departs - Check-in closes at 08.15 (tour departs at 08.30) - Gate J and Gate K, Edinburgh Bus Station, St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, EH1 3DQ
Returns - 19:00 approx

We don't carry anyone under 18 years old on this tour

Restricted to 14kg (31lbs) of luggage per person

Pack your waterproof clothing and walking shoes