Islay Whisky Tours: The 4 Best Runs to the Peat Coast

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 small group of up to 16, three nights of lodging, breakfasts, ferry crossings, and tastings at Bunnahabhain, Kilchoman, Bruichladdich, Bowmore, Lagavulin, Ardbeg, and Laphroaig. Guides such as Moray, Jamie, Stefan, and Murray add local knowledge and flexibility to a packed whisky trip.

“This was such an enjoyable experience! We visited 8 different distilleries as well as the Whisky Vault and several historical sites. Our accommodations for 3 nights at the Bowmore House B&B were spacious; we had a great view and the proprietors were anxious to make us comfortable.”

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2.4-Day Islay & Whisky Tour Including Admissions from Edinburgh

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

Travel from Edinburgh to Islay in a 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach, crossing by ferry and visiting up to six distilleries, including Bowmore, Kilchoman, Ardbeg, and Laphroaig. You stay three nights in Bowmore Distillery Cottages, share the ride with a small group, and learn about smoky Scotch from guides such as Adam, Andy, Emily, and Duncan.

“Duncan, our guide, molded a disparate group of people from every corner of the world into a happy, fun loving group who became quick friends. We learned Scottish lore and history, the best fresh seafood places to dine at, but most of all, having fun drinking whisky. From every nook and cranny starting at Oban to every inch of Islay, we investigated and learned how to love every drop of whisky those places offered to the public. It was an amazing 4 days, Thank you so much Duncan.”

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3.5 Day Islay Whisky Tour from Edinburgh

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

Travel from Edinburgh to Islay in a minibus for five days of distillery tours, warehouse tastings, coastal views, and whisky history. You’ll visit Oban plus nine Islay distilleries, including Lagavulin, Laphroaig, Ardbeg, Bowmore, and Bruichladdich. Guides such as Moray, Jamie, and John S bring humor and local knowledge, while Bowmore accommodation includes four breakfasts.

“Scottish Routes did an excellent job with this tour. Calum was an amazing guide. The B&B on Islay and it's hosts were awesome. The distillery tours and tastings exceeded my expectations.”

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

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

Set out from Edinburgh with flexible pickup and let Whiskywheels Tours handle the roads, ferry, and distillery schedule. You visit all nine active Islay distilleries, plus Oban and Clydeside, with tastings at Lagavulin, Ardbeg, Bowmore, and others. Ian’s warehouse tour at Lagavulin is a noted highlight, while meals and some tastings cost extra.

“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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