Known as “Scotland in Miniature,” Arran has a little bit of everything, boasting steep mountains, glorious beaches, deep glens and shimmering lochs.
Islay is the most southerly island of the Hebrides archipelago and is a wildlife watcher’s dream, with more than 250 recorded species of bird. It has a wild and spectacular coastline and some of the most immaculate and deserted beaches to explore and wander along.
Islay is most famous for its smoky, single malt whiskies. Explore its world-famous distilleries, including Laphroaig, Ardbeg & Lagavulin.
Enjoy the outstanding scenery of the Isle of Mull and its pretty harbour town Tobermory, with multi-coloured houses and the Tobermory Distillery.
Known as the hub of the southern Hebrides and the Seafood Capital of Scotland, Oban is home to the 5-star Oban Distillery and Visitor Centre overlooking the sea.
Follow in the footsteps of St Columba and 14 centuries of pilgrims by visiting Iona Abbey on the tiny and tranquil Isle of Iona, steeped in history.
A whisky adventure awaits you in the Scottish Islands and on the scenic West Coast. This island-hopping whisky tour blends incredible scenery with wonderful single malt whisky for a truly unforgettable holiday experience which will leave you enchanted with your new favourite dram.
Explore the natural beauty of the West Coast on this self-drive tour as you island-hop to Arran, Islay and Mull, discovering the secrets of malt whisky-making and enjoying some of Scotland’s finest scenery.
The Isle of Arran is your first stop, and its reputation as “Scotland in Miniature” is well deserved. With deep green glens, tranquil lochs, dramatic mountains, and of course, the Isle of Arran Distillery, it’s hard to know where to start!
Known as the “Queen of the Hebrides,” the Isle of Islay may only be 25 miles long, but it boasts 8 world-famous distilleries, including old favourites such as Ardbeg, Lagavulin, Bowmore, Caol Ila and Laphroaig. These smoky, peaty malts are a dream for the experienced whisky fan.
From your third and final stop at the beautiful seaside town of Oban, you can explore the magical Isles of Mull and Iona, with peaceful harbours, stunning wildlife and – you guessed it – another whisky distillery! The perfect dram might just be waiting somewhere along this Islay & The West Coast Whisky Trail.
The holiday ideas on our website are just examples of the amazing trips we offer. Think of this itinerary as a starting point which can be tailored into something completely unique to you by our award-winning specialists.
We love the opportunity to use our first-hand knowledge and experience to design and deliver the perfect, bespoke holiday experience for you.
Travel west to catch the ferry to the Isle of Arran. Known as “Scotland in Miniature,” this is Scotland’s most southerly island and boasts dramatic mountains, deep glens and shimmering lochs.
Overnight – Isle of Arran
Your whisky tour begins with a visit to the Isle of Arran Distillery, Scotland’s newest distillery and home to The Arran Malt. Sample some of the Island’s other great produce – Arran Cheeses, Creelers Smokehouse and Arran Aromatics. Climb the rugged mountains or play golf on one of the island’s many courses.
Overnight – Isle of Arran
Depart Arran by morning ferry and travel across Kintyre where your next ferry will take you to beautiful Islay. Known for its magnificent beaches and fertile lands, Islay is most famous for its smoky, single malt whiskies.
With eight distilleries all running guided tours, a visit to the island will give you ample opportunity to taste Scotland’s national product. This is traditional whisky making in its full glory – from the malting of the barley, to the peat fired kilns and famous warehouses by the shores of Loch Indaal.
Overnight – Isle of Islay
Along the south coast of the island you will find the Islay whiskies for the true aficionado – the uncompromising full bodied malts of Ardbeg, Lagavulin and Laphroaig. At Laphroaig Distillery they still cut their peat by hand, and Lagavulin is renowned for its long maturation and complex, rich, peaty character.
Ardbeg is the most peaty malt whisky and is now one of the fastest growing Islay malts. Enjoy a warming dram and delicious lunch in the Old Kiln Cafe, under the old pagoda roofs.
Overnight – Isle of Islay
Bowmore Distillery has enjoyed a stunning setting on Loch Indaal since 1779 and is widely recognised as one of the finest single malt whiskies in the world. On the northern shores of Islay is Caol Ila Distillery where you see distillers at work tending the six copper stills, and a magnificent view across the Sound of Islay to the spectacular Paps of Jura.
It is a short ferry journey over to Jura, renowned for its magnificently wild landscape and the most remote distillery in Scotland.
Overnight – Isle of Islay
Depart Islay and travel along the wonderfully scenic west coast and on to Oban, the beautiful hub of the Southern Hebrides. Visit Oban Distillery before enjoying dinner at an award winning seafood restaurant overlooking the Sound of Kerrera.
Overnight – Oban area
Take a day trip over to the magical Isles of Mull and Iona. Mull is home to magnificent sea cliffs, white sandy beaches and mountains that rise from the crystal clear sea. Famous for its stunning wildlife, you could get acquainted with whales, otters, puffins and basking sharks.
Visit pretty Tobermory, with its multi-coloured houses scattered around a peaceful harbour. Here you will find Tobermory Distillery, home to the sweet and peaty malt of Ledaig and the excellent 10 year old Tobermory.
Overnight – Oban area
After breakfast it is a wonderfully scenic journey along the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond back to Glasgow.
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We know that after a busy day of sightseeing an exceptional place to stay makes all the difference. That’s why all of the accommodation we select is hand-picked using our first-hand knowledge of the best places to stay.
Our discerning team has a wealth of experience, and we extensively research and regularly review all of the accommodation we select for our clients.
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Our packages include car rental and comprehensive insurance for the duration of your holiday. Absolute Escapes has an excellent relationship with a number of car hire operators and we are able to offer quality vehicles and great value for money.
If you plan to bring your own vehicle, we are also able to offer this itinerary without a rental car.
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