Islay & Jura 5 Day Whisky Tour

If your idea of a perfect Scotland trip involves sea air, dramatic coastlines, and a dram that tastes like a bonfire in the best possible way, this is the tour for you. Our private Islay and Jura whisky tour is an immersive island adventure built around Scotland’s most iconic peated whiskies, balanced with beautiful scenery, great local food, and enough breathing room to enjoy it all properly.

Islay is often called the “Queen of the Hebrides”, and once you’ve watched the light change over Loch Indaal with a glass of something smoky in your hand, you’ll understand why. Over the course of the tour, you’ll visit a carefully chosen mix of legendary names and standout modern makers, Bowmore, Laphroaig, Lagavulin, Ardbeg, Bruichladdich, Kilchoman, Bunnahabhain, Caol Ila, and you’ll also hop across to neighbouring Jura for a contrasting distillery experience and a taste of island life that feels wonderfully untouched.

This is a private tour, so we can tailor distillery visits and tasting styles around what you enjoy, whether you prefer classic core ranges, premium tastings, or the kind of limited bottles that mysteriously “follow you home.” If you’re ready to experience Islay properly, book your Islay & Jura whisky tour, and we’ll secure the best distillery tours and tastings available for your dates.

We begin with pick-up from your chosen location and travel west through classic Scottish scenery to reach the ferry for Islay. The crossing is part of the magic, sea views, islands on the horizon, and that first whiff of Hebridean air that tells you you’re somewhere different.

• Arrive on Islay and settle into the island rhythm.

• Bowmore Distillery – our first distillery visit is a brilliant introduction to Islay. Founded in 1779, Bowmore combines coastal character with a beautifully balanced style. You’ll tour the distillery and enjoy a guided tasting of signature expressions.

• No. 1 Vaults – Bowmore’s legendary maturation warehouse by Loch Indaal, often described as one of Scotland’s most atmospheric whisky spaces.

• Lochside time – after your visit, enjoy a relaxed moment in Bowmore with views over the water.

Overnight: Islay.

Day 1: Journey to Islay & Bowmore Distillery

Today is the legendary South Coast, three distilleries close together, with some of the most famous peated whisky on the planet and superb coastal scenery between stops.

• Laphroaig – unmistakably smoky, medicinal, bold, and adored for exactly that. Tour and tasting options typically include classic drams like the 10-Year-Old and Quarter Cask.

• Lagavulin – rich, complex, and beautifully layered peat. Visit the distillery and enjoy a tasting that showcases why it’s such a favourite.

• Ardbeg – powerful, expressive, and full of character. Tastings here are a highlight for many guests, with options that often include well-known favourites like Uigeadail and Corryvreckan.

• Coastal views and photo stops throughout the day, this stretch of Islay is spectacular.

Overnight: Islay.

Tour Details

• Duration: 5 Days (7-8 hours per day)

• Departure From: Edinburgh or Glasgow

• Group Size: Private tour for up to 7 guests

• Cost: £4475

• Included:

  • Private driver-guide

  • Comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle

  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off

  • Bottled water and local snacks

• Not Included:

  • Accommodation (we are happy to suggest local options)

  • Meals

  • Entrance Fees

Day 2: Islay South Coast Icons - Laphroaig, Lagavulin & Ardbeg

Day 3: Islay’s West & North - Bruichladdich, Kilchoman & Bunnahabhain

Day 4: Caol Ila & Day Trip to Jura

A day of island-hopping and a change of pace.

• Caol Ila – perched above the Sound of Islay with one of the best distillery views in Scotland. Caol Ila offers a range of styles, from lighter coastal peat to more robust smoky expressions. Enjoy a tour and tasting with time to take in the scenery.

• Ferry to Jura – a short crossing to an island that feels wilder and quieter than Islay, with its own distinct charm.

• Jura Distillery – a contrasting whisky style and a fascinating stop that rounds out your island whisky experience. Tour and tasting included.

• Time to explore Jura – depending on your pace, we can enjoy a scenic drive, a short walk, or simply soak up the island atmosphere before returning to Islay.

Overnight: Islay.

Today shows you Islay’s range, innovative, farm-to-bottle, and a distillery in a truly remote and beautiful setting.

• Bruichladdich – known for doing things differently, with a strong focus on provenance and experimentation. A great tour for anyone who likes the “why” behind the whisky.

• Kilchoman – a working farm distillery that champions traditional methods and local ingredients. It’s a brilliant contrast to larger sites and is often a favourite for its grounded, authentic feel.

• Bunnahabhain – set on the remote north-east coast with stunning views across the Sound of Islay to Jura. Known for rich, complex drams and a different Islay profile (often less heavily peated, depending on the expression).

• Island scenery – expect some of the most beautiful driving of the week.

Overnight: Islay.

Day 5: Return to the Mainland & Scenic Stops

After breakfast, we say farewell to Islay and travel back to the mainland. The return journey can include scenic and cultural stops depending on your route and final destination, perfect for stretching your legs and squeezing in a few final photos before drop-off.

You’ll leave with a proper understanding of Islay and Jura whisky styles, a camera roll full of coastline, and, quite possibly, a bag full of bottles that seemed like a very sensible idea at the time (and still will when you get home).

Drop-off: as agreed (based on your starting point).

What Makes This Islay & Jura Tour Special

• Private touring: just your group, your guide, your pace

• Iconic distilleries + island culture: the full Hebridean whisky experience

• South coast legends + north coast depth: balanced tasting across Islay

• Jura included: a perfect contrast and a true island adventure

If Islay has been calling your name, it’s time to answer properly. Book your private Islay & Jura whisky tour, and we’ll help tailor the distilleries, tastings, and timings to suit your whisky style and travel dates.