"If you want to get the full Scottish experience, meet incredible people from around the world and have the best guides you should totally book with these guys. I did the 10 day tour and had a blast and ended up feeling Scottish."
THE ISLAY WHISKY & MUSIC FESTIVAL

4 DAYS
ADULT
FROM
STUDENT
FROM
*Prices are in US Dollars
The Islay Whisky & Music Festival Tour

The Islay Whisky & Music Festival Departure Info
Departure Location: Edinburgh
Check-in Time: 7:45
Departure Time: 8:00
Return Location: Edinburgh
Return Time:19:30
This tour runs in conjunction with Highland Explorer Tours. The Book Now button will take you to their booking engine. Select special departures - The Islay Festival of Whisky, Music & Culture. Please note due to the popularity of this tour, full payment will be required at the time of booking to secure your spot.
Book NowWhisky and music lovers rejoice! It’s time to meet the superstar of the Hebrides, the Isle of Islay. Join us on an epic journey to Scotland’s wild west coast for the world-famous Islay Festival - Fèis Ìle. Try our favourite national drink straight from the source, mixed with traditional music and pure Gaelic culture. Add to that awesome island beaches and historic gems with mega Highland backdrops. This trip is your VIP ticket and gateway to 100% #DeepScottishLove.
Tour Map

Itinerary

Day 1
Edinburgh
Port Ellen
We leave the capital in the morning and travel to the quaint village of Luss on Loch Lomond. Driving further west, we stop at the incredible Rest and Be Thankful viewpoint before lunch at Loch Fyne in Inveraray. With our bellies filled with local treats, we board the ferry to our star island of the ....
We leave the capital in the morning and travel to the quaint village of Luss on Loch Lomond. Driving further west, we stop at the incredible Rest and Be Thankful viewpoint before lunch at Loch Fyne in Inveraray. With our bellies filled with local treats, we board the ferry to our star island of the trip, Islay. Get yourself settled and comfy in your accommodation for the night, with time to explore Port Ellen in the evening. (Overnight: Port Ellen)
Day Highlights
Day 2
Port Ellen
Port Ellen
We spend our morning exploring the stunning peninsula of Mull of Oa. Visit the American Monument from WW1 and catch a glimpse of local wildlife in the RSPB Nature Reserve. Don’t forget to try the famous Cullen Skink when we stop at Kilchoman Distillery for a wee dram, learning more about the revival....
We spend our morning exploring the stunning peninsula of Mull of Oa. Visit the American Monument from WW1 and catch a glimpse of local wildlife in the RSPB Nature Reserve. Don’t forget to try the famous Cullen Skink when we stop at Kilchoman Distillery for a wee dram, learning more about the revival of the traditional farm distilling. We finish the day back in Port Ellen - it’s celebration time! Get ready for the awesome main event of the trip, the Islay Festival Fèis Ìle. (Overnight Port Ellen)
Day Highlights
Day 3
Port Ellen
Port Ellen
After an amazing evening drinking drams with fellow travellers and ceilidh dancing, we start to feel a lot more Scottish already! We make our first stop of the morning at the ancient Kildalton Cross. From here, you can go on a scenic walk on the Three Distilleries Path to Lagavulin, Ardbeg and Laphr....
After an amazing evening drinking drams with fellow travellers and ceilidh dancing, we start to feel a lot more Scottish already! We make our first stop of the morning at the ancient Kildalton Cross. From here, you can go on a scenic walk on the Three Distilleries Path to Lagavulin, Ardbeg and Laphroaig, and indulge in coastal views and more drams! Our final distillery tour is at Bunnahabhain, the most remote distillery on Islay where you get the chance to pick up pre-ordered releases. We will then go for a hearty dinner in a local restaurant and return to our accommodation. (Overnight Port Ellen)
Day Highlights
Day 4
Port Ellen
Edinburgh
We catch the morning ferry back to the mainland, where our adventure continues with a visit at the historically significant Dunadd Fort and Kilmartin Glen. We drive along Scotland’s rugged west coast to the bustling seaside town of Oban, risen to fame for its seafood – a perfect stop for lunch! Next....
We catch the morning ferry back to the mainland, where our adventure continues with a visit at the historically significant Dunadd Fort and Kilmartin Glen. We drive along Scotland’s rugged west coast to the bustling seaside town of Oban, risen to fame for its seafood – a perfect stop for lunch! Next, we meet dramatic Glen Coe; one of Scotland’s most impressive Highland landmarks. A sight you won’t forget in a hurry! Soak up the last of the scenery on our drive south, passing the Kelpies; two gigantic steel structures, and largest equine sculptures in the world. We arrive back into Edinburgh at approximately 8.00pm.
Day Highlights
Your tour includes
- Your legendary local HAGGiS Guide
- 3 nights 3* Hotel Accommodation
- 3 traditional Scottish breakfasts
- All ferry crossings
- Whisky Tastings at Ardbeg, Laphraoig & Lagavulin
- Whisky Distillery Experience at Bunnahabhain & Kilchoman
We'll show you the best of Scotland's wild side, and help you find yours too. The stories of your life are here in Scotland. We cannae wait to show ye!
You may be travelling with fellow-adventurers from our sister company Highland Explorer Tours. If you are looking for a HAGGiS-only experience, check out our 8-Day Orkney, Hebrides & North Coast 500 tour and the 3-Day Easter in Scotland tour.
Tour departs from inside Edinburgh Bus Station, Gate J. Please note that from 5 February 2024, we will no longer depart from Edinburgh Bus Station. Our departure point will be from a city centre location, which will be confirmed via email in the lead up to departure.