Lagavulin Distillery, Islay

Islay & The West Coast Whisky Tour

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Overview

Suggested Itinerary

What's Included?

Accommodation & Prices

Car Hire

Overview

Self-Drive Holidays

8 Nights

Fully customisable itinerary
Prices from: £1395 per person
Best time to go: April - October
Transport: Rental car included (optional)

Highlights

World-class whisky

This road trip around Scotland’s world-renowned distilleries is an unforgettable experience. Sample remarkable single malts from the Lowland, Highland, Campbeltown and Islay regions, while soaking in the breathtaking scenery that makes each tasting an unforgettable experience.

Inspiring landscapes

From the stunning Kintyre Peninsula to the towering Paps of Jura, this itinerary will transport you through some of the most awe-inspiring scenery in Scotland.

Islay & Jura

Whisky enthusiasts travel from all over the world to visit these scenic islands. Tour iconic distilleries like Ardbeg (where you’ll enjoy an included tour), Laphroaig, and Bowmore on Islay, and venture to the remote Jura Distillery. Explore their stunning landscapes and sample peaty single malts in the heart of Scotland’s whisky mecca.

Campbeltown

Perched above the Mull of Kintyre on Scotland’s stunning west coast, the small town once hailed “the whisky capital of the world” is undergoing a revival. Explore the renowned Springbank, Glengyle, and Glen Scotia distilleries, and enjoy an included premium tasting at Cadenhead’s Warehouse.

Glasgow

Nestled on the River Clyde, Glasgow is a vibrant city with a rich heritage. Tour the Clydeside Distillery, the city’s first dedicated single malt distillery in 100 years, then visit the West End’s lively pubs. Don’t miss having a dram in The Pot Still – a legendary tavern with over 1,000 whiskies.

Sensational seafood

The pristine waters around Scotland’s west coast are home to some of the world’s best seafood. Our natural larder is bursting with flavour – fresh oysters, lobster, mussels, scallops, langoustines, crab, and smoked salmon.

A Whisky Pilgrimage to Scotland’s Spectacular West Coast

This exceptional itinerary, carefully crafted for whisky lovers, blends stunning scenery with some of Scotland’s most renowned distilleries. Whether you’re a seasoned whisky aficionado or simply keen to sample our finest local produce, an unforgettable adventure awaits.

Start in Scotland’s largest city, Glasgow, with its ornate Victorian architecture and cutting-edge museums. Once home to a vibrant distilling trade, the industry fell into decline here until the Clydeside Distillery opened in 2017. Tour this beautiful distillery in historic Queen’s Dock and sample the delicate Lowland-style whisky.

Leave the urban world behind as you journey into Scotland’s idyllic countryside. A short detour to the picturesque Glengoyne Distillery will allow you to taste their clear and bright Highland whisky. From here, a spectacular drive through Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park transports you into a wild landscape of towering mountains and sparkling lochs. This is Scotland at its finest.

Your destination is Campbeltown in the rugged and undiscovered Kintyre Peninsula – a small town once hailed as ‘the whisky capital of the world’. Explore the renowned Springbank, Glen Scotia, and Glengyle distilleries, and enjoy a premium tasting at Cadenhead’s Warehouse. The distilleries here are celebrated for their artisanal approach to whisky production, often involving traditional methods.

Next, travel to Islay, the ‘Queen of the Hebrides’. This stunningly beautiful island is a place of pilgrimage for whisky enthusiasts, known for its distinctively peaty and smoky single malts. An included tour at Ardbeg offers an excellent introduction to Islay’s rich whisky heritage.

On Islay, you are spoiled for choice on how to spend your time. Legendary distilleries like Laphroaig, Bunnahabhain, Bowmore, and Lagavulin sit beside breathtaking beaches and lochs teeming with wildlife. The dramatic Isle of Jura, with its rugged mountains and remote distillery, is just a short ferry ride away.

Back on the mainland, return to Glasgow with unforgettable memories from your journey through Scotland. Alternatively, combine this itinerary with our Highlands & Islands Malt Whisky Trail for a truly immersive Scotch whisky experience, including the Isle of Skye and Speyside.

Your perfect dram might be waiting somewhere along our Islay & The West Coast Whisky Tour.

Suggested Itinerary

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.

Day 1: Arrive in Glasgow

Arrive in Scotland’s largest city, Glasgow, renowned for its beautiful Victorian architecture and world-class museums. Stroll through the vibrant and culturally rich West End and enjoy a dram in Glasgow’s most famous whisky pub, The Pot Still.
Overnight – Glasgow

Day 2: Glasgow sightseeing

Once a hub of distilling activity, Glasgow’s whisky industry saw a revival with the opening of the Clydeside Distillery in 2017. Tour this beautiful distillery in historic Queen’s Dock and savour their delicate Lowland-style whisky.

Nearby, the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum houses one of Europe’s most impressive art collections, offering an excellent introduction to Scottish art, history, and culture.
Overnight – Glasgow

Day 3: Glasgow to Campbeltown via Glengoyne Distillery

Collect your hire car this morning and leave the urban landscape behind as you travel north into the magnificent Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. Make a short detour to visit the picturesque Glengoyne Distillery, nestled at the foot of the Campsie Hills.

Continue through a landscape of spectacular scenery and romantic castles, including Inveraray Castle, the ancestral home of Clan Campbell. Your destination is Campbeltown on the picturesque Kintyre Peninsula – truly one of our favourite corners of Scotland.
Overnight – Campbeltown area

Day 4: Campbeltown & Kintyre sightseeing

Campbeltown, once home to 34 distilleries, boasts a rich whisky heritage. Though quieter now, the town is experiencing a renaissance with three active producers: Springbank, Glen Scotia, and Glengyle. Enjoy a premium tasting at Cadenhead’s Warehouse, sampling some of the finest local whiskies and a few from further afield.

The surrounding region, immortalised in song by Sir Paul McCartney, offers a glimpse of a gentler corner of Scotland, with scenic beaches, charming hamlets, and ancient castles to discover.
Overnight – Campbeltown area

Day 5: Campbeltown to Islay

A real treat awaits as you take the ferry to Islay, renowned for its smoky, single-malt whiskies. Some historians believe whisky distillation arrived here from Ireland in the 13th century when the Lord of the Isles married the daughter of an Ulster baron.

Spend four nights on Islay, giving you ample opportunity to taste Scotland’s national product. Experience traditional whisky-making in all its glory – from barley malting to peat-fired kilns and iconic warehouses along the shores of Loch Indaal.
Overnight – Islay

Day 6: Islay & Jura sightseeing

Explore the island’s south coast, home to the full-bodied malts of Ardbeg, Lagavulin, and Laphroaig.

Ardbeg, the peatiest of the Islay malts, is now one of the fastest-growing. An included tour and tasting here is sure to be a highlight of your day.

At nearby Laphroaig Distillery, peat is still cut by hand, and Lagavulin is renowned for its long maturation and complex, rich, peaty character.
Overnight – Islay

Day 7: Islay & Jura sightseeing

Bowmore Distillery, beautifully situated on Loch Indaal, is widely recognised as one of the finest single malt whiskies in the world.

On Islay’s northern shores, Caol Ila Distillery allows you to watch distillers tending the six copper stills while enjoying a magnificent view across to Jura.
Overnight – Islay

Day 8: Islay & Jura sightseeing

Today you could make the short ferry journey to the stunning Isle of Jura. Mountainous, rugged, and sparsely populated, this is perhaps the wildest of the Inner Hebrides islands. The Paps of Jura, three cone-shaped mountains, dominate the landscape. Explore Jura’s wild landscapes and tour the Jura Distillery, which has stood in the same spot since 1810.
Overnight – Islay

Day 9: Islay to Glasgow and onward travel

After breakfast, take the ferry back to Kennacraig on the mainland. From here, you’ll enjoy a wonderfully scenic journey back to Glasgow to return your hire car, bringing your unforgettable whisky adventure to a close.

What's Included?

Your holiday includes:

Carefully selected en-suite accommodation for 8 nights including traditional Scottish breakfast
Comprehensive information pack
Personalised itinerary with our recommendations for the best places to eat and drink and sightseeing suggestions
* Premium whisky tasting at Cadenhead’s Warehouse in Campbeltown
Map of Scotland with our recommended driving route
7 days rental of an Economy car (other vehicle categories available) including comprehensive insurance
* Tickets for the Quintessential Tour at Ardbeg Distillery in Islay
All ferry crossings (as per your itinerary)
24-hour emergency contact number
Full financial protection

Your holiday doesn't include:

Travel insurance
Flights
Lunches and evening meals

* Should an included whisky experience be unavailable during your visit, we’ll arrange an equivalent alternative, ensuring the same high standard and quality.

Accommodation & Prices

Special Places to Stay

Premium

Standard

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.

Please choose from one of our accommodation categories below. If you wish to combine these categories or perhaps upgrade for a special occasion let us know in your enquiry.

Car Hire

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.

All our packages include:

Collision Damage Waiver
Super Damage Excess Waiver
Third Party Insurance
Theft Waiver
Tax

Economy

Vauxhall Corsa or similar

Good for 2 people
Maximum of 4 passengers
2 large suitcases
Manual or automatic transmission

Compact

Ford Focus or similar

Good for 2 – 4 people
Maximum of 5 passengers
2 large suitcases
Manual or automatic transmission

Intermediate

Volkswagen Passat or similar

Good for up to 4 people
Maximum of 5 passengers
3 large suitcases
Manual or automatic transmission

Fullsize

VW Sharan or similar

Good for 5 people
Maximum of 7 passengers
3 – 4 large suitcases
Manual or automatic transmission

How do our Self-Drive Holidays Work?

Since 2004, we've led the way in planning remarkable road trips in the UK. Like a perfectly tailored suit, each itinerary is crafted around you. Learn more about us and our self-drive holidays in our new guide. Read more

The Isle of Islay: A Spirit of its Own

The Isle of Islay on Scotland's west coast is renowned for its world-class peaty whiskies, but with turquoise bays, wonderful wildlife and excellent walking opportunities - there's far more than just the whisky! Sine from the Absolute Escapes team hopped on a ferry to explore Islay ... Read more