08:30 · No hotel pickup: everyone meets at the start point
Tickets
Admission not included, pay on site
Booking
Confirmation within 48 hours · mobile ticket
Guidekin's take
Explore Islay through tours and tastings at four whisky distilleries.
Ferry crossings, guided mini-coach transport and three nights of en-suite accommodation are included; the trip is adults only, with shared living spaces and bedroom doors that do not lock. 4.92 from 84 reviews at €1271 per person for 4 days.
In our comparison: #9 of 26 in Whisky Tours, by rating weighted by review volume (see the comparison).
3 options from the operator, described in its own words. Prices are the operator's from-prices per adult for a party of two. Click an option to book it on Viator. Guide languages on every option: English.
Option
What the operator says
From, per adult
B&B Twin RoomThe page price
Stay in twin room (2 x single beds) accommodation. If you require multiple rooms, please add these to the basket separately.
€1271 for 2+ people
B&B Double Occupancy Room
Double en-suite room with breakfast in a B&B (1 large bed).
€1271 for 2+ people
B&B Single Occupancy Room
Stay in single room (1 x single bed) en-suite accommodation.
€1581
Child prices by age band are shown at checkout. Option texts and prices come from the operator's listing; prices checked on Viator on 1 October 2026.
Included and not included
Ferry crossings
3 nights en-suite accommodation
Driver Guide
Transport by top of the range Mercedes mini-coach
Entrance Fee: Price includes Tour & Tasting at Ardbeg, *Kilchoman , Bowmore & Laphroaig Distilleries
Hotel pickup and drop off
Gratuities
Food and drinks, unless specified
Entrance fees: unless specified
Reviews
4.9
84 ratings Guidekin, Viator & Tripadvisor
99% of ratings with a star breakdown are 4★ or 5★: 83 of 84
Star breakdown of all 84 ratings
5 stars
78 · 93%
4 stars
5 · 6%
3 stars
1 · 1%
2 stars
0 · 0%
1 star
0 · 0%
What reviewers say
Reviewers praise the whisky knowledge and varied tastings; booking and office communication draw occasional complaints.
Praised
Guides combine whisky knowledge with Scottish history and humour
Varied distillery tours and tastings that explain how whiskies differ
Comfortable accommodation in Bowmore, especially the cottages
Friendly small groups with a shared interest in whisky
Having the driving arranged lets travellers enjoy the whisky tastings
Complaints
Unclear or insufficient information from booking and office staff
Some enjoy the sightseeing mix, while others note limited stops beyond distilleries
Written by Guidekin from the 81 most recent English reviews on Viator & Tripadvisor (9 May 2014 to 4 August 2026). Refreshed as new reviews arrive; last checked 4 October 2026.
Latest reviews
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Ratings collected from Guidekin, Viator & Tripadvisor.
Meeting point and route
Meeting point
Where
Please meet your Rabbie's guide inside the Edinburgh Bus Station, Gate J and Gate K, St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, EH1 3DQ
(Check in closes 15 minutes before departure) · Open in Google Maps
Departure
08:30 on Mon, Wed, Fri; scheduled through October 2027 (operator schedule, seats confirmed at checkout)
Return
This activity ends back at the meeting point
Pickup
No hotel pickup: everyone meets at the start point
Operator
Rabbies Trail Burners; booking and payment are completed on Viator
About this tour, from the operator
*Tour cost includes Tours & Tasting at 4 Whisky Distilleries (other attractions not included in the price).
Visit the Isle of Islay in the Scottish Hebrides on a 4-day tour from Edinburgh, and discover its famously friendly people, stunning landscapes, and most importantly – its whisky! Having produced Scotland's finest smoky malt whiskies for more than 200 years, Islay provides the perfect base for whisky lovers and novices alike. Enjoy three nights of accommodation in the 4-star Bowmore Distillery Cottages and discover up to six different distilleries, including big-name sites like Laphroaig and Ardbeg, with a guide. Numbers are limited to 16 on this small-group tour, ensuring you’ll see the best of Islay with personalised attention with your guide.
Walking, children and accessibility
The operator's own notes, grouped by topic. Nothing here is added by Guidekin.
Walking and health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children
Unfortunately we don't carry anyone under 18 years old on this tour
Accessibility
Public transportation options are available nearby
*Laphroaig (Monday Departures): Replaced with Lagavulin; museum/shop/bar still accessible.
On this tour you will spend 3 nights in the beautiful Bowmore Distillery Cottages .The cottages have between three and six twin bedrooms, each with private bathrooms. Due to the shared nature of the accommodation, individual bedrooms don't have lockable doors. The kitchen and lounge facilities are shared with other passengers, and basic self-service breakfast ingredients are provided. Full Scottish breakfasts are available at the nearby hotels if you prefer, payable locally. *From 16th March 2026 , cooked breakfast options will be available at the Harbour Inn instead of the previous 'self-service breakfast' option.
Booking three or more people? We can accommodate up to 8 guests in a group, please add each required room to your basket separately
When booking three or more people, efforts will be made to book a combination of suitable rooms (double/twin/family). Preferences should be noted upon booking in the Special Requirements section
Passengers are restricted to 20kg of luggage (44lbs); one medium sized suitcase/bag similar to airline standard carry-on luggage (approximately 55cm x 45cm x 25cm / 22in x 17in x 10in) plus a small bag for onboard personal items.
Monday departures offer the chance to see more whisky production as all the distilleries are in operation on weekdays.
Itinerary and distillery visits are subject to change.
*If the tour departs on a Friday, we will not be able to stop at Kilchoman Distillery. The tour will follow a more flexible itinerary, stopping in at other distilleries for a shorter shop visit .
*Please note that from 8th July to 13th September, Laphroaig Distillery will be observing its Silent Season. During this period, distillery tours will not be available. Instead, your visit will include access to the museum, a guided talk, and a tasting of two drams.
Please note that Ardbeg Distillery is closed on weekends during October. Therefore, the Sunday visit to Ardbeg will not operate for departures on 2, 9, 16, and 23 October
Good to know
Min. 2 to book not for solo travellers
Food included see what is included
Age 18+ Unfortunately we don't carry anyone under 18 years…
Non-refundable no free cancellation
Cancellation policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Ranked #9 of 26 in Whisky Tours by Guidekin score (rating weighted by review volume). Prices here run from €14 to €1302, median €69; typical length 9h. 0 of 26 are private. Figures are live from the tour cards; the rubric is our handpicked set, not the whole market. Compare all 26 Whisky Tours