Embark on this whisky tour to the windswept shores of Islay and beautiful Campbeltown.
Day 1 – Your adventure begins with a scenic drive from Edinburgh or Glasgow to Kennacraig, the ferry terminal on the west coast of the Kintyre Peninsula. The drive takes around 3.5 hours, winding through lochs, forests, and coastal views. From Kennacraig we board the ferry to Islay. Upon arrival at Port Askaig, we make our way up the coast to visit Caol Ila Distillery, perched above the rocky shoreline with stunning views of the Paps of Jura. Known for its elegant, smoky character, Caol Ila offers a relaxed and atmospheric tasting experience of 3 drams.
Day 2 – After breakfast, we head toward Islay’s legendary southern coast, to the island’s boldest and most iconic distilleries. Our first stop is the Ardbeg Distillery, known for its deeply peated, complex single malts and adventurous spirit. The setting: whitewashed buildings on the edge of the Atlantic. Enjoy a quick introduction of a 5 whiskies tasting flight. Next, we travel just a few minutes along the coast to Laphroaig Distillery, famous for its medicinal, iodine-rich profile. During your visit explore its history, traditional floor maltings, and coastal warehouses, concluding with a choice of dram.
In the afternoon, you may choose to walk the coastal path between the distilleries, soaking in views of the sea and passing peat bogs, ancient ruins, and grazing sheep.
Day 3 – We begin the day heading north to reach the remote and atmospheric Bunnahabhain Distillery. This distillery feels like a step back in time. Known for its unpeated and gently sherried style, Bunnahabhain offers a contrast to the island’s smokier expressions. Enjoy a tasting of 3 drams of whisky at the Visitor Centre. After the visit, we head to Kilchoman Distillery, located on a working farm near Machir Bay. One of the island’s newest and most exciting distilleries—and the only one that does everything on site. Kilchoman’s whiskies are youthful, vibrant, and distinctly Islay. At the end of the tour enjoy a dram in the Visitor Centre.
Day 4 – Start the day early boarding the morning ferry from Port Askaig to Kennacraig. Once back on the mainland, we begin a scenic drive south down the Kintyre Peninsula to the historic town of Campbeltown—once known as the whisky capital of the world. We will visit Springbank Distillery. Family-owned and fiercely traditional, Springbank is a rare gem producing three distinct styles under one roof: Springbank, Hazelburn, and Longrow. The tour offers an in-depth look at old-school whisky making. After the tasting, enjoy a stroll around the harbour or a bite to eat in Campbeltown before beginning our return journey to Glasgow (3hrs’ drive) or Edinburgh (4hrs drive)
Slàinte mhath—until the next whisky road calls.
**Due to various reasons (weather, closures and special events) it may not always be possible to visit all distilleries mentioned. If this is the case, we will ensure suitable alternatives.
