Islay Whisky Tours

Islay is where whisky gets serious. Nine working distilleries on an island 25 miles long, producing some of the most distinctive and celebrated single malts in the world. Ardbeg, Lagavulin, Laphroaig – names that need no introduction. But Islay is more than peat smoke: Bruichladdich makes unpeated elegance and the world’s most heavily peated whisky (Octomore) under the same roof. Kilchoman grows its own barley on a working farm. Bunnahabhain proves Islay can be gentle.

We provide private Islay whisky tours with collection from Glasgow, Edinburgh, or Inverness. Your driver-guide handles the mainland driving, the ferry crossing, and all the Islay roads while you taste freely at every stop. We arrange distillery bookings, recommend accommodation, and plan the route so you see the best of the island without worrying about logistics.

All nine Islay distilleries

Port Ellen distillery has also recently reopened after decades of silence. Distillery tour prices typically range from £15–£30 for standard tours, with premium experiences (warehouse tastings, masterclasses) from £65–£100.

Getting to Islay

By ferry (with your driver)

The CalMac ferry runs from Kennacraig on the Kintyre peninsula to Port Ellen or Port Askaig on Islay. The crossing takes about 2 hours. We drive you from your pickup city to Kennacraig, cross on the ferry together, and drive you around Islay for the duration of your tour.

• Glasgow to Kennacraig: 2.5 hours
• Edinburgh to Kennacraig: 3.5 hours
• Inverness to Kennacraig: 4.5–5 hours (we recommend an overnight stop en route — Oban or Loch Lomond)

Ferry booking is essential, especially in summer and during Fèis Ìle. We handle the booking.

By air

Loganair flies Glasgow to Islay daily (40 minutes, from £74 one way). We can arrange a fly-drive: you fly to Islay, your driver-guide meets you at Islay Airport and drives you for the duration. Or we drive you from Edinburgh/Inverness to Glasgow Airport for the Islay flight.

Sample itineraries

3-day Islay whisky tour (our recommendation)

Three days is the sweet spot. You visit 6–7 distilleries at a comfortable pace, with time to enjoy the island.

• Day 1: Collection from Glasgow (or Edinburgh/Inverness the day before). Drive to Kennacraig, ferry to Islay. Afternoon: Bowmore — Islay’s oldest distillery, the No.1 Vaults, and a tasting. Settle into accommodation.
• Day 2: The south coast trio — Ardbeg, Lagavulin, and Laphroaig, all within 3.5 miles of each other near Port Ellen. These are the “big smokes” and visiting all three back-to-back is an education in peat. Afternoon: Kilchoman farm distillery on the west coast. Evening at leisure.
• Day 3: North Islay — Bunnahabhain (remote, beautiful, underrated), Caol Ila (Islay’s largest, views to Jura), and Ardnahoe (newest, spectacular visitor centre). Ferry back to the mainland, drive to Glasgow or onward.

4-day Islay & Jura

Add a fourth day and you can visit all nine Islay distilleries plus take the short ferry from Port Askaig to Jura for the Jura Distillery. The extra day also allows for Bruichladdich (and their Botanist gin), plus time to explore Islay’s beaches, the Kildalton Cross (one of Scotland’s finest Celtic crosses), and the birdlife at Loch Gruinart.

5-day Islay, Campbeltown & Kintyre

For the committed: combine Islay with Campbeltown — Scotland’s other whisky peninsula. Springbank, Glen Scotia, and Glengyle are all within walking distance in Campbeltown. Add the stunning Kintyre coast, Mull of Kintyre, and the drive is beautiful. This tour works from Glasgow or Edinburgh.

Pickup from Inverness

From Inverness, an Islay tour works best as part of a longer trip. Day 1: drive south via Glencoe or Loch Lomond with stops en route, overnight near Kennacraig or Oban. Day 2–4: Islay. Day 5: return via a different route. Alternatively, we drive you to Glasgow or Inverness Airport for the Loganair flight. We also run Speyside and Highland whisky tours from Inverness if you prefer to stay closer to base.

What’s included

• Luxury Mercedes with professional driver-guide for the full duration
• Collection and return to Glasgow, Edinburgh, or Inverness
• Ferry crossings (vehicle and passengers)
• Tailored itinerary and distillery booking assistance
• Accommodation recommendations (we know the island well)
• Flexible pacing — spend longer where you’re enjoying it

Distillery entry and tasting fees are arranged separately (typically £15–£100 depending on the experience). Accommodation and meals are at your own arrangement, though we provide recommendations and can assist with booking.

Fèis Ìle — the Islay Festival

Fèis Ìle runs for 10 days in late May (22–31 May 2026). Every distillery holds open days with special bottlings, tastings, live music, and events. It’s the highlight of the whisky calendar — a pilgrimage for enthusiasts worldwide. Accommodation and ferries sell out months ahead. If you want to visit during the festival, start planning early and get in touch so we can secure logistics. See our Scotland festivals calendar for the full 2026 events list.

Frequently asked questions