Isle of Skye, Mull, Iona & the Whisky of Islay 2026

Today, we focus on savouring some of the finest and most unique whiskies on Islay. We begin at Bowmore Distillery, which has captured the essence of Islay for over 240 years.

Explore the rich history of Bowmore Distillery, uncover the secrets of its production process, and enjoy a tasting of three drams of their signature sweet and smoky whisky, along with a complimentary whisky glass. Afterward, we’ll continue along the coast to Kilchoman Distillery for a tour and a lunch featuring local specialties.

Kilchoman is Islay’s only Single Farm Single Malt Scotch Whisky, reviving the traditional “barley-to-bottle” process to create a whisky that’s 100% Islay. On Rabbie’s exclusive tour, explore the production site and savour Kilchoman’s unique whisky, with notes of peat smoke, crisp citrus, spice, and fruit. Afterward, enjoy a lunch featuring local flavours. Following lunch, we’ll travel through Islay’s scenic countryside to your third distillery of the day, Bunnahabhain, where you can experience the unpeated, salty notes of whisky in Islay’s most remote distillery.

Return to Bowmore, where you can relax by the loch, enjoy the local pubs and seafood, or take a leisurely stroll through the streets lined with whitewashed houses, soaking in the town’s charm and history.

Your overnight accommodation will be in Bowmore. (B,L)

Today, we explore the southern side of the island, home to some of the most famous whiskies in Scotland: Laphroaig, Lagavulin, and Ardbeg. We take a scenic drive southward to Ardbeg, passing narrow, winding roads flanked by rolling green hills, fields dotted with sheep, and stretches of open moorland. As we approach Port Ellen, we’ll pass through areas dense with peat bogs, a key element in Islay’s smoky whisky production, contrasting with the vibrant green landscape.

Ardbeg silent season lasts between 09-29 June 2025, during that time you will take part in a guided tasting of the core range – 5 drams.

Distillers at Ardbeg Distillery are resilient pioneers with a rocky 200-year history. They’ve created a whisky, which is out of this world, as they’re the first to send this spirit to outer space to mature. Enjoy a Rabbie’s exclusive tasting of four drams of their exceptional whisky and a visit to the Still House. Then, savour fine Scottish produce in Ardbeg’s beautiful restaurant, offering direct views of the rocky coastline and the Atlantic Ocean.

Throughout the day, your driver-guide will take you to historical sites like the ruins of Kildalton Church, home to an 8th-century cross, one of Scotland’s finest early Christian monuments. Surrounded by Islay’s tranquil countryside, this site offers a glimpse into the island’s spiritual past. Later, we’ll visit Lagavulin’s Bar for more whisky tastings, known for its signature intense smoky and earthy flavors. Next, we visit Laphroaig, a favorite of the British royal family. This distillery has been capturing the wild landscape in every bottle for over 200 years. Discover how their bold spirit is made on our exclusive tour, followed by a tasting of two Laphroaig drams.

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

Return to Bowmore for your last evening on the island. (B)

This morning, we head to Port Ellen to catch the ferry back to the mainland, leaving the rich aromas of whisky behind as we take in the fresh, clean air of Scotland’s West Highlands.

As you sail from Islay, take in sweeping views of the island’s rugged coastlines, iconic distilleries, and the towering Paps of Jura on the horizon. The open waters offer the chance to spot marine life, so keep an eye out for dolphins, seals, and sometimes even minke whales or basking sharks.

We stop for lunch in Inveraray, a charming town on Loch Fyne, known for its picturesque setting. Enjoy local seafood and the peaceful atmosphere while taking in views of the loch and surrounding hills. Here you also swap the bus and join your new driver-guide and other travellers on the second leg of your journey. Afterward, we continue our journey, with possible stops en route to Oban, depending on the weather and your group’s interests. We may visit Kilmartin Glen, home to over 350 ancient monuments dating back over 5,000 years. Alternatively, the driver-guide may take you to Loch Awe to admire the dramatic ruins of Kilchurn Castle surrounded by mountains and a loch.

As the day winds down, we arrive in Oban, the “Gateway to the Isles”, that was once home to powerful feuding clans. We’ll stay in this picturesque port town for two nights, and tonight you can decide how to spend your first evening. Enjoy a fresh seafood dinner or try a hearty Scottish meal at a local restaurant before you stroll along the waterfront, taking in the stunning sunset views over the harbour.

Your overnight accommodation will be in Oban. (B)

Today begins with an early start as we take the ferry to Mull, a gem in the Inner Hebrides known for its rugged beauty, abundant wildlife, and charming villages. As we approach the island, take in the silhouette of Duart Castle before landing at Craignure. We’ll be island hopping today, traveling through Mull’s lush pastures, dense woodlands, and peat bogs on our way to Fionnphort, where you can choose your next adventure.

Your overnight accommodation will be in Oban. (B)

We leave Oban behind and set off to discover some hidden gems along the shores of Loch Linnhe. This area is steeped in tales of clans, battles, and faeries, adding a touch of magic to the stunning landscapes.

Continuing along the shore, we stop at a viewpoint to admire Castle Stalker, a striking 14th-century tower on a small islet near Appin. Once a stronghold of the Clan MacDougall and later the Stewarts of Appin, it’s one of Scotland’s most picturesque castles, with a rich history of clan rivalries and intrigue. Afterward, we continue our journey to the majestic Glencoe, renowned for its rugged slopes and dramatic history. Often featured in films, the valley offers breathtaking views. Here, you’ll have time for photos or a short walk to fully appreciate the stunning landscape and learn about one of the most tragic episodes in Scottish history.

Next, we continue along Loch Linnhe and head to Fort William for lunch, a charming Highland town nestled at the foot of Ben Nevis. Enjoy local cuisine and take a leisurely stroll through the town center before we resume our journey through the Great Glen, a natural fault in the Earth’s crust that runs through Scotland. As we drive through tranquil glens and alongside shimmering lochs, we pass dramatic mountain vistas, including the Five Sisters of Kintail, and the stunning Eilean Donan Castle, with opportunities for photo stops and short breaks along the way. Our overnight destination is Balmacara.

Enjoy a peaceful evening in Balmacara, surrounded by loch views, woodlands, and mountain scenery. Wander local trails, visit Balmacara Estate or savour a hearty meal at a nearby inn or pub.

Your overnight accommodation will be in Balmacara Hotel. (B)

We leave Balmacara and head towards the Skye Bridge, crossing into the Misty Isle. Every horizon in Skye conceals something astoundingly beautiful. So today, your driver-guide makes the most out of your time and weather in this marvel-studded landscape.

Exploring Skye feels like stepping into a dream, with countless places to explore. You might head north to the Trotternish Ridge and beyond, where you’ll encounter geological wonders such as the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, and the breathtaking Quiraing mountain pass. This part of the island enchants visitors with surreal rock formations, dramatic cliffs, vast open spaces, and an overwhelming sense of wilderness.

After all this exploration, we’ll pause in one of the island’s towns for lunch to recharge for the second part of the day. In the late afternoon, your driver-guide may take you back in time, sharing stories about the legends and clan culture surrounding Dunvegan Castle, the 13th-century ancestral home of the Clan MacLeod.

After taking in the stunning sights of Skye, you’ll bid farewell to the island and return to Balmacara for another peaceful evening.

Your overnight accommodation will be in Balmacara Hotel. (B)

We leave Balmacara and travel south for a closer look at the iconic Eilean Donan Castle.

Perched on a small island, the iconic Eilean Donan Castle, which has recently gained fame as a movie location, has many old stories to tell. You can enjoy refreshments at a local café and stroll along the loch to admire the castle from the outside. Alternatively, you can explore its chambers, where you’ll discover a collection of artifacts belonging to the MacKenzie and MacRae clans.

Next, we travel past shimmering lochs framed by rugged mountains and arrive in the charming village of Fort Augustus, nestled on the banks of Loch Ness. Here, you can savor local specialties, stroll to the shores of the mysterious loch and try to catch sight of the elusive monster. As we travel south past the broad peaks of Cairngorms National Park, you’ll enjoy various photo stops along the way. Gradually, the dramatic mountains soften and become cloaked in lush forest. Among the towering trees of Perthshire, we’ll take a final refreshment break in the gorgeous cathedral town of Dunkeld situated on the banks of the River Tay.

We continue south through the rolling hills and fertile farmlands of the Kingdom of Fife. Your last highlight is the view of the iconic UNESCO-listed Forth Rail Bridge on your way to Edinburgh. (B)

*Itinerary and distillery visits are subject to change.