Whisky Coast & Scottish Islands - 12 days

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12 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers

16 peopleMaximum group size

18 - 80 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Easy

Light physical activity suitable for most people with average fitness levels.

Starts

Edinburgh, Scotland

Ends

Edinburgh, Scotland

Highlights

Whisky Coast - Visit four whisky distilleries with the chance to taste the produce, learn about the production process and tour the distilleries

Isle of Islay - Uncover the dramatic scenery and highlights of one of the most beautiful Scottish islands, including Dunyvaig Castle

Isle of Mull - Spot eagles and other wildlife on this pristine island, one of Scotland's wildest, and explore nearby Iona

Glencoe - Soak up the stunning mountain views and learn about the tragic and famous massacre that took place here in 1692

Isle of Skye - Take in the highlights of this beautiful island, with plenty of hiking and sightseeing to enjoy

Loch Ness - Hunt for 'Nessie', the mythical beast believed to dwell in the dark waters of Scotland's most famous loch

Scottish Highlands - Uncover some of the UK's best scenery as you traverse coastal roads, pass mountains and native pine forests

Orkney - Spend two nights in the Viking town of Kirkwall and uncover the ancient history of the archipelago at Skara Brae, Brodgar, Stenness and Maeshowe

Ullapool - Stay in this pretty whitewashed fishing village, on the shore of Loch Broom

Culloden Moor - Visit the museum at this historic battlefield, where the last battle to take place on British soil occurred in 1746

Loch Ness - Hunt for 'Nessie', the mythical beast believed to dwell in the dark waters of Scotland's most famous loch

Scottish Highlands - Uncover some of the UK's best scenery as you traverse coastal roads, pass mountains and native pine forests

Orkney - Spend two nights in the Viking town of Kirkwall and uncover the ancient history of the archipelago at Skara Brae, Brodgar, Stenness and Maeshowe

Ullapool - Stay in this pretty whitewashed fishing village, on the shore of Loch Broom

Culloden Moor - Visit the museum at this historic battlefield, where the last battle to take place on British soil occurred in 1746

Itinerary

Journey through Scotland’s most breathtaking landscapes and storied islands on the "Whisky Coast & Scottish Islands - 12 days" tour. Perfect for seniors and those with a passion for heritage, this easy-paced, small-group adventure departs from Edinburgh and explores Islay, Mull, Iona, Skye, and Orkney. Enjoy whisky tastings at four celebrated distilleries, search for the mythical Loch Ness monster, and stand at Britain’s northern tip in John o'Groats. Unwind in friendly fishing villages like Ullapool and take in mainland highlights, from Loch Lomond to Oban. What sets this trip apart is its comprehensive blend of whisky, wildlife, and wild beauty—offering a deep dive into Scotland’s iconic coastal and island experiences.

day 1 - Loch Lomond, Oban & Islay ferry

Edinburgh - Trossnachs National Park - Oban - Islay. Departing Edinburgh this morning, we head west, first visiting Trossnachs National Park. Admire some of the country's famous scenery and perhaps taste some regional delicacies. We then make our way through the mountainous Western Highlands to Oban, a port town once the strategic heartland of great feuding clans.

Modern Oban is known for two things, seafood and whisky. We have the opportunity to taste both, including a dram of locally produced whisky and an optional seafood lunch.

We then make our way through the Kilmartin Glen, home to standing stones and historic fortified strongholds dating back more than 1,500 years. At Kennacraig, we catch the ferry to the island of Islay. The crossing takes around 2 hours, and you can see the Paps of Jura as we sail past the island of Jura. Landing at Islay, we make our way to our accommodation in Bowmore.

Please note: Check-in closes at 08:15 on day 1 (tour departs at 08:30) - Edinburgh Bus Station Pick Up, Gate J and Gate K, inside Edinburgh Bus Station, St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, EH1 3DQ.

Accommodation: Bowmore Cottages, The Bruce or similar

OverNight:Islay

day 2 - Whisky, whisky & whisky

Tuck into breakfast at the accommodation before we depart on a day of whisky adventures! We are visiting three distilleries today, starting with Bowmore*, one of the oldest distilleries in the whole of Scotland. There's an included tour and whisky tasting before we continue to Kilchoman Distillery**, where we can try two more drams of whisky and enjoy a lunch of Scottish specialities. The final distillery visit of the day is to the most remote distillery on Islay, Bunnahabhain (included from April 2026 onwards, optional and not included before this date). We then head back to Bowmore, where the evening is at leisure.

Please note: For departures on the 5th-6th of September 2025, we are unable to visit the Kilchoman Distillery, instead, we will visit Ardnahoe Distillery for a tasting.

Accommodation: Bowmore Cottages, The Bruce or similar

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Islay

day 3 - Exploring Islay

Today we are exploring the southern half of Islay, one of the most beautiful of the Scottish Isles. First we visit the distillery at Ardbeg, owned by Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy! There's an included tour and tasting here.

The final distillery of our tour is Laphroaig, a 200-year-old distiller known to be a favourite of the British Royal Family.

Throughout the day, we will also stop at some of the island's main highlights. See the historic ruins of Kildalton church and Dunyvaig Castle, which was once held by the chiefs of the Clan MacDonald of Dunnyveg. We then return to Bowmore for our last night on Islay.

Please note: Laphroaig’s silent seasons starts between 7th July and 13th August 2025. For tours departing during that time, our experience will slightly differ, we will visit their museum and do tasting at the bar only.

Please note: On Friday departures, Ardbeg Distillery does not offer a tour of the production process. Instead, this is replaced by a tutored tasting featuring four drams instead of the usual three, along with a visit to the stillhouse.

Accommodation: Bowmore Cottages, The Bruce or similar

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Islay

day 4 - Islay to Oban

Islay - Inveraray - Oban. This morning we take the return ferry back to the mainland and replace the smell of whisky with the crisp air of the Scottish Highlands. We pass through the pretty village of Inveraray on the shore of Loch Fyne. There's a stop here as we change minibuses and guide. Some of your group will be returning to Edinburgh, but we are continuing our Scottish adventure! Meet the rest of the group before we continue to Oban for the evening.

Accommodation: Kathmore, Altavona or similar

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Oban

day 5 - Mull & Iona

Oban - Mull - Iona - Oban. It's an early start this morning as we take the ferry to the Isle of Mull. Take in dramatic coastlines and wild natural beauty, and keep your eyes on the skies for majestic white-tailed eagles, the UK's largest bird of prey.

We then take another ferry to Iona, the birthplace of Celtic Christianity and home to the ancient burial grounds of famed Scottish kings. We can see the historic abbey and take in more of the windswept coastline of the Scottish Isles.

In the afternoon, opt for a boat excursion to Staffa, home to Fingal’s Cave, a remarkable geological wonder dubbed 'Nature’s cathedral', offering a glimpse into abundant marine life. After a day immersed in nature, we return to Oban for the night (Staffa trip costs approx GBP £40, payable locally).

Accommodation: Kathmore, Altavona or similar

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Oban

day 6 - Glencoe, Ben Nevis & Plockton

Oban - Glencoe - Fort William - Balmacara. Driving north along the coast, we pass Castle Stalker and visit Glencoe, a truly beautiful location haunted by the 1692 Glencoe Massacre. Around 30 members of Clan MacDonald of Glencoe were slaughtered here for failing to pledge allegiance to King William III and Mary II.

We then pass through Fort William and past Ben Nevis, the highest peak in Great Britain. We drive through quiet glens and alongside lochs, passing notable sights like the Five Sisters of Kintail and Eilean Donan Castle. There will be opportunities for photo stops and short breaks along the route.

Our overnight stop is Balmacara, a small village with views of the loch, nearby woodlands, and surrounding hills. In the evening, you can explore local trails, visit Balmacara Estate, or have a meal at a local inn or pub.

Accommodation: Balmacara Hotel or similar

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Balmacara

day 7 - Exploring the Isle of Skye

Balmacara - Skye - Balmacara. Today we will be exploring the remote Isle of Skye, but there is no fixed itinerary for the day. The weather can be unpredictable, so your guide will choose the best highlights to show you in accordance with the conditions and any events that may be happening on the island during your visit. We are likely to be hiking, in order to enjoy the dramatic scenery of the island. Options include The Quiraing hill walk and the Old Man of Storr Walk, probably the most famous trail on the island. We can also see the Neist Point Lighthouse. Spend the day taking photos, sampling the view and enjoying everything this pristine environment has to offer. In the late afternoon, we return to our accommodation in Balmacara.

Accommodation: Balmacara Hotel or similar

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Balmacara

day 8 - Loch Ness to Inverness

Plockton - Loch Ness - Inverness. Today we visit Eilean Donan Castle, a 13th century fortress, located on an island. We then drive to Loch Duich and the Five Sisters of Kintail, taking in more of Scotland's dramatic scenery. There's a stop for lunch at Loch Ness, so keep your eyes peeled for 'Nessie', the Loch Ness monster!

We then stop in the village of Spean Bridge. Here our group splits once more, as some travellers will be returning to Edinburgh, whilst we continue north to Orkney. Our guides will be on hand to help you move your luggage and introduce you to the new group for the remainder of our trip. We then complete our journey to Inverness, travelling up the entire 23-mile length of the Great Glen.

Accommodation: Dalmore, Pine Guest House, Aye Stay or similar

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Inverness

day 9 - John o'Groats & Kirkwall, capital of Orkney

Inverness - John o'Groats - Kirkwall. Departing Inverness early, we head past Dunrobin Castle and along the coastline of the northeast Highlands, taking in some of Scotland's most dramatic scenery. If the ferry timetables allow, we will enjoy a stop at John o'Groats, on the north-eastern tip of Great Britain. Arriving in Gills Bay, we board the ferry to Orkney, crossing Pentland Firth. Landing on the archipelago, we stop for a visit to the colourful Italian Chapel before arriving in the former Viking stronghold of Kirkwall, capital of the Orkney Islands. The evening is free, we recommend paying a visit to the magnificent Viking Cathedral of St Magnus, dating back to the 12th Century.

Accommodation: Bellavista Guest House, Heatherlea B&B, Hildeval B&B or similar

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Orkney

day 10 - Exploring Orkney

Today we explore Orkney, taking in the stunning nature of green pastures and windswept sandy beaches alongside Orkney's past. We take in the 5,000-year old village of Skara Brae, A Neolithic settlement older even than the Pyramids of Giza or Stonehenge! We also take in the prehistoric stone circle at Brodgar and the Druidic standing stones at Stenness. Each of these sites is UNESCO-listed as part of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney.

We also visit Maeshowe, home to a number of well-preserved Viking runic inscriptions, dating back to the 12th century. We then return to Kirkwall for the night.

Accommodation: Bellavista Guest House, Heatherlea B&B, Hildeval B&B or similar

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Orkney

day 11 - Back to the mainland

Kirkwall - Ullapool. This morning after breakfast, it is time to depart Orkney, as we take the return ferry back to the mainland. We then take a spectacular drive along the northern coast of Scotland, taking in the stunning Ben Loyal and Ben hope mountains and a picturesque coastline. We stop to admire Ardvreck Castle in the far north-west mountains of Assynt before reaching Ullapool, a pretty whitewashed fishing village located at the mouth of Loch Broom. The evening is at leisure.

Accommodation: Foinaven, Ullaviews, The Sheiling Guest House or similar

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Ullapool

day 12 - Return to Edinburgh

Ullapool - Edinburgh. Today we make our way back to the Scottish capital of Edinburgh, but we have a number of fascinating stops along the way. We see where the River Droma plunges 6o metres over a cliff into the Corrieshalloch Gorge and we enjoy views of Loch Glascarnoch as we pass Inverness.

We also make a short stop at Culloden Moor. This was the site of the Battle of Culloden in 1746, the last stand of the Jacobites who suffered a crushing defeat by the troops of the Duke of Cumberland. Interestingly, this was the last battle to have been fought on the British mainland.

Next we see the ancient standing stones at Clava Cairns, made famous by Diana Gabaldon in the ‘Outlander’ books. We then journey around the edge of the Cairngorm mountains, past lush pine forests and make our way back to Edinburgh, where our tour ends.

Please note: This tour ends at 19:00 - Edinburgh Bus Station Drop Off, Gate J and Gate K, Edinburgh Bus Station, St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, EH1 3DQ.

Meals:1 Breakfast

Whisky Coast & Scottish Islands - 12 days

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What's Included

Meals

11 breakfasts11 nights simple guesthouse - (3 nights self-service breakfast provided, 8 nights B&B)

Transport

Transportation in 16 seat Mercedes mini-coach with air-conditioningAll road tolls

Guide

Escorted by a local driver-guide

Others

Visits to four (five from April 2026 onwards) whiskey distilleries: Ardbeg, Kilchoman, Bowmore, Laphroaig & Bunnahabhain (from April 2026 onwards) including tour & tasting (subject to change)Admission to Skara BraeAdmission to MaeshoweAdmission to Culloden Museum and BattlefieldAll necessary ferry journeys between Scottish Islands and the mainland20kg luggage allowance - This should be one piece of luggage similar to an airline carry-on bag (approximately 55cm x 45cm x 25cm / 22in x 17in x 10in) and a small bag for onboard personal itemsNote: All included whisky distillery visits are subject to change according to availability, and the named distilleries may be swapped to another

What's Excluded

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