Wild Scotland & Whisky Explorer - 8 days

Wild Scotland & Whisky Explorer - 8 days

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8 Days From

$3395

$2207

Wild Scotland & Whisky Explorer - 8 days

8 Days Starting in Edinburgh, United Kingdom and ending in Plockton, United Kingdom

Visiting: Edinburgh, Islay, Oban, Mull, Glencoe, Isle of Skye

Tour operator:

On The Go Tours

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

2 - 16

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

18-

Tour operated in:

English
From: $3395 $2207 Operator discount: -$1188 -35%

NB: Prices correct on 22-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable 8-day journey through the wild landscapes and rich heritage of Scotland with the "Wild Scotland & Whisky Explorer" tour. Starting in Edinburgh, this small group adventure takes you through the breathtaking scenery of Loch Lomond, the historic Glencoe, and the mystical Isle of Skye. Discover the charm of the Whisky Coast with visits to four renowned distilleries, including Ardbeg and Laphroaig, where you'll savor the finest Scottish whiskies. Explore the dramatic Isle of Islay and the wildlife-rich Isle of Mull, with opportunities to spot eagles and visit ancient castles. Marvel at the iconic Eilean Donan Castle and search for the legendary Loch Ness monster. With comfortable guesthouse accommodations and a knowledgeable local driver-guide, this tour offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural history, and whisky indulgence.

Highlights

  • Loch Lomond - Admire the incredible scenery surrounding one of Scotland's most famous lochs.

  • Whisky Coast - Visit four whisky distilleries with the chance to taste the produce and learn about the production process.

  • Isle of Islay - Uncover the dramatic scenery and highlights of one of the most beautiful Scottish islands, including Dunyvaig Castle.

  • Isle of Mull - Spot eagles and other wildlife on this pristine island, one of Scotland's wildest, and explore nearby Iona.

  • Glencoe - Soak up the stunning mountain views and learn about the tragic and famous massacre that took place here in 1692.

  • Isle of Skye - Take in the highlights of this beautiful island, with plenty of hiking and sightseeing to enjoy.

  • Eilean Donan Castle - Admire this historic 13th Century castle, located on an island where three lochs meet.

  • Loch Ness - Hunt for 'Nessie', the mythical beast believed to dwell in the dark waters of Scotland's most famous loch.

Places You'll See

Ben Nevis, Scotland

Eilean Donan Castle

Loch Ness, Scotland

Ben Nevis, Scotland

Eilean Donan Castle

Loch Ness, Scotland

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Edinburgh

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Location: Edinburgh

Accommodation Name: Bowmore Cottages, The Bruce or similar

Edinburgh - Trossnachs National Park - Oban - Islay. Departing Edinburgh this morning, we head west, first visiting Trossnachs National Park. Admire some of the country's famous scenery and perhaps taste some regional delicacies. We then make our way through the mountainous Western Highlands to Oban, a port town once the strategic heartland of great feuding clans.





Modern Oban is known for two things, seafood and whisky. We have the opportunity to taste both, including a dram of locally produced whisky and an optional seafood lunch.





We then make our way through the Kilmartin Glen, home to standing stones and historic fortified strongholds dating back more than 1,500 years. At Kennacraig, we catch the ferry to the island of Islay. The crossing takes around 2 hours, and you can see the Paps of Jura as we sail past the island of Jura. Landing at Islay, we make our way to our accommodation in Bowmore.





Please note: Check-in closes at 08:15 on day 1 (tour departs at 08:30) - Edinburgh Bus Station Pick Up, Gate J and Gate K, inside Edinburgh Bus Station, St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, EH1 3DQ.





Accommodation: Bowmore Cottages, The Bruce or similar

Day 2: Whisky, Whisky & Whisky

Location: Islay

Accommodation Name: Bowmore Cottages, The Bruce or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

Tuck into breakfast at the accommodation before we depart on a day of whisky adventures! We are visiting three distilleries today, starting with Bowmore, one of the oldest distilleries in the whole of Scotland. There's an included tour and whisky tasting before we continue to Kilchoman Distillery, where we can try two more drams of whisky and enjoy a lunch of Scottish specialities. We then travel through the beautiful countryside of Islay to our third distillery. This will either be Bruichladdich or Bunnahabhain, depending on the departure. Bruichladdich specializes in unpeated whisky, whilst Bunnahabhain is the most remote distillery on the island. Feeling slightly light-headed, we then head back to Bowmore, where the evening is at leisure.





Accommodation: Bowmore Cottages, The Bruce or similar

Day 3: Exploring Islay

Location: Islay

Accommodation Name: Bowmore Cottages, The Bruce or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today we are exploring the southern half of Islay, one of the most beautiful of the Scottish Isles. First we visit the distillery at Ardbeg, owned by Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy! There's an included tour and tasting here.





The final distillery of our tour is Laphroaig, a 200-year-old distiller known to be a favourite of the British Royal Family.





Throughout the day, we will also stop at some of the island's main highlights. See the historic ruins of Kildalton church and Dunyvaig Castle, which was once held by the chiefs of the Clan MacDonald of Dunnyveg. We then return to Bowmore for our last night on Islay.





Accommodation: Bowmore Cottages, The Bruce or similar

Day 4: Oban

Location: Oban

Accommodation Name: Kathmore, Altavona or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

Islay - Inveraray - Oban. This morning we take the return ferry back to the mainland and replace the smell of whisky with the crisp air of the Scottish Highlands. We pass through the pretty village of Inveraray on the shore of Loch Fyne. There's a stop here as we change minibuses and guide. Some of your group will be returning to Edinburgh, but we are continuing our Scottish adventure! Meet the rest of the group before we continue to Oban for the evening.





Accommodation: Kathmore, Altavona or similar

Day 5: Mull

Location: Mull

Accommodation Name: Kathmore, Altavona or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

Oban - Mull - Iona - Oban. It's an early start this morning as we take the ferry to the Isle of Mull. Take in dramatic coastlines and wild natural beauty, and keep your eyes on the skies for majestic white-tailed eagles, the UK's largest bird of prey.





We then take another ferry to Iona, the birthplace of Celtic Christianity and home to the ancient burial grounds of famed Scottish kings. We can see the historic abbey and take in more of the windswept coastline of the Scottish Isles.





There's an optional small boat trip to the uninhabited island of Staffa to see the basalt columns of Fingal's Cave. We then return to Oban on the ferry.





Accommodation: Kathmore, Altavona or similar

Day 6: Glencoe

Location: Glencoe

Accommodation Name: Sabhal na Mara, Hillview, Haven Guest House or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

Oban - Glencoe - Fort William - Plockton. Driving north along the coast, we pass Castle Stalker and visit Glencoe, a truly beautiful location haunted by the 1692 Glencoe Massacre. Around 30 members of Clan MacDonald of Glencoe were slaughtered here for failing to pledge allegiance to King William III and Mary II.





We then pass through Fort William and past Ben Nevis, the highest peak in Great Britain. Continuing through the Great Glen, we arrive in Plockton, a small fishing village known for its palm trees! We overnight here.





Accommodation: Sabhal na Mara, Hillview, Haven Guest House or similar

Day 7: Skye

Location: Isle of Skye

Accommodation Name: Sabhal na Mara, Hillview, Haven Guest House or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

Plockton - Skye - Plockton. Today we will be exploring the remote Isle of Skye, but there is no fixed itinerary for the day. The weather can be unpredictable, so your guide will choose the best highlights to show you in accordance with the conditions and any events that may be happening on the island during your visit. We are likely to be hiking, in order to enjoy the dramatic scenery of the island. Options include The Quiraing hill walk and the Old Man of Storr Walk, probably the most famous trail on the island. We can also see the Neist Point Lighthouse. Spend the day taking photos, sampling the view and enjoying everything this pristine environment has to offer. In the late afternoon, we return to our accommodation in Plockton.





Accommodation: Sabhal na Mara, Hillview, Haven Guest House or similar

Day 8: Plockton

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Location: Edinburgh

Meals Included: Breakfast

Plockton - Loch Ness - Edinburgh. Today we visit Eilean Donan Castle, a 13th century fortress, located on an island. We then drive to Loch Duich and the Five Sisters of Kintail, taking in more of Scotland's dramatic scenery. There's a stop for lunch at Loch Ness, so keep your eyes peeled for 'Nessie', the Loch Ness monster!





We continue through the rugged Grampian Mountains and along Loch Laggan, passing Scotland's highest whisky distillery at Dalwhinnie. We make a short stop for refreshments before reaching Edinburgh, where our tour ends.





Please note: This tour ends at 19:00 - Edinburgh Bus Station Drop Off, Gate J and Gate K, Edinburgh Bus Station, St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, EH1 3DQ.

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    Simple guesthouses

  • 7 breakfasts

  • 7 nights simple guesthouse - (3 nights self-service breakfast provided, 4 nights B&B)

  • Escorted by a local driver-guide

  • Visits to four whiskey distilleries: Ardbeg, Kilchoman, Bowmore, Laphroaig including tour & tasting (subject to change)

  • Transportation in 16 seat Mercedes mini-coach with air-conditioning

  • All necessary ferry journeys between Scottish Islands and the mainland

  • All road tolls

  • 20kg luggage - see Trip Notes for details

  • Note: This tour is operated in conjunction with our trusted partner and you will join travellers from different operators, not solely On The Go.

What's Not Included

  • International flights & visas

  • Airport transfers (pick up and drop off information can be found in the Trip Notes)

  • Meals not specified in itinerary

  • Tipping - an entirely personal gesture!

  • Entry fees unless specified

Age Policy

Minimum age 18

Mode of Transport

Travel comfortably in a 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach with air-conditioning, including all necessary ferry journeys between Scottish Islands and the mainland, ensuring a seamless exploration of Scotland's stunning landscapes.

Accommodation

Enjoy 7 nights in simple guesthouses, with 3 nights offering self-service breakfast and 4 nights in a B&B setting, providing a cozy and authentic Scottish experience.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    The tour includes 7 nights in simple guesthouses, with 3 nights having self-service breakfast provided and 4 nights in bed and breakfast accommodations.

  • What kind of transportation is used during the tour?

    Transportation is provided in a 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach with air-conditioning.

  • Is there a guide accompanying the tour?

    Yes, the tour is escorted by a local driver-guide.

  • Are there any luggage restrictions for the tour?

    Yes, there is a 20kg luggage allowance. Further details can be found in the Trip Notes.

  • What is the minimum age requirement for this tour?

    The minimum age requirement for this tour is 18 years old.

  • Will there be opportunities to taste whisky during the tour?

    Yes, the tour includes visits to four whisky distilleries: Ardbeg, Kilchoman, Bowmore, and Laphroaig, with tours and tastings included.

  • What happens if the weather is bad on the Isle of Skye day?

    The itinerary for the Isle of Skye is flexible and will be adjusted by the guide based on weather conditions and any events happening on the island during the visit.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1998

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

Reviews of this operator

Nicola Hodgkinson (Google Reviewer)  

Recently returned from Greece, a...

07-May-2024

Recently returned from Greece, a 5 day tour with OTG. Unfortunately, I had a negative experience on day 2 where I needed local support to get me out of a tricky situation. Thank you to Alexandra Z from Hetco Tours in Athens for helping me continue on with the trip, to the Hotel Zafolia staffing team and to Danielle and team here in the UK for supporting me with the aftermath. Your kindness will not be forgotten and I will pay it forward. I've now booked 3 trips with yourselves and will continue to go back. Thank you all. Honestly, I am SO grateful. Blessings to you all. Nicola

Calvin  

Wonderful experience

05-Jan-2023

Jamal is our tour guide. Right from the start, he created a group chat in whatsapp and if any issues to make sure we contact him. He was on the ball with every issue thrown at him. Luggage being left behind, stragglers wondered off in a different path, hotel room etc. He explains the various site along our route to give us a better understanding of the local cultures. We had a great time, thanks to Jamal.

Trustpilot
Norma Sullivan  

Land of the Northern Lights 5 day tour of Iceland

10-Sep-2021

The Land of Northern Lights tour was a triumph! My tour of Southern Iceland was absolutely wonderful. The venues chosen, the timing allotted at each venue and the variety of things to experience was nearly perfect. Our guide, "Thor", was smart, amusing, full of history and anecdotal stories as well as being incredibly hospitable and helpful. This small group experience was my first, but not my last thanks to On the Go.

Trawls (Google Reviewer)  

On The Go Tours Sri...

05-Feb-2024

On The Go Tours Sri Lanka was an incredible experience that was made even better by our tour guide Akthar. He was incredibly knowledgeable about his country and he loved sharing it with us. The tour covers a wide range of activities so you can truly experience what Sri Lanka is all about. The beautiful 4-5 star hotels at the end of every day was an absolute bonus. Thanks for a great trip OTGT I’m sure this won’t be my last

Xtreme Floor Care (Google Reviewer)  

Traveled through Egypt with On...

30-Nov-2023

Traveled through Egypt with On the Go Tours, professional service, very informative and helpful tour guides. The choice of hotels was excellent... Definitely recommend this company

Gavin Harrigan  

King Tutankhamun 10 day tour of Egypt

16-Sep-2021

I have just returned from my tour with On The Go and it was an amazing trip! From arriving at the airport and meeting the OTG representative, everything was well organised and hassle free.  Our tour guide was Amir. He is awesome!! From the beginning he was so friendly and enthusiastic about showing us around Egypt, giving us loads of information at each place and time to explore ourselves. Learnt so much from him about this fascinating place, and he was always happy to answer more questions.   The trip itself was amazing. There's lots of travelling on this trip, but it's really not too bad, and the sights you see when you get to where you are going are worth it. I'm not a big fan of boats, but the Felluca ride across the Nile was pretty fun too.  On the first day I also did the optional tour of Cairo with Ahmed Helal - another excellent guide from OTG. It's worth doing this add on as you don't spend much time in Cairo, and you go to three very different places.  I'm so glad that I decided to do this trip. It was just ace.  If you're thinking about it too, you should probably just book it. And hopefully you get Amir as your guide.

Joyce Heitler (Google Reviewer)  

I would give this tour...

09-May-2024

I would give this tour group no stars if possible. The tour was not guaranteed but they did not inform me when I booked and they did not have enough people. Way after I booked they said I needed a doctors letter because I was over 70. Also way after booking I was informed I needed travel insurance. They knew my age when I booked. They would not refund my tour even though it was 4 months away.

Simla Patel (Google Reviewer)  

This company doesn’t deserve even...

26-Nov-2024

This company doesn’t deserve even 1 star. I would not recommend this company. There are hidden fees which means the cost of the holiday ends up being very expensive. We recently came back from our trip to China where it is not customary to tip in restaurants & hotel staff. Yet we had to make a payment upfront in cash to to the guide for more than £100. The hotel service was appalling. Just think £100 from each person. The trip was suppose to be a Tour yet we had to pay for all entrance fees. We complained about the poor condition of the hotels but no one responded to our emails to date. The after sales service is non existent. Do not use this company. Far far too expensive for what you get. Not competitive at all. They messed up our booking; repeatedly asked for the same information. We spent so much time correcting their errors. Very difficult to get hold of anyone because they all work in S Africa or New Zealand. Absolute nightmare

Sarah Paterson (Google Reviewer)  

Terrible tour of India. For...

27-Dec-2023

Terrible tour of India. For some reason On the Go hadn't realised that my room mate had booked her own room for the first night of tour. So the hotel in Delhi had tried to put me in her room after midnight, by wheeling in an extra bed. She went Crazy!! I then had to sit in hotel reception for hours. While the tour guide said he couldn't find me a room. Throughout the tour the guide consistently ask me and my room mate for money for my room, causing more friction between us. Don't book with this company had the worst experience ever. Go with Intrepid or G Adventure

brandy hoffman (Google Reviewer)  

I had used them once...

09-Aug-2023

I had used them once before and loved them. I decided to try them again for a Baltic tour not knowing that they put me on another Tour group- Baltic vision. Loved that tour but was not impressed they marked up the cost for me over 100%. I understand taking some for yourself because of paperwork, but over double the cost everyone else paid on the tour. Just double check before you book with them that you’re not over paying.

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Operator discount: -$679

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Operator discount: -$679

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Operator discount: -$679

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 600 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.

    Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.