Islay Whisky Tour from Edinburgh: Distilleries, Tastings & Ferry

Summary

Islay’s legendary distilleries, wild coasts and smoky drams

You’ll feel Islay’s wild spirit as you cross by ferry from Edinburgh, taste whisky straight from casks at legendary distilleries like Lagavulin and Laphroaig, share laughs with locals over smoky drams, and sleep in cozy B&Bs near Bowmore. Expect salty winds on your face, peaty aromas in your glass—and memories that linger long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that hit me stepping off the ferry to Islay was this sharp, salty wind—like someone had mixed peat smoke with the sea. Our guide, Jamie, grinned and said it was “just a wee welcome.” I watched the hills roll out under low clouds as our little group climbed into the minibus. Inveraray was behind us (I grabbed a sausage roll there I’m still thinking about), and now we were chasing whisky across the island. The drive felt longer than it looked on the map—Scotland’s roads have their own sense of time.

Bunnahabhain was our first real stop. The warehouse smelled like wet wood and something sweetly earthy—hard to describe unless you’ve been there. Jamie poured us cask samples straight from the barrel. I tried to swirl mine like I knew what I was doing but mostly just breathed in that sharp, almost medicinal aroma. Someone asked if it always tastes like this; one of the distillery guys just shrugged and said, “Depends on the day.” That made me laugh.

The next days blurred together in a good way: Lagavulin’s warehouse tasting (the old stone walls felt cold even with whisky warming my chest), Ardbeg for lunch where I ordered soup because it was raining sideways outside, then Laphroaig with its peaty tang that clung to my tongue for hours. At Bruichladdich, they let us poke around the production area—so many copper pipes and clanking noises—and then poured us drams that tasted lighter than I expected. Kilchoman was different again; smaller, a bit rough around the edges, but friendlier somehow. There’s something about standing in a field with a glass in your hand while sheep stare at you like you’re mad.

I kept thinking how every place had its own rhythm—different smells, different jokes from the staff, even different kinds of rain. Nights at Bowmore House were quiet except for distant laughter drifting through open windows. On the last morning before heading back to Edinburgh, I stood by West Loch Tarbert watching mist slip over the water and realized my jacket still smelled faintly of smoke and malt. Not sure if that’ll ever wash out—and honestly, I hope it doesn’t.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Travel from Edinburgh to Islay

• Visit Inveraray village
• Ferry to Islay with whisky tasting
• Tour or tasting at Bunnahabhain Distillery

Day 2 — Islay Distilleries Day One

• Warehouse tasting at Lagavulin Distillery
• Lunch and tasting at Ardbeg Distillery
• Tour and tasting at Laphroaig Distillery

Day 3 — Islay Distilleries Day Two

• Tour and tasting at Bruichladdich Distillery
• Lunch, tour and tasting at Kilchoman Distillery

Day 4 — Return from Islay to Edinburgh

• Ferry from Islay to mainland

Top questions

How long is the Islay whisky tour from Edinburgh?

The tour lasts 4 days including travel time between Edinburgh and Islay.

Which distilleries are included on this Islay whisky tour?

You’ll visit Bunnahabhain, Lagavulin (with warehouse tasting), Ardbeg (with lunch), Laphroaig (tour & tasting), Bruichladdich (tour & tasting), and Kilchoman (tour & tasting).

Does this tour include accommodation on Islay?

Yes, 3 nights’ B&B accommodation at either Bowmore House or Island Bear are included.

Is transportation provided from Edinburgh?

Transport by air-conditioned minibus is included for up to 16 guests.

Are ferry tickets between mainland Scotland & Islay included?

Yes, return ferry tickets between Scotland and Islay are part of your booking.

Are meals or lunches included in this tour?

Lunch is included at Ardbeg; other meals may be at your own expense unless specified by your accommodation.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels according to the operator.

Are service animals allowed on this whisky tour?

Yes, service animals are permitted on this trip.

What’s included

Your trip covers transport by minibus from Edinburgh with pickup included, return ferries to and from Islay, guided tours plus exclusive tastings at top distilleries like Lagavulin Warehouse Experience and Laphroaig bar session, three nights’ bed & breakfast accommodation at Bowmore House or Island Bear—with plenty of time for laughs (and maybe soup) along the way.