Private Chauffeured Tours to Islay from Edinburgh: What to Expect?

Edinburgh is the vibrant capital of Scotland and there are private chauffeured tours to Islay from Edinburgh.

Scotland is not only famous for private chauffeured or whisky tours but also many other things like haunting landscapes, ancient castles, warm hospitality.

Maybe you are thinking how do you get there without worrying about self-driving through highlands or finding ferry schedules. The answer is absolutely the best private chauffeured tours to Islay from Edinburgh.

This blog post is all about what to expect from the best Scotland whiskey tour package. Let’s get started!

Why Choose Private Chauffeured Tours to Islay from Edinburgh?

The idea of private chauffeured tour is for those who want freedom and flexibility as an independent travel. In this, there is no need to do any type of planning or drive on your own.

Here’s why you should choose these tours.

No Navigation Stress: You don’t need to worry about where to go as it will be handled by your driver.

Customized Experience: Choose stops and famous attractions at your own pace.

Complete Comfort: Ride in luxury vehicle with top-notch amenities.

Local Insights: Chauffeurs normally provide informal guides, offering stories and local tips along the way.

Whisky Tastings: You don’t need to worry about different types of whisky tastings.

No matter what your travel preferences are, you can enjoy private chauffeured tours with more exclusive and comfortable side of Scotland.

The Route from Edinburgh to Islay

Private chauffeur tours from Edinburgh to Islay features stunning scenery, immersive experiences and perfect views. The journey takes 6 to 8 hours including the ferry ride. Private tours are of different types like:

• Full-day adventure.
• 2- or 3-day itinerary with overnight stays on or near the island.

You will drive through northwest via the Scottish Highlands passing by nearby famous locations:

• Loch Lomond
• Inveraray
• Argyll Forest

The road itself is a scenic road with beautiful surroundings and lush valleys. At Kennacraig Ferry Terminal, you will pick a CalMac ferry to Port Ellen or Port Askaig on Islay. This ride takes 2 hours and offer panoramic views of the coastline and sea life.

Drive Highlights from Edinburgh to Islay in Table Form

Types of Vehicles Used for Tours

You can expect premium vehicles when taking private tours from Edinburgh. Basically, it all depends on luxury type you want to avail and group size. Most probably, you will ride in:

• Mercedes-Benz E-Class or S-Class (for solo or couple travelers).
• Luxury SUVs like Range Rovers (for comfort and luggage space).
• Executive minibuses or vans (for families or small groups up to 8 people).

All these vehicles come with these features:

• Climate-controlled
• Wi-Fi equipped
• Phone charging ports
• Leather seating
• Ample legroom

While some companies offer:

• Bottled water
• Light snacks
• Whisky magazine

Customizing Your Islay Tour Experience

One of the amazing things about these tours are its flexibility & customization. Most luxury whisky tours Scotland helps you in customizing your tour, from start to end. You just need to tell them your requirements. Some things that you can customize:

• Distilleries to visit
• Additional stops
• Travel pace
• Accommodation type

Popular Islay Distilleries You Can Visit

3 Day Whisky Tour Scotland

Day 1: Edinburgh to Islay

8:00 AM: Pickup from hotel in Edinburgh by private chauffeur.

10:30 AM: Coffee and scenic break at Loch Lomond.

12:00 PM: Lunch stop and castle visit in Inveraray.

2:30 PM: At Kennacraig to Port Ellen, Islay, do ferry boarding.

5:00 PM: Arrive on Islay & check-in at your accommodation firstly.

7:00 PM: Dinner at The Islay Hotel or a local pub with whisky pairings.

Day 2: Islay Distillery Day

9:30 AM: Private tour and tasting at Laphroaig Distillery.

11:30 AM: Visit Ardbeg Distillery and enjoy coffee or lunch at Ardbeg Café.

2:00 PM: Lagavulin Distillery with Scottish experience and tasting.

4:00 PM: Visit to the historic Kildalton Cross or walk along Machir Bay.

7:00 PM: Return to hotel and optional whisky flight at the bar.

Day 3: Return via Scenic Route

9:00 AM: Check out and depart for ferry back to Kennacraig.

12:00 PM: Drive through the scenic Argyll countryside.

2:00 PM: Lunch stop in Loch Fyne or visit to Oban Distillery (optional).

6:00 PM: Arrival back in Edinburgh with hotel drop-off.

5 Day Whiskey Tour Scotland

Day 1: Edinburgh to Speyside

8:00 AM: Depart Edinburgh with private driver.

10:30 AM: Visit Blair Athol Distillery in Pitlochry.

1:00 PM: Scenic lunch en route to Speyside.

3:00 PM: Tour and tasting at Glenfiddich Distillery.

5:00 PM: Check-in at Speyside hotel or whisky lodge.

7:00 PM: Dinner with whisky pairings in Dufftown.

Day 2: Speyside Whisky Trail

9:30 AM: Visit Macallan Estate for luxury whisky Scottish experience.

12:30 PM: Lunch in Craigellachie.

2:00 PM: Visit Aberlour or Glen Grant Distillery.

4:00 PM: Walk along the River Spey or relax at hotel.

7:00 PM: Optional whisky tasting session at the hotel or local pub.

Day 3: Speyside to Islay

8:00 AM: Drive from Speyside to Kennacraig (with scenic stops).

1:00 PM: Lunch at Inveraray or Lochgilphead.

3:00 PM: Board ferry to Islay.

5:30 PM: Arrive on Islay and check in to accommodation.

7:00 PM: Dinner and rest.

Day 4: Classic Islay Distillery Day

9:00 AM: Visit and tour Ardbeg & Laphroaig Distilleries.

12:30 PM: Lunch at Bowmore or Port Charlotte.

2:00 PM: Bowmore Distillery experience.

4:00 PM: Leisure time, beach walk or local artisan shops.

6:30 PM: Optional private whisky tasting session with local expert.

Day 5: Islay to Edinburgh

9:00 AM: Depart Islay via morning ferry.

12:30 PM: Lunch on route in Inveraray.

3:30 PM: Optional stop at Deanston Distillery or scenic viewpoint.

6:30 PM: Return to Edinburgh hotel.

Private Chauffeured Tours to Islay from Edinburgh Price

The private chauffeured tours to Islay from Edinburgh cost ranges between $800 to $5,000+ per person. It all depends on the length of tour, type of vehicle and included activities. As an example, four-day tour ranges between $840 to $1,310 per person. Luxury tours are not included in this.

Private Chauffeured Tours to Islay from Edinburgh Reviews

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Conclusion!

Luxury Scotland travel itinerary is totally incomplete without taking private chauffeured tours to Islay from Edinburgh.

This is completely an unforgettable experience for solo travelers, families and whisky lovers. All you need to tell tour operators your requirements and all the set go.

Hopefully, we guided you in depth what you can expect from these tours and how could you make your experience stress-free and enjoyable.

Frequently Asked Questions