Whisky Coast & Loch Lomond (Hotel) - 4 days
Whisky Coast & Loch Lomond (Hotel) - 4 days
4 Days Starting in Edinburgh, Scotland and ending in Islay, Scotland
Visiting: Edinburgh, Islay
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 16
Age range:
18-
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating 4-day journey through Scotland's Whisky Coast and Loch Lomond, perfect for whisky enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Starting in Edinburgh, this small group tour takes you through the breathtaking landscapes of Trossachs National Park and the Western Highlands to the charming coastal town of Oban. Experience the rich flavors of Scotland with visits to four renowned whisky distilleries, including Ardbeg and Laphroaig, where you'll enjoy tours and tastings. Explore the stunning Isle of Islay, with its dramatic scenery and historic sites like Dunyvaig Castle. Conclude your adventure with a scenic drive back to Edinburgh, stopping at the picturesque town of Inveraray and the majestic Loch Lomond. Enjoy comfortable accommodations, guided by a local driver-guide, and travel in style aboard a 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach. This tour promises an unforgettable blend of culture, history, and the finest Scottish whisky.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Edinburgh
Location: Edinburgh
Accommodation Name: Lochside Hotel, Bowmore Hotel or similar
Edinburgh - Trossnachs National Park - Oban - Islay. Departing Edinburgh this morning, we head west, first visiting Trossnachs National Park. Admire some of the country's famous scenery and perhaps taste some regional delicacies. We then make our way through the mountainous Western Highlands to Oban, a port town once the strategic heartland of great feuding clans.
Modern Oban is known for two things, seafood and whisky. We have the opportunity to taste both, including a dram of locally produced whisky and an optional seafood lunch.
We then make our way through the Kilmartin Glen, home to standing stones and historic fortified strongholds dating back more than 1,500 years. At Kennacraig, we catch the ferry to the island of Islay. The crossing takes around 2 hours, and you can see the Paps of Jura as we sail past the island of Jura. Landing at Islay, we make our way to our accommodation in Bowmore.
Please note: Check-in closes at 08:15 on day 1 (tour departs at 08:30) - Edinburgh Bus Station Pick Up, Gate J and Gate K, inside Edinburgh Bus Station, St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, EH1 3DQ.
Accommodation: Lochside Hotel, Bowmore Hotel or similar
Day 2: Whisky, Whisky & Whisky
Location: Islay
Accommodation Name: Lochside Hotel, Bowmore Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Tuck into breakfast at the accommodation before we depart on a day of whisky adventures! We are visiting three distilleries today, starting with Bowmore, one of the oldest distilleries in the whole of Scotland. There's an included tour and whisky tasting before we continue to Kilchoman Distillery, where we can try two more drams of whisky and enjoy a lunch of Scottish specialities. We then travel through the beautiful countryside of Islay to our third distillery. This will either be Bruichladdich or Bunnahabhain, depending on the departure. Bruichladdich specializes in unpeated whisky, whilst Bunnahabhain is the most remote distillery on the island. Feeling slightly light-headed, we then head back to Bowmore, where the evening is at leisure.
Accommodation: Lochside Hotel, Bowmore Hotel or similar
Day 3: Exploring Islay
Location: Islay
Accommodation Name: Lochside Hotel, Bowmore Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we are exploring the southern half of Islay, one of the most beautiful of the Scottish Isles. First we visit the distillery at Ardbeg, owned by Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy! There's an included tour and tasting here.
The final distillery of our tour is Laphroaig, a 200-year-old distiller known to be a favourite of the British Royal Family.
Throughout the day, we will also stop at some of the island's main highlights. See the historic ruins of Kildalton church and Dunyvaig Castle, which was once held by the chiefs of the Clan MacDonald of Dunnyveg. We then return to Bowmore for our last night.
Accommodation: Lochside Hotel, Bowmore Hotel or similar
Day 4: Islay
Location: Edinburgh
Meals Included: Breakfast
Islay - Loch Lomond - Edinburgh. Say goodbye to Islay as we take the return ferry back to the mainland. We then make our way back to Edinburgh, stopping on the way in the pretty town of Inveraray, on the banks of Loch Fyne. Admire the historic buildings, boats and an old whisky shop. Our final stop is at Loch Lomond, where you can admire Great Britain's largest body of water by surface area. We then complete our drive to Edinburgh, where our tour comes to an end.
Please note: This tour ends at 19:00 - Edinburgh Bus Station Drop Off, Gate J and Gate K, Edinburgh Bus Station, St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, EH1 3DQ.
What's Included
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Accommodation
3-star hotels -
3 breakfasts
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3 nights 3-star hotels
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Escorted by a local driver-guide
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Visits to four whiskey distilleries: Ardbeg, Kilchoman, Bowmore, Laphroaig including tour & tasting (subject to change)
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Transportation in 16 seat Mercedes mini-coach with air-conditioning
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All necessary ferry journeys between Scottish Islands and the mainland
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All road tolls
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20kg luggage - see Trip Notes for details
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Note: This tour is operated in conjunction with our trusted partner and you will join travellers from different operators, not solely On The Go.
What's Not Included
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International flights & visas
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Airport transfers (pick up and drop off information can be found in the Trip Notes)
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Meals not specified in itinerary
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Tipping - an entirely personal gesture!
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Entry fees unless specified
Age Policy
Minimum age 18
Mode of Transport
Travel in style and comfort aboard a 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach with air-conditioning, ensuring a smooth journey across Scotland's whisky coast, with all necessary ferry journeys and road tolls included.
Accommodation
Stay in comfort at 3-star hotels, including the Lochside Hotel and Bowmore Hotel, or similar accommodations, offering a cozy retreat after a day of exploring Scotland's whisky coast and scenic landscapes.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of transportation is used during the tour?
The tour uses a 16 seat Mercedes mini-coach with air-conditioning for transportation.
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Are there any meals included in the tour?
The tour includes 3 breakfasts.
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What is the minimum age requirement for this tour?
The minimum age requirement for this tour is 18 years old.
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Will there be opportunities to taste whisky during the tour?
Yes, there are opportunities to taste whisky at four distilleries: Ardbeg, Kilchoman, Bowmore, and Laphroaig, with tours and tastings included.
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Is the tour conducted by a local guide?
Yes, the tour is escorted by a local driver-guide.
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What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides accommodation in 3-star hotels for 3 nights.
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Are ferry journeys included in the tour package?
Yes, all necessary ferry journeys between Scottish Islands and the mainland are included.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Low Deposit
On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 600 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.