Plan to arrive in Edinburgh no later than 26 May and make your way to our chosen hotel (TBD - 4-star).

Dinner together on our first night in Edinburgh will give us a chance to meet new friends, and we'll provide the group with an overview of what to expect on the trip, including a review of the itinerary.

We will spend the day with a local guide exploring Old Town Edinburgh, the historic heart of Scotland’s capital, with its maze of cobbled streets, narrow closes, and towering medieval buildings that transport you back centuries. Stretching from the iconic Edinburgh Castle down the Royal Mile to Holyrood Palace, it’s packed with history, legends, and some of the city’s most atmospheric pubs and hidden courtyards.

Edinburgh Castle dominates the city skyline from its dramatic perch atop an ancient volcanic rock, serving as a royal residence, military stronghold, and symbol of Scotland for over 1,000 years. Inside, you can explore historic halls, see the Scottish Crown Jewels, and take in some of the best panoramic views over Edinburgh.

It's a five-minute walk from Edinburgh Castle to Angels with Bagpipes, where we'll enjoy lunch. Situated in a 16th-Century building, Angels with Bagpipes serves small and larger plates, perfect for sharing and sampling seasonal ingredients from a modern Scottish kitchen.

NOTE: If Angels with Bagpipes is not available for dining, we will enjoy lunch at a similar restaurant on or near the Royal Mile

A tour of St Giles' Cathedral and the Royal Mile takes visitors through the historic heart of Edinburgh, where centuries of Scottish history unfolded. Inside the cathedral, visitors can admire its beautiful stained glass, vaulted ceilings, and the famous Thistle Chapel, before exploring the cobbled streets, hidden closes, and historic landmarks that line the Royal Mile between Edinburgh Castle and Palace of Holyroodhouse.

The Palace of Holyroodhouse is the official Scottish residence of the British monarch and one of Edinburgh’s most important historic landmarks. Visitors can explore the richly decorated State Apartments, the chambers associated with Mary, Queen of Scots, and the romantic ruins of Holyrood Abbey, all set against the backdrop of Arthur's Seat.

A meal at The Witchery is one of Edinburgh’s most atmospheric dining experiences, set in a historic 16th-century building beside Edinburgh Castle. Famous for its candlelit gothic interiors, oak paneling, rich tapestries, and luxurious Scottish cuisine, the restaurant combines dramatic old-world ambience with classic fine dining.

Our times for breakfast and departure will be updated in March, once we have determined the ferry schedule.

Full breakfast at the hotel.

We will depart our Edinburgh hotel after breakfast, destination Islay!

On our way to Islay, we'll stop at the Luss Loch Lomond View Point for an hour to view the famous lake and get some photos. You will also have the opportunity to grab a coffee (and a bathroom break!).

If we can time this right with our ferry crossing, we will stop in Loch Fyne for lunch. This oyster-forward restaurant unapologetically offers a bountiful local seafood menu (there is one surf-and-turf option).

After lunch, it's a short ride into Inveraray to gas up and, time permitting, stop for some photos of the famous Inveraray Castle, home of the Duke and Duchess of Argyll.

Note: This itinerary is subject to change based on the ferry schedule and the departure time we are able to book.

We will catch the ferry at Kennecraig Ferry Terminal for a 2-hour cruise to Islay, disembarking at Port Askaig. If we're lucky, we'll be on the newer "Isle of Islay" ferry. We will spend the crossing in a lounge, where food and drink will be available.

Once we disembark from the ferry, it's a short drive to the hotel where we will be staying during our time on Islay, the Bridgend Hotel.

We will have dinner at our hotel and recommend an early turn-in, as the next day will come way too fast and be just the start of way too much fun!

Full breakfast at the hotel.

The Fèis Ìle open day at Lagavulin is one of the highlights of Islay’s whisky festival, combining exclusive tastings, distillery tours, live music, and special festival-only whisky releases. Set against the dramatic coastal scenery of Islay, the day offers visitors the chance to experience Lagavulin’s famously rich and smoky single malts while enjoying the lively atmosphere that draws whisky fans from around the world.

NOTE: Ticketed events (tasting, tours, etc.) will take place at various times throughout the day. We will update the itinerary once we know what events we will attend (sometime in March 2027).

For lunch, you will have a variety of options from local vendors serving regional fare. More information will be provided when it becomes available in early 2027.

The Fèis Ìle open day at Islay Whisky Vault is a relaxed but lively celebration of Islay whisky culture. Visitors can enjoy live music, food stalls, tastings, and the launch of exclusive single-cask festival bottlings.

The Islay Whisky Vault event tends to feel more intimate and community-focused, giving guests the chance to chat with independent bottlers, discover rare drams, and soak up the unique festival spirit that makes Fèis Ìle such a special experience.

Entry includes a whisky glass, lanyard and a tasting.

The Islay Rum open day during Fèis Ìle offers a lively alternative to the island’s whisky-focused celebrations, with a full day of rum, music, cocktails, and coastal atmosphere in Port Ellen. Visitors can enjoy free distillery tours, live music, a cocktail bar, seafood from local vendors, and special bookable tasting experiences that showcase Islay Rum’s distinctive island-made spirits.

NOTE: We will try to get tickets to "Rum and Rhythm", which includes live music with guided rum and whisky tastings from the distillery manager.

We will either have dinner at the Islay Rum event, or dine at a local restaurant.

Full breakfast at the hotel.

We will depart the hotel after breakfast, destination Bruichladdich! It's only a 10-minute ride; once we disembark, we will queue up behind lots of early risers to get into the event.

NOTE: Departure time may change depending on the availability of tickets to the Masterclass tasting at 1030 (limited to 500). If we do not get tickets to this event, we will likely depart closer to 1000.

Bruichladdich is hands down one of our favorite Islay distilleries and their Fèis Ìle party - Rock'Ndaal - is arguably one of the best of the festival. They have great music with some of Scotland's top bands, tons of tasty food options, and a large gift shop full of swag to take home.

You will likely receive some swag when you enter; in the past, they have handed out small branded water bottles to attendees. You will also go through an ID check and receive a wristband.

NOTE: Ticketed events (tasting, tours, etc.) will take place at various times throughout the day. We will update the itinerary once we know which events we will attend (sometime in March 2027).

Lunch will be on your own - you will have a choice of many different vendors in the food area. Be prepared to be tempted by fresh seafood, including oysters and lobster rolls.(Picture taken during our 2024 Fèis trip)

We will depart Bruichladdich mid- to late-afternoon and head back to Bridgend Hotel. There, you will have some time to catch your breath before heading out to dinner.

We will enjoy a traditional Sunday roast dinner - your choice of beef, pork, lamb, chicken, venison or salmon with all the fixin's - roast potatoes, mashed potatoes, vegetables, Yorkshire pudding and gravy. This restaurant's whisky offerings are reportedly unparalleled.

Full breakfast at the hotel.

It's a 15-minute trip to Caol Ila, where we'll park and catch a shuttle to the distillery. Then we'll queue up for our entry - gates open at 11:00.

The Fèis Ìle open day at Caol Ila is known for its spectacular setting overlooking the Sound of Islay. We'll enjoy live music, food stalls and limited-edition festival bottlings while discovering the lighter, more elegant style of Islay’s smoky single malts.

NOTE: Ticketed events (tasting, tours, etc.) will take place at various times throughout the day. We will update the itinerary once we know which events we will attend (sometime in March 2027).

We'll grab a bite to eat at Caol Ila. There will be several food vendors there to choose from.

The Illicit Distillers Experience is one of the most unique and immersive events during Fèis Ìle, giving visitors the chance to step back into Islay’s whisky-smuggling past. Held at historic Finlaggan, the experience explores the island’s illicit distilling heritage through storytelling, demonstrations and hands-on participation in traditional spirit-making techniques.

Blending history, folklore, and whisky culture, the event offers a more intimate and educational side of Fèis Ìle, away from the larger distillery open days. Guests can expect a relaxed atmosphere, fascinating local insights, and a deeper appreciation for the origins of Islay whisky.

Islay Woollen Mill is one of Islay’s hidden gems, offering visitors a glimpse into traditional Scottish weaving in a beautifully preserved historic mill. Famous for producing authentic tweeds and woollens using vintage machinery, the mill combines craftsmanship, heritage, and island charm, with a small shop where guests can browse locally made textiles and enjoy the peaceful rural surroundings.

This is a great place to pick up a hat, a sweater or a rug (blanket).

We hope to get tickets to this whisky pairing dinner. If we don't, we'll dine at one of the other restaurants currently on this itinerary and visit the Port Charlotte Hotel restaurant another evening.

This day promises to have a very full itinerary and we will not return to the hotel until after the evening activity.

Full breakfast at the hotel.

The Fèis Ìle open day at Laphroaig is one of the liveliest and most atmospheric events of the festival, combining smoky whisky, live music, dancing, coastal scenery and classic Islay hospitality. Visitors can expect exclusive festival bottlings — especially the annual Càirdeas release.

The day has a strong community feel, with many guests gathering outdoors beside the sea to enjoy drams and traditional music while soaking up the festival atmosphere.

NOTE: Ticketed events (tasting, tours, etc.) will take place at various times throughout the day. We will update the itinerary once we know which events we will attend (sometime in March 2027).

Depending on where we end up due to timing, we'll grab a quick bite to eat on our own. We recommend a light meal, as we'll be having an early dinner.

Because we'll be departing Islay on Ardbeg's Open Day, we will make a special visit to this distillery that you won't want to miss. Ardbeg is an unforgettable journey into the heart of Islay’s smoky whisky tradition. Set along the island’s rugged southern coast, the distillery welcomes guests with dramatic sea views, richly peated single malts, and a warm, lively atmosphere that has earned Ardbeg a devoted following around the world.

We will take a tour to explore the production process and sample whiskies and/or whisky cocktails in the bar while soaking up the unique character and charm of one of Scotland’s most iconic distilleries. This distillery also has a very nice gift shop.

Balaclava Byre is a charming farm-to-table restaurant on Islay known for its focus on fresh local ingredients. We will have an early dinner here so that we can attend the evening activity.

The Indie Whisky Fèis is one of the most exciting side events during Fèis Ìle, bringing together a wide range of independent bottlers and whisky brands under one roof for tastings and exclusive festival releases. Held in Port Ellen, the event offers visitors the chance to sample rare and unusual drams from Islay Jura, and beyond in a relaxed, social atmosphere.

Unlike the large distillery open days, The Indie Whisky Fèis has a more intimate and enthusiast-focused feel, with opportunities to chat directly with bottlers, discover limited-edition whiskies and enjoy the friendly community spirit that makes Fèis Ìle so memorable.

Full breakfast at the hotel.

Bowmore Distillery is a five-minute drive from our hotel - with Fèis traffic, it might take us 7 minutes 😆.

Gates open at 10:00.

The Fèis Ìle open day at Bowmore combines Islay tradition, live music and exceptional whisky in the heart of the island’s oldest distillery. set against the beautiful backdrop of Loch Indaal.

Known for its friendly atmosphere and balance of peat smoke and elegance, Bowmore’s festival day is a favorite among whisky lovers looking to experience both Islay heritage and vibrant Fèis celebrations.

NOTE: Ticketed events (tasting, tours, etc.) will take place at various times throughout the day. We will update the itinerary once we know which events we will attend (sometime in March 2027).

The food here is excellent, and the bar offers amazing whisky cocktails. Better yet, there is a large tent in which to sit down and enjoy your meal. (Pictures are from our 2024 Fèis trip)

The Fèis Ìle open day at Ardnahoe Distillery offers visitors the chance to experience one of Islay’s newest distilleries in a lively festival atmosphere overlooking the Sound of Islay. We'll enjoy live music, tastings and exclusive festival bottlings while learning about Ardnahoe’s traditional production methods and distinctive peated single malts.

Known for its stunning coastal views and warm hospitality, Ardnahoe’s Fèis celebration combines modern distilling with classic Islay character, making it a memorable stop during the festival week.

NOTE: Ticketed events (tasting, tours, etc.) will take place at various times throughout the day. We will update the itinerary once we know which events we will attend (sometime in March 2027).

This unassuming restaurant offers incredible locally-sourced seafood.

Full breakfast at the hotel.

It's a 20-minute drive to Kilchoman Distillery. But it's not a typical drive - most of the road is one lane with frequent(ish) pull-outs. Throw in some random loose sheep and it makes for a fun journey!

Can we just start off by saying how much we love Kilchoman on Open Day?!? There is so much to see and do here beyond the food and the music. Most of the facility is open for viewing without special tickets. And the gift shop is hands down the best on the island. Kilchoman is also home to some of our favorite Islay whiskies.

NOTE: Ticketed events (tasting, tours, etc.) will take place at various times throughout the day. We will update the itinerary once we know which events we will attend (sometime in March 2027).

Details are light at the moment, but we should be able to attend a whisky tasting in Port Askaig, possibly in the beer garden overlooking Jura.

The Lochside’s restaurant sits right on the shore, offering spectacular views of Loch Indaal and Bowmore harbor.

The menus showcase the abundance of local produce Islay and the surrounding area has to offer, with seafood naturally playing a starring role. Much of the seafood is supplied by local fishermen – from the fresh langoustines delivered straight to the kitchen door to stunning oysters sourced just a few miles from the hotel. And there’s a fresh, local flavour running throughout the rest of the menus.

Full breakfast at the hotel.

Bunnahabhain Distillery is about a 20-minute drive from the hotel. We'll park off-site and queue up for a shuttle to the event.

The Fèis Ìle open day at Bunnahabhain is celebrated for its spectacular remote coastal setting and relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. We will enjoy live music, seafood stalls, and limited-edition festival bottlings while discovering Bunnahabhain’s distinctive unpeated Islay style.

Set on the island’s rugged northeast coast overlooking the Sound of Islay and beyond to the Isle of Jura, the event combines beautiful scenery with traditional Islay hospitality. Based on past events, there should also be an artisan tent offering many items made on Islay or nearby.

NOTE: Ticketed events (tasting, tours, etc.) will take place at various times throughout the day. We will update the itinerary once we know which events we will attend (sometime in March 2027).

We'll grab lunch from one of the vendors at the Bunnahabhain event.

Sometime after lunch, we'll leave the event at Bunnahabhain Distillery, grab our van and head to the Isle of Jura. We'll have to queue up for the ferry. The journey across the Sound of Islay takes about 10 minutes. Once onshore, it should take about 20 minutes to reach the distillery.

The Fèis Ìle open day at Jura Distillery offers a slightly different experience from the Islay distilleries, combining the relaxed charm of the Isle of Jura with great whisky, live entertainment, and island hospitality. Visitors can enjoy special tastings, distillery tours, exclusive festival bottlings, and lively music events while soaking up the atmosphere in one of Scotland’s most remote whisky communities.

Set just across the water from Islay, Jura’s Fèis day is known for its friendly, laid-back feel and spectacular scenery, making it a memorable addition to the festival for whisky lovers looking to experience both islands during Fèis Ìle.

NOTE: Ticketed events (tasting, tours, etc.) will take place at various times throughout the day. We will update the itinerary once we know which events we will attend (sometime in March 2027).

We will leave the Isle of Jura behind, giving ourselves plenty of time to get off the island and back to the hotel to freshen up and change before heading out to dinner.

We will depart the hotel and head to dinner, a 15-minute trip.

Our last dinner on Islay will be one you won't forget anytime soon. We will need to order a day ahead to guarantee the seafood platter for two (see picture from our 2024 trip), but it is a meal for the books. Tired of seafood? The restaurant also offers a set three-course dinner.

We will be at the whim of the Ferry schedules as to when we depart Islay on this day, and they won't be available until early 2027. We are hoping to leave in the morning but not too early (in 2024, we scheduled a 09:30 departure but got rescheduled to a 07:00 departure!). Our departure time will obviously dictate our schedule for the rest of the day.

The following schedule is assuming we can depart Islay around 09:30.

At the end of the journey, our destination is Edinburgh International Airport. From there, you should plan to either stay at an airport hotel if you plan to fly out the next day (especially if your flight is in the morning) or if you are continuing your journey in the UK, you can take the tram into Edinburgh from the airport.

Please note that we will have a planning meeting prior to the trip, and details about the end of the journey can be worked out then.

Schedule permitting, we will have a full breakfast at the hotel.

We will depart for the ferry terminal at least 45 minutes in advance of our scheduled departure time.

The ferry trip should take about 2 hours port to port. There will be food and beverages available on the ferry.

Lochgilphead is a great place for us to stop on our way back, and this restaurant offers a daily changing menu with many salads and sweet options. Popular dishes include the smoked salmon stack, homemade burger, and a variety of quiches. Friendly staff and a charming atmosphere make this a must-visit destination.

It's about a 3-hour journey from Lochpilghead to Edinburgh International Airport.

Time permitting, we'll take a slight detour to see the Kelpies, the world's largest equine sculptures and a fixture of the Highlands.

Standing 30 metres high at The Helix in Falkirk, The Kelpies are two monumental steel horse-head sculptures created by artist Andy Scott.

Inspired by Scotland’s horse-powered industrial and agricultural heritage, these striking landmarks celebrate the strength, endurance, and importance of working horses throughout Scottish history.

We will end our trip where we all likely started - Edinburgh International Airport. We should arrive at EDI by mid- to late-afternoon. From here, you should plan ahead and book an airport hotel to fly out the next day. Alternatively, if you are continuing your travels in the UK, we suggest heading into Edinburgh via tram to stay one more night before you continue on your way.