West Coast whisky tour: Islay, Jura and Arran

From £1150

8 days Moderate walking holiday and sightseeing

Whisky discovery tour travelling the roads of the wild islands of the Southern Hebrides.

Fancy a nice Scotch on the Rocks? They say it tastes even better out of the barrel! This whisky tour of Scotland takes you to the best distilleries in the country, through the enchanting landscapes of the Inner Hebrides. From Arran, the little Scotland, to Glasgow, the party girl, via Islay, the Queen of the Islands, or Jura and its hills and moors as far as the eye can see, this road-trip promises you a total change of scenery. In addition to tasting the famous drink, it is an opportunity to meet the Scottish fauna with the long-haired Highland cow at the head of the queue; to immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere of the pubs; to take a breath of fresh air on these granite and wild cliffs beaten by the winds; or to decipher the mysteries that surround these legendary lands. And as a bonus, of course, the reward of your little glass of whisky. Cheers!

A real scottish adventure

Taste the best whiskies in the world in century-old distilleries.

The best local addresses

Spend unforgettable evenings in Scotland's iconic pubs.

Trek the best landscapes

Hike through the small unspoilt islands of the inner Hebrides: Arran, Jura and Islay.

Amazing wildlife

Meet Scottish wildlife from Highland cows to Minke's whales.

Day 1 - Flight to Glasgow

Flight to Glasgow. Pick up of your rental car and drive to the Isle of Arran. Ferry crossing on the island and settling in a bed & breakfast. Dinner in a good fish and chips, a typical British Isles meal based on breaded fish and chips. Fàilte gu Alba! as they say in Gaelic (“Welcome to Scotland”).

Day 2 - Arran

Discover the wonders of the Isle of Arran, the largest island in the Firth of Clyde. Its position in the heart of the Gulf Stream gives it a vegetation rich in subtropical species. In addition to its bucolic and green landscapes, the island affectionately nicknamed “Little Scotland”, also offers historical and gastronomic riches. To discover it gently, we recommend a superb walk to Brodick Castle via the Fisherman’s Route. On country lanes, this one starts from the island’s cheese company, continues towards Brodick Castle and arrives at the eponymous beach. Then plunge into the legends of this mysterious island at Machrie Moor, a site of megaliths more than 5000 years old. On the ancestors’ route, six stone circles, the highest of which are more than 5 m high, will awaken the most mystical feelings in you. In the evening, an aperitif based on Arran cheese, Wooley’s oatcakes and chutney. All this washed down with a good local beer.

Day 3 - Arran - Goatfell

Hike to the Goat Fell, the highest peak on the island which culminates at 874 m altitude. The trail offers extraordinary panoramas over the entire island. At the top, the view is breathtaking. On a clear day, you can even see Ireland. There are two possible routes: either from the Arran brewery, which gives you a good sparkling reward on the way back, or from Corrie, a nice fishing village just opposite Scotland.

Day 4 - Arran and Islay

Say Bye-bye to Arran Island and head for Islay, the southernmost island of the Hebrides. Two ferry crossings are necessary to get there. And so many beautiful landscapes to admire. Before the first crossing from Lochranza, don’t hesitate to stop at the eponymous castle. You may be lucky enough to come across deer that often wander around the old stones. Then, arrival by ferry on an arm of the earth, that of Kintyre, which inspired a song to Paul McCartney. Then a second sea link to Islay offering beautiful views and unexpected encounters with dolphins, Minke whales, gannets, guillemots, puffins and many other marine species. Once you set foot on Islay, visit and taste whisky at the Caol Ila distillery and then the first discoveries of the former stronghold of the MacDonald clan, a self-proclaimed “Lord of the Islands” group and fierce competitors of the Vikings in the 4th century.

Day 5 - Islay

Nicknamed the queen of the Hebrides for her idyllic settings, Islay is also the queen of whisky. Port Ellen, in the south of the island, has 3 maltings: Ardbeg, Lagavulin and Laphroag. They are close to each other and strategically located at the water’s edge, as each one had its own quay. Visits and tastings are recommended. Then, walk in the Oa nature reserve with superb cliffs. This is where the famous Highland cows graze peacefully, these red cattle with their rebellious hair, surprisingly long hair and sharp horns. Don’t miss Saligo Bay too. This beautiful west coast beach with its stunning rock formations is a great spot to watch the sunset.

Day 6 - Islay and Jura

Head off to the island of Jura, a small piece of land in the Hebrides north of Islay. Reservation recommended for the visit of his distillery (Isle of Jura), located in front of the pub, with once again the tasting of a very good light and not peaty whisky. The distillery faces the Isle of Jura pub, a cosy break and a must for visitors passing through. The island of Jura has only one road, impossible to miss it! Return after lunch to the north-west of Islay, to Bruchladdich, where another distillery is located. Then on to Portnahaven and Port Wemyss, two picturesque villages on the Rhine peninsula, where with a bit of luck you can admire seals.

Day 7 - Islay - Glasgow

Very early morning departure by ferry from the port of Askaig (about 3h30 crossing). Then, road to Glasgow. Free visit of the city at your own pace. During the day, many points of interest are well worth the detour. Like the Gallery of Modern Art, the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, the Glasgow Cathedral, the Botanical Gardens and the mythical Lighthouse, Glasgow is a real nest of curiosities and a very cosmopolitan city. In the evenings, the city is transformed into a party capital. It is here that you will find the most emblematic pubs, the nocturnal temples dedicated to rock and electro, very “underground” landmarks. Enough to give your Scottish trip an unforgettable end!

Day 8 - Return flight and end of your adventure

Depending on flight schedules, free time in Glasgow and route to the airport. Return of your rental car and return flight.

N.B. : The program is given for information only. The stages can be modified on site for meteorological, security, organizational, flight schedule or any unexpected event reasons. In these difficult times, the local guide will do their utmost to mitigate the effects of these events beyond our control.

Comfort

From

£ 1150/person

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Gold

From

£ 1750/person

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Platinium

From

£ 2550/person

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Trip organisation (customisation and bookings)
Accomodation
All Breakfasts
Personalised guidebook
24/7 emergency telephone support
Navigation App with preloaded walking routes and maps
Rental car

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“Amazing trip : Great guide, locations, food, and awesome atmosphere. We had an excellent time. Very small group (5), easily accommodated. The food was amazing, the weather was perfect, and it was really fun”

Pit Dawin

Customer

“We had such a great time. Everything went over smoothly and our guide was very knowledgeable. I would recommend them to anyone. They really exceeded my expectations. I know I'll be back for sure! Thanks Tom”