Please note the tour price reflected on the brochure is subject to change. Due to seasonality, and taxes prices of the tour are subject to change without due notice. Please consult with the operator directly for the recent price.
Whisky & wildlife on Scotland's west coast and islands (self-drive tour)
Preferred
Overview
Highlights (Bullets)
- Enjoy the freedom of your own car on this self-drive trip. Audley can arrange a rental vehicle for you if required.
- Take a distillery tour and tasting at one of Islay's world-renowned distilleries.
- Explore the islands in Oban Bay on foot and by bicycle, spotting wildlife with a private guide.
- Kayak on Loch Lomond, surrounded by mountains.
- Take a wildlife cruise along Islay's shoreline to spy seals and porpoises.
Short Description
Our Scottish travel guides reflect the recent findings of our specialists who travel regularly to Scotland to seek out new places to stay and visit as well as imaginative ways of discovering the well-known highlights. The guides give tips on everything from Edinburgh for first timers to the culture and history of Scotland, so that you can get the most out of your time there.
Our Scotland specialists can guide you along the way using personal experience and in-depth knowledge on pursuits from touring the region's whisky distilleries or its medieval castles, to exploring the Isle of Skye or hiking through untouched valleys.
Destinations
ScotlandAttractions & Cities Visited
Loch LomondActivities & Interests
Bird watching Cycling Hiking Historic sightseeing History Independent Kayaking Mountaineering Nature Wildlife viewingItinerary
Day 1: Oban
Make your own way to Oban. Whichever way you're approaching the 'gateway to the isles', the last section of the drive is guaranteed to be a scenic route as you journey through the rugged hills of Argyll. We recommend passing by the ruins of Kilchurn Castle on Loch Awe, where you can stop to explore and stretch your legs.
Accommodation options While the itinerary price reflects the suggested accommodation, this itinerary is 100% tailor-made, and a specialist can help you select the option best suited to your tastes and budget.
Day 2: Oban
Your three-day wildlife exploration through some of the Inner Hebrides islands begins today. You'll head over to the island of Kerrera with your private guide (who’ll accompany you for the next three days), for a leisurely hike. You'll cover about 11 km (7 miles) over the course of four to five hours, with plenty of time to stop and rest and to explore interesting sights along the way. Lunch is included in a local teahouse.
Accommodation options While the itinerary price reflects the suggested accommodation, this itinerary is 100% tailor-made, and a specialist can help you select the option best suited to your tastes and budget.
Day 3: Oban
Today you take the ferry over to the Isle of Mull, where you'll spend the day with your guide watching for white-tailed eagles, golden eagles, seals and otters. Lunch is included.
Accommodation options While the itinerary price reflects the suggested accommodation, this itinerary is 100% tailor-made, and a specialist can help you select the option best suited to your tastes and budget.
Day 4: Tarbert
With your guide, explore the island of Lismore and the mainland north of Oban by bike today, cycling along easy, quiet roads and bike paths. You’ll learn about Lismore’s history as you cycle, including its role in early Christianity in Scotland. Once you've taken the ferry back to the mainland, we recommend stopping for lunch at the seafood restaurant in Port Appin. You’ll then drive south through Kilmartin Glen to the small fishing village of Tarbert, where you’re well-positioned to catch the ferry to Islay in the morning.
Accommodation While the itinerary price reflects the suggested accommodation, this itinerary is 100% tailor-made, and a specialist can help you select the option best suited to your tastes and budget.
Day 5: Port Ellen
After crossing to Islay, join a shared wildlife cruise along the island’s rugged coastline, passing hidden coves and beaches as you watch out for seals, porpoises, dolphins and many seabirds. Once back onshore, visit Bowmore Distillery for a tour and tasting. We also suggest visiting Kildalton Cross, an exemplary remnant of an early Christian cross adorned with intricate Celtic designs. End your day at the Museum of Islay Life, where you can learn about the way of life on this rural Scottish island.
Accommodation While the itinerary price reflects the suggested accommodation, this itinerary is 100% tailor-made, and a specialist can help you select the option best suited to your tastes and budget.
Day 6: Port Ellen
This morning, board the tiny car ferry that connects Islay with nearby Jura — a five-minute journey by water. Jura is one of Scotland's last wildernesses, with only around 300 inhabitants, but over 5,000 deer. Most of the island is inaccessible by road, but you'll join a shared tour with a local to visit some excellent viewpoints and learn about Jura's history. After returning to the main village, visit Jura Distillery for a tour and tasting, before heading back across to Islay.
Accommodation While the itinerary price reflects the suggested accommodation, this itinerary is 100% tailor-made, and a specialist can help you select the option best suited to your tastes and budget.
Day 7: Loch Lomond
Take the ferry back to the mainland this morning, then drive along the shore of Loch Fyne toward Loch Lomond. Here, you’ll meet your private guide for a kayaking trip out on the loch, enjoying the peace and stillness as you paddle its calm waters, before spending your final evening in Luss, a picturesque lochside village.
Accommodation While the itinerary price reflects the suggested accommodation, this itinerary is 100% tailor-made, and a specialist can help you select the option best suited to your tastes and budget.
Day 8: Return home
Your west coast Scottish adventure ends today.
Availability
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3,424 Audley Travel Travel Reviews & Ratings
Whisky & wildlife on Scotland's west coast and islands (self-drive tour)
Company Reviews
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We wanted to let you know that the trip exceeded expectations. We appreciated, connected and enjoyed each of our guides as unique people who shared their cities and culture with us. The couple of snafus were handled competently- the missing bus passes, train schedules that still were not quite right all fixed with the help of our Orientation guide! Dana was a great last guide- giving us Insight into religious practices, culture and living in modern Japan.
The accommodations were fantastic, we felt spoiled by the attention.
Our experiences with the people of Japan were wonderful. The random people we met were friendly and helpful - the Japanese businessman who led us to our train to make sure we got on the right one when we were a bit confused by the Tokyo train system early on...comes to mind, our language barrier was forgiven. Occasionally the google translator was called into service, and google maps was a godsend! Each of our interactions with local folks turned into a story and adventure, such as the restaurant owner who wants to be a football player for Atlanta!
We took over 1200 pictures most are breathtaking. I am having trouble trimming things down for a slide show to share with family and friends that won't last an hour or more!
I will include just a few here with our thanks for putting together an experience that we both truly enjoyed and will remember!
Arigato, thank you!
Sharon & Rick
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What stars Audley are
All locations and accommodation including the staff therein, were brilliant. The icing on the cake however, came when our long haul flight was cancelled with only hours to spare. An hour after emailing James, who was going on holiday that day, we had overnight accommodation organised, how to get there and what to do when there. When you’re a long way from home and something like happens, Audley will sort it. No problem. Thankyou.
Japan , our holiday of a lifetime
Audley took into account our budget. They booked mid range hotels that were fabulous and close to train networks for ease of travel.
I cannot think of one criticism at all. The G7 summit threw up some last minute problems with our booking which Jo dealt with on our behalf , she fully consulted us throughout.
Audley ensured we had the most amazing holiday. I have no hesitation in recommending them based on my personal experience and would definitely use them again if I were to have another long distance holiday.
Excellent all round
Details
Flight & Transport Inclusions
All internal ground transport
Group Size
Intimate Group - 12 max
Trip ID#:
WhiWilAud
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