Day One

Depart Edinburgh 9.30am

From the capital we head west past Mary Queen of Scots’ birthplace, Linlithgow Palace, to Stirling Castle for a visit to this ancient fortress in the heart of ‘Braveheart Country’. Then we continue west to beautiful Loch Lomond and a walk on the very edge of the Highlands. After lunch the tour heads into the mountains and winds its way down to the Atlantic coast and the whitewashed town Inveraray for a coffee and pictures of the castle; seat of the Duke of Argyll. Then it is on down Loch Fyne to Kennacraig and the ferry over to the Garden of the Hebrides – Islay.

Overnight – Port Ellen

Day Two

The day begins with a great walk out to the exposed Mull of Oa, where on a clear day you can see Ireland. Then we will pay a visit to Laphroaig distillery, for a tour and tasting. Then we head back in time to the Dark Ages when we take you to see the magnificent Kildalton Cross; the best Celtic Cross in the west. After a packed lunch in a scenic location we will take you to Bowmore distillery for another whisky tour. Afterwards we will head to the stunning beaches of the west coast, where the colour of the sea has to be seen to be believed. Rest of the day is free.

Overnight – Port Ellen

Day Three

We start the day with a visit to Finlaggan, ancient seat of the all-powerful Lords of the Isles, onetime masters of the western seas. Then it is a short run to Port Askaig where we will take the short ferry over to the Isle of Jura, the Deer Island. This a lonely island, with only one road, and few people. We will head to the far north through the high Paps of Jura and go for a good long walk. Then once you’ve worked up a thirst we will stop at Jura distillery. After a few drams we will return to Islay and the rest of the day is yours.

Overnight – Port Ellen

Day Four

From Islay we retake the ferry back to the Mainland and retrace our steps north again to Inveraray, with detour into Kilmartin Glen, the ‘Cradle of Scotland’ with its Neolithic standing stones and burial chambers, and Iron Age fortresses, where kings were once crowned. Then we head north to Kilchurn Castle before returning to Edinburgh via the Trossachs and Stirling.

On both days on Islay we will have a packed lunch in a local beauty spot

Itineraries are subject to change due to the weather and length of the day

More distilleries can be added to the trip if you wanted.

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