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Discover Islay & Kintyre from £629pp for 6 nights

Explore the ancient Kingdom of Dalriada, visiting the island of Islay, with a chance to also visit the neighbouring island of Jura, and the often overlooked Kintyre peninsula, with the Mull of Kintyre, made world-famous by Sir Paul McCartney. It's an area rich with history, and superb, empty beaches, just waiting to be discovered.

Day One - Kintyre

Your journey from Glasgow will bring you over the aptly named Rest and Be Thankful pass, then through the picture postcard village of Inveraray, where you might choose to stop off and visit the castle – still home to the Duke of Argyll, or stretch your legs at Crarae Gardens, featuring wonderful species of rhododendron and azalea.  Your destination is towards the southern end of the Kintyre peninsula in the village of Machrihanish, famous for its golf courses and five miles of sandy beach, your base for the next three nights.

Your Hotel

This historic hotel was once regarded as the pinnacle of luxury accommodation in the west of Scotland and regularly welcomed captains of industry and their families, who descended on Machrihanish for summer holidays with their steamer trunks and visions of relaxing times on the beach and golf links. Now fully restored, with just 22 rooms and suites, it brings sophistication to the area once again. Imagine waking up in the morning to views of the sparkling Atlantic across to the isles of Islay and Jura, enjoying a hearty Scottish breakfast, and then heading out for a day’s exploring. And when it’s time to kick back, the hotel will please even the most discriminating visitor with its world-class malt whisky bar, steak house and state-of-the-art Spa.

Days Two & Three

Included within this holiday is a thrilling boat trip to the island of Sanda, just off the south of Kintyre. From here, you will enjoy panoramic views of Arran, Ailsa Craig and Ireland. As well as an impressive Stevenson Lighthouse and Elephant Rock (you’ll know why it’s called that when you see it!), Sanda is home to puffins (April to July), shearwaters and a large seal colony.

You’ll also have plenty of time to discover the dramatic scenery, rich history and deserted beaches of our favourite Scottish peninsula. You must make the journey to the Mull of Kintyre itself, along a meandering and bumpy single track road. You’ll feel you’ve reached the edge of the world when you come to the end of the road, and you never know, the mist might just roll in from the sea! The energetic can walk down the track to the lighthouse, while everyone can enjoy - in less misty weather - views to Ireland, just 12 miles away. In nearby Southend stop to watch for seals and otters and visit the spot where St Columba first landed after leaving Ireland on his way to Iona.

Campbeltown, the main settlement, is home to Springbank whisky, famous for its traditional production methods and still run by members of the family which founded it in 1828. The tiny island of Gigha also makes a worthwhile day trip – we recommend leaving the car behind at the ferry port and simply walking or cycling, enabling you to soak up the island atmosphere. The community-run hotel is the perfect spot for lunch and refreshing drinks. There is much more to see and do, depending on your interests, and we will tailor recommendations for you.

Day  Four

A short drive north  this morning will take you to the ferry port for the crossing to Islay, where your hotel is on the shores of Loch Indaal.

The island

Once the ancestral seat of the Lords of the Isles, Islay is a fertile island of low heather-clad hills, attractive beaches, numerous historical sites and more whisky distilleries than any other Scottish island! (We can help and advise on arranging tours of any which are of interest.)

A haven for hill-walkers and bird-watchers, it is home to the huge Loch Gruinart bird sanctuary and its vast numbers of migrating geese. In the island capital, Bowmore, you can visit the unusual Round Church (no corners for the devil to hide in!) or, if history is your thing, the Museum of Island Life in Port Charlotte is well worth a visit, as are the ruins of Finlaggan Castle, home of the Macdonald chiefs, and Kildalton Chapel with its early Christian cross. Easily accessible for day-trips are the neighbouring islands of Jura, whose rugged scenery belies the glorious splendour of Jura House Garden as well as its very own distillery.

Your Hotel

Within easy walking distance of Bruichladdich distillery, this luxury small hotel provides relaxed, informal accommodation and fantastic hospitality. You will appreciate the serenity of being away from it all, the clarity of the air, the ever-changing colours of Loch Indaal interrupted only by the wildlife busy on the shore. This view alone will make you understand why the owner recently returned home to Islay and put heart and soul into transforming this stately Victorian building. Your room is prepared with much care and attention. The kitchen makes excellent use of fresh local produce to deliver imaginative and mouth-watering creations.

Day Seven - return home

By ferry to the mainland, then onwards to Glasgow. You can retrace your route or choose to use the ferries from Tarbert to the Cowal and then onwards across the Clyde from Dunoon. (not included)

Prices & Dates

This holiday can be arranged from March to October each year.

The price is £629 per person for March, £649 per person for April, £719 per person for May to September & £695 for October. Prices are based on 2 people sharing, for 6 nights on a bed & breakfast basis in 4 star small hotels, and include ferry travel for car and passengers to Islay, and a boat trip from Campbeltown. The order of the holiday may be reversed due to availability.

All our touring holidays include a map of Scotland with recommended routes from your specified starting point, suggestions on places to see and visit depending on your personal interests and our expertise to help you get the most from your holiday.

All itineraries and room types are presented subject to availability at specific hotels.

The McKinlay Kidd Guarantee

All our holiday prices include a service charge of £8 per person per night towards the costs we incur in researching, planning and designing your holiday.

We guarantee to refund this service charge if you believe that arranging your holiday through McKinlay Kidd has not met your expectations for value. All we ask is that you write to us within 7 days of your return and explain your reason for claiming the refund. This will ensure that we can improve the experience for all our future guests.