Five day Islay
&
Jura Whisky Tour
The Islay whisky tour is a superb 5-day experience, including a trip to nearby Jura, that offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich culture and heritage of Scotland’s whisky industry. During the tour, you’ll visit some of the most famous whisky producers in the world and learn about the traditional methods of whisky production that have been passed down from generation to generation.
Along with the exceptional whisky, you’ll also enjoy some of the best cuisine that Scotland has to offer. From traditional Scottish breakfasts to hearty pub lunches, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to sample the local cuisine including fresh, locally caught seafood and other local delicacies.
During the tour, you’ll visit Jura Distillery, Bowmore Distillery, Laphroaig, Lagavulin, Ardbeg, Bruichladdich, Kilchoman, Bunnahabhain, and Caol Ila. Each distillery has its unique flavour profile, so you’ll be able to taste a wide range of whiskies and find your own personal favourites.
tour itinerary and highlights
Day 1 begins when you are picked up at the location of your choice and transported through glorious scenery to the island of Islay. Situated off the west coast of Scotland this beautiful island is known as the Queen of the Hebrides.
Visit to Bowmore Distillery
When we arrive on Islay we will make our first distillery visit to the Bowmore Distillery, which has been producing whisky since 1779. You will have a chance to tour the distillery and learn about the production process. You will also have the opportunity to taste some of the Bowmore’s unique whiskies, including the Bowmore 12 Year Old and the 18 Year Old.
One of the highlights of the Bowmore Distillery is the legendary No. 1 Vaults, which is the oldest maturation warehouse in Scotland. Visitors will get a chance to explore the vaults and taste some of the rarest and most sought-after whiskies that are only available at the distillery.
After the tour, you can relax in the tasting room, which offers stunning views of Loch Indaal. Here you can enjoy a dram of your favourite Bowmore whisky and perhaps purchase a bottle to take home as a souvenir of your visit.
Day 2 takes us to the southern coast of Islay and is packed with visits to some of the island’s most iconic whisky makers, including Lagavulin, Laphroaig. and Ardbeg. You can expect a day filled with stunning coastal views, fascinating distillery tours, and of course, plenty of whisky tastings.
Visit to Laphroaig
The first stop on the south coast tour is the Laphroaig Distillery, known for its pungent and smoky whisky. Here you can take a guided tour of the distillery to learn about the history and production process of Laphroaig whisky. After the tour, visitors can enjoy a tasting of some of Laphroaig’s most popular whiskies, including the 10-year-old and Quarter Cask.
Visit to Lagavulin
The next stop is the Lagavulin Distillery, located just a short distance from Laphroaig.
Lagavulin is known for its rich and complex whiskies, with a distinctive peaty flavour. You can take a tour of the distillery to learn about the production process and see the traditional pot stills and warehouses where the whisky is aged. After the tour, visitors can enjoy a tasting of some of Lagavulin’s most popular whiskies, including the 16-year-old and Distillers Edition.
Whisky tasting at Ardbeg
The final stop on the south coast tour is the Ardbeg Distillery, known for its bold and smoky whiskies. You can take a tour of the distillery to learn about the production process and see the traditional peat kilns used to dry the malted barley. After the tour, visitors can enjoy a tasting of some of Ardbeg’s most popular whiskies, including the Corryvreckan and Uigeadail.
Overall, the south coast tour of Islay is a must-do for any whisky lover visiting Scotland. With visits to Laphroaig, Lagavulin, and Ardbeg distilleries, visitors can experience some of the finest whiskies in the world, while taking in the stunning coastal scenery of Islay.
On day 3 we will explore the stunning North Coast of Islay. This section of the island is known for its rugged coastline, picturesque villages, and of course, its world-renowned whisky distilleries.
Visit to Bruichladdich
The first stop today is the Bruichladdich Distillery, which is located in the charming village of Bruichladdich. Here you can take a tour of the distillery and learn about the production process. The distillery is known for its innovative approach to whisky making, and visitors will have the chance to taste some of their unique and award-winning expressions.
Whisky tasting at Kilchoman
The next stop is the Kilchoman Distillery, which is located on a working farm in the village of Kilchoman. You will have the opportunity to taste some of their signature expressions, which are made using locally grown barley and peat from the surrounding fields. The distillery is known for its commitment to traditional methods of whisky making, and visitors will have the chance to see the entire process in action.
Whisky tasting at Bunnahabhain
The final stop on the North Coast tour is the Bunnahabhain Distillery, which is located on the remote northeast coast of the island. Whilst here, it would be rude not to sample some of their signature drams, which are known for their rich and complex flavours. The distillery is also known for its stunning location, which offers breath-taking views of the Sound of Islay and the Paps of Jura.
With its stunning scenery, charming villages, and world-renowned distilleries, the North Coast offers a unique and unforgettable whisky experience to rival the South.
On day 4 we will take a ferry from Islay to Jura, which is located just a short distance away. The ferry ride provides a stunning view of both islands, giving you the opportunity to take in the natural beauty of the surrounding area.
Whisky tasting at Caol Ila
Before setting off for Jura, visitors will have the opportunity to visit the Caol Ila Distillery, which is located on the north-eastern coast of Islay. This distillery is known for producing a range of unique and complex whiskies, and you can take a tour of the facility to learn more about the distilling process.
During the tour, visitors will have the opportunity to sample some of the whiskies produced at Caol Ila. The distillery produces a range of whiskies, from light and fruity to smoky and peaty, so there is something to suit every taste.
Whisky tasting at Jura
After visiting Caol Ila, visitors can head to the nearby island of Jura to visit the Jura Distillery. This distillery is known for producing a range of rich and complex whiskies, and visitors can take a tour of the facility to learn more about the distilling process.
During the tour, you will have the opportunity to sample some of the whiskies produced at Jura. The distillery produces a range of whiskies, from light and fruity to rich and full-bodied, so there is something to suit every taste.
After visiting the Jura Distillery, we can take some time to explore the island, before returning to Islay for your final night in these glorious isles. Jura is home to a range of natural attractions, including mountains, waterfalls, and wildlife, so there is plenty to see and do.
On the final day we say goodbye to the island. After a hearty breakfast we will then travel back across the sea to the mainland and take in a few sights along the way back to your drop off point. These sights will depend on time and your final destination. Your fully immersive Islay whisky tour, not forgetting the visit to the delightful isle of Jura, will leave you with many fond memories and probably a boot full of tasty souvenirs too.
Book your five day islay & jura whisky tour today!!
Contact James or Lesley from Tour Guide Scotland to check availability for your 5 day Islay and Jura Whisky Tour out of Edinburgh or Glasgow as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. To request more information or to book visit our contact page.
