Trip Highlights
This is a great opportunity to enjoy a trip of a lifetime at the famous annual Feis Ile – Islay’s Whisky, Culture and Spirit Festival from 25-30 May 2024!
Departing from Glasgow or Edinburgh (other locations upon request) this tour combines 3 days on Islay at the Festival with time on the mainland exploring the Whisky Lowlands, Argyll and the region of Campbelltown. Your Driver-Guide is on-hand to ensure you can make the most of every day. There’s a chance to visit Springbank Distillery and grab a bottle of their whisky before everyone else does, as is the norm! Accommodation is arranged and includes two nights in a 4-Star Scottish Castle with Breakfast and Dinner each day.
This tour will be further personsalised to suit your preferences and/or days added either side if wished.
Itinerary:
Day 1 Saturday 25 May
You can expect a spectacularly scenic westwards journey today. Stops include Loch Lomond, the ‘Rest and Be Thankful’ mountain pass and the pretty Georgian town of Inveraray, where you can explore or if preferred visit the spectacular Inveraray Castle and Gardens, home to the chiefs of Clan Campbell.
Arriving in Crinan late afternoon there’s time for a pre-dinner walk along the picturesque Crinan Canal path. Built in 1801, the canal saved mariners the lengthy sail around the Kintyre peninsula and it isn’t considered Britain’s most scenic short cut for nothing!
Where you’ll stay: The 4-Star Crinan Hotel sits at the western end of the Crinan Canal, with a 9-mile walkable path and stunning views of the Isles of Jura, Scarba and Mull. With 20 individually decorated rooms the hotel has an old-world, relaxed atmosphere and the best seafood for miles. Fresh seafood is landed daily 50 steps from the restaurant door. Dinner will be served in the hotel pub tonight. (1 night).
Day 2 Sunday 26 May
After breakfast and hotel check-out it’s a short journey to catch the morning ferry to Islay, where you’ll stay for the next two nights.
Today, soak up the Fèis atmosphere at the Bruichladdich Distillery where there’s something for all whisky drinkers. Home to the unpeated Bruichladdich ‘Classic Laddie’, the heavily-peated Port Charlotte, the super heavily-peated Octomore single malts, and of course we mustn’t forget Botanist Gin!
Bruichladdich always showcases the best of Islay’s local food producing artisans so where better for a bite of lunch, as you listen to the music from the main stage.
Where you’ll stay: The Lochside Hotel, Bowmore. This inn has been welcoming visitors since 1884 and provides all you’ll need for a comfortable stay. Your Sea view rooms overlook Loch Indaal. The hotel is perfectly positioned just a stone’s throw from Bowmore Distillery. Within the bar is an incredible collection of over 300 whiskies. Dinner is served in the hotel. (1 night).
Day 3 Monday 27 May
Savour the festival atmosphere today at Islay Ales, Islay Gin and Caol Ila Distillery – the biggest on Islay. It’s also one of ‘The Four Corners of Scotland’ distilleries which represent four distinct Scottish regions that lend themselves to the Johnnie Walker Blend.
Today, there’s time to visit the local historical, natural and cultural sites as well as taste some Islay Rum.
Where you’ll stay: The centrally located 4-Star Bridgend Hotel features eleven exquisitely furnished bedrooms, each inspired by the beautiful landscapes of the island, and curated with the work of local artists and artisans. Dinner will be served in the hotel. (1 night).
Day 4 Tuesday 28 May
On your final day at Fèis Ìle you’ll visit two distilleries. First up is Laphroaig Distillery, where it is said once you get to know the renowned peaty personality of their whisky it’s impossible not to love it for a lifetime!
Closed in 1983, the re-opening of the Port Ellen Distillery caused quite a stir of excitement in the Whisky world. With only a finite supply of whisky over the last 20+ years has meant annual releases are highly prized. Whilst the new whisky is not likely to be available until around 2030 a visit here is still a must.
Before boarding the late afternoon ferry back to the mainland you’ll get the chance to meet a wide ranging group of independent bottlers who’ll offer a taste of some of the finest whiskies from Islay and Jura and beyond. A range of new releases exclusively for this ‘Indie Bottlers’ special event will also be available.
Where you’ll stay: The 4-Star Stonefield Castle Hotel is a 19th century castle which has retained much of its original charm from the time when it was the home of the Campbell clan. It’s surrounded by wonderful parkland and the restaurant where dinner is served enjoys spectacular views over the Kintyre Peninsula. (Arrangements will be made for dinner during the ferry crossing on Night 1). (2 nights).
Day 5 Wednesday 29 May
Today you have the option of relaxing at the castle or visiting some of the local historic places of interest or the nearby fishing town of Tarbert in Campbeltown. Brenda is on hand to help you make the most of your day. You may decide you’d like a spot of lunch and a Whisky Tasting in the Washback Bar at the Springbank Distillery, one of the three in the entire Whisky region of Campbeltown, whilst in the area. The bar itself is interesting as it’s composed of old washbacks used at both Springbank and Glengyle distilleries.
Dinner will be served in the hotel tonight.
Day 6 Thursday 30 May
Leaving the area it’s time to journey back to Glasgow or Edinburgh for your onward travel. (Alternatively, this itinerary can be preceded or extended to incorporate other locations, if wished. For example the Isle of Arran is easily accessed or the Isle of Mull from Oban).
Available for a private/exclusive group of 4 persons, sharing 2 Double Rooms (2 person occupancy) on 25th – 30th May 2024.
Tour can be extended either side of the dates if wished.
Add on £375.00 if require 1 Twin Room instead of 1 Double (based on 2 person occupancy)
Single Room Supplement would apply. Please just ask for a price if required.
- Private Driver-Guide Luxury Transportation (6 Days)
- Departing from Glasgow or Edinburgh (alternative locations upon request)
- Accommodation: 3-Star (1 night), 4-Star (2 nights) 4-Star Castle (2 nights)
- 5 Breakfasts
- 5 Dinners (2-courses)
- Islay Whisky Distillery Open Days with Tastings at Bruichladdich, Caol Ila, Laphroaig, Port Ellen
- Special Additional Tasting Experiences at 2 distilleries
- Islay Gin Open Day with Tasting
- Islay Ales Open Day with Tasting
- 1 Independent Bottlers Tasting Event
- Live Festival Music
- Day to explore Kintyre/Campbeltown
- Arrangement and Booking Service for all elements listed on your itinerary
- The itinerary can be further personalized to suit your particular interests and timeframes
Upgrade/Options:
- Airport Meet and Greet Service
- Inveraray Castle and Gardens
- Experiences in the Campbeltown Whisky region
- Additional days either side of the itinerary to create a longer trip
What’s not Included:
- Airfares
- Travel Insurance
- Drinks with Dinner
- Gratuities
