Whisky Coast & Scottish Islands

Edinburgh - Trossnachs National Park - Oban - Islay. Departing Edinburgh this morning, we head west, first visiting Trossnachs National Park. Admire some of the country's famous scenery and perhaps taste some regional delicacies. We then make our way through the mountainous Western Highlands to Oban, a port town once the strategic heartland of great feuding clans.

Modern Oban is known for two things, seafood and whisky. We have the opportunity to taste both, including a dram of locally produced whisky and an optional seafood lunch.

We then make our way through the Kilmartin Glen, home to standing stones and historic fortified strongholds dating back more than 1,500 years. At Kennacraig, we catch the ferry to the island of Islay. The crossing takes around 2 hours, and you can see the Paps of Jura as we sail past the island of Jura. Landing at Islay, we make our way to our accommodation in Bowmore.

Please note: Check-in closes at 08:15 on day 1 (tour departs at 08:30) - Edinburgh Bus Station Pick Up, Gate J and Gate K, inside Edinburgh Bus Station, St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, EH1 3DQ.

Accommodation: Bowmore Cottages, The Bruce or similar

Tuck into breakfast at the accommodation before we depart on a day of whisky adventures! We are visiting three distilleries today, starting with Bowmore*, one of the oldest distilleries in the whole of Scotland. There's an included tour and whisky tasting before we continue to Kilchoman Distillery**, where we can try two more drams of whisky and enjoy a lunch of Scottish specialities. The final distillery visit of the day is to the most remote distillery on Islay, Bunnahabhain (payable locally). We then head back to Bowmore, where the evening is at leisure.

Please note: For departures on the 5th of September 2025, we are unable to visit the Kilchoman Distillery, instead, we will visit Ardnahoe Distillery for a tasting.

*Bowmore Distillery's silent season starts between 14th and 29th April 2025, as well as between 7th July and 18th August 2025. If your tour departs during that time, your experience will slightly differ, instead of visiting the production site, you will do cask tasting.

**Kilchoman Distillery closure, if your tour departs on 13th May 2025, you'll visit Caol Isla instead. Also, if your tour departs on 6th September 2025, you'll visit Ardnahoe Distillery.

Accommodation: Bowmore Cottages, The Bruce or similar

Today we are exploring the southern half of Islay, one of the most beautiful of the Scottish Isles. First we visit the distillery at Ardbeg, owned by Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy! There's an included tour and tasting here.

The final distillery of our tour is Laphroaig, a 200-year-old distiller known to be a favourite of the British Royal Family.

Throughout the day, we will also stop at some of the island's main highlights. See the historic ruins of Kildalton church and Dunyvaig Castle, which was once held by the chiefs of the Clan MacDonald of Dunnyveg. We then return to Bowmore for our last night on Islay.

Please note: On Friday departures, Ardbeg Distillery does not offer a tour of the production process. Instead, this is replaced by a tutored tasting featuring four drams instead of the usual three, along with a visit to the stillhouse.

Accommodation: Bowmore Cottages, The Bruce or similar

Islay - Inveraray - Oban. This morning we take the return ferry back to the mainland and replace the smell of whisky with the crisp air of the Scottish Highlands. We pass through the pretty village of Inveraray on the shore of Loch Fyne. There's a stop here as we change minibuses and guide. Some of your group will be returning to Edinburgh, but we are continuing our Scottish adventure! Meet the rest of the group before we continue to Oban for the evening.

Accommodation: Kathmore, Altavona or similar

Oban - Mull - Iona - Oban. It's an early start this morning as we take the ferry to the Isle of Mull. Take in dramatic coastlines and wild natural beauty, and keep your eyes on the skies for majestic white-tailed eagles, the UK's largest bird of prey.

We then take another ferry to Iona, the birthplace of Celtic Christianity and home to the ancient burial grounds of famed Scottish kings. We can see the historic abbey and take in more of the windswept coastline of the Scottish Isles.

In the afternoon, opt for a boat excursion to Staffa, home to Fingal’s Cave, a remarkable geological wonder dubbed 'Nature’s cathedral', offering a glimpse into abundant marine life. After a day immersed in nature, we return to Oban for the night (Staffa trip costs approx GBP £40, payable locally).

Please Note: For any departures before the 10th of June 2025, Staffa trips are unable to dock at the harbour on Staffa, however there will be more time allocated for sailing and wildlife spotting.

Accommodation: Kathmore, Altavona or similar

Oban - Glencoe - Fort William - Balmacara. Driving north along the coast, we pass Castle Stalker and visit Glencoe, a truly beautiful location haunted by the 1692 Glencoe Massacre. Around 30 members of Clan MacDonald of Glencoe were slaughtered here for failing to pledge allegiance to King William III and Mary II.

We then pass through Fort William and past Ben Nevis, the highest peak in Great Britain. We drive through quiet glens and alongside lochs, passing notable sights like the Five Sisters of Kintail and Eilean Donan Castle. There will be opportunities for photo stops and short breaks along the route.
Our overnight stop is Balmacara, a small village with views of the loch, nearby woodlands, and surrounding hills. In the evening, you can explore local trails, visit Balmacara Estate, or have a meal at a local inn or pub.

Accommodation: Balmacara Hotel or similar