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Touring Scotland: Whisky Breaks

Itinerary WY-1: Whisky Islands from GBP 595 per person for 7 nights

A true Scottish whisky is as unique as the environment that produces it and the scenically beautiful and truly unspoilt islands off the west coast of Scotland are amongst the best places in the world for producing the ‘water of life’. We have put together a unique holiday combination, visiting the three very special islands of Skye, Mull and Islay and featuring distillery tours on each one.

Stay on the magical island of Skye and explore the dramatic natural beauty of an island steeped in tales of the past. Here in this Gaelic-speaking community visitors can enjoy traditional music and song and visit Talisker, the only distillery on the island.

Meander around Mull where guests will stay in charming Tobermory and can walk to the Tobermory distillery to sample the 10 year old malt that really is a ‘golden treasure’.

Finally cross over to Islay (pronounced ‘eye-la’) where the island, high on the list of places to visit for any whisky connoisseur, has no less than 8 working distilleries.

Day One - Isle of Skye

Your holiday starts on Skye, reached by taking the Skye bridge from Kyle of Lochalsh.

Your Hotel

Sheltered by a gently curving bay, your charming whitewashed hotel sits right on the seashore and enjoys expansive views over the Sound of Sleat to the wilderness of Knoydart.  This is a Gaelic-speaking community – indeed all the staff are either Gaelic speakers or learning the language - and the bar is a convivial meeting place for the locals, who mix happily with hotel guests, often to the accompaniment of traditional music and Gaelic song in front of the roaring log fire. On the little harbour right beside the hotel is the headquarters of ‘The Gaelic Whiskies’, where you can sample an excellent range of connoisseur brands before browsing in the nearby craft shop.

Day Two

We will arrange for a tour of this most remote, yet famous distillery, which lies at the end of a single track road on the west coast of Skye. A VIP tour can be arranged for a small extra charge, though a designated driver is essential for this tour.

Day Three - Isle of Mull

Today a short drive from your hotel takes you to the ferry port of Armadale, from where you catch the ferry to Mallaig on the mainland. After a beautiful drive through the Ardnamurchan peninsula you reach Kilchoan, for your next ferry direct to Tobermory, the main village on the Isle of Mull.

Your Hotel

Basking in the picture-postcard charm of Tobermory's stunning waterfront, and just two minutes' walk from the Tobermory distillery, your hotel has been cleverly converted from a row of fisherman's cottages into a delightful family-run establishment. Comfortable lounges and bedrooms offer a warm welcome just a stone's throw from one of the world's prettiest working harbours. The award winning restaurant enjoys views across to Calve Island and offers plenty to tempt your palate

Day Four

The Tobermory Distillery, the only one on the island, was built in 1798 and has had a somehwat a chequered past, but its 10 year old malt has a wonderfully unique and mysterious character. Before or after your visit, plenty of time to explore more of this diverse island.

Day Five - Islay

Leave Mull by ferry again, the time to Oban, then drive south along the dramatic Argll coast to Kintyre and catch another ferry to Islay.

Your Hotel

This luxury small hotel - just opened in 2008 - 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 Six & Seven

You will have two days to discover why Islay became such a centre for whisky distilling, perhaps even crossing to the neighbouring island of Jura. We will arrange two contrasting tours, which you can choose. Perhaps the staunchly independent and innovative Bruichladdich distillery, close to your hotel, or the peatier products of Ardbeg, and Laphroaig will appeal. Other options include Caol Isla and Bowmore, or the relative newcomer, reliving the traditions of private production - the farm distillery at Kilchoman. We can arrange transport if preferred!

Day Eight

Return Home, by ferry to the mainland, then another scenic drive past Loch Fyne to Glasgow.

Prices & Dates

This holiday can be arranged all year except for the period 1st December to 8th February.

The price is £595 per person for November, £625 for February & March, £665 for April & October, £685 for May to September, based on 2 people sharing a double/twin room ensuite for 7 nights on a bed & breakfast basis.

The holiday includes tours of the Talisker, Tobermory and Bruichladdich distilleries, plus one additional Islay distillery of your choice.

Ferry travel for a car and passengers from Skye to Mallaig, Ardnamurchan to Mull, Mull to Oban and return to Islay is all included.

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.