Itinerary
- Day 1
Edinburgh to Islay
You'll leave Edinburgh and head west through the Scottish Highlands, taking in Trossachs National Park's scenery before reaching Oban. This historic port town is known for its seafood and whisky, and you'll get a chance to taste some locally made whisky here. From there you'll drive through Kilmartin Glen where ancient standing stones and old strongholds dot the landscape. Later you'll catch the ferry from Kennacraig to Islay, which takes about 2 hours. You arrive in Bowmore for your first night on the island.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Trossachs National Park
- Whisky tasting in Oban
Optional Activities
- Taste regional delicacies at Trossachs National Park
- Seafood lunch in Oban
Landmarks Trossachs National Park Kilmartin Glen Paps of Jura - Day 2
Islay Whisky Distilleries
After breakfast, you'll spend the day at Islay's whisky distilleries. Start at Bowmore, one of Scotland's oldest, with a tour and tasting included. Next you'll head to Kilchoman Distillery for two more drams and lunch featuring Scottish specialties. Then it's on to Bunnahabhain, the most remote distillery on Islay (included from April 2026). You'll return through the countryside to Bowmore by evening with free time to relax.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Scottish specialities at Kilchoman Distillery)
Included Activities
- Bowmore Distillery tour and whisky tasting
- Kilchoman Distillery whisky tasting
- Lunch of Scottish specialities at Kilchoman Distillery
- Bunnahabhain Distillery visit (included from April 2026)
Optional Activities
- Ardnahoe Distillery visit (replaces Kilchoman if tour departs 6th September 2025)
Landmarks Bowmore Distillery Kilchoman Distillery Bunnahabhain Distillery - Day 3
Islay Southern Highlights
You'll explore the southern part of Islay starting with Ardbeg Distillery, which includes a tour and tasting. Next comes Laphroaig, a 200-year-old distillery that's a favorite of the British Royal Family. Along the way you'll see the historic ruins of Kildalton Church and Dunyvaig Castle, once controlled by the chiefs of Clan MacDonald. By evening you'll be back in Bowmore for your final night on the island.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Ardbeg Distillery tour and tasting
- Laphroaig Distillery tour and tasting
- Visit Kildalton Church ruins
- Visit Dunyvaig Castle
Landmarks Ardbeg Distillery Laphroaig Distillery Kildalton Church Dunyvaig Castle - Day 4
Islay to Oban
The return ferry takes you from Islay back to the mainland and the crisp Highland air. You'll pass through Inveraray, a pretty village on Loch Fyne's shore, where you'll switch minibuses and guides. Some travelers head back to Edinburgh from here, but you continue onward to meet up with the rest of your group before heading to Oban for the evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Landmarks Inveraray Loch Fyne - Day 5
Mull - Iona
An early start gets you on the ferry to the Isle of Mull where you'll see dramatic coastlines and wild natural landscapes. Keep your eyes open for white-tailed eagles, the UK's largest bird of prey. You'll take another ferry to Iona, where Celtic Christianity began and ancient Scottish kings were buried. Explore the historic abbey and the windswept coastline here. There's an optional small boat trip to Staffa to see the basalt columns of Fingal's Cave before returning to Oban.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Ferry to Isle of Mull
- Ferry to Iona
- Visit Iona Abbey
- Ferry return to Oban
Optional Activities
- Small boat trip to Staffa island to see Fingal's Cave
Landmarks Isle of Mull Iona Abbey Staffa Fingal's Cave 
- Day 6
Oban to Balmacara
You'll drive north along the coast past Castle Stalker, then into the dramatic landscape of Glencoe, a place marked by the 1692 Glencoe Massacre. You'll pass through Fort William and see Ben Nevis, Great Britain's highest peak. Quiet glens and lochs follow, with views of the Five Sisters of Kintail and Eilean Donan Castle. After stopping for photos and short breaks, you arrive in Balmacara, a small village with loch views. In the evening you can explore local trails, check out Balmacara Estate, or grab dinner at a local inn or pub.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Glencoe
Optional Activities
- Explore local trails in Balmacara
- Visit Balmacara Estate
- Meal at local inn or pub
Landmarks Castle Stalker Glencoe Fort William Ben Nevis Five Sisters of Kintail Eilean Donan Castle - Day 7
Isle of Skye
You'll explore the remote Isle of Skye with your guide choosing the best highlights based on weather and local events. Expect to do some hiking to take in the dramatic scenery. Likely options include the Quiraing hill walk, the Old Man of Storr Walk (the island's most famous trail), or Neist Point Lighthouse. Spend the day taking photos and soaking in the views before returning to Balmacara in the late afternoon.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Isle of Skye exploration with flexible itinerary
Optional Activities
- The Quiraing hill walk
- Old Man of Storr Walk
- Visit Neist Point Lighthouse
Landmarks Isle of Skye The Quiraing Old Man of Storr Neist Point Lighthouse 
- Day 8
Balmacara to Edinburgh
You'll visit Eilean Donan Castle, a 13th-century fortress on an island, then drive to Loch Duich to see the Five Sisters of Kintail and take in more dramatic scenery. At Loch Ness you'll stop for lunch and maybe catch sight of 'Nessie', the famous Loch Ness monster. Continue through the rugged Grampian Mountains and along Loch Laggan, passing Scotland's highest whisky distillery at Dalwhinnie with a brief stop. You arrive back in Edinburgh by 19:00 where the tour ends.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Lunch at Loch Ness)
Included Activities
- Visit Eilean Donan Castle
- Stop at Loch Ness for lunch
Landmarks Eilean Donan Castle Loch Duich Five Sisters of Kintail Loch Ness Grampian Mountains Loch Laggan Dalwhinnie Distillery 
