Explore Islay and become a whisky expert on this unique 4-day tour. Sit back and enjoy the action-packed itinerary as you are driven in style in a luxury minicoach. And learn about the long history and traditions of this special Island. Discover everything Islay has to offer, from stunning sandy beaches to fascinating wildlife and a vibrant local culture. And try the famous Islay whiskies, renowned for their strong peaty flavors and nurtured by the salty sea air. Day 1 On day 1 you’ll travel through Loch Lomond National Park, with visits to Inveraray, Loch Fyne and the Kingdom of Dalriada. Here you can see the Kilmartin standing stones and community museum before catching the ferry to Islay for 3 nights in Bowmore. Day 2 Day 2 gives you the flexibility to visit the lovely sandy bays of Islay’s west coast, Saligo Bay, Kilchoman Distillery, Machair Bay, the tiny harbor village of Portnahaven, Bruichladdich Distillery, Ardnahoe Distillery, and the Islay Museum. Day 3 On day 3 you’ll explore the south side of Islay followed by a tour, tasting and lunch with local produce at Ardbeg. Other options include the ruins of Kildalton church or a visit to the community craft producers at Islay House Square and the woodlands along the River Sorn. Day 4 On day 4 you’ll take the ferry back to Argyll and the ancient Kingdom of Dalriada. Lunch will be at Kilmartin, home to 350 pre-historic monuments and stone circles, with some free time in Oban before returning to Edinburgh via Glasgow.

Meet your guide at the meeting point at the port of Greenock (Glasgow) and depart by bus over the Clyde River and onto the southern tip of the Scottish Highlands. Enjoy narration enhanced by Scottish music and movie sound bites setting the scene for the sights you are about to see. Your first stop is at An Ceann Mor with a vantage point overlooking Loch Lomond. This recent creation fits into the landscape due to its wooden composition and offers spectacular views of Scotland's most picturesque loch. As you travel onwards, make a brief stop at The Green Welly Stop for refreshments and a little souvenir hunting. Your next stop is at Kilchurn Castle, a ruin that was originally built on an island on Loch Awe in the 15th century. A short walk across a causeway gives you access to this magnificent former home of Sir Colin Campbell that has lain in ruin over the centuries. Spend time viewing the fantastic surroundings as you photograph the ruins before heading to your next destination. Arrive at Inveraray and visit the family seat of the Duke of Argyll where you can wander the halls and visit the castle armoury (Closed to public on Tuesdays). While in Inveraray, take the opportunity to sample Scottish cuisine at one of the town's delicious eateries. With your appetite sated, head to a stunning viewpoint overlooking a magnificent Scottish glen at the Rest and be Thankful mountain pass where you can capture a picture-perfect image of Scotland. The final destination before heading back to your ship is at the small village of Luss. Take time for last-minute souvenir shopping and some light refreshments as you wander around this lovely little village. Visit the church built by Sir James Colquhoun of the Clan Colquhoun where you’ll find some early medieval graves and evidence of Viking presence in the area.

On your first day, saunter around Loch Lomond in the pretty village of Luss. Find the perfect spot to drink a coffee and sing the ‘Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond.’ Journey with your driver through the unforgettable landscapes of Glencoe before a lunch stop at the traditional Clachaig Inn. Hop on a 10-minute ferry to a mountainous peninsula and travel to the port of Lochaline. Board another ferry and make your way to the east coast of Mull. Admire the abundant wild nature in Aros Park, a beautiful area boasting waterfalls and forest footpaths. In the early evening, arrive in Tobermory with time to wander where you will spend the night. The next morning travel past epic mountains to the south of Mull. Take a ferry to two of the most mysterious and dramatic locations in the region, Iona Abbey and Fingal’s Cave. After satisfying your adventurous spirit, head north back to Tobermory where you can perhaps try the seafood before your second overnight stay. On the third day, travel south to Craignure and catch a ferry back to the mainland. When you arrive in Oban, taste the fantastic local seafood and wander around this Victorian harbor town. Venture to Kilmartin Glen, an archaeologist’s dream. Discover around 800 ancient monuments, including burial chambers, rock carvings, standing stones, castles and more within this area. Enjoy learning about the significance of these monuments from your driver-guide. Make a final stop in Inveraray, a gorgeous little town which boasts an impressive view over Loch Fyne. Return to Glasgow in the evening.

Marvel at the wild and windswept scenery of Scotland’s west coast on a relaxed 3-day sightseeing tour, traveling by small minibus for a more intimate and personalized experience. You will spend the night on the Island of Arran, one of Scotland’s largest and most beautiful off-shore landscapes. Discover Neolithic standing stones, ruined castles, artisan craft shops, and microbreweries. Cross the famous Rest and Be Thankful mountain pass, learn about Scotland’s national poet Robert Burns at his birthplace, and enjoy country walks in Culzean Country Park. Day 1: Depart Edinburgh at 08:30 and travel west to Glasgow, where you can visit Whitelee Wind Farm, Europe’s largest wind farm generating enough energy to power 180,000 homes. Travel into Ayrshire to visit Culzean Castle, associated with the Kennedy family since the 14th century. Enjoy its dramatic cliff top setting, fine furniture, and beautiful architecture by the famous architect Robert Adam. Enjoy the walks in Culzean Country Park (entrance fee), with nearly 600 acres of stunning countryside and paths through majestic woodlands and secluded ponds. There is a café for lunch, or you may wish to have a picnic in the castle grounds. After lunch, head into the heart of Burns Country and learn about Scotland’s national poet. Continue to his birthplace in Alloway and discover many of the places mentioned in his poems and songs. Stop at the redeveloped visitor center to find out more about this remarkable man. Continue to Ardrossan to catch the ferry to the Isle of Arran. Arrive in Brodick, the largest village on the island, with stunning views of the imposing Goatfell, Arran’s highest peak. You will be dropped off at your accommodation in Brodick for the night. Day 2: Known as “Scotland in Miniature,” Arran is alive with wildlife, rugged countryside, beaches, pubs, restaurants, and cottage industries. There are many options for your day, depending on the weather and the groups interest. Your driver will arrange the best day for you. Explore the mountainous north, including Goatfell, believed to mean “Mountain of Wind.” Go to the village of Corrie and neighbouring Sannox to find some of the nicest beaches on the island. Discover the ruins of Lochranza Castle, and visit Arran Distillery, one of the last remaining independent distilleries in Scotland. See some of the stone circles and standing stones of the Neolithic and early Bronze Age. Travel south through the harbor villages of Blackwaterfoot, Sliddery, and Kildonan, stopping at the Arran Cheese Shop to taste local cheeses, or the family-owned Arran Aromatics to purchase bath products made only from natural ingredients. Marvel at Brodick Castle, and sample the beers of Arran Brewery, a microbrewery located in the shadow of the imposing red sandstone castle. Day 3: Today, return to the mainland via the small ferry that runs between Lochranza and Claonaig. The 30-minute crossing takes you to the lush green landscape of the Kintyre Penninsula, where you will travel the coastal road to the charming fishing village of Tarbert on the narrowest strip of land between the 2 bodies of water. In the past, ships would dock in one loch before their loads were carried across the peninsula to the other loch, where they were reloaded and shipped onwards, thus avoiding the dangerous Mull of Kintyre. Follow Loch Fyne to the whitewashed village of Inveraray, with some free time to explore and have lunch. Continue over the mountain pass “The Rest and Be Thankful.” From here, it’s a short drive to Luss and the Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond, before returning to Edinburgh for an approximate 19:15 drop off.

Immerse yourself in the scenic splendor and ancient history of Scotland’s West Highlands, and the Hebridean islands of Mull and Iona on a relaxed small group sightseeing tour. The 4-day adventure is by comfortable climate controlled Mercedes minibus for a more intimate and personal experience. Drive across the mountain pass of the Rest and Be Thankful, discover the scene of the infamous Clan MacDonald massacre, marvel at the baronial Inveraray Castle, meander through the mountains of Morven, and much more. Day 1: Depart Edinburgh and travel north past Stirling Castle to the bustling town of Callander. From here, continue through Queen Elizabeth Forest Park and the bristling Trossachs, before reaching the remote expanse of Rannoch Moor, one of the largest wilderness areas left in Europe. A short drive north brings you to Glencoe, scene of the infamous massacre of Clan MacDonald in 1692. Take a short ferry ride across Loch Linnhe to explore the impressive mountains of Morven. At Lochaline, take another ferry to the Hebridean island of Mull. A short drive brings you to Tobermory, the island’s capital and location for your 3-night stay. Tobermory, meaning “Well of Mary,” is one of the prettiest harbor towns in Scotland with its brightly painted houses overlooking the sea. Day 2: This is a leisurely day, with a drive to the more remote areas of the island. Visit the pretty settlement of Dervaig, with its own festival theater, and Kilmore Church, with its round steeple. From here, venture to the wild thrashing sandy shores of Calgary Bay. If you are lucky you might see the sea eagles that live in the area. An early afternoon return to Tobermory will provide the chance to soak up the atmosphere of the pretty town, with a chance to peruse the small shops, and the local Tobermory Whisky Distillery. Day 3: Bask in the glory of Mull, as you head south to Fionnphort to take a passenger ferry to the small Island of Iona. Iona is an island of quiet charm, lapped by glorious turquoise waters. Located in the cradle of Celtic Christianity with the arrival of St. Columba in 563 AD, enjoy plenty of time to explore the Abbey and its museum of Celtic heritage. Visit the magnificent Celtic crosses and headstones, or enjoy a stroll along the quiet sandy beaches. In the afternoon there will be the chance to catch a small boat to the Island of Staffa, where nature enthusiasts can look for the abundant marine life. With its basalt columns of 5 and 6-sided hexagonal stepping stones, Staffa and Fingal’s Cave are an amazing tribute to the effects of nature and are known locally as “Nature’s Cathedral.” After a great day outdoors, return to Tobermory for the night. Day 4: Depart Tobermory and head south to Craignure, the main ferry terminal for the short crossing to Oban. Continue west to the whitewashed 18-century town of Inveraray on the shores of Loch Fyne. Marvel at Inveraray Castle’s mix of Scots Baronial and Neo Gothic architecture, featured in an episode of the TV miniseries “Downtown Abbey.” Next, go to the National Park of Loch Lomond and climb more than 800 feet to the “Rest and Be Thankful” mountain pass before hugging the shores of Loch Long and Loch Lomond. Continue towards Stirling, with opportunities for impressive photos of the castle, before your early evening drop off in Edinburgh.