Islay Whisky Connoisseur Tour - 4 day tour

Day 2 - Exploring the Isle of Islay

The exact itinerary for these days will vary depending on weather, seasonal and natural attractions. Our flexible approach will ensure that you will enjoy the very best experience.

The distillery visits will be spread throughout our two full days on the island.

The island of Islay (pronounced "eye-la") has always been blessed with nature's bounty - rich farmlands which each autumn witness clouds of geese arriving to winter on the mild pastures.

Loch Gruinart in the north is the island's primary reserve, with barnacle and white-fronted geese flying in from Greenland. Elsewhere keep your eyes open for golden eagles, seals, otters, whales, dolphins, wild geese and red deer.

During our island tour, we'll get the chance to stroll along deserted beaches and gaze over the Sound of Jura when we visit the pretty Bunnahabhain Distillery.

Islay has a proud Gaelic culture that extends over a thousand years, as we will discover when visiting some of the traditional villages that cling to the rough Atlantic Coastline.

Day 3 - Lagavulin and Laphroig Excursion

Peat is still cut from the moss lands which cover much of the interior, giving the unique flavour to the 'Islay malts' - world-famous whiskies such as Bowmore, Laphroaig and Ardbeg.

We'll make visits to several distilleries so you can watch the production process and, even better, sample their delights!

Later visit the Kildalton Cross, which will transport you back in time more than 1200 years to the ancient seat of the Lords of the Isles at Finlaggan.

Our island base of Bowmore is Islay's main town. It is the location of a unique, round church, said to have been designed to ensure that evil spirits had no corner in which to hide. During your stay, why not make a visit?

Day 4 - Isle of Islay - Loch Lomond - Edinburgh/Glasgow

Sadly it’s time to board our ferry and bid a fond farewell to Islay.

On our return to the mainland, we will make the short drive to the attractive fishing port of Tarbert. We’ll make a stop for lunch here so you can enjoy some freshly-landed seafood.

From Lochgilphead, we follow the banks of Loch Fyne to Inveraray. This attractive white-washed town sits just a short distance from impressive Inveraray Castle, the home of the Dukes of Argyll. We’ll make a photo stop so you can capture the scene.

This part of Scotland has strong connections with Rob Roy MacGregor, so as we travel through Glen Kinglas there are sure to be stories of cattle rustling and tales of ancient clan rivalries to be told.

We will stop at the viewpoint overlooking Glen Croe, known as the “Rest and be Thankful”, then travel through the Argyll Forest Park to reach Arrochar and the gentle banks of Loch Lomond, where we will make a stop.

The last part of our journey together will take us to Glasgow, where some guests may alight, then onwards across central Scotland to the end of our journey in Edinburgh.

Due to various reasons (weather, closures, ferry schedules and special events), it may not always be possible to visit all distilleries mentioned. If this is the case, suitable alternatives will be offered.