Islay and Jura Whisky Trails

8 Days & 7 Nights

Islay & Jura Whisky Trails

Whisky! Visit distilleries including Laphroaig, Ardbeg, Lagavulin, and Bruichladdich
Stroll along Islay’s white sand beaches and flower-strewn machair
Look out for the local wildlife; curious seals and soaring eagles
Sample the best drams in Scotland and learn about the island’s whisky-producing past
Enjoy relaxed walking on Islay contrasted with the challenging “Paps of Jura”

Explore the diverse landscapes of Islay & Jura; visit distillery water sources, and walk the coastlines and white sand beaches that lend their flavour to the islands’ iconic single malts; Bowmore, Jura, Laphroaig, Ardbeg, Lagavulin, Caol Ila, Bruichladdich, Bunnahabhain, and Kilchoman. With time in the itinerary for visiting 7 out of 9 distilleries, this trip is perfect for both whisky-tasting amateurs and connoisseurs. The Isle of Islay is renowned for being the home of Scotland’s finest single malt whisky—production has been established since 1779. Distillery tours with the knowledgeable locals are a highlight, but for the authentic island experience make sure to combine distillery visits with our suggested walks. Readjust to the relaxed pace of island life where the hospitality of the locals will have you feeling instantly at ease on these two contrasting islands.

From £1,095.00

Book Now Enquire Tour Brochure

Gallery

All Photos (10)

Itinerary

Expand all

Day 1 Arrive Craighouse on Jura (optional Jura distillery visit) 5 miles / 7.5 km Day 2 Paps of Jura - A choice of walks 11 miles / 17.5 km Day 3 Travel to Islay by ferry and Portnahaven loop walk (optional Bruichladdich distillery visit) 5 miles / 7.5 km Day 4 Transfer to a choice of walks (optional Kilchoman distillery visit) 11 miles / 17 km Day 5 Own transfer to Bowmore and Laggan Point loop walk 14 km (optional Bowmore visit) 9 miles / 14 km Day 6 Own transfer to Port Ellen and Carraig Fhada Lighthouse walk (optional Laphroaig tour) 6 miles / 9 km Day 7 Three Distilleries walk (optional Lagavulin and Ardbeg distillery visits) 7 miles / 11.5 km Day 8 Onward Travel

Reviews

Expand all

Other Information

Expand all

Is it for me? Accommodation & Meals Navigation What's Included When to go Travel & Transfers Info & FAQ

General Information

The distances and ascent/descents are approximations of the recommended routes. Please be prepared by packing all necessary items, for example, proper rain gear (jacket and pants), sun hat, and sunscreen. Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes for the cooler months and lightweight clothing for summer, and a day pack.

Excursions & Distillery Tours

Please note that due to the current covid-19 pandemic most distilleries have been affected in some way; some are closed to the public entirely and others have cut back on tours, and guided tour capacity. As these changes are fluid and may change weekly please check the websites of the distilleries you wish to visit to avoid disappointment. If guided tours are still possible make sure to book in advance as tour capacity may be reduced.

The trip is designed to help you make the most of your time on Islay and your proximity to it’s world-renowned distilleries. As such all the walks are optional and most should take around half a day, ensuring you have plenty of time to visit the distilleries. Please note that the distilleries all have varying opening hours, and some only run tours on specific days and at pre-arranged times. Most of these tours should be pre-booked either online or by phone directly with the distilleries. We provide information on the tours offered and when they run in the pre-departure information pack. Additionally, you can find live tour availability on many of the distillery websites.

There are so many whisky tour and tasting options to choose from that we have excluded these so you are free to choose your preferred tour and tasting options at each distillery. The cost for a basic distillery tour and sample dram or two tends to be around £10 per person. If you would like to try something special we recommend the Laphroiag Water to Whisky premium tour. This includes a tour of the distillery, picnic at the water source, along with a chance to try peat cutting for yourself on Laphroaig’s nearby peat source, followed by a cask tasting and bottling all accompanied by your knowledgeable Laphroaig guide. The tour operates 7 days a week from noon lasting 4.5 hours with 7 people maximum per tour. Alternatively, try the premium tour and tasting at Islay’s only farm distillery at Kilchoman. Distinct from the other distilleries on the island Kilchoman is a smaller operation that grows and malts all of their barley onsite. The tour operates 7 days a week from 11am for 2 hours with 12 people maximum per tour.

Please note distillery tour dates may vary outside of the summer months. A basic distillery tour normally takes 1 hour so make sure to plan your distillery visits around any walks you plan on doing to allow yourself plenty of time. Check distillery websites and book well in advance for tours to avoid disappointment on the day.

Travel Insurance

It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity and emergency evacuation and hospital care.