4 Day Islay Malt Whisky Experience Grand Tour of Scotland
Experience the True Spirit of Scotland - Islay
Whisky Tour of Islay Day 1:
Departing Edinburgh or Glasgow we head West via the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond. Taking in the views of Ben Lomond with time for a walk through the charming lochside village of Luss for a morning coffee. From here we continue up to the head of the loch and stop into the famous Old Drovers Inn. The rest of the morning takes in the mysterious Loch Awe and a visit to the quirky St Conan's Kirk. With options for a world class seafood lunch in Oban followed by a tour of Oban Distillery. South of Oban we come to the fantastic Kilmartin Glen, where the first Celtic Kings were crowned, and burial cairns and standing stones are scattered around for our own wonder. From here we head through the village of Tarbet and the Mull of Kintyre for the evening ferry to Islay. The crossing is a pleasant journey about the brand new Finlaggan ferry operated by Caledonian MacBrayne with views stetching across to Ireland on a clear day. We'll either cruise up the Sound of Jura to Port Askaig or pass alongside Ardbeg, Lagavuilin and Laphroig as we approach Port Ellen. Three very enjoyable evenings can be spent the main town of Bowmore which offers a number of great restuarants and a quite incredible Malt whisky selection on offer at the Lochside Hotel.
Whisky Tour of Islay Days 2&3:
With Islay producing some of the finest single malt whiskies in the world and regarded as mecca for many scotch whisky enthusiasts. You are spoiled for choice with Adrbeg, Bowmore, Bunnahabhain, Bruichladich, Caol Ila, Lagavulin, Laphroig and Kilchoman all offering something that little bit different. You'll have the chance to join in an exclusive warehouse tasting at Lagavuilin, from new make spirit through to some of the oldest, straight from the cask and purchase a bottle of only at Lagavuilin Ardbeg distillery serves up one of the best lunches on the island and of course the chance to sample Uigedhal, Rollercoaster and the new release of Aligaitor. in the afternoon you will see the traditional floor maltings on a tour of Laphroig Distillery. The second day on Islay can include a visit to Bowmore Distillery, Islay's oldest, Bruichladdich, more dynamic and Kilhoman, Islay's newest and smallest.
Of course, Islay's Single Malt may be the main reason you choose to visit, there is history, folklore, standing stones, Celtic crosses and, breathtaking scenry and and abundance of wildlife that will all contribute to making your Islay experience.
As well as malt whisky, Islay's other local produce includes, Beef, Lamb, Venison and seafood such as Oysters, Mussels and Langostines, not to mention local Ales, tweeds, chocolate and art.
Whisky Tour Day 4:
Leaving Islay and returning to the mainland, we'll travel back along Loch Fyne for a walk around Inveraray and perhaps see the Pipe Band and a chance to pick up a rare bottle of single malt from Loch Fyne Whisky Shop. And perhaps a visit to the famous Loch Fyne seafoods for world class oysters.
Driving through the stunning scenry of the Arrocher Alps and over the Rest and Be Thankfull and along the banks of Loch Lomond. There may also the chance to visit Auchentoshen Distillery for a quick dram of a lowland malt before heading back to Glasgow and Edinburgh.
Other whisky tours available:
Why not consider a tour of Speyside, home to more Single Malt Distilleries than the rest of Scotland combined.
If you have more time then the west coast and the islands could involve a visit to Oban, Tobermory on the isle of Mull, Talisker on the Isle of Skye, Arran, Highland Park on Orkney and Abhain Dearg on the Isle of Lewis. The options are unlimted so please get in touch if you would like a fully custom made malt whicky tour of Scotland.
