• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Deutsche Seite

Wind & Cloud Travel

  • Home
  • Self-Guided Tours
    • Road Trips
    • Walking Holidays
    • Holidays with Kids
    • Whisky Tours
    • Train Holidays
    • Special Interest Holidays
  • Private Group Adventures
    • Private Group Tours and Incentive Travel
    • Incoming Agencies
  • Travel Gift Vouchers
  • About Us
    • Our Team
    • Our Travel Style
    • Our Partners
    • Contact Us
  • Blog

Whisky Tour Islay, Jura, Arran & Kintyre

8-day Whisky Tour

Enquire Now

from £1019

Upcoming tour dates

all year round

Highlights

  • Islay & Jura
  • Isle of Arran
  • Kintyre peninsula
  • distillery tours & tastings
  • famous distilleries

This tour for connoisseurs will take you to some of Scotland’s best whisky regions. Starting on the Kintyre peninsula – immortalised by Paul McCartney’s tribute song ‘Mull of Kintyre’ – you will be visiting Springbank distillery, who still use traditional production methods thereby creating one of the most handmade single malts in Scotland.

You will then cross over to the whisky paradise, the island of Islay, where you have the choice between no less than 9 top-class distilleries, amongst them Bowmore, Bruichladdich, Lagavulin, Ardbeg and Laphroaig. The whisky here is known for its bold flavours, notably peaty, smoky and oily notes with a touch of salty sea air and seaweed.

To top it all off you will also visit the neighbouring islands of Jura and Arran. Jura is a sparsely inhabited island with only one road, one pub and one distillery, producing a variety of single malts. Arran, the ‘Scotland in miniature’ because of its diverse landscape, has only recently revived the tradition of whisky making by building Lochranza and Lagg distilleries.

  • Bunnahabhain Distillery liegt am Ende einer Single Track Road und kann auf unserer Whiskyreise nach Islay angefahren werden.

    Bunnahabhain Distillery

  • Bowmore Distillery ist die aelteste Brennerei auf Islay und Teil der Whiksyreise.

    Bowmore Distillery

  • Einige Whiskybars auf Islay, die wir auf der Whiskyreise aufsuchen, sind beruehmt.

    Whiskybar

  • Am Tag 7 unserer Whiskyreise setzen wir nach jura ueber und besuchen die Distillery.

    Jura Distillery

  • Der zweite und 3. Tag unserer Whiskyreise gehoert der Halbinsel Kintyre.

    Tarbert, Kintyre

  • Das Warehouse Tasting in der Lagavulin Distillery ist einer der Hoehepunkte der Whiskyreise.

    Lagavulin Warehouse

  • Auf der Whiskyreise nach Islay fahren wir oft Portnahabhain an, wo sich im Hafenbecken Robben aalen.

    Portnahabhain

  • Unsere Whiskyreisen nach Islay sind Kleingruppenreisen mit deutschsprachiger Begleitung.

    Verkostung

  • Die Diageo Distillery Lagavulin kann auf unserer Whiskyreise nach Islay besucht werden.

    Lagavulin

  • Fuer viele ist Bunnahabhain ein absolutes Muss einer Whiskyreise nach Islay.

    Bunnahabhain

  • Gruinart Bay ist ein Naturparadies, das wir auf der Whiskyreise nach Islay unter anderem besichtigen.

    Gruinart Bay

  • Was waere eine Whiskyreise nach Islay ohne einen Abstecher zur Ardbeg Distillery.

    Ardbeg

  • Die Ardbeg Distillery der Whiskyreise Islay liegt nicht nur idyllisch sondern produziert auch sehr gute Tropfen.

    Ardbeg Distillery

  • Die Insel Islay ist ein fantastisches Kleinod und Zentrum unserer Whiskyreise.

    Mull of Oa

  • Gleich am Anfang der Whiskyreise nach Islay besichtigen wir Auchentoshan Warehouse.

    Auchentoshan

  • Bunnahabhain Distillery liegt am Ende einer Single Track Road und kann auf unserer Whiskyreise nach Islay angefahren werden.
  • Bowmore Distillery ist die aelteste Brennerei auf Islay und Teil der Whiksyreise.
  • Einige Whiskybars auf Islay, die wir auf der Whiskyreise aufsuchen, sind beruehmt.
  • Am Tag 7 unserer Whiskyreise setzen wir nach jura ueber und besuchen die Distillery.
  • Der zweite und 3. Tag unserer Whiskyreise gehoert der Halbinsel Kintyre.
  • Das Warehouse Tasting in der Lagavulin Distillery ist einer der Hoehepunkte der Whiskyreise.
  • Auf der Whiskyreise nach Islay fahren wir oft Portnahabhain an, wo sich im Hafenbecken Robben aalen.
  • Unsere Whiskyreisen nach Islay sind Kleingruppenreisen mit deutschsprachiger Begleitung.
  • Die Diageo Distillery Lagavulin kann auf unserer Whiskyreise nach Islay besucht werden.
  • Fuer viele ist Bunnahabhain ein absolutes Muss einer Whiskyreise nach Islay.
  • Gruinart Bay ist ein Naturparadies, das wir auf der Whiskyreise nach Islay unter anderem besichtigen.
  • Was waere eine Whiskyreise nach Islay ohne einen Abstecher zur Ardbeg Distillery.
  • Die Ardbeg Distillery der Whiskyreise Islay liegt nicht nur idyllisch sondern produziert auch sehr gute Tropfen.
  • Die Insel Islay ist ein fantastisches Kleinod und Zentrum unserer Whiskyreise.
  • Gleich am Anfang der Whiskyreise nach Islay besichtigen wir Auchentoshan Warehouse.
  • Programme
  • Services
  • Dates & Prices
  • Reviews

Programme

Programme

The below itinerary is subject to change due to weather or tidal conditions without prior notice. The timings displayed are for your reference and guidance only.

Day 1: Loch Lomond and Loch Fyne

Individual arrival in Glasgow. Travelling from the airport will take you to the western banks of ‘bonnie’ Loch Lomond, Scotland’s largest and most popular freshwater lake in the heart of Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park. Take a stroll in this beautiful landscape and enjoy panoramic views before continuing your scenic drive to the shores of Loch Fyne. You will spend your first night in the picturesque town of Inveraray, which will wow you with its loch-side scenery, history and heritage.

Day 2: Mull of Kintyre and Springbank

After a hearty Scottish breakfast you make your way south, on a beautiful stretch of coastal road, to the very tip of the Kintyre peninsula. Your destination is Campbeltown, which was once a busy place known for fishing and shipbuilding and home to more than 30 distilleries. Much quieter today, the town is still one of Scotland’s five whisky producing regions with three active distilleries: Glen Scotia, Glengyle and Springbank. A tour at Springbank – a unique and historic distillery that is proud of their heritage, having retained many of the traditional processes – is a must. In the evening you will board the ferry to Islay, where some striking views open up to the low-lying island of Gigha, the Kintyre peninsula and to the distant mountains of Arran. After a relaxing 2-hour crossing you have arrived in whisky paradise!

Day 3: Kilchoman, Bruichladdich, Bowmore

Spend the morning strolling on one of Islay’s most beautiful beaches, Machir Bay. Afterwards visit the nearby Kilchoman distillery, the only farm distillery on Islay and one of handful of distilleries still practicing traditional floor malting. And not only that – the barley is also home-grown, milled, and bottled on site. Join one of their tours to learn all about their history and ambitious vision, and make sure you pop into their café for their fine selection of home-made soup, sandwiches and baking. A short drive away lies Bruichladdich distillery, home to Bruichladdich, Port Charlotte and Octomore single malts along with ‘The Botanist’ gin. In the afternoon head to Islay’s main town Bowmore, which gives its name to the local distillery. Bowmore is the oldest licensed distillery on Islay, still taking great pride and enormous care and attention in creating one of the world’s most collectible malts. Why not finish a perfect day with a dram at the tasting bar, overlooking the beautiful Loch Indaal. Slainte!

Day 4: Laphroaig, Lagavulin, Ardbeg

Delve deep into the mesmerising flavours of three of the island’s whisky giants – Laphroaig, Lagavulin and Ardbeg – who are famous for their smoky, peaty whiskies. On your way to the distilleries you will be passing the vast expanse of bog where the peat is cut. Start your exploration with a tour at Laphroaig, where you can taste first hand what all the fuss is about. With its daringly bold, almost medicinal flavours the whisky has divided opinions around the world since 1815. Next up is Lagavulin, Laphroaig’s elegant neighbour, which is hailed as the connoisseur’s choice. And last but not least, visit Ardbeg distillery, another big player with a fierce loyalty among its fans. Ardbeg has an exciting array of expressions, famous for being unpronounceable, and has won prestigious titles in the world of whisky. The café is a success in its own right, providing some of the best food on the island.

Day 5: Jura, Caol Isla and Bunnahabhain

Today you will visit the island and distillery of Jura. The name Jura means ‘Deer Island’, which is appropriate given its population of 180 people versus 5,500 deer. Nature lovers can find more than 100 species of birds, including stone eagles. In addition, goats, seals, rabbits, hares, and otters characterise the animal world. This is also where George Orwell completed his most famous novel ‘1984’. Jura whisky is not as heavily peated as Islay whiskies, sourcing soft water from a spring called Bhaille Mharghaidh and using taller stills than other island distilleries. After your tour and tasting it is time to head back to Islay, where you can either explore the island or take the opportunity to visit the most northerly distilleries of Caol Isla, Ardnahoe and Bunnahabhain.

Day 6: Isle of Arran

In the morning you catch the ferry back to the mainland where, after a short drive across the peninsula, you’ll be boarding the ferry to Arran. A short sailing across the Kilbrannan Sound takes you to Lochranza, a picturesque village with castle, golf course and one of Arran’s two distilleries. Arran is small but it has so much to offer. The island is defined by a geological fault line, which runs across the centre of the island, separating the rugged, mountainous landscape of the north from the more gentle hills of the south. With this Arran mirrors Scotland’s varied landscapes, thereby forming a “Scotland in miniature”. Settle in to your accommodation for the next two nights and sample the local whisky.

Day 7: Arran Distillery

Start the day by taking a panoramic drive around the island, go for a wander on the beach or follow the ‘Taste of Arran’ trail for some local artisan food and drink. In the afternoon visit Lochranza distillery, one of the few remaining independent distilleries in Scotland. Once the perfect water source was identified, the building work began in 1994 – but not after allowing a pair of golden eagles to nest, who return most years and can sometimes be seen flying high above the distillery. Lochranza distillery has a state of the art visitor experience and produces Arran single malts, blends as well as cream liqueurs.

Day 8: Departure

Today you have to say goodbye to a wonderful, welcoming country. Take the morning ferry to Ardrossan, from where you will drive back to Glasgow airport.

The ferry crossing from Arran takes approx. 1 hour, the journey to Glasgow approx. 45 minutes. If you have an early morning return flight, you can spend the last night in Glasgow rather than on Arran.

Services

Services

Tour includes

  • 7 overnight stays in 3-4* B&B accommodation (en-suite) on Islay
  • Scottish breakfast
  • hire car for 4 days from/to airport including insurance and Sat Nav
  • ferry to and from Islay
  • ferry Kintyre-Arran
  • ferry Arran-Ardrossan
  • Scotland road map
  • Comprehensive info pack including leisure and restaurant recommendations
  • 24/7 emergency hotline

Not included

  • flights
  • lunch and dinner
  • fuel
  • admissions
  • additional driver

Optional add-ons

  • £69 pp additional night in Edinburgh/Glasgow B&B, based on 2 people sharing (£ single supplement)
  • £89 pp additional night in Edinburgh/Glasgow hotel, based on 2 people sharing (£ single supplement)
  • from £50 per day car hire extension
  • from £300 per day for chauffeur (includes expenses)

Additional Information

Duration: 8 days
Participants: from 2 pax
Start: Edinburgh/Glasgow Airport
Finish: Edinburgh/Glasgow Airport

When deciding on your travel dates, please bear in mind that we require at least 6 weeks to prepare. Every trip is meticulously planned and organised, and the information pack is compiled with great care and attention. We also have to allow time for the information pack to be delivered (postal delivery can take on average 4 weeks in Europe). If you do want to travel at short notice, please contact us by email. Thank you for your cooperation!

Dates & Prices

Dates & Prices

Termine

all year round

Preise

£1019per person
£319Single room surcharge

Hotel rates on request

Reviews

Reviews

Michael Scheu am 26.06.2019

Tolle Natur, super Essen. Auch haben wir super interessante Leute kennen gelernt. Und der Whisky auf den Insel ist natürlich lecker.

Leo Wassermann am 18.05.2017

Wir haben mit 6 Personen die Whiskyreise durchgeführt und hatten eine tolle Zeit. Der Mietwagen – für uns ein 9-Sitzer Kleinbus – war nagelneu, mit Automatik und genügend Platz für unser (Whisky)Gepäck :-). Die Unterkünfte waren sehr schön, wobei uns das B&B auf Islay am besten gefallen hat. Die Brennereien hatte Sandra für uns im voraus gebucht. Ganz herzlichen Dank von unserer gesamten Truppe für die Spitzenorganisation.

Robert Schumacher am 06.06.2016

Vielen Dank für eine perfekt organisierte Whiskyreise, bei der wir uns um nichts kümmern mussten. Die Reiseunterlagen waren von Euch mit grosser Sorgfalt ausgearbeitet, den meisten Tipps und Empfehlungen sind wir nachgegangen und haben nichts bereut. Ganz besonders ist das Lagavulin Warehouse tasting zu empfehlen, wo man mitten im Warehouse sitzt und direkt aus dem Fass verkosten kann: der HAMMER!!!!  Bei Eurer Organisation merkt man, dass man es mit einem Profi zu tun hat. Wir haben uns vor der Reise auch Katjas Buch gekauft, was abolut klasse ist. Also danke noch mal und viele Grüsse an das ganze Team.

Enquire Now

You may also like:

Speyside Whisky Trail

Waehrend unserer Whiskyreisen in Schottland nehmen Sie an zahlreichen Verkostungen teil.
from £579

Edinburgh Whisky Tour: Whisky & Culture

Edinburgh ist seit kurzem wieder ein spannender Beitrag einer jeden Whiskyreise durch Schottland.
from £729

Classic Whisky Tour of Scotland

Auf dieser Whiskyreise durch Schottland kommen wir nicht nur an zahlreichen Highland Distilleries vorbei, sondern kehren dort auch ein.
from £909

Primary Sidebar

Subscribe to Newsletter

Contact

Wind & Cloud Travel Ltd
43 Hopetoun Road
South Queensferry
Edinburgh
EH30 9RB
Scotland

+44 (0)131 3311576

info@windandcloudtravel.com

  • Deutsche Seite
  • Booking Procedure
  • Links & Further Reading
  • Privacy Policy
  • Our Terms & Conditions
  • Imprint

© 2018 Wind and Cloud Travel Ltd www.windandcloudtravel.com – Background picture by John McSporran via pxhere.com

Vibes Awards Winner 2014
Schottlandreise ist mit der Gold Master Green Tourism Scotland Auszeichnung für ihre Arbeit belohnt worden.