Company
registered in Scotland no. SC164516 at
23 Old Fishmarket Close,
Edinburgh, EH1 1RW.
Islay and the Whisky Coast 4 Day Tour
This 4 day specialist whisky tour takes you to the “Queen of the Isles” and the Whisky Coast. Islay is home to 8 of Scotland’s finest malt whisky distilleries Lagavulin, Laphroaig, Bowmore, Bunnahabhain, Bruichladdich, Ardbeg, Caol Ila and Kilchoman. For the whisky enthusiast this tour will give you an in depth knowledge and even better - you won’t need to drive anywhere yourself! *This tour can pick up and drop off in Glasgow. You can book online and then arrange this by telephone.
Please phone us if date you want to travel is unavailable to book online.
These are the latest photos uploaded by customers after this tour.
Click on the photographs to view enlargments.
To view all tour photograph albums go to Rabbie's Community Section.
Day 1 Leaving Edinburgh at 08.30 you will head west through Scotland’s largest city, Glasgow along Loch Lomond then west through the mountains to the beautiful little village of Inveraray on the banks of Loch Fyne. Here you can perhaps sample some of the local seafood for lunch or just explore the historic town itself. After lunch you will then travel through Argyll and into the ancient Kingdom of Dalriada. There are more than 350 prehistoric monuments within a six-mile radius of the village of Kilmartin. We will stop here to see the mysterious stone circles and standing stones and visit the community museum. From here it is a short drive to Kennacraig where we catch the early evening ferry to Islay. The sail is just over 2 hours and you should look out for wildlife such as dolphins, whales and seabirds. On arrival on Islay is is a short drive to Bowmore for your 3 night stay.
Day 2 A full day exploring Islay. The itinerary today is quite flexible with a mixture of beautiful scenery, white sand beaches, short walks and of course the famous Islay whiskies - renowned for their strong peaty flavours and nurtured by the salty sea air. In the morning we will take the short drive to the west of the island via Saligo Bay for a visit to Kilchoman Distillery (the newest and smallest on the island) with the option of a coastal walk to Machair Bay for any non-whisky lovers. In the afternoon you will stop at the privately owned Bruichladdich Distillery for a tour and tasting and visit the tiny harbour village of Portnahaven (look out for seals) before taking the back roads along the west coast with its lovely sandy bays, on the way back to Bowmore.
Day 3 Another day in paradise! Today you will explore the southern side of the island, home to the smokiest and peatiest of all whiskies – Laphroaig, Lagavulin and Ardbeg. We will visit Ardbeg for a tour, tasting and lunch. The restaurant here is a beautiful place to relax and enjoy local produce as well as some unique whisky. We then follow that up with a visit to Laphroaig.. While in the area we will visit the ruins of Kildalton church with its famous 8th Century Celtic cross. In the late afternoon there will be the option to spend some free time in Bowmore village. Here you can visit the famous Round Church, Bowmore Distillery itself (June – Aug) or just relax with a quiet drink looking out over the water. Alternatively we may stop in Bridgend where you could visit the community craft producers (and brewery!) at Islay House Square or take a walk through the woods along the nearby River Sorn.
Day 4 This morning you take the ferry back to the mainland then travel up the coast to Oban – a busy harbour town and the main ferry port for the islands. Here we will drop off anyone who is continuing on the Mull, Iona and Isle of Skye extension. The others will have some free time to explore the town, have a late lunch or even pop into Oban Distillery before departing for the return trip to Glasgow and Edinburgh. Return time approx. 20.00
4 Full Details & Itinerary
6 Customer Reviews
4 Traveller Photos
Posted on 03/07/2010
Our whisky Coast with Karen from 21 to 24 june has been a delightful experience:the beaches,the distillerys,our nice scottish guide Karen,the food to,in Oban at the ferry station better langoustine of our life.Thanks,Rabbie's!I wish to enjoy again with you Anna and the italians
Posted on 05/06/2010
Back home in Australia now, going through my photos. A few here at the Geologist Abroad blog.
Thanks Phil and Suu, it was a great holiday. One day I'll come back to visit the other islands!
Posted on 04/05/2010
Daddy!!!!
You are way too early..I thought it was every 40 odd years you made contact?? lol
Great to hear from you.
Howz the boat..the canal..the dog..?
It was fantastic fun...and folks like you just make our job so much easier...thanks for your good cheer throughout the trip and for rescuing from Le French monsieur....I owe you, pa:)
Love to Liz...and the other wives...
Slainte,
Karen
Posted on 04/05/2010
Sorry Barrie....Jeanne obviously didn't hear me explain that it was a non-drinking tour!
Must have said it whilst you were making rips with your guitar...way ta go laddie!!
How the music improved..what ya doing in June, July, August, September....???
I'll let big Angus know....but I think he has Jeanne's problem....deaf ears..lol
Luv to you both...next time you're in Edinburgh..you know where we are...the fab 4...
Posted on 04/05/2010
Hey Harald,
The pleasure was all mine (ok ours..the Rabbies
Rabble)..
It was Fantastic fun...I always seem to luck out on the Islay tours....fabulous crowd of folks behind me and this trip was no different.
Only too happy I had the chance to share in your birthday celebrations..your 21st will be one you treasure for a wee while yet:) Can't believe how old you actually are, laddie!
Take care of you...Until the next time.
Posted on 03/05/2010
Harald's birthday trip was a four-day party for all of us - we didn't want it to end. My second time with Rabbies and it just gets better. Orkney or the Western Isles already in mind for next year. Karen and her "helpers" were the icing on the cake. Keep up the good work. You too Sue (Dad).
Posted on 30/04/2010
Thanks to Karen and Pete, you really made it a birthday-trip. I enjoyed it very much. Thanks also to Sue and Gavin, who joined the tour. You all have done a great job. Go on this way !!!
Posted on 01/07/2009
Hi guys,
Thanks for some fantastic memories:)
Here's one...of Michael claiming his little bit of Islay.
Hope our paths cross again some day soon.
Your guide and driver Karen
xxx
Posted on 09/09/2009
I went on two consecutive tours. I must congratulate both the drivers/tour guides on their professional behaviour, knowledge and helpfulness.
Posted on 01/09/2009
Richard McKay was an absolutely outstanding tour guide. His knowledge and enthusiasm was tremendous. He is a great guy and he did a superb job in all aspects of the tour. He was approachable, gentlemanly, and kind. He worked to allow us to see the maximum amount we could on Islay. in short, the guy was fabulous.
Posted on 28/08/2009
Richard was a fantastic guide and had great commentary on whiskey, Scottish history and current Scottish issues. The distillery tours were a great deal of fun and very informative.
Posted on 06/08/2009
OUR GUIDE KAREN MADE THE LONG DRIVE SECTIONS VERY INTERESTING VIA HERE COMMENTARY'S. THE WEATHER MADE IT ALL THE BETTER, VERY FINE. HAVING A SMALLER GROUP (9) THAN THE POSSIBLE FULL BUS LOAD MADE THE PASENGERS BOND MORE.
Posted on 22/07/2009
Our guide/driver was great as was the company on the tour. Karen's passion and enthusiasm is contageous and it shows that she truly loves her job. I thoroughly enjoyed all the visits to the different distilleries although Ardbeg stands out as my favourite of them all. Perhaps because I discovered a new whiskey. The visits to Duffy's Pub were also memorable as were the friendly people of Bowmore. The scenery of the Scottish country side throughout the trip was magnificant.
Posted on 24/09/2009
Our guide Richard! He was absolutely amazing- friendly, helpful, great knowledge and also with the skill/ability to entertain and inform us in a great way.
But the entire tour was fantastic. We really enjoyed everything about it! Thank you all ever som much!
Full Tour Itinerary (English)
Day 1 Leaving Edinburgh at 08.30 you will head west through Scotland’s largest city, Glasgow along Loch Lomond then west through the mountains to the beautiful little village of Inveraray on the banks of Loch Fyne. Here you can perhaps sample some of the local seafood for lunch or just explore the historic town itself. After lunch you will then travel through Argyll and into the ancient Kingdom of Dalriada. There are more than 350 prehistoric monuments within a six-mile radius of the village of Kilmartin. We will stop here to see the mysterious stone circles and standing stones and visit the community museum. From here it is a short drive to Kennacraig where we catch the early evening ferry to Islay. The sail is just over 2 hours and you should look out for wildlife such as dolphins, whales and seabirds. On arrival on Islay is is a short drive to Bowmore for your 3 night stay.
Day 2 A full day exploring Islay. The itinerary today is quite flexible with a mixture of beautiful scenery, white sand beaches, short walks and of course the famous Islay whiskies - renowned for their strong peaty flavours and nurtured by the salty sea air. In the morning we will take the short drive to the west of the island via Saligo Bay for a visit to Kilchoman Distillery (the newest and smallest on the island) with the option of a coastal walk to Machair Bay for any non-whisky lovers. In the afternoon you will stop at the privately owned Bruichladdich Distillery for a tour and tasting and visit the tiny harbour village of Portnahaven (look out for seals) before taking the back roads along the west coast with its lovely sandy bays, on the way back to Bowmore.
Day 3 Another day in paradise! Today you will explore the southern side of the island, home to the smokiest and peatiest of all whiskies – Laphroaig, Lagavulin and Ardbeg. We will visit Ardbeg for a tour, tasting and lunch. The restaurant here is a beautiful place to relax and enjoy local produce as well as some unique whisky. We then follow that up with a visit to Laphroaig.. While in the area we will visit the ruins of Kildalton church with its famous 8th Century Celtic cross. In the late afternoon there will be the option to spend some free time in Bowmore village. Here you can visit the famous Round Church, Bowmore Distillery itself (June – Aug) or just relax with a quiet drink looking out over the water. Alternatively we may stop in Bridgend where you could visit the community craft producers (and brewery!) at Islay House Square or take a walk through the woods along the nearby River Sorn.
Day 4 This morning you take the ferry back to the mainland then travel up the coast to Oban – a busy harbour town and the main ferry port for the islands. Here we will drop off anyone who is continuing on the Mull, Iona and Isle of Skye extension. The others will have some free time to explore the town, have a late lunch or even pop into Oban Distillery before departing for the return trip to Glasgow and Edinburgh. Return time approx. 20.00
6 Full Details & Itinerary
4 Customer Reviews
4 Traveller Photos
Day 1 includes travelling through Loch Lomond National Park and visits to Inveraray, Loch Fyne and the Kingdom of Dalriada. Here you can visit the Kilmartin standing stones and community museum before catching the ferry to Islay for 3 nights in Bowmore.
Day 2 Your day is quite flexible with a mixture of beautiful scenery, white sand beaches, short walks and the famous Islay whiskies - renowned for their strong peaty flavours and nurtured by the salty sea air. The day’s highlights include the lovely sandy bays of Islay’s west coast, Saligo Bay, Kilchoman Distillery, Machair Bay, the tiny harbour village of Portnahaven, Bruichladdich Distillery and the Islay Museum.
Day 3 Explore the south side of Islay, home to Laphroaig and Lagavulin followed by a tour, tasting and lunch with local produce at Ardbeg. Other options include the ruins of Kildalton church with its famous 8th Century Celtic cross, free time in Bowmore village or a visit to the community craft producers at Islay House Square and the woodlands along the River Sorn.
Day 4 Farewell to Islay as you take the ferry back to Argyll and the ancient Kingdom of Dalriada. Lunch at Kilmartin, home to 350 pre-historic monuments and stone circles and some free time in Oban before returning to Edinburgh via Glasgow.
The itinerary during this tour is extremely flexible, with your tour leader on hand to alter parts of the itinerary to suit your interests.
Return to Waverley Bridge opposite Waverley Train Station
Inclusions
Transportation by top of the range Mercedes minicoach for a more personal experience with a maximum of 16 passengers on tour. We believe a small group tour with a maximum of 16 passengers really does make a big difference to your trip. It allows us to give you a more personal service and remain the only 5 Star operator to offer this personal guarantee. Touring with a maximum of 16 passengers you get more for your money, more personal attention, more time with the locals, more time off the bus, more time on the back-roads and just more of an authentic, friendly experience. The smaller groups allow you to meet people from all over the world and make friends for life.
Services of a professional Rabbie's driver/guide
All ferry and bridge crossings.
Rabbie's Discount Card - money off restaurants, shopping and attractions
Exclusions
All meals and refreshments.
Entrance fees to all distilleries and visitor attractions.
Accommodation
The tour price does not include accommodation but this gives you an opportunity to choose your budget and the type of accommodation you wish to stay in and we will book it for you.
On this tour we have pre-booked a number of rooms in the beautiful Bowmore Distillery Cottages. All these rooms are ensuite and a self service continental breakfast will be provided. Prices are £35 per person per night twin/double share or £60 per night for a single. For this option please select "B&B ensuite" as your first choice when booking. When these rooms are full we will book you into a nearby B&B. There is also a limited number of 3* hotel rooms available on this tour - for this option please select 3 star hotel as your first choice when booking.
Please note that in the case of late bookings accommodation availability and choice may be restricted and we cannot guarantee to find your first choice. There is usually a supplement for single rooms. By giving you a choice of accommodation it allows you to choose your budget, stay in smaller places and get closer to the local people. This also means you help to sustain their communities in the long term. For more information click here
*NB On occasions, when villages we stay in have events on, accommodation can be scarce and expensive so we may use other locations for your accommodation on the tour. We will always inform you of this when this is necessary.
Discount Price
Students, Seniors over 60 and Children between 5 and 16
We regret we do not carry children under 5 years.
Important Information
Because we believe in time off the bus and give you opportunities to take nature walks we recommend you bring suitable clothing and footwear for your tour. Scotland can be a wet place!!
Full Tour Itinerary (English)
Day 1 Leaving Edinburgh at 08.30 you will head west through Scotland’s largest city, Glasgow along Loch Lomond then west through the mountains to the beautiful little village of Inveraray on the banks of Loch Fyne. Here you can perhaps sample some of the local seafood for lunch or just explore the historic town itself. After lunch you will then travel through Argyll and into the ancient Kingdom of Dalriada. There are more than 350 prehistoric monuments within a six-mile radius of the village of Kilmartin. We will stop here to see the mysterious stone circles and standing stones and visit the community museum. From here it is a short drive to Kennacraig where we catch the early evening ferry to Islay. The sail is just over 2 hours and you should look out for wildlife such as dolphins, whales and seabirds. On arrival on Islay is is a short drive to Bowmore for your 3 night stay.
Day 2 A full day exploring Islay. The itinerary today is quite flexible with a mixture of beautiful scenery, white sand beaches, short walks and of course the famous Islay whiskies - renowned for their strong peaty flavours and nurtured by the salty sea air. In the morning we will take the short drive to the west of the island via Saligo Bay for a visit to Kilchoman Distillery (the newest and smallest on the island) with the option of a coastal walk to Machair Bay for any non-whisky lovers. In the afternoon you will stop at the privately owned Bruichladdich Distillery for a tour and tasting and visit the tiny harbour village of Portnahaven (look out for seals) before taking the back roads along the west coast with its lovely sandy bays, on the way back to Bowmore.
Day 3 Another day in paradise! Today you will explore the southern side of the island, home to the smokiest and peatiest of all whiskies – Laphroaig, Lagavulin and Ardbeg. We will visit Ardbeg for a tour, tasting and lunch. The restaurant here is a beautiful place to relax and enjoy local produce as well as some unique whisky. We then follow that up with a visit to Laphroaig.. While in the area we will visit the ruins of Kildalton church with its famous 8th Century Celtic cross. In the late afternoon there will be the option to spend some free time in Bowmore village. Here you can visit the famous Round Church, Bowmore Distillery itself (June – Aug) or just relax with a quiet drink looking out over the water. Alternatively we may stop in Bridgend where you could visit the community craft producers (and brewery!) at Islay House Square or take a walk through the woods along the nearby River Sorn.
Day 4 This morning you take the ferry back to the mainland then travel up the coast to Oban – a busy harbour town and the main ferry port for the islands. Here we will drop off anyone who is continuing on the Mull, Iona and Isle of Skye extension. The others will have some free time to explore the town, have a late lunch or even pop into Oban Distillery before departing for the return trip to Glasgow and Edinburgh. Return time approx. 20.00
