MCLEANSCOTLAND  Classic 8 Day Whisky Coast Tour

8 days island hopping along Scotland’s Whisky Coast. Explore the exceptional natural beauty of the isles of Arran, Islay, Mull and Skye, experience the traditions behind malt whisky making, sample the local larder and enjoy the unique wildlife.

Day 1 takes you to 'Scotland in Miniature' – the Island of Arran. You will spend the afternoon in Brodick visiting some of Arran’s local producers such as the Arran Brewery, Arran Cheeses and Creelers Smokehouse. Your day ends with dinner and a night on the island.

Day 2 island hopping from Arran to the peninsular of Kintyre and over to Islay. Islay has 8 malt whisky distilleries, including Bowmore, Laphroaig and Bunnahabhain. Islay malts are renowned for their strong peaty flavours and are nurtured by the salty sea winds. You will enjoy an afternoon visit to one of the islands distilleries before spending the 1st of 2 nights here.

Day 3 a day to enjoy Islay and explore the delights of the “Queen of the Isles” with its magnificent beeches. As well as whisky distilling, Islay enjoys a rich farming and crofting tradition. Islay beef and lamb are nurtured on herb rich Atlantic coastlands and lobster fishing remains a local tradition.

Day 4 takes you back to the mainland coast travelling through Kilmartin to Oban, catching the ferry over to the Isle of Mull, famous for its stunning wildlife including whales, otters, puffins, basking sharks and magnificent sea eagles. 2 nights on the island, renowned for its tranquil sunsets.

Day 5 is very flexible, whether it be watching the Sea Eagles soar over Loch Frisa, visiting Ardalanish Organic Farm, whale watching around Ulva or Staffa or just enjoying the tranquility of the island - the options are endless. Overnight on Mull.

Day 6 back onto the mainland and the remote Ardnamurchan peninsula exploring the magnificent coast line of Moidart and Castle Tioram, and staying 2 nights in Arisaig with views to the small isles of Eigg, Rum, Muck and Canna. Superb scenery to match the food and drink!

Day 7 you will sail “Over the sea to Skye” for a day trip to the Sleat peninsula, known as the garden of Skye. Lunch will be taken at Kinloch Lodge - home to award winning cook and food writer Lady Clare MacDonald, champion of the use of local seasonal produce and Scotland’s natural larder. In the afternoon you will return to Arisaig for your last night in the Highlands.

Day 8 will take you back via Glenfinnan, Lochaber and the haunting majesty of Glencoe returning you to Edinburgh with unique memories that will last a lifetime.

Should you wish to stay on longer with us here in Scotland, please let us know and it will all be arranged for you. The itinerary during this tour is designed to be extremely flexible and travelling in a small group, with guidance from your tour leader, you will be able to design parts of the itinerary based on your interests. Tour includes 7 Nights Dinner Bed and Breakfast in high quality inns or local quality guest houses, all specified entrances and the guidance of a professional tour leader. This tour can be operated for small groups as a 4 day tour to Arran and Islay and a 5 day tour to Mull, Arisaig and Skye  Contact us for dates.  whisky@mcleanscotland.co.uk  From £1300 per person.