DH Tour

This 4 day specialist whisky tour takes you to the “Queen of the Isles” and the Whisky Coast. Islay is home to 8 of Scotland’s finest malt whisky distilleries Lagavulin, Laphroaig, Bowmore, Bunnahabhain, Bruichladdich, Ardbeg, Caol Ila and Kilchoman. For the whisky enthusiast this tour will give you an in depth knowledge and even better - you won’t need to drive anywhere yourself!

A great way to extend your stay in Edinburgh with one of these marvelous, mini-coach tours (max 16 passengers) into the Highlands of Scotland and beyond. Stay in comfortable B & Bs, with full breakfasts daily, while you visit the lochs, the mountains and the islands and why not partake of a “wee dram” along the way!

Features

Loch Lomond
Inverarary and area
2 full days on Islay with coastal and country walks
Visit to distilleries etc.
Visit to Oban

The tours include overnights in B & Bs with ensuite facilites, Scottish breakfast daily and the services of an experienced driver/guide. Admissions to visitor attractions or distilleries are not included.

Meals

3 breakfasts

0 lunches

0 dinners

Kilmartin

Day 1 Leaving Edinburgh at 08.30 you will head west through Scotland’s largest city, Glasgow along Loch Lomond then west through the mountains to the beautiful little village of Inveraray on the banks of Loch Fyne. Here you can perhaps sample some of the local seafood for lunch or just explore the historic town itself. After lunch you will then travel through Argyll and into the ancient Kingdom of Dalriada. There are more than 350 prehistoric monuments within a six-mile radius of the village of Kilmartin. We will stop here to see the mysterious stone circles and standing stones and visit the community museum. From here it is a short drive to Kennacraig where we catch the early evening ferry to Islay. The sail is just over 2 hours and you should look out for wildlife such as dolphins, whales and seabirds. On arrival on Islay is is a short drive to Bowmore for your 3 night stay.

Day 1

Islay

Day 2 A full day exploring Islay. The itinerary today is quite flexible with a mixture of beautiful scenery, white sand beaches, short walks and of course the famous Islay whiskies - renowned for their strong peaty flavours and nurtured by the salty sea air. In the morning we will take the short drive to the west of the island via Saligo Bay for a visit to Kilchoman Distillery (the newest and smallest on the island) with the option of a coastal walk to Machair Bay for any non-whisky lovers. In the afternoon you will stop at the privately owned Bruichladdich Distillery for a tour and tasting and visit the tiny harbour village of Portnahaven (look out for seals) before taking the back roads along the west coast with its lovely sandy bays, on the way back to Bowmore.

Day 2

1 x

Ardbeg

Day 3 Another day in paradise! Today you will explore the southern side of the island, home to the smokiest and peatiest of all whiskies – Laphroaig, Lagavulin and Ardbeg. We will visit Ardbeg for a tour, tasting and lunch. The restaurant here is a beautiful place to relax and enjoy local produce as well as some unique whisky. We then follow that up with a visit to Laphroaig.. While in the area we may visit the ruins of Kildalton church with its famous 8th Century Celtic cross. In the late afternoon there are several possibilities depending on the weather and time available including free time in Bowmore village, a visit to Brigend and Islay House Square or a walk along the River Sorn. If you are back in Bowmore early you could visit the famous Round Church, Bowmore Distillery itself (June – Aug) or just relax with a quiet drink looking out over the water.

Day 3

1 x

Oban

Day 4 This morning you take the ferry back to the mainland then travel up the coast to Oban – a busy harbour town and the main ferry port for the islands. Here we will drop off anyone who is continuing on the Mull, Iona and Isle of Skye extension. The others will have some free time to explore the town, have a late lunch or even pop into Oban Distillery before departing for the return trip to Glasgow and Edinburgh. Return time approx. 20.00

Day 4

1 x

= Breakfast

= Lunch

= Dinner

Departure Date	Full Package	Land & Tour	Tour Only
2012:Friday & Monday Apr 30 - Sep 24	N/A	$629	N/A

Important details

Departures from Edinburgh.

Pricing based on per person/twin occupancy.

Single Supplement: $210 Package.

Many of these tours can be taken “back to back” with a night(s) in between in Edinburgh - Ask us!

Along with the tours listed here, we can access 4 and 5 day tours from Edinburgh to the Orkneys, Yorkshire & Lake District and Hadrians Wall. Please call for details.

Note: Monday departures of this tour may reverse the itineraries for days 1 and 4
The itinerary and distillery visits are subject to variation throughout the season and may not be the same described above, however there will always be a minimum of 5 distillery visits during the tour.

ISLAY & THE WHISKY COAST

Features

Meals

Kilmartin

Islay

Ardbeg

Oban

Important details

Main Navigation

Other Stuff

ISLAY & THE WHISKY COAST

Features

Meals

Kilmartin

Islay

Ardbeg

Oban

Important details

Main Navigation

Other Stuff

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