The 2023 Islay Festival of Whisky, Music and Culture Multi-day tour Best seller
Our partner: Highland Explorer Tours
Description
Join us on an exciting journey to the Isle of Islay. Experience the island’s famous single malt, traditional music and Gaelic culture at the annual Islay Whisky Festival – Feis Ile. Islay is the Queen of the Hebrides, and whisky is just one of the jewels in her crown. Visit the Mull of Oa peninsula, the Three Distilleries Path and the island beaches. Discover historic gems, learn about the island way of life, and sample the finest whisky straight from the source.Travel through the west of Scotland, stopping at Loch Lomond, Oban, and Glencoe. This tour is a feast for the senses.
What´s Included
- Local Scottish Guide
- 3 nights hotel accommodation
- 3 traditional Scottish breakfasts
- Return ferry to Islay
- Whisky Distilleries tours of Laphroaig and Lilchoman
- Whisky tastings at Bruichladdich, Ardberg and Lagavulin
- Museum of Islay life
What to bring
- Passport / ID card
- Students must hold a valid ISIC/ISE/ITIC card.
- Travel Insurance
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Waterproof jacket
Additional information
- Due to the popularity of this product, this tour does not qualify for a deposit option - full payment is required at time of booking.
- Adults / Students must be over 18 at the time of travel.
- Students must hold a valid ISIC/ISE/ITIC card.
- This tour is suitable for those aged 18 or over.
- Please arrive to check-in 15 minutes before departure
- Collapsible wheelchairs can be accommodated providing the passenger is accompanied by someone who can assist them to board and disembark.
- Highland hotels and guesthouses do not have lifts/elevators. Guests should be able to walk up steps in order to access rooms.
- Cancellations made 21 days or less prior to the departure will incur a 100% fee.
- In this new, fast-changing Covid-19 era, we are doing all we can to adapt to new requirements and expectations, given the disruption caused. Read more about the important new steps and procedures that we have implemented to enhance hygiene protocols, to comply with physical distancing requirements by relevant government authorities and to give you peace of mind when you are travelling during these new times
Your Responsibility
All our guests are asked to follow hygiene practices recommended by the World Health Organization and local Government guidelines.
• Regular washing of hands and sanitising when required
• Please bring your own:
- Hand sanitiser
- Face mask. These are to be worn at all times on the coach and in public areas.
• Temperature checks will be taken at the start of each day on tour. If your temperature is above 37.5 degrees, you may not be able to travel.
• Maintain social distancing.
• You need to make the Guide aware if you develop any Covid like symptoms.
Map
Itinerary
DAY 1
DAY 1: Edinburgh - Port Ellen
DAY 1: Edinburgh - Port Ellen
We depart Edinburgh at 9.00 am and travel to the charming village of Luss on Loch Lomond. We continue our journey west, stopping at the Rest and Be Thankful viewpoint, before lunch in pretty Inveraray, which sits on Loch Fyne. The afternoon is spent visiting the historically significant Dunadd Fort. Afterwards, we board the ferry to Islay before settling into our accommodation. (Overnight: Port Ellen)
DAY 2
DAY 2: Isle of Islay
DAY 2: Isle of Islay
After breakfast, we start the day with a walk on the beach and a visit to the ancient Kildalton Cross. Enjoy lunch and a dram at Ardbeg Distillery. Next, you can walk the Three DistilleriesPath to Lagavulin and Laphroaig, where you will be rewarded with coastal views and more drams! We finish the day back in Port Ellen, to experience the local whisky festival celebrations. (Overnight: Port Ellen)
DAY 3
DAY 3: Isle of Islay
DAY 3: Isle of Islay
We spend our morning exploring the rugged peninsula that is the Mull of Oa. Visit the American Monument from WW1 and look out for wildlife in the RSPB Nature Reserve. Next, we pay a visit to Bowmore Distillery before free time for lunch and shopping. Then, we travel to Port Charlotte to visit the Islay Life Museum, and Bruichladdich distillery for whisky – and gin! Afterwards, take a walk along the white sands of Machir Bay, before our final distillery visit at Kilchoman. We return to the hotel and go to dinner in a local restaurant. (Overnight: Port Ellen)
DAY 4
DAY 4: Port Ellen - Edinburgh
DAY 4: Port Ellen - Edinburgh
We catch the morning ferry back to the mainland, and then continue our journey along the idyllic west coast to the bustling seaside town of Oban, where we will have lunch. Afterwards, we travel towards Glencoe; one of Scotland’s most dramatic and awe-inspiring landscapes. Soak up the last of the scenery on our drive south, with a final stop at The Kelpies; two striking steel structures, and the largest equine landmark in the world. We arrive back into Edinburgh at approximately 7.30pm.