Islay Whisky Tours: The 7 Best Ways to the Peat

1.4 Day Islay Whisky Tour from Edinburgh

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 148 reviews · 4 days (approx.) · from $1,520Our pick

Travel from Edinburgh to Islay with a driver-guide and a maximum of 16 people. Visit Bunnahabhain, Kilchoman, Bruichladdich, Bowmore, Lagavulin, Ardbeg, and Laphroaig, with tastings, three nights at a B&B, ferry rides, and time for lunch and dinner on your own.

“This was well worth the cost to have all the details taken care of in advance. Moray was a great guide, and the quantity/variety/pace of the experiences at the various distilleries (and the Whisky Vault) was pretty perfect. (But when they tell you you need dinner reservations in Bowmore, you really do - even for 1.)”

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2.4-Day Islay & Whisky Tour Including Admissions from Edinburgh

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 81 reviews · 4 days (approx.) · from $1,351

Travel from Edinburgh to Islay in a 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach, with ferry crossings, three nights at Bowmore Distillery Cottages, and visits to up to six distilleries. You will tour and taste at Bowmore, Kilchoman, Ardbeg, and Laphroaig, with time for Bunnahabhain, Lagavulin, seafood in Oban, ancient sites, and coastal views.

“The tour is well balanced between distilleries and other activities. There's not too much driving. Accommodations were pleasant.”

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3.From Edinburgh: Islay and The Whisky Coast 4-Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 55 reviews · 4 days · from $1,205

Spend four days traveling from Edinburgh to Islay with a Rabbie’s driver-guide, sleeping in Bowmore and visiting famous distilleries such as Bowmore, Kilchoman, Ardbeg, and Laphroaig. You’ll also see Kilmartin’s ancient stones, Islay’s west-coast beaches, ruined castles, and Loch Lomond. Whisky lovers get the fullest experience, but the scenery and history give non-drinkers plenty to enjoy.

“It was a wonderful experience and our tourguide Mac was the best driver, storyteller (fairytail as well as history wise) and guide we could ever have been thinking of! We had a perfect nice group and mix from all over the world countries which had a lot of fun and talks together. The guided Whisky-Tasting and Tours were well organized and very funny/interesting! Mac - wish you all the best - you are an example for all Scottisch, very proud of his roots, funny and deserve/protect the countryside with your own effort ! It couldn‘t be any better we loved having you as our host! Slantje, Ralf & Richard”

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4.Islay: Caol Ila Whisky Distillery Tour & Tasting

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 23 reviews · 1.5 hours · from $28Best value

Spend 90 minutes touring Caol Ila with an English-speaking guide, exploring its sensory story room, whisky-making process, and link to Johnnie Walker. Finish with three 15ml drams and a small cocktail in the bar, where the Paps of Jura fill the view. Non-alcoholic choices and drivers packs are available.

“It was excellent thank you. The young woman was very knowledgeable bright and cheery. She was extremely understanding of my disability and was kind and helpful, calling for assistance when needed, which came instantly . The whole team at Caol Ila were fantastic, kind and extremely knowledgeable. A credit to the distillery. Thank you.”

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5.5 Day Islay Whisky Tour from Edinburgh

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 16 reviews · 5 days (approx.) · from $1,901

Travel from Edinburgh to Islay with a driver-guide, visiting Oban and nine Islay distilleries including Lagavulin, Ardbeg, Laphroaig, Bowmore, and Bruichladdich. You get tastings, four breakfasts, ferry crossings, and four nights at Bowmore House or Island Bear. Expect a full whisky schedule, scenic roads, and a group of up to 16.

“An excellent trip altogether. Moray, the driver is fun and very Scottish! I have never had better breakfasts than those at Bowmore House Hotel, especially with a dram being provided.”

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6.4-day Islay Platinum Whisky Tour – Whisky Included! With free pickup!

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 13 reviews · 4 days (approx.) · from $3,000

This private four-day tour takes you from Edinburgh to Oban and Islay, visiting all nine active Islay distilleries, plus Oban and Clydeside. Your guide handles the driving, ferry, bookings, and route. Expect six included distillery experiences, generous tastings, three breakfasts, two Islay nights, and plenty of time for whisky shopping.

“Excellent tour and high value for money. Very close to full score, details could have been communicated more in advance and a bit awkward communication through Viator are the only negative elements. Warehouse tour with Ian at Lagavulin was the best”

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7.Islay: 4-Day Whisky Tour from Edinburgh

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 6 reviews · 4 days

Travel from Edinburgh to Islay with an English-speaking guide and a small group of up to 16. Taste whisky at six distilleries, including Bunnahabhain, Bruichladdich, Kilchoman, Bowmore, Lagavulin, Laphroaig, and Ardbeg, with three nights in Bowmore. Guide Moray Walker may lead the trip, sharing local stories along the way.

“Interessante rondleidingen, zeer goed verblijf in Bowmore House met telkens fantastisch ontbijt, aangename reisbus! Minpuntje voor ons (Belgen): onze reisgids/chauffeur sprak met een zwaar Edinburghs dialect waardoor we een deel van zijn gezellige uitleg gemist hebben...”

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